Tent campsites near Bighorn National Forest range from creekside spots along dirt roads to brewery-adjacent fields. The forest elevation spans 4,000 to 10,000 feet, resulting in significant temperature variations between valley sites and mountain locations. During summer, tent campers should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms that can create hazardous road conditions on unpaved access routes.
What to do
Winter camping options: Crazy Woman Canyon Road offers accessible dispersed camping even during colder months. According to Louis M., it's a "Great place to winter camp. Great experience easy to find and given the time we went no one was there."
Fishing opportunities: Shell Reservoir Camping Area provides both lake and creek fishing access. Tyler R. notes: "Beautiful campsites, brook trout fishing in the lake and the creek below, as well as a 4x4 trail that makes a large loop between shell reservoir and lake Adelaide."
Brewery camping: For a unique experience, tent camping at Ten Sleep Brewing Company combines outdoor recreation with craft beverages. Ali R. reports: "Such a wonderful place to camp with awesome Beer and views. Staff is super friendly and accommodating!"
What campers like
Creek sound: Many tent sites along Crazy Woman Canyon Road feature running water that creates natural sleep aids. Layla M. describes: "Camping right next to the creek, listen to water and birds humming, perfect white noise to sleep with."
Natural protection: Crazy Woman Road dispersed camping provides shelter from typical forest conditions. Sam S. notes it "stands out as being much more protected from road noise and general traffic. Bonus points for the gorgeous creek running through."
Community resources: Ten Sleep Rock Ranch offers amenities unusual for forest camping. Annie C. reports: "There is an outdoor kitchen with sink, two fridges for camper use(mark your items!), Tensleep Creek drowns out most of the highway noise."
What you should know
Access limitations: Road conditions significantly impact site availability throughout the forest. Marshall B. reports: "Currently closed about 10 minutes from where google maps was taking us without an indication why."
Price variations: Camping costs range from free to moderate fees depending on amenities. At Ten Sleep Brewing Company, Ryu M. notes: "Was $18 per night for the tent site," while Annie C. reports Ten Sleep Rock Ranch costs "$5 a night with $2 showers."
Off-peak advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides better site selection. Louis M. found Crazy Woman Canyon Road completely empty during winter months, noting "given the time we went no one was there."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Greybull KOA Holiday provides structured activities alongside natural exploration. GoWhereYouAreDraw N. writes: "Campground Rec activities: Fishing, hiking, and golfing... the campground was clean and well cared for."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some locations offer dedicated children's areas. Tom C. found Ten Sleep Brewing Company "very family friendly with lots of outdoor seating. There was a sandy playspace with toys for the kids."
Multi-generational trips: Bighorn camping works well for mixed age groups. Britley B. recalls: "My dad, sister, and I stayed here the summer of 23 and loved it. It was very peaceful!"
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. Jason W. emphasizes the need for proper equipment at Shell Reservoir: "Stayed at a site right across from the lake on a hill in the pines," while reviews consistently warn about high clearance requirements.
Avoiding unsuitable areas: Not all listed campgrounds remain viable for RVs. Monica W. warns about one location: "It appears this was at one time a campground. Now overgrown and has one pit toilet that has been neglected."
Site selection strategy: Arrive early to secure suitable parking. Art S. advises about Crazy Woman Road: "We passed 3 camps that were not bad to get to if they are open. After a bit of driving you come upon an open area to camp... You would be hard pressed to get larger trailers in here."
