Best Campgrounds near Buffalo, WY
The Bighorn Mountains west of Buffalo, Wyoming feature a diverse range of camping options from developed sites to remote backcountry areas. Within a 30-mile radius of town, campers find established campgrounds like South Fork and Circle Park alongside dispersed camping along forest roads. Indian Campground and Buffalo KOA provide full hookups and amenities near the city limits, while Grouse Mountain Basecamp offers primitive dispersed camping with mountain views. The Cloud Peak Wilderness area contains several small campgrounds with basic facilities, many situated along creeks or near alpine lakes, providing both tent and RV camping opportunities.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this region, with most forest service campgrounds operating from late May through September. Many campers report significant temperature differences between Buffalo and mountain elevations. According to one visitor at Tie Hack Campground, "At 7800 feet it was 100F in Buffalo and 70 here, in the morning it was 44, wonderful weather." Forest service roads accessing dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Cell service becomes limited beyond 15 miles from town, though some higher elevation spots maintain connectivity. The Cenex station in Buffalo provides a free dump station and water for RVers, while firewood is available for purchase at most established campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly in visitor experiences throughout the area. Moose sightings are frequently reported near meadows and wetlands, particularly in early morning hours. As one camper at Deer Park noted, "I woke up around 6 am and stepped out of my tent to see a nice bull moose in that very meadow." Campgrounds along creeks receive consistently positive reviews for their peaceful settings and fishing access. The drive on Highway 16 between Buffalo and Ten Sleep offers spectacular mountain scenery and access to numerous camping areas. Vault toilets at forest service campgrounds are generally well-maintained, with several reviewers specifically mentioning their cleanliness. Summer weekends see higher occupancy rates, while shoulder season camping offers more solitude but requires preparation for variable weather conditions.
