The Bighorn Mountains flank Buffalo, Wyoming's eastern side, creating a camping region with elevations ranging from 4,800 to 9,000 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations in this area are substantial, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows dropping well below freezing. Campgrounds near Buffalo typically operate from late April through October due to these climate conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails access: The Bighorn National Forest offers numerous hiking paths with wildlife viewing opportunities. "We spotted several deer on the nature trail near the front of the campground," noted a visitor to Deer Park RV Park and Campground.
Fishing spots: Clear mountain streams provide fishing opportunities throughout the area. "We camped along a stream in a 32 foot RV. We were visited by a mother and baby moose," reports a camper about their experience in Bighorn National Forest.
Mountain exploration: The nearby Bighorn Mountains offer scenic driving routes with pullouts for photography. "The Bighorn Mountains are very close by and full of adventure. The town of Sheridan has a very nice downtown area with quaint shops and cafes," notes a visitor to Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many glamping and camping options near Buffalo maintain high cleanliness standards. "Showers and bathrooms were clean though," reported one camper at Buffalo KOA, highlighting that even when other aspects of a stay might not meet expectations, bathroom quality remained satisfactory.
Wildlife sightings: The region offers frequent opportunities to see native wildlife. "Our space was level with picnic tables and grassy areas for outdoor relaxation. Guests have access to a clean swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a well-maintained walking trail where wildlife sightings are common," stated a visitor describing their glamping experience near Buffalo.
Year-round availability: Some camping facilities operate beyond typical seasonal limitations. "Needed a quick, last-minute spot in December and this KOA was perfect. Great communication (can just stop by w/o a reservation) and easy access," shared a winter visitor to the area.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions change rapidly in the Bighorn region, especially at higher elevations. "We did get stormed on but our tent held out really well! These dispersed sites are developed and first come first serve. We enjoyed our coffee next to the river," shared a camper at Island Park Campground.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires appropriate vehicles. "High clearance 4x4 needed. 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," advised a visitor describing Shell Reservoir.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby highways. "Pulled in and it looked nice but it's right near the road. So pretty noisy at night with trucks going by. There is a Hampton Inn next door doing construction so promptly at 730am, bull dozers and construction began," cautioned one Buffalo KOA visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Convenient amenities: Families benefit from campgrounds with essential services. "We arrived around 4pm with a reservation for a cabin. The host was great and a nice quiet place. Cabins are clean and the restroom/shower area is very well maintained. Stocked main office with good amenities," noted a visitor to Buffalo KOA.
Swimming options: Several glamping locations near Buffalo offer swimming facilities for children. "Very clean campers and facilities! Friendly family staff! Easy access to the creek! Also has a cute store," mentioned a camper about the Buffalo area.
Activity areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational spaces. "If traveling with family/friends, the campground offers quite a few activities on site. They had a basketball court, horseshoe pits, mini golf, swimming pool, and some fun looking tricycles!" shared a visitor to Lazy R Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. "Clean grounds. Didn't feel overly cramped together," reported one Buffalo KOA visitor about their RV site spacing.
Hookup placement: Utility locations affect optimal RV positioning. "The site included a picnic table, and the utilities were centered on the pad. We were able to position ourselves well between the two black tank dump outlets. Water pressure was decent at around 40 psi, and the 50 AMP electric service worked without issue," detailed an RVer staying at Deer Park.
WiFi availability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "We connected to the first WiFi network we saw and got a surprising 279 Mbps upload and 119 Mbps download—an enormous improvement since our last visit about two years ago. Our T-Mobile hotspot also performed well, clocking in at 125 Mbps upload and 22.6 Mbps download," reported a recent Deer Park visitor.
