Circle Park Campground offers dispersed camping along the access road for free, making it a budget-friendly option for equestrian campers near Buffalo, Wyoming. The camping area connects to multiple trailheads and is accessible via a dirt road that can become challenging after rain. Several sites feature corrals for horses, with camping spots strategically positioned between wooded areas to provide shade while maintaining mountain views.
What to do
Fly fishing in streams: Doyle Creek Campground provides access to quality fishing spots. "There is a stream for good fly fishing and we always see a bunch of wildlife!" notes Kailey A.
Hike the scenic loop trail: A trail begins at Doyle Creek Campground and follows the creek. "Very scenic quiet trail along Doyle creek starting from backside of campground that turns into a loop through meadows and ponderosa," says Carl S., who rated the location 4 stars.
Wildlife viewing after dinner: The campgrounds sit in prime wildlife habitat. Teresa H. shares, "Lot of space which you may share with a wandering cow from rangeland. We loved it here. Beautiful country with room to wander after dinner with the dogs!"
Visit Ten Sleep Brewery: After a day of riding trails, many equestrians enjoy local craft beer. "If you're into craft beer, be sure to check out Ten Sleep Brewery— it's a local favorite and well worth the visit," suggests Tim R. about staying at Ten Sleep RV Park.
What campers like
Secluded campsites with natural features: Many spots offer privacy and unique terrain features. Patrick W. notes about Circle Park Campground: "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on. Good views and quiet."
Trail access directly from camp: Horseback riders appreciate easy trail access. Lanna M. shares, "Circle Park is an awesome spot. It's so close and easy to get to from Buffalo, and there are plenty of different spots so you can find something you like."
Evening entertainment in Ten Sleep: After a day on horseback, some campers enjoy the town's offerings. Kimberly L. reports, "It is right in the little town of Tensleep with a couple restaurants/bars and evening entertainment (when I stayed on a weekend, there was live music playing right down the road)."
Clean facilities: Sam, who gave Hunter Campground 5 stars, appreciates the "water and bathrooms were available, fire ring and picnic table at each site spot." The campground host was "super nice and helpful when we arrived."
What you should know
High elevation camping season: Most equestrian campgrounds near Buffalo operate seasonally. Circle Park Campground is open "May 25 to September 30" according to official information, with late July being particularly popular.
Road conditions vary: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. About Little Goose Campground, Shawn O. warns, "You wouldn't want anything less than a stock Wrangler or equivalent to take this road. In our rig we bottomed out a few times."
Facilities are basic: Most horse camps provide minimal amenities. Carl S. notes about Doyle Creek Campground, "No services only water and clean loo."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is poor in the mountains. Milo D. explains, "Cell service is 0-1 bar of 4G on Verizon on a good day, don't plan on having service."
Tips for camping with families
Boulder play areas for children: Some sites feature natural play structures. Patrick W. shares about Circle Park, "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on."
Kid-friendly exploration opportunities: Annie C. describes the area around Circle Park Campground: "The Circle Park trail is incredible, with a hike up to a great lake (several fellows were hooking decent sized fish)."
Campfire options during fire bans: Established sites may allow fires when dispersed camping doesn't. Leni K. notes, "The best advantage over dispersed was with dedicated fire rings we were permitted fires during a fire ban. Firewood was $6."
Mosquito preparation: Insects can be problematic in summer. Patrick W. warns that "Mosquitoes got pretty bad" at Circle Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer parking considerations: Many equestrian sites accommodate larger vehicles. Shannon T. explains about Battle Park Trailhead: "There is also ample parking for horse trailers."
Tree cover for shade: Most RV sites in the area feature shade trees. Anthony B. describes, "This campground is in a grove of trees with the sites along dirt roads in the grove. Each site has water, sewage, and electric."
Full hookups in Ten Sleep: For equestrian campers wanting full amenities, Ten Sleep provides options. "Ten Sleep RV Park is a great little campground that's perfect for a stop before or after exploring the Bighorns and Ten Sleep Canyon," shares Tim R.
Clearance requirements: RVers should consider vehicle clearance when accessing horse camps. Shawn O. advises, "There are about 3 sites available for truck and trailer (our trailer is 12ft and is the biggest I'd ever consider bringing down this trail, I will also note it has 33" off road tires and high clearance)."
