Buffalo KOA's fenced dog park provides a dedicated space for pets to exercise while camping near the Bighorn Mountains. This family-owned campground welcomes pets at tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with no breed restrictions. Indian Campground allows dogs along its creek-side tent areas and throughout its RV section. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash policies, requiring pets to be supervised when outside accommodations. The dog run at Buffalo KOA gets particularly high marks from travelers with larger dogs needing space to burn energy after long drives. Deer Park RV Park and Campground offers pet-friendly sites with grassy areas between spots, though some reviews mention occasional issues with barking from nearby properties.
Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 provides dispersed camping options for those seeking more remote pet experiences without designated campsites. This area allows dogs to roam more freely while camping, though visitors should note encounters with free-range dogs from other campers occur occasionally. Most campgrounds near Buffalo offer easy access to hiking trails in the Bighorn National Forest where dogs can accompany owners, with South Fork Campground providing trail access directly from the tent area to Tie Hack reservoir. When camping in the Bighorns with pets, wildlife awareness remains important as moose sightings are common—one camper encountered a bull moose sitting in their site upon arrival at Lakeview Campground. Veterinary services are available in Buffalo for emergency situations, approximately 15-30 minutes from most nearby campgrounds.
"We got here late in the day after driving through Buffalo Wyoming and found a spot immediately. There's lots of Open spaces for the dog to run and for us."
"The road is actually 402 and 403 is at the very end behind a closed gate.) Views were breathtaking and most of the land is level. It’s far enough off the main road that there isn’t any road traffic."
"I was in Buffalo for my son's regional baseball tournament and didn't know how many days I would need to book."
"Great place to overnight in Buffalo. Friendly, helpful staff. Clean grounds, didn’t use any other facilities. Close to road so traffic might bother some—didn’t us."
$50 - $80 / night
"Close to town and the interstate. Dog park. Playground. Some road noise. Propane. Wifi."
"We stayed at the Buffalo Wyoming KOA in August 2021. This is a very nice KOA park and in fact was our favorite KOA that we have visited."
$15 - $20 / night
"Beautiful lake . You can camp next to the lake . There doing improvements to the campground."
"Nice lake front camping spots and some in the back with prong horns visiting. Great place to walk around. The vaults are clean and well stocked."
$20 / night
"*Reservable 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
*FEES $20.00
OPEN: June
LIMIT: 14 days 14 total sites (9 single and 5 tent only sites with 12 accessible sites) nonelectric
Directions: From Buffalo,"
"This area of Wyoming wasn't exactly our destination- we were passing through on our way from SD to Yellowstone."
$43 - $62 / night
"No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street"
"Since we make a couple trips this way each year we will plan on being here again, maybe for 2 or 3 days so we can just relax and use the pool and walking trail. WiFi works great here also!"
"This is a one of those secret locations that you look for, the one you don't want to give away but show all your friends pictures of it."
"After a bit of driving you come upon an open area to camp. People set up their tent camp across the road too. We loved this spot!"
$19 / night
"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. Shaded areas, more sunny spots, more private or close to the road."
"This is a tiny campground in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area near the popular Circle Park Trailhead."
"I found water and a dump site in Buffalo at the Cenex gas station. It was free. Be aware that folks will bring their dirt bikes and ATVs."
"If you go here, please only park or drive in designated areas. Several vehicles went off road which is not allowed and forces the Rangers to limit camping spots."
$20 - $40 / night
"This is the closest campground to Buffalo. It’s a beautiful town worth exploring. There is a hiking trail right at the start of the campground."
"We got the last spot right next to the entrance. Fire pit, picnic table, no-flush toilets close, no water to wash your hands. 22 for the night. No mobile connection at all, no Wi-Fi."
GuideCircle 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. Shaded areas, more sunny spots, more private or close to the road. My family and I stayed here for about a week in late July. Nice spot to go when it’s super hot in town.
LegendWe had a tent site along the creek. There were plenty of tent spaces the weekend in mid July when we were there, but the camper sites were booked. The couple who runs the campground were so nice and accommodating. I was in Buffalo for my son's regional baseball tournament and didn't know how many days I would need to book. They let me keep my tent pitched until I knew we would need the extra day way beyond check out time.
The Bighorn Mountains are spectacular! The camp host provided us with maps and trails. The drive on highway 16 from Buffalo to Ten Sleep is amazing and worth getting off the beaten path and Interstate.
This campground has clean showers that are free and coin laundry.
LegendReservable: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
20 sites (accessible)
Fees:$20.00 Open June 14 day stay limit 13 reservable sites
Additional vehicle$10.00 limit 2 vehicle per site 8 people per site
Pit toilets drinking water trash picnic table Host on site fire ring
Gravel road and gravel sites. Campground is well maintained along with the facilities. Back in sites.
Forest Service has been clearing small trees and underbrush from the border of the campground. The campground is set among the tall pines with the mountains in the background which makes for a beautiful and peaceful location. All campsites are good. Directions: From Buffalo, WY, take Highway 16 west for about 13.4 miles to FSR 21. Turn left and go.05 miles.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe Happy travels
Legend*Reservable 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
*FEES $20.00
OPEN: June
LIMIT: 14 days 14 total sites (9 single and 5 tent only sites with 12 accessible sites) nonelectric
Directions: From Buffalo, WY, go west on Highway 16 for about 15 miles to FSR 337. Travel¼ mile east to campground which is on a gravel road.
Pit toilets drinking water trash picnic table fire pit/grill camp host firewood for sale The site pads are gravel. These are larger sites and will accommodate larger rigs with back in sites. The pit toilets are fairly new and very clean. Hand pumps supply fresh water. The campground is well maintained. Campground trees provide a great deal of shade which will make solar power difficult. No cell service. This campground is set into a bit of a level bowl with boulder outcroppings giving you the impression of seclusion. It is not far from the highway but still remains fairly quiet.
There is a Tent Only area where you will park and walk across a small metal bridge that crosses a beautiful clear stream. That area has it’s own pit toilet located at the car park just a short distance from the tent area. This campground will the boulders is a beautiful location.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
LegendIt's a typical KOA. Well maintained. Clean. Great showers/rest rooms. Close sites. Pool wasn't open yet. Store. Very friendly staff. Close to town and the interstate. Dog park. Playground. Some road noise. Propane. Wifi.
LegendNice little campground for stopover. Staff is super friendly and stayed past closing (7pm) to assist late arrivals. Sites are level and pull thru, although a bit narrow. No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street
LegendSites are very tight but amenities are new and clean. Saw no better and a lot worse in Sheridan. Nice field out back to let dogs run. Also a dedicated dog park.
LegendAverage KOA. Sites are level. Staff are friendly and helpful. Dog park a little on the small side but adequate. I did not check out the bath house so can’t comment on that. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos will tote you off in the evening.
LegendNice place to stop between Yellowstone and the Black Forest. Campsites were clean and well kept. This KOA has wifi, laundry, a dog park, and a lodge. The bathrooms were clean and each shower and restroom is individual so there is privacy. Checkout time is at 11 am.
This location is seasonal and not winterized. They do shut off the water in the "off-season".
Dispersed camping opportunities near Buffalo, Wyoming offer alternatives to traditional campgrounds at elevations ranging from 4,600 to 9,000 feet throughout the Bighorn Mountains. Roads to these areas can become difficult to navigate after rainfall, with conditions worsening during spring runoff between late April and early June. Circle Road Dispersed Camping provides multiple pull-off sites accessible for small campers and tent setups along a maintained dirt road.
Hiking near Circle Park Trailhead: The trail system at Circle Park Campground connects to Cloud Peak Wilderness with routes for various skill levels. "The Circle Park trail is incredible, with a hike up to a great lake (several fellows were hooking decent sized fish)," notes Annie C., who appreciated the peaceful setting.
Creek exploration with kids: Small waterways throughout the camping areas provide natural playgrounds. "We had a spot with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on," mentions Patrick W., highlighting how natural features become built-in entertainment for families.
Wildlife viewing at dawn: Early mornings offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities at Grouse Mountain Basecamp, particularly during summer months. According to Amy D., "I spent time looking for moose, but never saw one until one triggered my security camera. I guess I needed to just get up early and sit on my porch."
Stargazing in dispersed areas: Limited light pollution makes the region ideal for night sky observation, especially at higher elevations. As Connor N. found at Circle Road, "Cold, but the mountains were beautiful and the surrounding area was largely untouched with tons of forest to explore."
Natural sound barriers: Many campers appreciate the noise-reducing features at South Fork Campground. "The campground is one road with campsites on each side. We were not next to the river but its sound quieted all else," reports Art S., highlighting how water sounds mask other noises.
Hand-pumped well water: Visitors to Middle Fork Campground frequently mention the quality of the drinking water. "Amazing well water is worth the effort to hand pump," explains Andy, who stopped during a snowstorm.
Access to fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds offer proximity to stocked reservoirs and natural fishing areas. At South Fork Campground, Anna E. notes it provides "easy access to fishing at Tie Hack reservoir. We try to go camp here at least once a year."
Wildflower displays: Seasonal blooms create colorful landscapes throughout the region. At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, Liona L. describes it as a "Wildflower Paradise," adding they "had a gorgeous sunset and woke up in a cloud!"
Variable weather conditions: Mountain elevations create rapid temperature swings, even in summer. As Lisa D. observed at Grouse Mountain, "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping," highlighting the cool summer nights typical of the area.
Campfire regulations: Fire bans frequently affect the region during dry periods. According to Leni K. at Circle Park, "The best advantage over dispersed was with dedicated fire rings we were permitted fires during a fire ban."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Buffalo, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Buffalo, WY is Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 with a 4.8-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Buffalo, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 72 dog-friendly camping locations near Buffalo, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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