Best Campgrounds near Cowley, WY
Campgrounds near Cowley, Wyoming range from established sites with amenities to primitive dispersed areas, primarily centered around the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Horseshoe Bend Campground provides both tent and RV accommodations with flush toilets and some sites offering water and electric hookups, while the Big Horn NRC Dispersed area offers free primitive camping with more limited facilities. The landscape includes high desert terrain near Horseshoe Bend Marina and the scenic Bighorn Lake, providing opportunities for water recreation alongside camping experiences.
Road conditions and seasonal accessibility vary significantly across the region's camping areas. Many campgrounds like Horseshoe Bend remain open year-round, though water and electric services typically shut down from September through May. Summer months bring hot temperatures to the high desert locations, with limited natural shade at most sites. The Lovell Camper Park, located within town limits, provides a convenient alternative with showers, drinking water, and electric hookups that some dispersed areas lack. Winter camping requires additional preparation as services become more limited. A camper noted, "Open year round but, water and electric are off September 30 through May 1. There are no vault toilets in campground."
Campers consistently highlight the scenic views and stargazing opportunities at Horseshoe Bend, with its spacious sites overlooking Bighorn Lake and the surrounding canyons. Several visitors mentioned the quality of night skies, with one review stating, "Sky is very, very dark and you can see so much on a clear night. Great for anybody with an astronomy hobby!" While many campgrounds lack natural shade, some sites at Horseshoe Bend feature covered picnic tables and sun shelters that prove valuable during summer heat. Wildlife observations are common, with reports of coyotes at night and opportunities to spot bighorn sheep in the surrounding area. The free Lovell Camper Park receives praise for its central location and clean facilities, making it a popular overnight stop for travelers exploring the greater Bighorn Canyon region.
