Dispersed camping near Cowley, Wyoming offers access to remote backcountry sites across the eastern Montana border and throughout the Bighorn National Forest. Tent campers can find sites ranging from 4,000 feet elevation near Bighorn Canyon to over 8,000 feet in the mountain ranges. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during daytime hours, with limited rainfall making it popular for primitive camping.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Bucking Mule Falls Trailhead offers primitive tent sites that serve as basecamp for the 4-mile round trip hike to a 600-foot waterfall. The trail provides moderate terrain with significant elevation changes.
Lake activities: Afterbay offers tent camping with nearby water recreation. "We also went to the lake that was close by! Enjoyed swimming and playing fetch in the water with our dog," wrote camper Sasha W. The shoreline provides both swimming and fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain and canyon landscapes surrounding tent sites near Cowley support diverse wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various raptor species. Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing hours at most campgrounds.
What campers like
Mountain vistas: Tent sites throughout the region offer scenic mountain backdrops. "The hiking and outdoor activities are limitless!" notes Sasha W. about Afterbay. "One hike is 8 miles round trip and it has the most amazing views ever. Views of the lake and mountains all around," adds Melani T.
Farm experience: Big Quiet Farm Stay & Campground provides a unique agricultural camping setting. "So many ways to stay, from Tee-Pees to tents! We've heard the breakfast Rod & Mickey offer is one of the best (sausage from the farm, need we say more?!)" writes Ashley F.
Seasonal flexibility: Several tent sites remain accessible year-round. "We have come in the winter and stayed in our RV (see snow pictures) and we have come in the summer," shares Melani T., demonstrating the area's multi-season camping potential.
What you should know
Water requirements: Most tent sites near Cowley lack water sources. "Bring your own water because they don't have any water hookups. Luckily we brought jugs of water, which we needed for our hikes," advises Melani T. about camping at Afterbay.
Boat access only: Many canyon campgrounds require watercraft to reach. Black Canyon Campground specifies: "There is no road access to any of the campgrounds located inside the canyon. The only road access campsites are downstream of dam in the afterbay," warns John H.
Limited amenities: Prepare for primitive conditions at most sites. The Medicine Creek Campground lacks drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities. Most dispersed sites require complete self-sufficiency including waste management.
Tips for camping with families
Communal areas: Some campgrounds feature shared recreation spaces. At Afterbay, "Within the campground there is a large grass area where people were playing horseshoes, volleyball and spike ball. My family and I enjoyed hanging out in this area, throwing a frisbee around with our dog," shares Sasha W.
Insect preparation: Summer brings significant insect activity. "Lots of bugs and mosquitos during the summer so I'd recommend good mosquito spray," warns Melani T. about camping at Afterbay in warmer months.
Bathroom planning: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The restrooms weren't the cleanest, but they were portapotties which to me are never clean! Bring your own toilet paper, they ran out the last day we stayed," advises Sasha W.
Tips from RVers
Rail noise awareness: Greybull KOA Holiday provides tent sites with amenities but has environmental considerations. "Overall, pleasant stay and the campground was clean and well cared for. The only negative thing is the noise of the trains through the night," notes GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate during specific months. "This is a seasonal campground, opening on the 1st of May," explains GoWhereYouAreDraw N. about Greybull KOA Holiday, which serves as a convenient stopover between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore.
Reservation planning: During peak season, securing sites requires advance booking. "During the summer it gets very busy. If you are planning to come in the summer I would recommend making your reservation ahead of time," advises Melani T.
