The Big Horn Mountains region near Dayton sits at elevations between 4,000 and 13,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments across multiple climate zones. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during days and can drop to 40-50°F at night even in July. Winter camping requires specialized cold-weather gear with temperatures regularly falling below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Mountain fishing access: Meadowlark Lake in Bighorn National Forest offers clear waters for fishing enthusiasts. One visitor noted, "Meadow lark lake is beautiful. Well run and clean campground. Showed up late and still got a spot."
Wildlife viewing: Island Park Campground provides excellent moose watching opportunities. "We had not even got our tent sat up and there they were!" shares a camper who visited the grounds. "Moose and deer frequently are seen walking through or near the campground."
Waterfall hikes: The Five Springs Falls trail starts directly from the campground and covers less than a mile of moderately easy terrain. "The falls is maybe less than a mile up the trail. The trail was moderately easy with few obstacles but some small grade climbs. My 9 year old made it fine," reports one visitor to the area.
What campers like
Hot showers year-round: Buffalo KOA maintains clean facilities even during shoulder seasons. "Clean grounds. Didn't feel overly cramped together," notes one camper. Another adds, "Great bathrooms & showers... VERY clean bathrooms and showers with appropriate hooks, dry shower entries."
Proximity to historical sites: The region sits along the historic Bozeman Trail with access to multiple points of interest. As one visitor to 7th Ranch RV Park notes, "There is a gift store that sells prepared meals. The bathroom/showers look newly remodeled... The sunset is breathtaking."
On-site bakeries: Lazy R Campground features a coffee shop with fresh breakfast options. A recent visitor recommends, "The campground has a cute bakery and store which you should have breakfast at and order their homemade biscuits." Another adds, "Has a great coffee shop and bakery on the property. The owners are fantastic people as well."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep, winding roads that may restrict larger vehicles. A camper at Five Springs Falls Campground warns, "It is 2.2 miles off the main highway up a steep winding grade. The big drawback for some will be the very narrow, extremely switchbacked and steep road up to the campground (no guardrails)."
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the interstate experience occasional train and highway noise. "Very close to highway and train tracks so that you can easily hear both when sleeping (use ear plugs)," notes one camper who stayed at Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA.
Seasonal availability: Many camping areas close completely during winter months. "Once they close the highway for the season access will be cut off until thaw," explains a visitor about Five Springs Falls access, while another notes Island Park is typically open "June 15 to September 5."
Tips for camping with families
Free entertainment options: Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA offers several on-site activities for children. "There is a basketball court, horseshoe pits, mini golf, swimming pool, and some fun looking tricycles!" reports one camper who visited with family.
Kid-friendly tent sites: Look for tent sites with covered picnic shelters during shoulder seasons. "Each tent site has its own covered picnic shelter, which we thought looked unique. We had to eat inside our RV due to the rain all weekend, and were a bit envious of the tent campers being able to eat outside," shares a visitor.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds offer regular wildlife sightings perfect for young nature enthusiasts. "We pulled into spot and two moose were browsing on the stream bank in front of us... Great views and walking paths along stream with meadow on opposite side and mountains in background," notes a family that stayed at Island Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited level sites: Many RV sites in the region require leveling equipment. "Few sites are level. Fire pit needed cleaning. Toilets were clean," reports a visitor to Island Park Campground.
Yurt camping alternatives: Shell Campground offers comfortable yurt accommodations for those wanting a glamping experience near Dayton, Wyoming. "We just arrived here and have fallen in love with this place. Cozy, super clean, especially the bathrooms! And it's not just for RVs. There are cabins and yurts," shares an enthusiastic visitor. Yurt camping in Dayton, Wyoming provides an excellent alternative for RVers seeking more space without the setup.
Winter utilities: Buffalo KOA remains open year-round with water and electric hookups. "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," notes a winter camper.
