1 campground with availability this weekend
Battle Park Trailhead serves as a primary horse camp in the Bighorn National Forest near Dayton, Wyoming. The trailhead features several corrals, high lines for securing horses, and a water trough fed by a nearby creek. Ample parking accommodates horse trailers with adequate space for turning around and unloading. The access road, while generally good, can become rutted in places and includes narrow sections that make two-way traffic challenging. Hunter Campground, another horse-friendly option in the area, allows equestrians to camp with their animals in a mountain setting with toilets and drinking water available. The campground is full with both horse campers and non-horse campers, as it also serves as a popular trailhead.
Circle Park Campground provides access to numerous riding trails with opportunities to see wildlife including moose and elk. Located approximately 20 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming off Highway 16, the campground connects to forest service roads that lead into prime riding territory. The dirt access road remains passable for most vehicles and trailers, though the final section may become difficult after rain. Both established camping with fire rings and picnic tables ($20 per night) and free dispersed camping along the access road accommodate various camping styles. Riders report excellent trail conditions extending from the campground, with multiple day-ride options available. Water for horses is accessible at creek crossings on many of the trails.
"This campground is an amazing off grid location for those looking to escape for a little while."
"You can bring your horse or off road vehicles too."
"There is a small play area and some horse shoe pits available. Another added bonus was the freezer stocked with homemade pies!"
"Quite a few people bring their horses and/or off road toys. Great mountain views! Worth the trip every time."
"This is a tiny campground in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area near the popular Circle Park Trailhead."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 / night
"The Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site is maintained by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. I normally avoid campgrounds and prefer dispersed camping or backpacking, but I gladly camp here."
"Lots of trails for atv riding, hiking, horse back riding, you name it. Great place for a family camp or reunion. Cleaniest campground I've ever been in and my family camps a lot....highest ratings."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $200 / night
"The campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead. The road is long - at the fork stay left."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"This camp is primarily a horse camp. There are several corrals and high lines as well as a horse water trough fed by a nearby creek. There is also ample parking for horse trailers."
TravelerWe feel like we found a Jim. Would definitely return. A nice amount of room between sites. very nice Landscaping with great pictures of the sunset hiking trails and nice playground. Sites also have built-in grills.
TravelerExcellent and remote site for those looking to get away. The weather is warm, the creek is ice cold, and the tent areas are nice and flat. The only downside is there is a herd of cows that comes through and poops everywhere. With them also comes a lot of biting flies.
TravelerThis is nothing like I thought it would be. An oasis. Nothingness and then down a dirt road and then it opens up to green grass, beautiful stream, late week spaced sites. Super well maintained. Historical sites are great and many walking paths. Several swimming holes. Shocked there were not more ppl. Highly recommend!
ScoutBeautifully maintained campground. Cleanest showers, wonderful & kind owners. Will definitely stay here again.
TravelerThe staff is just the friendliest people who will go out of their way to help you. The sites are gravel and close to level, the view is fantastic. Take your dog for a walk up the hill (trails) and get a 360 view of 50 miles in every direction. Water, elec all good. My black pipe connection was a bit high and had to lift the hose several times to get it all out.
GuideThe people were very friendly and even gave me a free ice cream.
LegendWe had stayed here a few years ago, so we already knew the route, and both RV Trip Wizard and Waze guided us directly to the campground (CG) located about three miles off I-90. The new office was finished, and check-in was super easy and friendly. We received complimentary ice cream bars and were then escorted to pull-through Site A32 with FHUs (50/30/20 AMP). The pad was plenty long, which allowed us to position our rig for an easier reach to the sewer connection toward the back of the pad while still having room to park our F-450. One feature we really appreciated was that the campground intentionally spaced guests apart when occupancy was low, so campers weren’t placed right next to each other unless requested. All utilities functioned well. We had 3 bars on T-Mobile and 1 bar on Verizon and used our T-Mobile Home Internet. The campground also offered free WiFi with no passcode through the local rural phone service; staff clearly explained the security limitations, and the connection was only suitable for light browsing and email, so we chose not to use it. Scattered trees were present throughout the park, but satellite users, including Starlink, should still have reasonable connectivity. The shower house and laundry facilities were clean and well maintained. The owners were great to work with and allowed us to choose a site farther from other campers. We did need leveling blocks on the door side, but that was a minor issue. There was some distant highway noise from I-90, and most of the additional noise came from periodic trains during the night. The large disc-golf area provided a perfect open space for our young pup to run off leash, and she absolutely loved it. Another bonus was that the water here was very soft. Overall, we enjoyed another excellent stay at this well-run campground.
ScoutNice small park close to i-90 interstate with lengthy pull through sites and full hookups. Clean updated bathrooms and beautiful scenery all around. Very close to Custer State Park. About half the sites have a tree wi th shade available. Our site does not have shade. Pads are all gravel and leveling maybe needed.
GuideThe campground was full nutrition non-horse campers can also camp here. It is also a trailhead. The road is long - at the fork stay left.
Horse campgrounds near Dayton, Wyoming provide access to extensive trail systems in the Bighorn National Forest. Most equestrian camping areas sit at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet, offering cool summer temperatures that rarely exceed 75°F. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring runoff often creating muddy sections through early June.
Trout fishing in mountain streams: Little Goose Campground offers access to creek fishing with native trout. "The whole campground to ourselves, in a beautiful creek filled with trout... nice little hiking trails followed the river," notes Shawn O. at Little Goose Campground.
Wildlife viewing along forest trails: Hikers frequently spot large mammals in meadow areas. "We observed deer and elk in the area which is popular with local hunters," reports Steve & Ashley G. during their stay at Circle Park Campground.
Boulder scrambling with kids: Some campsites have natural rock formations perfect for safe exploration. "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on," shares Patrick W. about his family's experience at Circle Park Campground.
Easy access to alpine environments: Many areas require minimal hiking to reach scenic viewpoints. "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," reports Lanna M. about Coffeen Park.
Multiple camping styles accommodated: Options range from developed sites to primitive camping. "The best advantage over dispersed was with dedicated fire rings we were permitted fires during a fire ban. Firewood was $6," explains Leni K. about the benefits of staying at Circle Park during restricted periods.
Late-season accessibility: Some areas remain open into fall with fewer crowds. "Was out in the first week of October and that's all they allowed. Was able to have a nice fire and camp right next to a beautiful creek," notes Lucas about their October visit to Hunter Campground.
Road conditions can change quickly: Access roads to horse camping areas require appropriate vehicles. "We were able to crawl our way back out of the camp area after an overnight steady rain, we kept in in 4 low and made it safely," warns Shawn O. about Little Goose Campground's challenging access.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal or non-existent in most areas. "Cell service is 0-1 bar of 4G on Verizon on a good day, don't plan on having service," reports Milo D. about 7th Ranch RV Park.
Weather patterns shift rapidly: Mountain conditions can change with little warning. "Mosquitoes got pretty bad" notes Patrick W. about his family's experience at Circle Park Campground, highlighting the importance of proper insect protection during summer months.
Consider established campgrounds with amenities: Vault toilets and drinking water make family camping easier. "The campground is about 3 miles off of paved road. The first 2/3rds of the dirt road was great, last little bit might get tricky after a rain," advises Milo D. about accessing facilities at Circle Park.
Look for natural play areas: Kids enjoy exploring within sight of camp. "My family and I stayed here for about a week in late July. Nice spot to go when it's super hot in town," suggests Lanna M. regarding summer camping with children at Circle Park.
Check campground capacity before arrival: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "There weren't too many sites and there are no reservations so don't expect to pull up late and get a campsite," cautions Kim B. about timing arrivals at Battle Park Trailhead.
Trailer size limitations: Many forest roads have tight turns and clearance issues. "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," cautions Shawn O. about accessing Little Goose Campground with trailers.
Prepare for uneven sites: Leveling equipment is essential at most horse camps. "The sites are mostly shaded and uneven, but there is a decent variation to choose from," notes Milo D. about selecting appropriate parking spots at Circle Park.
Verify seasonal water availability: Not all camps maintain water sources year-round. "Water and bathrooms were available, fire ring and picnic table at each site spot," confirms Sam regarding Hunter Campground's amenities during their visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dayton, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dayton, WY is Little Goose Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dayton, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Dayton, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
