Camping near Devils Tower, WY

Devils Tower National Monument sits at 4,750 feet elevation in northeastern Wyoming's Bear Lodge Mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-80°F, while spring and fall bring wider fluctuations and occasional storms. Camping options include both federal and privately managed sites, with most offering basic amenities. Options range from fully-developed campgrounds with reservations to dispersed BLM sites requiring self-sufficiency.

What to do

Hiking with views: 3.7-mile loop trails can be found at Cook Lake Campground, located about 30 minutes from Devils Tower. "I love to do the Cliff Swallows Trail (3.7 mile loop). Beautiful scenery," notes one camper who enjoyed the combination of lake access and hiking opportunities.

Sunrise viewing: Wake up early for spectacular morning light on the tower. At Devils Tower KOA, campers position themselves for optimal viewing. "Rolled in late at night, had a perfect spot that we noticed that light which perfectly is set just outside base of devils tower nothing better than waking up to that morning and had breakfast with a gorgeous view of devils tower," shares a visitor who maximized their morning experience.

Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent astronomy opportunities. "The trade off is the wide open skies and STARS," reports a camper at Devils Tower KOA about the tent camping area, highlighting the benefit of limited tree cover for night sky viewing.

What campers like

Wildlife encounters: Deer, birds, and more frequent the camping areas. At Belle Fourche Campground, one camper observed "a woodpecker in the tree next to us, cool. Open field, with prairie dogs, and I saw a Buffalo in the woods grazing."

Free firewood: Available at certain locations to enhance camping experience. "There are fire rings and free firewood," notes a camper at Belle Fourche Campground, an uncommon amenity that helps campers avoid bringing or purchasing their own supplies.

Natural swimming areas: Cooling off in nearby water features provides relief during warmer months. A visitor to Tatanka Campground at Keyhole State Park mentions, "There is fun lake for families and friends of all ages about 5 minutes away. Rocks to jump off, live music and boats are allowed."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access varies significantly between established and dispersed sites. At Storm Hill BLM Land, a camper warns: "The road is a silty dirt. I watched someone pull a thirty foot trailer up it with a 2WD Truck but he said it was quite nerve racking. There is a sign that says vehicles can not make it up when the road is wet."

Reservation requirements: Peak season availability can be limited without advance planning. "This is one of the coolest places. Definitely check out site 23," suggests a visitor to Cook Lake Campground, where reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays.

Cost considerations: Fee structures vary widely across different site types. "Wyoming state parks seem to be hostile to non residents. It's cheaper to stay at a regular rv park and you have better amenities," cautions a camper at Tatanka Campground, detailing the additional fees for non-residents.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Swimming and recreational options keep children entertained. A visitor to Devils Tower View Campground shared their experience: "Beautiful views and backdrops with plenty of wildlife including deer, pronghorn and turkeys. Great place to camp!!"

Educational opportunities: Evening programs provide learning experiences. "They show 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' every night, outside with the tower in the background. Very cheesy but very cool," reports a Devils Tower KOA guest about their unique movie night tradition.

Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness and accessibility vary by location. "This campground is within the national park, in the Belle Fourche river valley. The bathrooms are clean and have running water," notes one camper, adding "There is even a dishwashing area for washing your dishes."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Terrain variability affects comfort and setup. A visitor to Tatanka Campground mentioned, "Our site was not very level, but we were able to manage. There are some cabins also."

Electric hookup locations: Limited availability at certain campgrounds. "For a KOA Journey campground, this facility has a lot to offer. There is a pool, miniature golf, dog runs, laundry, an honest to goodness General Store and a cafe," reports a Devils Tower KOA visitor about the amenities available to RV campers.

Pull-through site options: Easier access for larger vehicles at some locations. "All drive through sites, first come gets them. Very relaxing," notes a camper at Belle Fourche Campground, which provides this convenience for those with RVs or trailers.