Camping near Devils Tower National Monument, WY

Devils Tower National Monument rises 867 feet from its base with an elevation of 5,112 feet above sea level. The surrounding area experiences temperature fluctuations with summer highs averaging in the 80s and winter lows often below freezing. Camping options include both established campgrounds with electrical hookups and dispersed sites on nearby BLM land, many offering direct views of the monument's distinctive columnar jointing.

What to do

Swimming and fishing at Cook Lake: Located about 25 miles from Devils Tower in the Black Hills National Forest, Cook Lake Campground offers recreational water activities. "My kids love to fish the lake. I love to do the Cliff Swallows Trail (3.7 mile loop). Beautiful scenery," writes Molly. The lake is large enough for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

Hiking the Cliff Swallows Trail: This 3.7-mile loop trail starts near campsites at Cook Lake. "Nice trail (Cliff Swallow trail) that I was able to start on right next to my site," notes Leslie B. The trail offers views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape and can be completed in approximately 2 hours.

Outdoor movies under the tower: Devils Tower KOA offers a unique evening activity. "They show 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' every night, outside with the tower in the background. Very cheesy but very cool," shares Julie W. The outdoor cinema experience typically runs during peak season (May-September).

What campers like

Direct views of Devils Tower: Many campgrounds provide unobstructed views of the monument. At Belle Fourche Campground, "Most sites offer a gorgeous view of Devils Tower. This is so much more relaxing and quiet than the KOA zoo down the road," notes Sanda A. The campground is within the national monument boundaries.

Stargazing opportunities: The area offers excellent night sky viewing. At Storm Hill BLM Land, a camper reports: "Unreal views. Gorgeous sunrise and set views." Another camper at Belle Fourche Campground recommends: "Little cell service overall but the views to Devils Tower are just amazing. Access to hiking trails; lots of wildlife; free fire wood; first come first serve; cheap and easy - no cash or check; stargazing is a must here."

Wildlife encounters: The surrounding area hosts diverse wildlife. At Belle Fourche Campground, one camper notes: "Open field, with prairie dogs, and I saw a Buffalo in the woods grazing." Another camper at Devils Tower View Campground shares: "Beautiful views and backdrops with plenty of wildlife including deer, pronghorn and turkeys."

What you should know

Varied pricing for non-residents: Wyoming State Parks like Tatanka Campground at Keyhole State Park charge additional fees for out-of-state visitors. "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," reports Mike C. Non-resident fees can add $12 per night to camping costs.

Weather-dependent road access: Many dispersed camping areas have access limitations. At Storm Hill BLM Land, "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," warns James C.

Variable reservation systems: Each camping area follows different reservation protocols. Belle Fourche Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. "First come gets them. Very relaxing," notes Shaun W. Other campgrounds like Devils Tower KOA require advance booking during busy seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Miniature golf and activities: Devils Tower View Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "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. The facility also offers hayrides," reports Douglas S. These activities provide entertainment options between monument visits.

Tipi camping experience: For a unique overnight adventure, consider specialized accommodations. "We've been on a camping trip for three weeks and this is our favorite place so far. We only stayed one night but so wish we could have stayed longer. Julianna, the host, gets booked fast so make reservations early!" shares Stefanie Z. about Devils Tower Tipi Camping. The tipis come equipped with propane stoves and lamps.

Prepare for limited shade: Some camping areas offer minimal protection from the sun. At Belle Fourche Campground, a camper warns: "Not much shade. Very open and close to others." Planning for sun protection is important, especially during summer months when temperatures can exceed 90°F.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for level parking: Many campgrounds feature varied terrain. At Reuter Campground, "This no-frills campground has 24 sites mostly for smaller rigs or tents, but a few were perfect for our size. Looked like staff had just finished painting tables and buildings and vault toilet facilities were very clean," notes Terri D. Site 13 is specifically mentioned as a pull-through option for larger vehicles.

Limited hookup options: While some campgrounds offer electrical hookups, full-service sites are scarce. At Tatanka Campground, "In the Tatonka campground area, we had water and power with rv dumps at the entrance. We were close to the lake. Quiet and spacious sites. Most rv sites are on a little of a hill but level enough," reports Kimberly E.

Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout the area. "Had 3 bars of cell signal and picked up 10 TV stations with our antenna," mentions one Reuter Campground visitor. This contrasts with more remote sites like Hartman Rock dispersed camping where "1 bar of ATT even though there are several cell towers less than two miles away."