Camping near Frannie, Wyoming offers access to diverse terrain from high desert environments to shorelines of the Bighorn Canyon. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during daytime, with limited shade at many campsites requiring proper sun protection. Frannie sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation, creating distinct weather patterns that influence camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Water activities at Bighorn Canyon: The reservoir at Horseshoe Bend Campground provides boating and swimming opportunities. "The campground is right next to the marina, where you can buy a few supplies, and there is a roped off swimming area nearby. Great place for families to get away," notes one visitor to Horseshoe Bend.
Wildlife viewing: The area around Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground offers excellent wildlife observation. "Bison walked right through the campground, prairie dogs surrounded it and coyotes howled in the (not so) distance," reports a camper at a nearby location.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing conditions. "Sky is very, very dark and you can see so much on a clear night. Great for anybody with an astronomy hobby!" remarks a camper at Horseshoe Bend.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails branch out from camping areas. According to a camper, "If you feel like getting out and hiking there are a fair amount of trails in the Bighorn Canyon area as well as some fantastic views."
What campers like
Privacy and quiet: Campers appreciate the remote nature of sites near Frannie. "This campground is tucked away in a valley, humidity is usually low so u can beat the summer heat by staying in the shade. Very quiet. Not many people visit this place," notes a visitor to Trail Creek/Barrys Landing.
Free camping options: Several locations offer no-cost camping. "It's hard to believe that a town creates a free campground for anybody to use. This is well laid out with RV and tent sites. Water, restrooms and showers are all available," explains a visitor to Lovell Camper Park.
Amenities at developed sites: Some campgrounds provide unexpected comforts. "The park serves pancakes in the morning for free. You buy extras like sausage juice etc. reasonable price. Roadeo in town every night and campground shuttles to it and back," reports a camper at Cody KOA.
Limited connectivity: Many campers value the digital detox. "Be warned: ZERO cell signal. I mean none at all. But that's my favorite part! It is so peaceful and beautiful!" reports a visitor at Barry's Landing.
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access to some campsites requires preparation. At Sage Creek Campground, "If you travel through Bridger MT, then you have to travel several miles through private land that is very rutted out. If it rained you have to be in a jacked up 4x4 to get through."
Limited shade coverage: Most campgrounds near Frannie lack natural shade. "This campsite is very flat! There's no shade, so be prepared to be hot," cautions a camper at Horseshoe Bend.
Facilities vary widely: While some sites offer basic amenities, others provide none. "No water or any other amenities so pack in and pack out. The area was mostly free from litter but there were some bullet casings around which is almost a given in BLM territory," notes a visitor to Cody BLM Dispersed.
Bear safety measures: Some areas require proper food storage. "Clearly states bear area and to keep all foods properly contained. However as far as I've seen there are only bear boxes in the picnic area by the marina," reports a visitor to Horseshoe Bend.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming areas: Deaver Reservoir offers water recreation opportunities. "This is a very clean and well maintained spot. Ideal for a campervan or truck camper. Good covered picnic tables and nice pit toilets. Also, the reservoir was quite a pretty spot," notes a visitor.
Consider KOA amenities: Family-friendly activities make some sites more suitable for children. "Although we weren't traveling with kids, this campground had lots of activities for anyone who is traveling with them," shares a camper at Cody KOA.
Check for wildlife education: Wildlife viewing can provide learning opportunities. "We have found scorpions, however, so always be aware of your surroundings!" warns a visitor to Horseshoe Bend.
Pack for temperature variations: Evenings can get cool even in summer. "The first night got chilly at night but was perfect. The second night was incredibly windy so we couldn't have a fire and had to park our truck in front of our tent to block the wind," shares a Horseshoe Bend camper.
Tips from RVers
Site length and hookup placement: Check site details before arrival. "The site we stayed in had a nice cement patio complete with sturdy chairs to relax on. The site was also very long allowing us to keep our Jeep hooked up for the night," reports a visitor to Cody KOA.
Power connection challenges: Some electrical hookups require adaptations. "The only hiccup was how low to the ground the electric was - we had to bend the cord to connect," notes a visitor to Billings Village RV Park.
Dump station availability: Plan for waste management. "There is a water fill and dump station on the road before the turn off of the campground. The potable water has a nozzle on it and you can not hook a hose to it," observes a camper at Horseshoe Bend.
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks have tight arrangements. "Sites are extremely close. There are no trees. Hook ups for RVs are adequate," warns a visitor to Cody KOA.
