Dispersed camping near Greybull offers access to the Bighorn Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,000 feet in town to over 9,000 feet in nearby forest areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime hours while dropping to 45-50°F at night, making layered clothing essential. Wind conditions can be significant, particularly on BLM land where natural windbreaks are limited.
What to do
Trail exploration near Medicine Wheel: The northern Bighorns contain numerous hiking paths with Tie Flume trail located just a quarter mile from Tie Flume Campground. "I liked the tie Flume trail just a quarter mile down the road. Follow that road and go on a dirt road trip. Black Mountain fire tower is 10 miles down. Continue and get back to the main road," notes one visitor who found the location "centrally located to explore the northern Bighorns."
Wildlife observation: The region offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. Visitors to Shell Creek Campground report, "Beautiful dear in the area. Chipmunks and birds too. Host said there are moose and coyotes in the area but we havnt seen any yet." Some campers have been fortunate: "We were lucky enough to have a momma and baby Mose right in the woods in the campgrounds."
Fishing in mountain streams: Several campgrounds provide direct stream access for fishing enthusiasts. "I did most of my fishing along the South Tongue River which is within walking distance from the campground," reports one angler who stayed at Tie Flume Campground and "really enjoyed making a big campfire and making smores! We also cooked some fish one night that I caught in the river."
What campers like
Quiet mountain atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful setting of dog friendly campgrounds near Greybull. At Porcupine Campground, campers enjoy "listening to birds and chilling out. Nearby are hiking and ATV trails, history in the form of remnants of an old flume used to transport logs from the surrounding forest, and both river and lake fishing."
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "It was very quiet at night. There is a highway to the north, but the hills block most of the noise," reports a visitor to Cody BLM Dispersed camping areas. Another notes the "vast long and wide grasslands valley and a humongous 360 degree sky view."
Stream-side camping: Access to running water enhances many camping experiences. "Great NFS campground. Nice travel sites, pretty level. Amazing creek behind the majority of the sites," writes one visitor about Shell Creek Campground. Others mention "We stayed right near the stream, which was beautiful" and "The creek is mesmerizing and loved falling asleep next to it."
What you should know
Limited services: Most forest service and BLM sites lack amenities. "No water or any other amenities so pack in and pack out," warns a camper about Cody BLM Dispersed areas. For Tie Flume Campground, visitors advise: "Be aware that you will have to arrive with water in your tank if you are in an RV. The hand pumps at the campground do not allow you to attach a hose."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly by location. "There is NO cell service within 18 miles of the campground. Additionally, there is no grocery store or even stocked service station within miles as well. Come prepared with what you need for your entire stay," notes a Tie Flume visitor, while Cody BLM areas reportedly have "very good phone reception."
Weather considerations: Mountain conditions change rapidly year-round. "This campground might be OK in the heat of summer since it sits at 9100', but it's very windy and cold any other time," reports a visitor to Bald Mountain Campground. Another adds, "It was windy and even for late July it was 45° at night."
Tips for camping with families
Select shaded sites: Summer heat requires protection, especially with children. Shell Campground visitors appreciate that "there are cabins and yurts. Host is very friendly and helpful." One family noted their experience at Greybull KOA Holiday: "This campground has cabins, full hook-ups(pull-thru, back-in sites) water-electric sites, long-term sites, and tent sites."
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Facilities matter for longer family stays. "My 4 yo son loved the pool and the playground. My 12 daughter loved the WiFi and extra clean showers and bathrooms. The laundry room was immaculate," writes one parent about their experience at pet friendly Greybull accommodations.
Consider noise factors: Sound sensitivity varies for children and pets. One camper noted about Tie Flume Campground: "It's centrally located to explore the northern Bighorns." However, others warn about noise issues elsewhere: "The only negative thing is the noise of the trains through the night."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal before arrival. For Tie Flume Campground, "The Burgess Junction dump station is great and you can fill water tanks there on your way in and dump on your way out." Another camper notes that for Shell Creek: "No electric or RV dump here you must go to Burgess station to dump. (No posted price/donations appreciated)."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas accommodate bigger rigs better than others. "We're in 15 with plenty of space to not have to unhook our 26 foot trailer," reports a visitor to Shell Creek Campground. For Cody BLM areas, "The road is rough in just a couple of spots, but we saw vans and a large Class C make it up here no problem."
Solar considerations: For boondocking or dry camping, sun exposure matters. "There are several sites that are great for solar," notes a visitor about Tie Flume Campground. This is particularly important since most dispersed camping areas near Greybull lack hookups of any kind.
