Best Campgrounds near Hyattville, WY
The Bighorn Mountain foothills surrounding Hyattville, Wyoming feature a blend of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius. Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site Campground, managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, serves as a centerpiece for camping in the immediate area, with sites spaced along Medicine Lodge Creek. Nearby Ten Sleep offers additional camping options including West Tensleep Lake, Boulder Park, and Sitting Bull campgrounds within Bighorn National Forest. These forest service campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The region's camping landscape ranges from developed sites with basic facilities to remote dispersed areas requiring self-sufficiency.
Most campgrounds in the Bighorn Mountains operate seasonally from late May through September, with few options available year-round. Elevation plays a significant role in accessibility and comfort, with many sites situated above 8,000 feet where temperatures remain cool even during summer months. As one camper noted about West Tensleep Lake Campground: "Camp is at 9000+ elevation so when you search for weather reports they will not be accurate. The nearest town, Tensleep, is about 4000 ft lower in elevation so the weather can be dramatically different." Forest service roads accessing many campgrounds are unpaved and can be rough, particularly after rain or early in the season. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with coverage spotty or nonexistent at most camping areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank high among camper experiences, with moose sightings frequently mentioned in reviews. According to one visitor at Medicine Lodge: "Sites are well spaced out with Medicine Lodge Creek running through the campground. A walking/bike path goes end to end in the park following the creek." Water features are common draws, with creeks, lakes and rivers enhancing many camping locations. Campground hosts receive consistent praise for maintaining clean facilities, particularly vault toilets. Visitors frequently mention the area's quiet atmosphere and dark night skies as highlights. For those seeking amenities, the town of Ten Sleep provides basic services including gas, groceries, and a popular brewery that several campers recommend visiting after their wilderness experience.