Dispersed camping opportunities near Hyattville, Wyoming extend beyond established campgrounds, with numerous free sites available in the surrounding Bighorn Mountains. Castle Gardens, a BLM site about 5 miles off Highway 16, offers a secluded camping experience with basic amenities including shade structures and vault toilets. The Bighorn region experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, particularly at higher elevations where summer nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even during July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ten Sleep Creek and nearby waterways provide excellent trout fishing access. At Island Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "Good fishing, and lots of wildlife. Moose and deer frequently are seen walking through or near the campground. Close to lots of hiking and biking trails," reports one visitor.
Rock climbing: The limestone cliffs of Ten Sleep Canyon attract climbers from across the country. Leigh Creek Campground serves as a convenient base for climbing expeditions. As one camper notes, "This camp is great if you like to hike or rock climb."
Brewery visits: After outdoor activities, many campers visit Ten Sleep Brewing Company, which offers camping on their property alongside craft beer. "Such a wonderful place to camp with awesome beer and views. Staff is super friendly and accommodating," writes one visitor. The brewery also hosts events with "live music, eating from the food trucks (2), and sipping on beers."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Moose sightings are common throughout the region. At Lakeview Campground, one camper reported, "Had a big bull moose sitting in our site upon arrival and he stayed nearby all day and night so caution with pets is recommended." Another visitor at Island Park mentioned, "We had not even got our tent sat up and there they were!"
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, campgrounds maintain exceptional standards. A Boulder Park visitor noted, "Arguably the cleanest vault toilet I have ever seen. The campground host took pride in maintaining the place." Similar praise appears in reviews across multiple campgrounds.
Water features: Creeks, streams, and lakes enhance camping experiences throughout the region. Boulder Park campers appreciate sites along Tensleep Creek: "Sites are pretty, and private-ish with lots of trees (some good for hammocking, some not)." Another camper added, "For $17 a night, try and get a site right on Tensleep Creek."
What you should know
Road conditions: Most campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads that can become challenging. A West Tensleep Lake camper warned, "The long 7 mile gravel road on cruiser motorcycles is a pain." Castle Gardens access involves "gravel with occasional washboarding, but overall doable for most vehicles."
Elevation effects: Many campsites sit above 8,000 feet, causing significant weather differences from nearby towns. "Camp is at 9000+ elevation so when you search for weather reports they will not be accurate," notes a West Tensleep camper. "You are camping in the high country," reminds another visitor.
Limited services: Most campgrounds operate seasonally with basic amenities. At Boulder Park Campground, "There are no shower facilities, but it does have vault toilets and drinking water." Another camper noted the "nearest dump station is 15 miles at Powder River Pass."
Tips for camping with families
Group activities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated recreation areas. Boulder Park features "a central activities area" where "there are some great family activities areas in the campground with horseshoes, cornhole, and other games set up."
Creek play: Shallow waterways offer natural entertainment for children. A camper at Medicine Lodge recalled, "My toddler and 9 year old played in the shallows for hours."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning into your camping trip at Castle Gardens, where unique rock formations provide geological lessons. One visitor described it as "an amazing, beautiful, peaceful, quiet place" with distinctive features that appeal to all ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited level sites for larger vehicles. As one camper at Boulder Park advised, "Research your site" before arrival since "Campsites are small. We have a 27 Foot bumper pull - No problem but some sites smaller & uneven."
Town services: For supplies and amenities, Worland offers full-service options. The Worland RV Park & Campground provides "full hookups" with "water, electric and sewer" plus "a dump station, showers, flush toilets and laundry room." A visitor noted, "Stores are within walking distance, there is a museum across the road."
Weather preparation: High elevation camping requires extra preparation. A West Tensleep Lake visitor reported watching "happy tourist pitch a tent and leave after freezing to death at night," highlighting the need for adequate cold-weather gear even in summer.
