Lovell, Wyoming sits at the eastern edge of the Bighorn Basin at an elevation of 3,835 feet. The area has a semiarid climate with cold winters and hot summers, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter months to 90°F+ in July and August. Camping options include established campgrounds with facilities as well as dispersed camping on public lands where campers must be self-sufficient.
What to do
Visit Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark: Located near Lovell in the Bighorn Mountains, this sacred Native American site can be accessed from several pet-friendly campgrounds. "The Medicine Wheel Archaeological site... provides pet exercise opportunities when properly leashed," according to reviewers at Porcupine Campground, where one camper noted it "is quite popular because it is clean, has nice large sites with trees, and is a good base camp for hiking, 4-wheeling, fishing, and visiting the Medicine Wheel Archaeologic site."
Explore Bighorn Canyon: The canyon offers spectacular views and water recreation opportunities. At Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR, campers report "Amazing views" with camping "next to the water." The primitive sites provide direct access to the reservoir for fishing and boating.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding mountains and plains offer excellent opportunities to see native wildlife. One camper at Cody BLM Dispersed reported, "July 1 was dry and there were herds of deer and a small pack of coyotes wailing in the distance at night." This free camping area offers wide open spaces ideal for wildlife spotting from your campsite.
What campers like
Free or donation-based options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate not having to pay fixed fees. "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. There is a donation box for people to offer their own fair value price," notes one reviewer about Lovell Camper Park.
Clean facilities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Lovell maintain high standards of cleanliness. A camper at Bald Mountain Campground commented, "Clean restrooms and trash cans are here too," while another noted the campground has "nicely disperse campers" with "great tree cover."
Water access: Streams and reservoirs provide relief during hot months. "There is a creek that runs through camp and is low enough by midsummer to allow kids to play and fish in it," notes a review of Porcupine Campground. Another camper mentioned, "Great stream and rocky banks to explore. Good wildlife viewing."
What you should know
Weather conditions: The area experiences significant temperature swings and wind. At Bald Mountain Campground, a camper warned it's "very windy and cold any other time" except "in the heat of summer since it sits at 9100'." Even in July, temperatures can drop to "45° at night."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have seasonal or limited facilities. "In season there is potable water, trash service, out of season NO water, NO trash. Pack it in Pack it out," advises a reviewer about Bald Mountain Campground's operating periods from June through October.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds allow advance booking while others are first-come, first-served. At Trail Creek/Barrys Landing, campers should note there's "ZERO cell signal. I mean none at all," making on-site reservation changes impossible. However, many appreciate this aspect as "that's my favorite part! It is so peaceful and beautiful!"
Tips for camping with families
Creek play areas: Campgrounds with shallow streams offer natural play spaces for children. At Porcupine Campground, the creek "is low enough by midsummer to allow kids to play and fish in it" providing a natural alternative to electronic entertainment.
Educational opportunities: The area offers several learning experiences for children. One visitor to Trail Creek/Barrys Landing noted the area provides "wonderful hiking and boating opportunities with amazing views in walking distance from the sites," perfect for nature exploration with kids.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds require extra precautions. A camper at Trail Creek/Barrys Landing mentioned "each site has its own large bear locker," important for families camping with food supplies in bear country. The well-designed sites include "their own picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hangers."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should consider layout when selecting campgrounds. "Sites are set up with alternating hookups so you are not picnicking over your neighbors dump hose. Most sites have a paved patio as well," notes a reviewer at Cody KOA about their thoughtful design.
Leveling considerations: Some areas require preparation for uneven terrain. At Deaver Reservoir, a reviewer noted, "Very easy to find and probably 20 to 25 Camping spots. Some hold rigs up to 35 ft," but warned about the uneven ground that might require leveling blocks.
Pet-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds near Lovell accommodate dogs with specific features. The dog friendly campgrounds near Lovell like Deaver Reservoir offer "a very clean and well maintained spot. Ideal for a campervan or truck camper. Good covered picnic tables and nice pit toilets," providing shade that benefits pets during hot days.
