Tent camping near Meeteetse, Wyoming offers several options on the eastern edge of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem at elevations ranging from 5,800 to 7,500 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically between 75-85°F and cool nights dropping to 45-55°F, creating ideal camping conditions from June through September. Wind is common throughout the region, with sustained breezes of 10-15 mph frequent across the open landscapes surrounding Meeteetse.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several locations near Meeteetse provide direct access to Greybull River and Wood River, known for cutthroat and rainbow trout. At Buffalo Bill State Park, one camper noted, "Great sites to look at along the way but not great fishing," suggesting anglers might find better success on smaller tributaries.
Mountain exploration: The nearby Absaroka Mountains offer numerous hiking trails within 30-45 minutes of Meeteetse's camping areas. A visitor to North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park shared, "We enjoyed visiting the dam and the bike park in the town of Cody, WY," highlighting additional recreational opportunities within driving distance.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide optimal wildlife viewing around Meeteetse, particularly for deer, pronghorn, and various bird species. Many campsites serve as convenient base camps for day trips to the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, with one camper reporting, "This park is about a 30 minute drive to the east Yellowstone entrance."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Meeteetse feature generously sized camping areas. A camper at Big Quiet Farm Stay & Campground praised the "Stunning Views!" while another visitor to Buffalo Bill State Park mentioned, "We had so much space, a beautiful Mountain View on both sides, and easy access to firewood for a small donation."
Helpful camp hosts: The campground staff throughout the region receive consistently positive feedback for their assistance. One camper at North Fork Campground reported, "The hospitality here is unbelievable. We had issues with our vehicle and the camp hosts made sure we had a good spot to stay. They checked in on us daily for updates as we waited for the dealership to open."
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. A visitor to Buffalo Bill State Park noted, "Facilities were very clean. Nice playground for the kids," while another mentioned, "amenities: clean. modern. bring quarters for showers."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many secondary roads leading to dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Meeteetse advised, "Roads aren't super well maintained, so make sure you're comfortable with driving on gravel, and 4WD."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through September with limited or no services in off-season. Buffalo Bill State Park specifically operates "May 1 to September 30," according to their official season.
Water sources: Potable water availability varies significantly between sites. At Greybull KOA Holiday, facilities include "full hook-ups (pull-thru, back-in sites) water-electric sites," while many primitive sites require campers to bring their own supply.
Wind considerations: The open landscape experiences frequent wind, particularly in afternoons. A visitor noted that Buffalo Bill State Park is "very windy because it's right on Buffalo Bill Reservoir," making proper tent staking essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some established campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Buffalo Bill State Park includes a playground, though one camper noted in 2020, "The playground was fenced off due to Covid in August 2020."
Swimming options: Hogan and Luce Campground provides access to shallow creek areas ideal for supervised water play, while Greybull KOA Holiday offers "a heated pool" according to a visitor who described it as a "Smaller campground with all the amenities."
Noise considerations: Some locations experience traffic or train noise. A camper at Greybull KOA noted, "The only negative thing is the noise of the trains through the night," which might be problematic for light sleepers or young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers have varying experiences with site quality and access. One camper reported that Buffalo Bill State Park "gets pluses for having both dry and hook-ups sites for RVs, and can accommodate large ones."
Dump stations: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities. At Bobcat-houlihan Campground, RVers should note there is no sanitary dump, requiring planning for waste management when staying multiple days.
Pull-through availability: Some locations offer easier access sites. A camper at Buffalo Bill State Park mentioned, "We got a pull through site with electricity but no water hookup. Potable water was available throughout the park, however."
