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Best Campgrounds near Powell, WY

366 Reviews

The Powell, Wyoming area features a diverse range of camping options within an hour's drive, from full-service RV parks to remote dispersed sites. Billings Village RV Park and Lovell Camper Park provide year-round accommodations with hookups and amenities, while Deaver Reservoir offers more basic established camping with picnic tables and vault toilets. Heading south toward Cody, campers find several options including Cody Trout Ranch Camp with unique accommodations like tipis and sheep wagons, and Buffalo Bill State Park's North Fork Campground along the Shoshone River. For those seeking solitude, BLM dispersed camping areas between Cody and Greybull provide free primitive camping with stunning mountain views.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "You will need 4-wheel drive or high clearance to access the best sites next to the river. If you're willing to endure the drive, the beauty of the site more than makes up for it." Summer temperatures can be intense, particularly at lower elevations like Horseshoe Bend Campground where shade is minimal. Spring brings muddy conditions on dirt access roads, while summer afternoons often feature thunderstorms. Bear activity is common in areas closer to Yellowstone, with several campgrounds providing bear boxes. Reservations are essential during peak season (May-September), especially for established campgrounds near water.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly in visitor reviews, with multiple campers mentioning encounters with pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and various bird species. Fishing access is available at several locations, particularly along the Shoshone River and at Horseshoe Bend Marina. Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of Wyoming campgrounds, with one visitor noting that "bathrooms are very clean, which is typical for Wyoming campgrounds." Night skies receive special mention at desert camping areas, with one reviewer describing them as "very, very dark and you can see so much on a clear night. Great for anybody with an astronomy hobby!" Many campgrounds serve as convenient basecamps for exploring nearby attractions including Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Beartooth Highway.

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Best Camping Sites Near Powell, Wyoming (85)

    1. Billings Village RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Frannie, WY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 248-8685

    "Clean, cheerful, easy to get in and out- convenient to the highway- highly recommend Only hiccup was how low to the ground the electric was- we had to bend the cord to connect"

    2. Deaver Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Frannie, WY
    9 miles
    Website

    "However, disrespect of the land and garbage in many places outside of the cans. Sound travels across the water and some disrespectful people."

    3. Cody BLM Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Cody, WY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 578-5900

    "One tuck drove around us at a considerate distance. Around 9:30pm. No big deal. Was one other van parked where we first came in."

    "We pulled off of highway 16 to just explore and found that this area has a lot of options for camping. It is a vast stretch of BLM land between Cody and Greybull."

    4. Cody KOA

    19 Reviews
    Cody, WY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 587-2369

    "This campground is just outside Cody, WY. Easy access for people just passing through, just off a main road."

    "Park is all gravel, thus neighbor driving at 4am around makes a bit of noise. Airport is next door too. Had an enjoyable stay"

    5. Absaroka Bay RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Cody, WY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 527-7440

    $50 - $70 / night

    "Close to town and the museum, which is why we stayed here. Sites are close together but we didn't care we were just staying one night. Easy in and out and there are eateries within walking distance."

    "Close to the east entrance to Yellowstone this park is also in Cody, a cool town. Staff is nice bathhouse is clean."

    6. Big Quiet Farm Stay & Campground

    1 Review
    Ralston, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 272-4681

    $65 - $150 / night

    7. Cody Trout Ranch Camp - RV, Tipi, and Sheep Wagon Camping

    5 Reviews
    Cody, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 578-6757

    $46 - $135 / night

    "It's located just outside of Cody a few miles, so you don't have to deal with the traffic noise or the light pollution. Star gazing is excellent."

    "Close to a highway but pretty quiet. Nice little guns & ammo shop on site. Other than the power & wifi issue this is a great campground!!"

    8. Lovell Camper Park

    3 Reviews
    Lovell, WY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 548-6551

    "Free camping with showers and bathrooms as clean as home, close to restaurants and a cute movie theater, and close to the Bighorn Canyon with great wildlife."

    "Right next to the campground is a great park. 

    This is a wonderful community offering."

    9. Horseshoe Bend Campground — Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Lovell, WY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 548-7230

    "The spots are spread out enough so you’re not close to other campers. Bathrooms were adequate, flush toilets with soap/water/hand dryer."

    "This is a great campground if you're going to be out on the lake or hitting the off-road trails. Its literally a campground in the desert though there are some great views in the surrounding areas."

    10. North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park

    34 Reviews
    Wapiti, WY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 587-9227

    "This was a great stop on a national parks trip in the Wyoming area. The campground was less busy than in the national parks. Sites were clean and large."

    "Surrounded by mountains and right on the Shoshone River, this is a bit of Heaven on earth."

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Recent Camping Photos near Powell, WY

104 Photos of 85 Powell Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Powell, WY

366 Reviews of 85 Powell Campgrounds

  • Alyssa S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Beartooth Lake

    Absolutely Gorgeous

    I grew up visiting the Beartooth Mountains every year, but never actually camped there until last weekend and I'm mad I didn't do it sooner. The campground is very clean, with access to water and vault toilets that are well maintained (honestly the only vault toilet I haven't dreaded going into). It was nearly full when my friend and I went and it still felt like we had privacy. There is a creek that runs behind the site we were at which was perfect - we just used my Sawyer squeeze filter with that water and it tasted amazing. The lake was great as well. We brought our kayaks and made a loop around half of the lake. It was absolutely gorgeous and we will definitely be going again! We went labor day weekend and it got down to 29°F at night so bring appropriate gear.

  • Peter D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Buffalo Bluff RV Park

    Just outside Cody

    4 Miles outside Cody you will find this campground. Very nice place, everything is clean and well maintained. Showers and toilets are nice! We also make use of the laundry, in 30 minutes you have clean clothing again 😁.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Palisades Campground — Custer Gallatin National Forest

    Small, undeveloped, unmanaged,free, close to Red Lodge, small ,adequate

    Came in late on a Sunday. One spot, more or less in the parking lot was available. Not level. Spots are small and rough, I would not recommend for large rigs and trailers. Still, it’s free and the are pit toilets and it’s close to Red Lodge. Grateful to whoever manages (sort of) this place.

  • Bettina S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Island Lake Campground

    Stunning & Beautiful!

    Absolutely stunning... As we were leaving they said they were going to close the campground after next weekend (last weekend in August)

    It is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever been to.
    We paddled our dogs to the islands and had the best time, saw 2 firepits on one... the hiking scenery is amazing....

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lake Fork Roadside Camp

    Next to river

    Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Horseshoe Bend Campground — Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

    Beautiful area but people are loud

    This campground has really gorgeous scenery. The picnic tables, fire pits and sun/wind shades are all newer and well kept. Clearly states bear area and to keep all foods properly contained. However as far as I've seen there are only bear boxes in the picnic area by the marina and there's really no trees around. You would have to use a bear safe container or the sun/wind shades to hang your food if your in a tent but not all sites have them. A lot of sites have water and electric in loops A and B. There is a water fill and dump station on the road before the turn off of the campground. The potable water has a nozzle on it and you can not hook a hose to it. However the sites with water have a normal garden hose spigot. My only complaint would be the people are inconsiderate and quite loud all day and there's not many people here. It's not even half full but some are clearly quite drunk most of the day. There's a family that pulled in and set up right around 10 pm right next to us. Banging and screaming about for over an hour. Our neighbors just let their dog run loose. Ive found discarded fish carcasses that someone had filleted and just tossed behind a bush. Also a lot of trash all over the place. The first site in loop A is marked as the host...I've never seen them so clearly they dont care. So as long as you dont want peace and quiet then this place is fine. I cant imagine what it's like when it's mostly full on the weekend. We really wanted to see the canyon though so we opted to stay here for the night on the way to Custer national forest.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Bridger City Campground

    Bridger campground

    We had a long day driving and needed a place to stay for the night. It’s first come first serve and has full hooks. There were a couple trailers with guys working in town that are staying here from Alaska. It’s a quiet little town. 6 spaces to camp, they are very close to each other. Cute little park for kids to play at. It was a great little place to stop for one night! The town is quaint. Did some laundry, but make sure you have quarters. The locals are very friendly.

  • Brandon T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Horsethief Station Fishing Access

    dispersed camping in quiet residentially zoned area

    Came here for a day, first time in Montana so I had to get the conservation license to camp here but apparently that's a must in all public land of Montana so I got it. $10 for the year. Perfect place to bring solar since there's no shade, and perfect place for my dogs, because they enjoy the creek parallel to all the camp spots. Great quiet spot .

Guide to Powell

Camping near Powell, Wyoming, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: The Horseshoe Bend Campground — Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a great spot for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is conveniently located next to the Horseshoe Bend Marina, where you can rent kayaks and canoes."
  • Hiking: Check out the trails around Buffalo Bill State Park. A camper shared, "This is one of the most picturesque places to camp, surrounded by mountains and right on the Shoshone River."
  • Wildlife Watching: The Cody BLM Dispersed area is perfect for spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We heard coyotes at night, which added to the experience."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Absaroka Bay RV Park. A visitor said, "It’s in town by a pretty lake and has Mountain Views."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Cody KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean and the dishwashing station was well maintained."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness at Parkside Campground. One camper noted, "The sites are large and spacious, allowing for some privacy."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: If you're tent camping at North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park, be prepared for some noise. A camper mentioned, "The tent sites are close together, so it was pretty noisy with people snoring and rustling around in their tents."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cody BLM Dispersed, don’t have amenities like drinking water or toilets. A reviewer pointed out, "There are no toilets or trash, so be prepared to pack it out."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Cody KOA is open from May 1 to October 1.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cody KOA, which offers activities for kids. One family shared, "The pool was closed for cleaning, but the grandkids liked the pool when it was open."
  • Pack Bug Spray: In areas like North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park, bugs can be a nuisance. A camper reminded others, "Don’t forget bug spray!"
  • Plan for Privacy: If you want some space, consider the Cody BLM Dispersed area, where sites are more spread out. A visitor noted, "There’s plenty of space to camp, and you may see other RVs in the distance."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Campgrounds like Absaroka Bay RV Park offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. A reviewer said, "Full hookups and picnic tables make it a great stay."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some RV parks, like Perry's RV and Campgrounds, have sites that are close together. One camper mentioned, "Nice shady sites on Rock Creek but close together."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: RVers love the convenience of being near town. A visitor at Cody KOA said, "It’s a short drive into town, which is worth a visit!"

Camping near Powell, Wyoming, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Powell, Wyoming?

Powell offers excellent access to some of Wyoming's most scenic camping areas. North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park is highly recommended for its picturesque location along the Shoshone River with stunning mountain views. Sites are clean, spacious, and reasonably priced compared to national park options. For those seeking unique experiences, Cody Trout Ranch Camp provides RV sites, tipis, and sheep wagon camping just outside Cody with excellent stargazing opportunities. The area also offers dispersed camping options like Little Sunlight Camping Area for those who prefer more remote settings, though these require navigating rough roads.

What amenities are available at Powell, Wyoming camping areas?

Camping areas around Powell vary in amenities based on location and type. Parkside Campground offers clean sites with picnic tables, fire pits, fresh water spigots, and clean restrooms, plus helpful camp hosts who sell firewood. For those seeking more developed facilities, Wapiti Campground provides approximately 40 sites, many with electric hookups, and accommodates both RVs and tent camping. Most established campgrounds in the region include vault toilets, while some like Buffalo Bill State Park have flush toilets and paid shower facilities. Dispersed camping areas typically offer minimal to no amenities, so come prepared with all necessities if choosing these more remote options.

When is the best season to go camping in Powell, Wyoming?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best camping weather in the Powell area. Summer provides ideal conditions with warm days and cool nights, but this is also peak tourist season. Little Sunlight Camping Area showcases some of Wyoming's best views during summer months, though be prepared for dusty access roads. Early fall brings spectacular colors and fewer crowds at places like Cascade Campground, which provides a peaceful setting with beautiful scenery. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to harsh conditions and limited access, as many campgrounds and roads close seasonally. Always check road conditions when planning trips in shoulder seasons.

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