Glamping options near Powell, Wyoming range from riverside accommodations to farm-based experiences in the larger Big Horn Basin region. The area sits at approximately 4,400 feet elevation with a semi-arid climate that experiences hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime hours, making shade and water access important considerations for campers.
What to do
Hiking to Five Springs Falls: The Five Springs Falls Campground offers a short 0.5-mile trail leading to a scenic waterfall. "The falls is maybe less than a mile up the trail. The trail was moderately easy with few obstacles but some small grade climbs. My 9 year old made it fine," notes Preston Y. about this Five Springs Falls Campground hike.
Fishing at trout-stocked ponds: The Cody Trout Ranch Camp provides fishing opportunities in their stocked trout pond. "My littles (6&8) loved the playground, the fishing pond, it's far enough from the road to be quiet and safe," explains Elizabeth M., highlighting the family-friendly fishing amenities.
Scenic drives on historic routes: The Beartooth Highway offers remarkable alpine views and wildlife spotting opportunities. A visitor at Perry's RV and Campgrounds recommends, "Our recommendations for the area are to spend one day driving Beartooth Scenic Byway and then crossover Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Stop at the lookouts!"
What campers like
Lake access for paddling: Island Lake Campground provides direct water access for various activities. "We stayed here for 2 nights in July. It was a great campground. Within walking distance to the lake, which made it great to go paddle boarding," shares Danae P. about her experience at Island Lake Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between accommodations at Beartooth Lake. As Kathryn N. notes, "Sites were well maintained, spacious and protected from others. Toilets were FS toilets and got the job done."
Free pancake breakfast: The Cody KOA offers a complimentary morning meal. According to Charley K. at Cody KOA, "The campground serves pancakes in the morning for free. You buy extras like sausage juice etc. reasonable price. Roadeo in town shuttles to it and back."
What you should know
Weather variability: The Beartooth Mountains can experience extreme temperature changes, even in summer. A camper at Beartooth Lake warns, "Hail greets us just after setting up- and this is July! It's 50 degrees at 1 so we're planning to try and stay warm. The sun popped out right away so the weather seems temperamental."
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential for comfortable camping in this region. "We stayed here for 2 nights in July. It was a great campground...Bring bug repellent, lots of bugs," recommends a visitor to Island Lake Campground.
Campground access restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations on vehicle size due to narrow, winding access roads. At Five Springs Falls Campground, one reviewer notes, "The big drawback for some will be the very narrow, extremely switchbacked and steep road up to the campground (no guardrails). It really is fine for a car or truck and a short little (think Casita or Scamp), but a sign says no vehicles over 24' and I wouldn't want to do it with anything close to that!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground access: Some glamping locations close to Powell, Wyoming include child-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Big Quiet Farm Stay & Campground notes the variety of accommodation options: "So many ways to stay, from Tee-Pees to tents! We've heard the breakfast Rod & Mickey offer is one of the best (sausage from the farm, need we say more?!)"
Look for swimming options: Facilities with pools provide relief from summer heat. One visitor to Cody KOA mentions, "Very nice and very clean campgrounds. We stayed in a tent and had a great time. Although we weren't traveling with kids, this campground had lots of activities for anyone who is traveling with them."
Consider wildlife safety: Bear activity occurs in the region, requiring proper precautions. "A well named campground as the grizzly bear activities in the campground precluded us actually spending the night in the campground in July of 2015. The ranger actually closed the campground down as we were pulling up," shares Annie C. about her experience.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Many campgrounds offer varying degrees of site leveling. At Parkway RV Campground, a reviewer notes, "The perimeter is all full time mobile homes. The interior loop is daily sites. If you like really nice people, close to town and just a spot to use as a home base for exploring, this place is perfect."
Electric hookup placement: Some sites require adaptations for connections. One RVer at Billings Village RV Park observed, "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."
Dump station and water access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A reviewer at Five Springs Falls Campground describes, "RV site is about as sweet as they come. Water, dump, elect, picnic tables, fire ring, right by a stream. $7 per night."
