Best Campgrounds near Powell, WY
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.