The Ralston area sits at approximately 4,400 feet elevation in Wyoming's Big Horn Basin, offering campers direct access to both the Shoshone River corridor and nearby high desert terrain. Camping options range from elevation changes of 4,400-5,500 feet within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during peak camping months, with nighttime lows dropping to 50-60°F even in July and August.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Buffalo Bill State Park offers access to both reservoir and river fishing. "We had so much space, a beautiful Mountain View on both sides, and easy access to firewood for a small donation," notes one visitor who enjoyed the park's combination of water access and scenery.
Wildlife viewing: BLM lands between the towns provide excellent opportunities for observing pronghorn antelope and other native species. According to one camper at Cody BLM Dispersed: "We saw some prong horns on the way in too! The view is amazing. It was quiet and overall a nice place to hike or bike around."
Visit local museums: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor at Ponderosa Campground mentioned it's just "10 min to Buffalo Bill museum. Showers and restrooms very clean."
What Campers Like
Privacy at developed sites: North Fork Campground features designed spaces with privacy walls. "We rented. The camp sites are in the open. Not secluded but the dividing walls worked great. Near the road but traffic noise was not a issue. Beautiful Scenery," according to one camper.
Convenient town access: Staying at campgrounds near Cody provides easy access to supplies and amenities. A camper at Parkway RV Campground noted: "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."
Dispersed camping solitude: For those seeking quiet, BLM areas provide space between campsites. "This area is huge so there's plenty of space to camp, you may see other RVs on the distance. I love that there's very good phone reception," reports a Cody BLM Dispersed camper.
What You Should Know
Wind conditions: High winds can be problematic throughout the area, particularly in open areas. One camper at Absaroka Bay RV Park warned about specific water issues: "One other point of concern is that the campground waters every night, with very hard water that leaves tough to remove spots on you camper and vehicle. Get them off ASAP."
Cell service variations: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. A visitor at Buffalo Bluff RV Park reported: "We received 4 bars on Verizon."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close by October. "Stayed 2 nights in our TT here while we explored Yellowstone. Laundry room was clean and working properly. Water, electric, sewer hook ups in fine working order," noted a September visitor to Absaroka Bay RV Park.
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. A Cody BLM Dispersed camper mentioned: "The road in is rocky dirt but easily doable in our 26' class C. Any size rig should do fine here. The road splits many times and we just used satellite view to check where the roads lead."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. A visitor at Cody KOA shared: "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."
Breakfast options: Some campgrounds provide morning meals. "The campground serves pancakes in the morning for free. You buy extras like sausage juice etc. reasonable price," noted a Cody KOA visitor.
Alternative accommodations: For families seeking non-traditional options, teepees are available at some locations. According to one Cody KOA visitor: "Stayed in teepee for 2 nights. Has fan and heater. must bring own sheets blankets and pillows. Overall good night sleep."
Tips from RVers
Site configuration: Thoughtful hookup placement makes a difference. At Cody KOA: "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."
Pull-through availability: Many sites accommodate staying hitched for overnight stops. A visitor to Absaroka Bay RV Park mentioned: "The site was also very long allowing us to keep our Jeep hooked up for the night. I will say the sites are close together, but not unusually close for a KOA."
Internet access: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds, important for planning. "Clean, quiet (although the campground sits between two streets) and very affordable (winter rate $30 for FHU). Most sites are pull-through with a picnic table and green grass. Fantastic WiFi. ooo LTE for t-mobile, and oooo LTE for Verizon," reported an Absaroka Bay RV Park visitor.
