Best Campgrounds near Saddlestring, WY
Campgrounds near Saddlestring, Wyoming range from rustic dispersed sites to full-service RV parks, with several options located in the Bighorn Mountains region. The area includes established facilities like Buffalo KOA, which offers cabins and RV sites with hookups, alongside more primitive options such as Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 for dispersed camping. Both tent and RV camping are well-supported throughout the region, with Circle Road Dispersed Camping providing free sites and Indian Campground offering more developed amenities. Public lands in the vicinity accommodate various camping styles, from backpacking to drive-in access.
Road conditions vary significantly depending on location, with some campgrounds accessible via gravel or dirt roads that may require careful navigation. Many campgrounds in the Bighorn Mountains area operate seasonally, typically from May through September due to Wyoming's high elevation weather patterns. According to one visitor, "It's a dirt/rock road and you'll be on it for 7 miles. Along the route is a half dozen other campgrounds." Campground reservations are recommended during peak summer months, particularly for established sites like South Fork Campground, which has a 14-day stay limit. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer months due to elevations exceeding 8,000 feet in some camping areas, requiring proper preparation for cold-weather camping.
Waterfront camping spots receive particular attention in visitor reviews, with several campgrounds situated along creeks and small lakes. The Buffalo KOA provides sites "along a babbling brook" that visitors find particularly appealing for the ambient sound of running water. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose sightings reported near several campgrounds. A review noted, "The campground is covered with pine for nicely shaded sites," highlighting the natural setting many visitors appreciate. Campgrounds near water sources tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, while more remote dispersed sites offer greater solitude but fewer amenities. Tent-only sections at West Tensleep Lake Campground provide a more secluded experience while maintaining access to vault toilets and other basic facilities.
