Glamping opportunities near Saddlestring, Wyoming provide travelers with base camps for exploring the Bighorn Mountains at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 8,500 feet. Weather conditions shift dramatically between seasons, with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing and summer daytime highs averaging 75-85°F. The region experiences relatively low rainfall, typically 15-20 inches annually, making it suitable for canvas accommodations from spring through fall.
What to do
Hiking trails: 0.5-mile nature loop at Deer Park RV Park and Campground offers wildlife spotting opportunities. "One of our favorite features was the nature trail near the front of the CG—about a half-mile loop—where we spotted several deer. A peaceful walk and a nice touch to the stay," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours provide the best chances to spot moose and other wildlife. At Island Park Campground, visitors often encounter animals: "Pulled into spot and two moose were browsing on the stream bank in front of us. Campground was well spaced out and host very friendly. Great views and walking paths along stream with meadow on opposite side and mountains in background."
Fishing: Clear water creeks throughout the region offer excellent trout fishing. "Beautiful campsites, brook trout fishing in the lake and the creek below, as well as a 4x4 trail that makes a large loop between shell reservoir and lake Adelaide," reports a visitor to Shell Reservoir.
What campers like
Year-round availability: Some glamping accommodations remain open during winter months. A visitor to Buffalo KOA noted, "Needed a quick, last-minute spot in December and this KOA was perfect. Great communication (can just stop by w/o a reservation) and easy access."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms as a highlight. "Very clean campsites and facilities! Friendly family staff! Easy access to the creek! Also has a cute store!" says a Buffalo KOA guest. Another camper at Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA appreciated "great showers/rest rooms" and mentioned "this KOA has nice wide lots and friendly staff."
Proximity to mountain recreation: The location provides easy access to high-country adventures. A visitor to Lazy R Campground stated, "We visited because the campground was only a short drive to the Big Horn Mountains which are gorgeous and worth seeing."
What you should know
Seasonal burn restrictions: Fire bans frequently affect the region during dry months. "There is a fire ban so no open fires or cooking. I opted to use my gas stove on the porch and there wasn't a problem," explains a camper.
Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from excellent to non-existent depending on location. "Only drawback was no cell service (Verizon)," reports a visitor at Island Park Campground, while others mention good coverage at campgrounds closer to major highways.
Road access considerations: Many camping areas require traveling unpaved roads. "Easy access about 2 miles in on graded dirt road," notes a camper at Island Park Campground, though others warn some locations require "high clearance 4x4" vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming facilities: Seasonal pools provide cooling options after hiking. At Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA, "there is a pool and nice playground for the kids. Pet friendly," a visitor reports.
Select sites with natural entertainment: Creeks and wildlife viewing enhance the experience. "We just arrived here and have fallen in love with this place. Cozy, super clean, especially the bathrooms! And it's not just for RVs. There are cabins and yurts," notes a visitor to Shell Campground.
Pack food supplies: Limited grocery options exist in smaller towns. A visitor to Lazy R Campground advises, "Just know, you need to come prepared or drive to Sheridan. On Wed and Thurs there was no restaurant open (we only found 1 in 'town'). There is no grocery either."
Tips from RVers
Utilities placement: Check hookup locations when selecting sites. "Utilities are smartly placed in the middle of most sites. Water pressure is very good, got 3 OTA channels, and their 24 channel cable worked okay but a little grainy on some channels," reports a visitor at Deer Park RV Park and Campground.
Satellite considerations: Tree cover can affect reception. "While there are mature trees throughout the CG, satellite reception should be possible at most sites—especially if you can adjust your antenna," notes an RVer at Deer Park.
WiFi performance varies: Connection quality differs significantly between locations. "I connected to the first one I saw and got a surprising 279 Mbps upload and 119 Mbps download—an enormous improvement since our last visit about two years ago," reported a camper at Deer Park, while others mention limited or no connectivity in more remote areas.
