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Dog-Friendly Camping near Saddlestring, WY

75 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Mikesell Potts Recreation Area features level campsites that accommodate pets at Lake De Smet in Wyoming, approximately 10 miles north of Buffalo and 30 miles from Saddlestring. Sites with picnic tables and fire pits provide lake access where dogs can enjoy water activities. The campground operates on an honor system payment method with camping fees of $15 per night. Most campsites offer spacing between neighbors, creating semi-private spots for campers with pets. The recreation area maintains clean vault toilets and includes some sites with electrical hookups, though these limited power sites fill quickly during peak season. Pronghorn antelope frequently visit the camping area, requiring pet owners to keep dogs leashed and under control.

    Dog owners camping near Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 have access to free dispersed camping with spectacular mountain views in a wildflower-filled meadow setting. Located at 7,000 feet elevation, this area offers cooler temperatures even during summer months, providing comfortable conditions for pets sensitive to heat. The gravel access road remains smooth enough for all vehicle types including RVs and travel trailers. Cell service through Verizon maintains full bars throughout the area, allowing campers to access emergency veterinary information if needed. The nearby Clear Creek offers excellent fly fishing opportunities approximately 3/4 mile from camping spots, where leashed dogs can accompany their owners to the water. Cattle graze in adjacent fields separated by fencing, though dogs should remain supervised as loose dogs from other campers have occasionally approached leashed pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Saddlestring (75)

      1. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

      4.8(26)9mi from SaddlestringRVs, Tents

      "The road is actually 402 and 403 is at the very end behind a closed gate.) Views were breathtaking and most of the land is level. It’s far enough off the main road that there isn’t any road traffic."

      "We got here late in the day after driving through Buffalo Wyoming and found a spot immediately. There's lots of Open spaces for the dog to run and for us."

      2. Mikesell Potts Recreation Area

      4.8(14)8mi from SaddlestringRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "I have to say I found this campground on Dyrt traveling to South Dakota and it is an amazing quiet, clean campground right on a small lake."

      "Beautiful lake . You can camp next to the lake . There doing improvements to the campground."

      from $15 - $20 / night

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      3. Indian Campground

      4.2(20)12mi from SaddlestringRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We had a site right next to hwy 90 so we had so e road noise but we loved our site otherwise. Large shade trees and large grassy area made it ideal for our 2 dogs."

      "There is also a bathroom and shower building in the rear of the property close to row H and next to the little cabins."

      4. Buffalo KOA

      4.5(17)12mi from SaddlestringRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Close to town and the interstate. Dog park. Playground. Some road noise. Propane. Wifi."

      "We stayed at the Buffalo Wyoming KOA in August 2021. This is a very nice KOA park and in fact was our favorite KOA that we have visited."

      from $50 - $80 / night

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      5. South Fork (wyoming)

      4.7(13)12mi from Saddlestring14 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This area of Wyoming wasn't exactly our destination- we were passing through on our way from SD to Yellowstone."

      "There a hike trails near by and easy access to fishing at Tie Hack reservoir."

      from $20 / night

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      6. Circle Road Dispersed Camping

      4.8(12)12mi from SaddlestringRVs, Tents

      "If you go here, please only park or drive in designated areas. Several vehicles went off road which is not allowed and forces the Rangers to limit camping spots."

      "Moose were frequenting the lower valley area so beware that you could step out and see a Moose. Nice view of the mountains. We only had a handful of neighbors the closest one was maybe 100 yards away."

      7. Circle Park Campground

      4.6(13)13mi from Saddlestring10 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is a tiny campground in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area near the popular Circle Park Trailhead."

      "Quite a few people bring their horses and/or off road toys. Great mountain views! Worth the trip every time."

      from $19 / night

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      8. Middle Fork

      4.4(9)11mi from Saddlestring9 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We got the last spot right next to the entrance. Fire pit, picnic table, no-flush toilets close, no water to wash your hands. 22 for the night. No mobile connection at all, no Wi-Fi."

      "The campsites are far apart and all of them are next to a serene mountain river."

      from $20 - $40 / night

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      9. Tie Hack

      4.6(8)12mi from Saddlestring20 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You’ll have to go to Leigh Creek Dump station at the summit on highway 16 or go to the town of Buffalo at the Cenex fuel station. This campground was nicely located."

      "Many sites are reservable but some are kept for walk-in camping. The water is amazingly good.  Explore the rocky mountain and let the kids discover new places."

      from $20 / night

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      10. Deer Park RV Park and Campground

      4.0(8)13mi from SaddlestringRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street"

      "Since we make a couple trips this way each year we will plan on being here again, maybe for 2 or 3 days so we can just relax and use the pool and walking trail. WiFi works great here also!"

      from $43 - $62 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Saddlestring, WY

    437 Reviews of 75 Saddlestring Campgrounds


    • Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 5, 2021

      Buffalo KOA

      Everything you expect from a KOA

      It's a typical KOA. Well maintained. Clean. Great showers/rest rooms. Close sites. Pool wasn't open yet. Store. Very friendly staff. Close to town and the interstate. Dog park. Playground. Some road noise. Propane. Wifi.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 11, 2024

      Deer Park RV Park and Campground

      Deer Park RV

      Nice little campground for stopover. Staff is super friendly and stayed past closing (7pm) to assist late arrivals. Sites are level and pull thru, although a bit narrow. No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 10, 2022

      Peter Ds RV Park

      Best in Sheridan WY

      Sites are very tight but amenities are new and clean. Saw no better and a lot worse in Sheridan. Nice field out back to let dogs run. Also a dedicated dog park.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2023

      Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

      Average KOA

      Average KOA. Sites are level. Staff are friendly and helpful. Dog park a little on the small side but adequate. I did not check out the bath house so can’t comment on that. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos will tote you off in the evening.

    • Alicia V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 26, 2021

      KOA, Buffalo, WY

      Quiet campground

      Nice place to stop between Yellowstone and the Black Forest. Campsites were clean and well kept. This KOA has wifi, laundry, a dog park, and a lodge. The bathrooms were clean and each shower and restroom is individual so there is privacy. Checkout time is at 11 am.

      This location is seasonal and not winterized. They do shut off the water in the "off-season".

    • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 21, 2019

      Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

      Finally, a KOA without all the rock

      This is, finally, a KOA that isn’t covered in gravel and dust! There is real, green grass! The sites are small, and tight, but there is grass. They have mostly RV sites, with some tent sites and small cabins. Electric and water, some with sewer. There is a small store, game room and pool. The shower would be better with a real door, not just curtains. They have a good size dog park, plus an extra area for dogs to run, unfenced.

    • T
      Aug. 14, 2021

      Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

      Great place

      Very helpful staff. Good location. Wonderful town to walk through. Biking and walking trails. Pet friendly. Nice pool. Recommend

    • A
      Jun. 28, 2025

      Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

      Easy Spot

      We love dispersed camping but hauling a 25’ airstream makes a lot of sites inaccessible despite our lift and rugged tires! But not here! It’s a level, smooth, dirt road where you pull off the side anywhere you choose. (The road is actually 402 and 403 is at the very end behind a closed gate.) Views were breathtaking and most of the land is level. It’s far enough off the main road that there isn’t any road traffic. One mildly-annoying thing is that people drive along the road while their dogs run beside their cars. I guess that’s to exercise their animal but we watched one of these free-range dogs go after another camper’s dog who was tied up. Just an FYI if you are traveling with pets. We didn’t have any issues with mosquitos but there were a few flies. No bites or anything.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 14, 2024

      Lakeview Campground

      Beautiful lake frequented by moose.

      Stayed for just one night. Great sites and a beautiful area with plenty of trails to hike. Had a big bull moose sitting in our site upon arrival and he stayed nearby all day and night so caution with pets is recommended.


    Guide to Saddlestring

    Dispersed camping options in the Bighorn National Forest region near Saddlestring, Wyoming provide overnight stays across a wide range of elevations from 4,500 to 10,000 feet. The area experiences temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night during summer months, with limited cell service throughout most wilderness locations. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations when roads aren't snow-covered.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: The Clear Creek area near Circle Road Dispersed Camping offers excellent fishing within walking distance of camp. "There are several good hiking opportunities in the area, including the trailhead at the end of this road," notes Bruce P., who visited this location.

    Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best chance to spot diverse wildlife. "We had a spot with no neighbors and trees on three sides... with prong horns visiting," reports David W. about his experience at Mikesell Potts Recreation Area. The meadows throughout the region attract deer, moose and various bird species.

    Water activities: Lake-based recreation includes swimming and paddling options. "Pulled in and it looked nice... Showers and bathrooms were clean," mentions Don O. about Buffalo KOA, adding that water features are accessible directly from some campsites in the region.

    What campers like

    Quiet locations: Many campers appreciate sites with natural sound barriers. "We loved sitting by the water on some large boulders. The water is great white noise too," says Art S. about Crazy Woman Canyon Road, which features camping spots next to flowing water.

    Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention ample space between sites as a major advantage. "The sites were good size, toilets and baths were clean. They even have a pool," notes Debbie I. about her stay at Indian Campground in nearby Buffalo.

    Natural features: Creekside locations are particularly valued. "We set up our hammocks and enjoyed the cool breeze and sound. Bathrooms were clean and had hand sanitizer and a trash can," explains Casey L. about Middle Fork Campground, highlighting how waterside sites enhance the camping experience.

    What you should know

    Weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping," shares Lisa D. about her experience at Grouse Mountain Basecamp, noting that mountain camping provides relief from summer heat.

    Road conditions: Access roads vary greatly in quality. "The first 2/3rds of the dirt road was great, last little bit might get tricky after a rain. I can see this campground becoming muddy," warns Milo D. about Circle Park Campground, advising caution during wet weather.

    Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. "We got in late but had no trouble navigating the campground or the registration process," mentions Madison D. about South Fork Campground, describing the straightforward self-registration available at many forest service sites.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly exploration: Boulder fields and meadows provide natural playgrounds. "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on," shares Patrick W. about his family's experience at Circle Park Campground.

    Accessible water features: Lakes and creeks offer safe wading areas. "There is a picnic table and full hook ups," notes Debra M. about Indian Campground, adding that the "creek trail that is very peaceful and a quicker way to town" provides family-friendly walking options.

    Dog friendly campgrounds near Saddlestring: Many sites welcome pets but require leashing. "The creek is so peaceful. A bunch of dispersed sites," mentions Jason W. about Crazy Woman Canyon Road, providing a dog-friendly environment where pets can enjoy water access while remaining under control.

    Tips from RVers

    Level sites: Finding flat parking can be challenging in some areas. "There are many spots along Circle Park Rd. You can be in the woods or out in the open like I was so I could get solar and starlink," explains Patrick N., noting the importance of site selection for RV leveling and solar access.

    Access considerations: Road width and turning radius matter for larger rigs. "We love dispersed camping but hauling a 25' airstream makes a lot of sites inaccessible despite our lift and rugged tires! But not here!" shares Amy D. about her experience at Buffalo KOA, which provides "clean, nice, easy access" according to James W.

    Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited at most forest service locations. "There are only a few spots with power, so get there early," advises David W. about Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, a consideration for RVers who require electrical hookups during their stay near Saddlestring.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Saddlestring, WY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Saddlestring, WY is Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Saddlestring, WY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 75 dog-friendly camping locations near Saddlestring, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.