Best Campgrounds near Shell, WY
Shell, Wyoming offers diverse camping options within the Bighorn National Forest and surrounding areas. The Shell Campground, located within the town, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurt accommodations with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers. Just outside town, Shell Creek Campground offers a more rustic experience with tent and RV sites situated along a creek in a forested setting. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while some of the more developed sites like Greybull KOA provide additional amenities such as laundry facilities, WiFi, and swimming pools.
Road conditions and access vary seasonally throughout the region, with most forest campgrounds open from May through September due to mountain weather patterns. "We stayed here on the way back from Yellowstone. The creek is mesmerizing and loved falling asleep next to it," shared one camper about Shell Creek Campground. Higher elevation sites like Bald Mountain Campground typically open later in June and close by early September. The area experiences wide temperature fluctuations, with summer days reaching 75°F while nights can drop to the 50s even in August. Campers should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters including deer, elk, moose, and occasionally bears, particularly at sites like Owen Creek Campground where visitors reported moose sightings.
The Bighorn Mountains provide scenic backdrops for camping experiences with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Shell Creek Campground consistently receives positive reviews for its creek-side settings and peaceful atmosphere. As one visitor noted, "The beauty of Bighorn mountains really took us by surprise! So beautiful!" For those seeking more primitive experiences, dispersed camping options exist throughout the national forest lands, particularly along Forest Road 231 where campers can find spacious meadow sites. Many campgrounds in the region are relatively small, creating an intimate camping experience. The Shell Reservoir Camping Area offers lake views and fishing opportunities but requires high-clearance 4x4 vehicles to access, according to visitor reports.
