99 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"Amazing creek behind the majority of the sites. Nice tent only walk in sites. Sites 1 & 2 share a parking area. Large turn around area for staging/unloading car/ATV haulers."
"We stayed right near the stream, which was beautiful. There were free range cattle around the area which made it interesting wondering if it was a bear or not from a far distance!"
from $19 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $999 / night
Check Availability"Access to 2 mile bike/walking on the levee behind."
"There is a paved walk just steps out of the campground where we took a walk and watched deer. We only stayed one night but wish that all our campgrounds could be like this one."
"Make sure you get a spot near the bubbling mountain stream...sites 23 and 24 were right on the waters edge. The camp host and family were awesome. Great hosts."
"Tie Flume Campground is located in the Bighorn National Forest, with scenery and wildlife all around you. You can't beat that! There are also so many activities to do here."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Another camper walked by and said it’s his favorite place to camp. Walk right out into the Bighorns and you’ll find diversity. There are different forests on each side."
"Tons of spots in the trees next to a big meadow. Pretty easy to get to, though I had to be careful in my small car. Free and would recommend."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"We dispersed camped north of MeadowLark Lake along FS Road 427 I believe! It was beautiful, and so peaceful. We did get stormed on but our tent held out really well!"
"With gale force winds blowing the shutters off...and a steep walk to the vault toilet...we bailed early. However, the Bighorns are AMAZING! Saw my 1st moose!"
"The Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site is maintained by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. I normally avoid campgrounds and prefer dispersed camping or backpacking, but I gladly camp here."
"There was a deep hole next to the canyon face. In the afternoon the 60' canyon wall reflected the water. At night the fire flickered and projected our shadows across the whole face."
from $10 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful, quiet campground situated near a stream with willows. We saw moose nearby and a deer near our campsite. No electricity . Get away from it all here."
"Absolutely beautiful location in the rocks and pines of the mountains. Jan the CG host gave us a heads up to help extend our stay to two weeks."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"This is a cute little campground just across the highway from the medicine wheel. no streams in or near the campground but there are waterfalls within about 20 miles. great views, clean toilet facilities"
"Our interest in this campground was built by the closeness to Medicine Wheel National Monument. It is a sacred place that is worth the time to see."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"Near the base of the Big Horns Mountains, this KOA can make a great stop in between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. This is a seasonal campground, opening on the 1st of May."
TravelerSpent one night here. Pulled in late on a Saturday in July and there were still a few sites available. There are only 7 sites. Walked to the end of the road and enjoyed part of the hike. We possibly could’ve driven our RV down there (single lane may have scraped the sides) but we didn’t want to lose our campsite. We would’ve liked to have done more but got in too late. Dogs and kids enjoyed swimming in the river.
GuideThis place was beautiful. Deer walked through camp, fish jumped in the creek, sun was hot mid-day but water was comfortably cool. My Toyota tundra pickup made it fine. Road gets a little rough and high clearance vehicles and small high clearance campers/rvs could make it to this camp site. There are tons of other more open plains and tree covered camp sites with much nicer dirt roads before this one, more suited to larger rigs. I'd be willing to camp with my 40ft skoolie in the more open sites before this one by the creek. Was pretty private and quiet, not a lot of people around but could hear dirt bikes early morning and throughout the day.
TravelerWe typically prefer dispersed camping but this was a nice paid campground. The water was wonderful to listen to and the sites were nice and big. Our only complaint was a rather aggressive camp host.
TravelerWide open, plenty of room and millions dollar views. If you’re coming in from Buffalo Wyoming, is the perfect spot to stop and reset. The 2500 ft climb will test your rig and there’s 2500 more feet to go before you begin the decent. Perfect!
TravelerEasy to find, but most of the meadow sites on the fringes were taken up by RVs. Much to choose from if you take the rocky road. I have a 4x with clearance so I drove in a ways to get some space. Much to choose from if you drive a ways. Deer came to visit during the day. Rainstorm rolled in on my first night so it was pretty chilly. But next day was beautiful. I would come back again.
TravelerThis park is well maintained. There are water slickers for fresh water and pit toilets. We ended up paying $23.34 per night for being out of state. Beautiful snow capped mountains in the area. We slept with our RV windows open and it was perfect.
RangerCamped at Site #9. Site has a steep downhill entrance so larger trailers wouldn’t be to level. I have a 24 foot trailer and it fit just right tucked in the site. This site has a wonderful view of the lake, is out of the wind, and trail leading down to the lake.
Site 10 is a LARGE double wide and flat site. It has a stunning view of the lake and a breeze through it all of the time.
Camp host was great, always busy cleaning and doing things around the campground.
Vault toilets are spotless and always kept clean.
Potable water is very good and you can fill up fresh water tank easily.
Tent camping sites are placed in the pine woods and are down closer to the lake.
Some nice trails around the lake in areas.
No cell phone service which is GREAT way to fully disconnect and enjoy the beauty.
Will stay here again.
ScoutWife and I were supposed to spend the night in Cody but realized our reservation was for the next day. We called KOA last minute and Kim was so gracious as to help us out with finding a place to stay. The rates are affordable, the sites are clean, and the bathrooms are incredibly well kept. Thank you!!
GuideThis is a busy campground. Seems to be a base camp for ATV but it is quite. Sites 14 & 15 have no shade or protection from the wind. The other sites sit next to the creek. Drinking water was good and the pit toilets were clean.
Dispersed camping near Shell, Wyoming offers numerous options within Bighorn National Forest, particularly along Forest Road 231 where spacious meadow sites provide primitive camping experiences. Shell sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, with the surrounding camping areas ranging from 4,200 to over 8,400 feet. Temperature variations can be extreme during camping season, with summer highs often reaching mid-70s while nighttime temperatures frequently drop below 50°F even in peak summer months.
Fishing nearby creeks: Shell Creek Campground provides excellent fishing access with sites situated along a mountain stream. "Great NFS campground. Nice travel sites, pretty level. Amazing creek behind the majority of the sites. Nice tent only walk in sites," notes Doug I. about Shell Creek Campground.
Explore historical sites: Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site contains several hundred American Indian petroglyphs and pictographs dating back 2,000 years. "The petroglyphs were in remarkable shape and worth the long drive out to the campground. There are clean vault toilets in sight from every site," shares Preston Y. about Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site.
Hiking in Bighorn National Forest: Multiple trails provide options for all skill levels throughout the forest. "Bighorn National Forest is one of my all time favorites to visit in the country. There is also great history in the area like a tornado that ripped through the area. Find the plaque that explains more about that wild phenomenon when heading towards Cody," writes Davidson L. H.
Creek-side camping: Many sites along Shell Creek offer the sound of flowing water to enhance sleep. "We liked this place so much, that we have reservations to stay there again, but for two nights, not just one. We stayed right near the stream, which was beautiful," writes Andrea about Shell Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tie Flume Campground offers frequent wildlife sightings in a forest setting. "Sites are very spaced out, so it is very private and quiet. Lots of wildlife and pine forest," mentions Hannah T. Another camper, Todd S., states, "This place is amazing. Make sure you get a spot near the bubbling mountain stream...sites 23 and 24 were right on the waters edge."
Amenities at developed campgrounds: For those wanting more facilities, Greybull KOA provides numerous comforts. "Nice little campground, tucked just outside of town. Minutes from stores and restaurants. This KOA had a pool, play ground, laundry room, rec room plus many more," reports Taylor B. about Greybull KOA.
High elevation camping considerations: Bald Mountain Campground sits at 9,100 feet, creating cooler conditions. "This campground has several loops that nicely disperse campers. The sites have some great tree cover. We loved the layout of some sites. The camper pad was separated from the picnic tables by some trees too," shares Art S.
Wildlife safety protocols: Bears and moose frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. "We did see a mother and baby black bear about 10 miles down the road. Beautiful dear in the area. Chipmunks and birds too. Host said there are moose and coyotes in the area," notes Jennifer K.
Water availability varies: Many forest campgrounds have limited water facilities. "The water spigots don't have threads either and not meant to fill RV tanks," explains a camper at Shell Creek Campground. "In season there is potable water, trash service, out of season NO water, NO trash. Pack it in Pack it out," advises another camper about Bald Mountain Campground.
Campgrounds with amenities: Dead Swede Campground provides facilities while maintaining a wilderness feel. "Beautiful space set among the tall pines. Area is well kept and hiking galore," writes N I. Another camper notes, "Streamside seclusion. We loved this campsite. Right by the stream, very secluded, level ground for our tents."
Swimming options: Several locations provide safe water play for children during hot summer days. "My 4 yo son loved the pool and the playground. My 12 daughter loved the WiFi and extra clean showers and bathrooms," shares Vena B. about her stay at Greybull KOA.
Educational opportunities: Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site offers historical learning experiences. "There is a 700 foot long sandstone bluff that contains several hundred American Indian petroglyphs and pictographs that date back 2000 years," explains one visitor.
Site selection for larger rigs: Owen Creek Campground accommodates RVs with accessible sites. "Right past Owen campground. Tons of spots in the trees next to a big meadow. Pretty easy to get to, though I had to be careful in my small car," notes Megan S.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as facilities are limited. "Nice green spot in the middle of nowhere! Be aware: There is NO dumping for RVs!" warns dudley W. about Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site. Another RVer mentions, "No dumpsters here but a few bear resistant trash cans for small amounts of trash."
Weather preparedness: Elevation changes cause significant temperature variations. "It's mid August and it's starting to cool down. About 75 during the day and low 50s at night," reports Jennifer K. Even summer camping requires warm clothing for evenings and mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shell, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shell, WY offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Shell, WY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Shell, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shell, WY is Shell Creek with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shell, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Shell, WY.
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