Best Dispersed Camping near Shell, WY
Multiple dispersed camping sites exist throughout the Bighorn National Forest and nearby BLM lands surrounding Shell, Wyoming. Popular free camping areas include Meadow Camp on Forest Road 231, Circle Road Dispersed Camping, Grouse Mountain Basecamp, Canyon Creek Dispersed, and Castle Gardens. These primitive sites generally lack amenities and are located on unpaved forest roads at various elevations, from meadow settings to higher mountain locations offering views of the Bighorn Mountains.
Access roads to these dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Most sites require travel on dirt or gravel roads, with some areas demanding high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when mud can be problematic. Circle Road has multiple pull-off spots suitable for various vehicle types, while other locations like Canyon Creek may require more careful navigation with water crossings at certain points. A standard 14-day stay limit applies to most dispersed camping areas. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some sites permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely.
These dispersed sites provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking access, and scenic mountain vistas. The high-elevation locations offer cooler temperatures during summer months but can be windy and chilly at night. Campers frequently report elk sightings, particularly at Meadow Camp. Cell phone reception is inconsistent throughout the region, with some locations offering limited service. Castle Gardens, a BLM site about 5 miles off Highway 16, features picnic tables and a vault toilet but maintains a primitive camping experience. According to a visitor, "The road is gravel with occasional washboarding, but overall doable for most vehicles. What an amazing, beautiful, peaceful, quiet place."
