Dispersed camping near Shell, Wyoming offers numerous free sites throughout the Bighorn National Forest and nearby BLM lands, with most sites sitting at elevations between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, with summer daytime highs in the 70s dropping to the 40s overnight. Seasonal road conditions vary dramatically, with some areas remaining impassable until late spring due to snowmelt and mud.
What to do
**Wildlife watching: Early morning provides best viewing opportunities at meadow locations like Grouse Mountain Basecamp. "During the evening, we saw a large herd of Elk on the forest perimeter," reports a camper at Meadow Camp on Forest Road 231. Circle Road Dispersed Camping area also offers frequent wildlife sightings: "There were two moose grazing in the meadow for the entire time we were there."
**Hiking access: Many dispersed sites connect directly to trail systems. At Canyon Creek Dispersed, campers can access trails directly from their campsites: "The breathtaking Bighorn Mountains at 9000 ft elevation, good for rigs of all sizes but be advised you may want to scout the road the further you get into the camping area as it can be a bit rough (with water crossing at one point)." Circle Park Road ends at a trailhead with "several good hiking opportunities in the area."
**Fishing opportunities: Many dispersed sites sit near streams and small lakes. At Big Horn NRC Dispersed SR, campers enjoy "Bighorn Camping next to the water." Sites along Forest Road 231 provide access to small creeks, though water levels fluctuate seasonally.
What campers like
**Rock formations: The unique geological features draw photographers and climbers. At Castle Gardens, visitors appreciate the "beautiful views and rock formations." Another camper notes, "We decided to pull off the road to check out the Castle Gardens, for which we saw a sign on the road... What an amazing, beautiful, peaceful, quiet place."
**Meadow camping: Open areas with mountain backdrops provide scenic settings for camping. At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, a camper described it as "Very easy to find, we arrived pretty late and it was simple to locate and park. Super pretty spot when we woke up, beautiful sunrise and very meadow like."
**Stargazing: Minimal light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. "Even saw lightning strike the ground," reports a camper at Castle Gardens. Schuler Park receives high marks for stargazing with one camper noting it offers "off the grid campsite with no service or bathrooms. Fireplaces set up at the sites."
**Temperature relief: Higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures during hot summer months. "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping," notes a camper at Grouse Mountain Basecamp. "At night we had a gorgeous sunset and woke up in a cloud!"
What you should know
**Road conditions: Access varies significantly between sites and seasons. Schuler Park has a "dirt road to the sites but it is in good condition," according to visitors. Circle Road campers note: "The road on the left at the first intersection gets rough after a bit, but otherwise the sites are accessible for RVs and trailers."
**Fire restrictions: Rules vary by season and location. Schuler Park has "fireplaces set up at the sites," while other areas may have complete bans during dry periods. Check with the local ranger district before planning campfires.
**Water availability: Most sites lack drinking water sources. One Circle Road camper advises: "There is water available at the campground if you absolutely need it, though I would slip a couple dollars in the self-pay box as a thanks if you do use it."
**Phone service: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the area. At Castle Gardens, "cell service is existent but iffy. Verizon went between zero service to 3 bars." At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, one camper reports: "Our Starlink is super fast for work."
Tips for camping with families
**Wildlife education: Create opportunities for children to learn about local animals. One Circle Road Dispersed Camping visitor notes: "Great free camping. Lots of space from your neighbors... Moose were frequenting the lower valley area so beware that you could step out and see a Moose." Another adds: "We spotted/heard different kinds of wildlife all around us."
**Weather preparation: Pack layers for children as temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "Cold, but the mountains were beautiful," notes one camper who visited Bighorn National Forest. Another mentions: "Can get pretty moist at night with all the clouds!"
**Activity planning: Bring alternatives for rainy days. One camper at Grouse Mountain Basecamp experienced: "One mildly-annoying thing is that people drive along the road while their dogs run beside their cars... we watched one of these free-range dogs go after another camper's dog who was tied up."
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Scout potential spots before committing with larger rigs. At Gravel Pit Dispersed Camping, "there is plenty of space. You can get multiple groups of people in here." For Canyon Creek Dispersed, campers advise: "be advised you may want to scout the road the further you get into the camping area as it can be a bit rough."
**Leveling preparation: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. One camper at Circle Road notes: "Site was not very level, so be prepared for that." Another at Grouse Mountain reports: "It's a level, smooth, dirt road where you pull off the side anywhere you choose... most of the land is level."
**Turnaround considerations: Plan entry and exit strategies carefully on narrow forest roads. At Circle Road, a camper with a 26' bumper pull noted: "No accessible turnarounds with the camper until Circle Pond Campground at the end of the road."
