Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Shell, WY

Shell Campground accommodates pets across tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurts with clean facilities and friendly staff. Visitors with dogs appreciate the well-maintained grounds where pets can accompany campers throughout the property. Shell Creek Campground, located in Bighorn National Forest, offers pet-friendly sites alongside a beautiful creek with picnic tables and fire rings at each location. One visitor camping with their dog noted the spectacular creek setting and absence of significant bear activity makes this an ideal spot for pets. Both campgrounds maintain pet waste disposal options and require dogs to be leashed when outside vehicles or camping units.

The Bighorn mountain trails surrounding these campgrounds provide extensive pet-friendly hiking opportunities with varied terrain. Dogs particularly enjoy the creek access at Shell Creek Campground where they can cool off during summer months. Greybull KOA, approximately 20 miles west of Shell, offers additional pet amenities including a designated dog walking area along a paved path by the Big Horn River. Pet owners should be aware of wildlife in the area - campers have reported seeing moose, deer, and occasional black bears in the broader region. During peak summer months, the cool mountain elevations of Bighorn National Forest provide comfortable temperatures for pets, with Shell Creek Campground reaching only about 75°F during August days while dropping to the low 50s at night.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Shell, Wyoming (68)

    1. Shell Campground

    3 Reviews
    Shell, WY
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 765-9924

    $44 - $110 / night

    2. Shell Creek

    6 Reviews
    Shell, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "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!"

    3. Greybull KOA

    6 Reviews
    Greybull, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 765-2555

    "The grounds are well cared with a small playground and dog run. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is a paved walk just steps out of the campground where we took a walk and watched deer."

    "Access to 2 mile bike/walking on the levee behind."

    4. Bighorn National Forest Tie Flume Campground

    15 Reviews
    Wolf, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $21 / night

    "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."

    5. Owen Creek

    5 Reviews
    Wolf, WY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $18 / night

    "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."

    6. Bighorn National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Wolf, WY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "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!"

    7. Dead Swede

    5 Reviews
    Wolf, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $21 / night

    "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."

    8. Bald Mountain Campground

    5 Reviews
    Shell, WY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "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."

    9. Greybull KOA Holiday

    1 Review
    Greybull, WY
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Porcupine Campground (WY)

    5 Reviews
    Shell, WY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "My favorite part of the trip to this area was the Native American Medicine Wheel site, but we found some great hikes around here too. Good wildlife viewing."

    "Camphost  is located at the Bald Mountain Campground.  Sites are small with picnic table, fire ring, back in sites.  Some sites are good for solar and some are shady. "

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shell, WY

375 Reviews of 68 Shell Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • W
    Jul. 23, 2021

    Lazy R Campground

    Loved this one!

    We stayed here for 3 nights on our trip from Texas. Quiet, pet and kid friendly, and the staff was great! Clean grounds that they are constantly working on- and the bakery was delicious for breakfast. Close to Montana, Big Horn National park, Sheridan, etc. great location! But the staff was just above and beyond- so friendly, so helpful, and we’d stay here again!

  • Rhonda R.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    Nice and quiet!

    It's very nice here.Its always been quiet and clean. Showers are clean and water is hot. There is a pool and nice playground for the kids. Pet friendly.

  • Paul M.
    Mar. 10, 2019

    Medicine Lodge Archaelogical Site Campground

    Best Campground in the State of Wyoming

    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. Sites are well spaced out with Medicine Lodge Creek running through the campground. A walking/bike path goes end to end in the park following the creek. It does not have electrical hookups or dump stations for RVs. There are no shower facilities, but it does have vault toilets and drinking water. You can also buy firewood onsite as there is really nowhere to gather your own wood inside the park. You can go down the 4WD road at the north end of the park to Black Butte a bit and usually find your own firewood, however. All fires must be within the campsite fire rings.

    The Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site is a perfect place to camp to explore the Bighorn Mountains, being relatively close to the Medicine Wheel and Shell Falls. If you enjoy craft beer, Tensleep Brewery -- located in a refurbished barn -- is located approximately 20 - 30 miles south in Tensleep.


Guide to Shell

Shell, Wyoming sits at the base of the Bighorn Mountains where elevations rapidly rise from 4,200 feet in town to over 8,000 feet in the surrounding forest. Summer temperatures in this region range from mid-70s during August days to low 50s at night. Camping options near Shell include established campgrounds with varying amenities and dispersed sites throughout the national forest.

What to do

Hiking the Medicine Wheel: Visit this sacred Native American site near Bald Mountain Campground. "The camper pad was separated from the picnic tables by some trees too. Water is available at a couple hand pumps that are out in the open. Clean restrooms and trash cans are here too," notes Art S., who adds, "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."

Explore mountain trails: The Tie Flume Campground offers access to numerous hiking paths. One camper shared, "I hiked Lily Lake Trail which is part of the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Really enjoyed this hike, great scenery and awesome views during the hike and at the top." Sites provide an excellent base for day trips with "picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hooks" according to Leslie B.

Fish local streams: Anglers find success in the creeks throughout the area. A visitor at Dead Swede Campground reported, "Trout fishing on site with moose coming to the river daily to water." Another camper described it as a "Beautiful place for fishing. Nice central location in the mountain between big lakes."

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: Many campers spot moose and deer regularly at Dead Swede Campground. "Resident doe gave the RV a bump in the night then learned we were there. She walked through twice a day," reports Mary. Another camper mentions, "We saw moose nearby and a deer near our campsite."

Creek access: Campsites alongside running water are highly valued. At Porcupine Campground, visitors appreciate the "great stream and rocky banks to explore" according to Amber A., who adds that it has "big spread out sites." Another camper mentioned it's "a nice campground with a good creek to play in" where "kids can play and fish in it" by midsummer.

Quiet surroundings: Many campgrounds offer peaceful settings away from crowds. A visitor at Owen Creek Campground described seeing "a moose drinking from the creek right across from our spot! Saw a momma and baby moose not long after, and plenty of deer as well. Beautiful forest behind our spot and beautiful wildflowers in front."

What you should know

Elevation affects temperatures: At higher elevations like Tie Flume Campground, weather can be unpredictable. A camper at Bald Mountain noted, "It was windy and even for late July it was 45° at night." Pack warm clothes even for summer camping.

Limited services: Most forest campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Bighorn National Forest dispersed sites, be prepared for primitive conditions. As one camper warns, "No facilities, stores or cell service. You must be prepared and self sufficient."

Seasonal operations: Most mountain campgrounds close by early October. A reviewer at Dead Swede Campground noted it operates from "June - Oct" with a "14-day limit" and "$18.00 per night" fee with an additional "$9.00 per additional vehicle" charge.

Bear awareness: While not as prevalent as in other areas, bears do inhabit the region. A visitor to Bighorn National Forest cautioned, "There are bears out in this forest, recommend putting all food in your hard sided truck, Car, or camper! A human fed bear is a dead bear!"

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with play areas: For pet friendly camping near Shell with children, some locations offer better amenities than others. At Shell Campground, a visitor noted, "The campsite is best without kiddos because there is no playground or anything for them to do outside here." Consider alternatives like Greybull KOA which offers "a pool, play ground, laundry room, rec room plus many more" according to Taylor B.

Select creek-side sites: Children enjoy water features. At Porcupine Campground, "there is a creek that runs through camp and is low enough by midsummer to allow kids to play and fish in it." Bathrooms there are "very clean, which is typical for Wyoming campgrounds."

Plan for weather changes: Mountain elevations mean variable conditions. A visitor advised, "Take tent heater for the tower unless going in middle of summer" when staying at fire lookout accommodations in the Bighorns.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups available: Most national forest campgrounds near Shell lack RV amenities. For full services, consider Shell Campground where "We did a single overnight here with the RV" or Greybull KOA which offers "full hook-ups (pull-thru, back-in sites) water-electric sites, long-term sites."

Site leveling considerations: Many forest roads and campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Tie Flume Campground, Kathi V. advises, "Be aware that you will have to arrive with water in your tank if you are in an RV. The hand pumps at the campground do not allow you to attach a hose." She adds that "The Burgess Junction dump station is great and you can fill water tanks there on your way in and dump on your way out."

Free dispersed options: For self-contained RVs, Bighorn National Forest offers numerous no-cost alternatives. "Driving through Bighorn National Forest we found TONS of free dispersed camping off route 20. Sites are primitive… No running water, no electric, no restrooms. Sites consist of previously used dispersed site containing clearing and fire pits. There are camping spots for tents and RVs from large to small," reports meghan G.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Shell, WY is Shell Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Shell, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.