Shell, Wyoming sits at the eastern edge of the Bighorn Mountains where elevations rise from 4,200 feet in town to over 8,400 feet in the nearby forests. Temperatures fluctuate significantly with summer days reaching 85°F while dropping to 50°F at night in higher campgrounds. Camping facilities are concentrated along Highway 14 and the Shell Creek drainage, with most forest campgrounds closing by late September due to heavy winter snowfall.
What to do
Explore mountain trails: The Bighorn National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities accessible from Tie Flume Campground. One camper noted, "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."
Visit historical sites: Several historical attractions exist near campgrounds along Highway 14. "The Tie Flume trail just a quarter mile down the road. Follow that road and go on a dirt road trip. Black Mountain fire tower is 10 miles down," shared a visitor about day trip options from the forest campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide prime opportunities for wildlife sightings around campsites. "Sites 23 and 24 were right on the waters edge. The camp host and family were awesome. Great hosts... with moose and deer visitors," reported a camper at Tie Flume Campground.
What campers like
Quiet, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at forest campgrounds. At Bighorn National Forest Tie Flume Campground, visitors mention, "Sites are very spaced out, so it is very private and quiet. Lots of wildlife and pine forest."
Clean facilities: Travelers consistently note well-maintained restrooms and grounds. "The vault toilets and trash bins were looked after often," shared one camper about forest service sites, while another stated, "The bathrooms were very clean. I'm not sure if they offer big sites for RVs, but we stayed in a single family site which came with a camp fire ring and a picnic table."
Mountain streams: Campsites near water are highly sought after. "This place is amazing. Make sure you get a spot near the bubbling mountain stream," advised a visitor about selecting optimal sites at Tie Flume Campground.
What you should know
Limited services: Most rv parks near Shell, Wyoming require self-sufficiency. "There is NO cell service within 18 miles of the campground. Additionally, there is no grocery store or even stocked service station within miles as well. Come prepared with what you need for your entire stay," advises a visitor to Tie Flume Campground.
Water restrictions: RV campers should plan for water needs carefully. "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. The water was wonderful though," shared a Tie Flume visitor.
Elevation considerations: Forest campgrounds sit at high elevations affecting temperatures and breathing. "This campground is over 8000 feet with no electric. There are several sites that are great for solar," notes a camper about the conditions at higher elevation sites.
Tips for camping with families
Downtown access: Ten Broek RV Park provides easy access to town amenities for families. "Right by rodeo grounds. Owners are great. There is a small store, showers, cabins. Sites are on either side of small streets. Park is on edge of town—great location," noted one family.
Simple activities: Families appreciate basic campground amenities for children. "I stayed at this campground with my family. We really enjoyed making a big campfire and making smores! We also cooked some fish one night that I caught in the river," shared a visitor to forest campgrounds.
Limited child-focused amenities: Some rv parks near Shell are designed primarily for older travelers. "The campsite is best without kiddos because there is no playground or anything for them to do outside here. A small and simple campsite for an overnight near Bighorn National Forest," noted a family visitor to Shell Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some Shell, Wyoming rv parks have tight entry points. "The sites were nice and level, but the hook-ups were in the middle of the site so make sure you have a long enough hose," advised an RVer about Worland RV Park & Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Fall through winter sees reduced camping options. "The Burgess Junction dump station is great and you can fill water tanks there on your way in and dump on your way out," shared an RVer about early or late season travel preparations when some facilities close.
Electricity needs: Solar capabilities matter at forest campsites without hookups. "This campground is over 8000 feet with no electric. There are several sites that are great for solar," noted an experienced RVer about managing power needs in remote locations.
