The Bighorn Mountains near Sheridan, Wyoming offer diverse equestrian camping opportunities from June through September at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Several specialized horse camps in the national forest provide corrals, high lines, and water access for equine travelers, with most requiring navigating unpaved forest service roads. Campsites typically close by early October due to weather conditions.
What to do
Horseback trails exploration: From Battle Park Trailhead, riders can access numerous wilderness routes. As Shannon T. notes, "This camp is primarily a horse camp. There are several corrals and high lines as well as a horse water trough fed by a nearby creek. There is also ample parking for horse trailers."
Fishing in mountain streams: The region offers excellent fly fishing opportunities in small creeks. At Doyle Creek Campground, Kailey A. reports, "There is a stream for good fly fishing and we always see a bunch of wildlife!" Carl S. adds, "Very scenic quiet trail along Doyle creek starting from backside of campground that turns into a loop through meadows and ponderosa."
Wildlife viewing: The Bighorn Mountains host diverse wildlife including moose, elk, and deer. At Doyle Creek Campground, Teresa H. observed, "Lot of space which you may share with a wandering cow from rangeland. We loved it here. Beautiful country with room to wander after dinner with the dogs!"
What campers like
Scenic mountain setting: The combination of forest and meadows creates varied landscapes. At Hunter Campground, Sam noted, "Stunning mountain views and lots of areas to explore. Water and bathrooms were available, fire ring and picnic table at each site spot."
Temperature relief: The high elevation provides cooler conditions during summer months. Lanna M. says about Circle Park Campground, "Nice spot to go when it's super hot in town." She continues, "It's so close and easy to get to from Buffalo, and there are plenty of different spots so you can find something you like. Shaded areas, more sunny spots, more private or close to the road."
Natural exploration for kids: The varied terrain offers natural playgrounds. Patrick W. shares, "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on. Good views and quiet. Some sites might be tough with bigger trailers."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require driving on rugged forest roads. According to Shawn O. at Little Goose Campground, "We were able to crawl our way back out of the camp area after an overnight steady rain, we kept in 4 low and made it safely." He elaborates, "You wouldn't want anything less than a stock Wrangler or equivalent to take this road. In our rig we bottomed out a few times."
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian camping areas operate only during summer months. At Circle Park Campground, according to Annie C., "The campground hosts had firewood for sale. Because this is about a mile or so down a forest service road, it was really quiet." She notes the campground has only 10 sites.
