Shoshone National Forest camping offers diverse accommodations within a high-elevation landscape ranging from 4,600 to 13,804 feet. The region experiences significant wind conditions, particularly during midday hours, which campers should prepare for when securing tents and equipment. Summer daytime temperatures typically range between 70-85°F with nighttime drops into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: From Colter Bay RV Park, visitors can explore numerous day hikes with mountain views. "The hikes around Colter Bay are majestic! Church at the amphitheater was enjoyable, and the grocery store provided necessary items and ice cream treats daily!" notes Chelsea W. about Colter Bay RV Park.
Fishing opportunities: Wind River access points provide excellent fishing spots throughout the region. "We stayed in a riverfront spot and we would definitely recommend! These are very large spots that are back in spots and the Wind River is right outside your door," shares Brandon G. about The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort.
Off-road exploration: Numerous ATV trails extend from camping areas into the surrounding backcountry. "60 acres - hiking, biking, ATV and off road accessible... There is access to trails to the back country to the north, so a great place to bring an ATV and explore," according to Rocky H.'s experience at Solitude RV Park.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Prime waterfront sites offer direct river access and views. "The camp host was so kind and respectful... She guided us to our river front spot which was bliss. A great camp fire ring, access to the river and wide well kept sites. The kids all went swimming in the river and warmed up by the fire after," writes Jennifer H. about her stay at Windhaven RV Resort.
Privacy between sites: Many parks offer spacious layouts that minimize crowding. "When you first pull up you are little suspicious cause you have to go past this storage area. But once you get to your site, it's just amazing with stunning views and privacy," explains Lynn D. about Solitude RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Prairie dogs and other wildlife frequently appear near campsites. "Our 3 year old daughter loved chasing around the prairie dogs around the park as well!" shares Brandon G. about his family's experience at The Longhorn Ranch Lodge & RV Resort.
What you should know
Water pressure variations: Some sites experience significant differences in water pressure depending on their location. "We were in a site that they tell you on the website has low water pressure so we knew. The sites that are lower have better pressure, I guess. I had loaded our tank before staying anyway, so no big deal," advises Rocky H. about Solitude RV Park.
Distance to national parks: While advertised as near Yellowstone, drive times can be substantial. "This was by far our favorite RV park on our recent trip out west... The only drawback to this RV park how far from Yellowstone it is. It's 35+ minutes from the East entrance which is already an hour away from most of Yellowstone's major places to visit," notes Jonathan D. about Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV.
Limited tent camping options: Despite listings, some rv parks near Shoshone National Forest don't actually permit tent camping. "The brochure said '10 tent sites', but when we got there, they do not allow tent camping," reports Molly about her experience at Yellowstone Valley Inn & RV.
Tips for camping with families
River swimming access: Several campgrounds offer safe river access points for children. "The kids all went swimming in the river and warmed up by the fire after. It was so much fun," shares Jennifer H. about Windhaven RV Resort.
Pet-friendly policies vary: While most parks accept pets, rules and designated areas differ significantly. "They even have a leash free clean dog park. We couldn't have asked for a better one night stay!" reports David L. about Buffalo Bluff RV Park.
Bathroom conditions: Bathroom facilities vary widely between parks, from pristine to problematic. "The bathrooms were spotless & spacious - lots of attention to detail with clothes hooks & benches. The grounds were very clean & well kept," notes David L. about his experience at Windhaven RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hard water staining: The regional water contains significant mineral content that can damage RV exteriors. "One other point of concern is that the campground waters every night, with very hard water that leaves tough to remove spots on you camper and vehicle. Get them off ASAP," warns Mike B. about Absaroka Bay RV Park.
Site dimensions: Many parks have shorter-than-expected sites that require creative parking solutions. "All pull-thru sites. 50, 30 and 20 amp service with water and sewer. Sites are short. When we checked in they asked us to park behind are bumper pull camper. The site was too short. So they said we could park in the next site over. Camper was parked in D2 and truck in D1," explains James L. about Absaroka Bay RV Park.
Cash or check only policies: Some parks don't accept credit card payment. "Just called and talked to Andy, made reservation for August... Cash or Check only," notes Patricia H. about staying at Parkway RV Campground in Cody.
