Dispersed camping sites near Story, Wyoming offer convenient access to Bighorn National Forest with elevations ranging from 4,500 to over 9,000 feet. Primitive camping areas typically feature cooler summer temperatures than nearby towns, with nighttime lows often dropping to 45°F even during July. Camping season generally runs from late May through September due to snowfall at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing at multiple access points: Mikesell Potts Recreation Area provides lakefront camping with good fishing opportunities. As one visitor noted, "Beautiful lake. You can camp next to the lake. They're doing improvements to the campground."
Hiking to alpine lakes: Circle Park Campground serves as an excellent trailhead for Cloud Peak Wilderness. A camper reported, "The Circle Park trail is incredible, with a hike up to a great lake (several fellows were hooking decent sized fish)."
Wildlife observation: Regular wildlife sightings include pronghorn antelope, moose, and various birds. At Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, campers mention, "Nice lake front camping spots and some in the back with pronghorns visiting. Great place to walk around."
What campers like
Relative solitude: Many dispersed sites provide space between campers even during busy periods. At Grouse Mountain Basecamp, a camper observed, "We got here late in the day after driving through Buffalo Wyoming and found a spot immediately. There's lots of Open spaces for the dog to run and for us."
Seasonal wildflowers: Late spring and early summer bring impressive wildflower displays to mountain meadows. A visitor to Grouse Mountain Basecamp described it as "Truly one of the most magical campgrounds I've ever been to. At night we had a gorgeous sunset and woke up in a cloud!"
Family-friendly areas: Campgrounds often include open spaces for children to explore safely. At Circle Park Campground, one family shared: "Found a great site with a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on. Good views and quiet."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to remote sites can be challenging after rain. The road to Little Goose Campground is particularly difficult as one camper described: "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."
Cell service is minimal or nonexistent: Most mountain campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Circle Park, a camper reported "Cell service is 0-1 bar of 4G on Verizon on a good day, don't plan on having service."
Weather changes rapidly: Summer thunderstorms are common, and temperatures can drop quickly. A Grouse Mountain Basecamp visitor noted, "Can get pretty moist at night with all the clouds!"
Tips for camping with families
Boulder exploration areas: Some sites have natural rock formations perfect for kids. Circle Park Campground features "a Boulder yard nearby that the kids spent the entire afternoon playing on."
Playground availability: Buffalo KOA offers structured play areas and a swimming pool. A visitor mentioned, "There is a pool and nice playground for the kids. Pet friendly."
Sheltered picnic areas: Some tent sites include covered areas useful during sudden storms. One camper at Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA observed, "Each tent site has its own covered picnic shelter, which we thought looked unique."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utility connections are positioned differently than standard layouts. At Peter D's RV Park, "Make sure you have an extension for the sewer and water connect as it's mid to more front of the camper, they were not designed and installed to be towards the back like all the other campgrounds."
Site leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Indian Campground, a visitor reported, "The site was level, and included water, electric, and sewer hookups."
Big rig accessibility: Larger vehicles can access some but not all campgrounds. A visitor to Grouse Mountain Basecamp explained, "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."
