100 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near Story, Wyoming range from primitive sites in the Bighorn Mountains to established campgrounds with modern amenities. The region includes Grouse Mountain Basecamp, a dispersed camping area accessible via Forest Road 403, and Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, which offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options with lake access. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while others like Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA and Buffalo KOA provide full hookups, showers, and cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Rough mountain roads limit access to some of the more remote camping areas, particularly after rainfall or during early spring. The East Fork and Ranger Creek campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April or May through September or October due to mountain weather conditions. Campground reservations are recommended during peak summer months, especially at popular locations like Buffalo KOA and Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA. A recent review noted, "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."
Wildlife viewing represents a common highlight among campers visiting the region, with pronghorn sightings frequently mentioned in reviews. Lakefront campsites at Mikesell Potts Recreation Area receive positive feedback for their scenic settings and relative solitude. Many campgrounds balance accessibility with natural surroundings, though proximity to Interstate 90 creates occasional noise concerns at some locations. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Little Goose Campground offers particularly secluded camping: "We had the whole campground to ourselves, in a beautiful creek filled with trout." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to large RVs, with several facilities featuring both primitive sites and developed areas with electrical hookups.
"I have to say I found this campground on Dyrt traveling to South Dakota and it is an amazing quiet, clean campground right on a small lake."
"Beautiful lake . You can camp next to the lake . There doing improvements to the campground."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"If you’re coming in from Buffalo Wyoming, is the perfect spot to stop and reset. The 2500 ft climb will test your rig and there’s 2500 more feet to go before you begin the decent. Perfect!"
"There is also a bathroom and shower building in the rear of the property close to row H and next to the little cabins."
"The gravel drive and lots are compacted and easy to maneuver with an electric wheelchair. I think a manual could do it as well."
"Just off the highway, this campground is conveniently located close to both historic downtown Sheridan and the remote Bighorn Mountains. There are about 60 RV sites, 25 tent sites, and 10 cabins."
"This place is clean, has a friendly and positive active staff, sides are large enough for the coach, the tow, and additional chairs/tables. Every corner of the park is very well maintained and green."
"We stayed at the Buffalo Wyoming KOA in August 2021. This is a very nice KOA park and in fact was our favorite KOA that we have visited."
"A bit lower key than most KOA’s (that’s a positive for me)."
from $50 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Next to freeway but barely heard traffic."
"It is close to the interstate 90 Slight Rd. noise, but not enough to bother anything."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"If you go here, please only park or drive in designated areas. Several vehicles went off road which is not allowed and forces the Rangers to limit camping spots."
"Moose were frequenting the lower valley area so beware that you could step out and see a Moose. Nice view of the mountains. We only had a handful of neighbors the closest one was maybe 100 yards away."
"This area of Wyoming wasn't exactly our destination- we were passing through on our way from SD to Yellowstone."
"There a hike trails near by and easy access to fishing at Tie Hack reservoir."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This is a tiny campground in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area near the popular Circle Park Trailhead."
"Quite a few people bring their horses and/or off road toys. Great mountain views! Worth the trip every time."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"This campground is an amazing off grid location for those looking to escape for a little while."
ScoutWe almost booked this for a week but decided to drive through it first. This was like a run down trailer court with a handful of lots for those passing through. We’re so glad we checked the place out first.
TravelerStayed up in the Bighorns for the first time. Much cooler than down in the valley. Tie Flume is up near Copper creek where there is good fishing, hiking, and ATVing
RangerMy Honda Pilot has pulled my Shasta up some steep grades, but this one had the temps at H. Hot Wyoming weather didn't help. At present, there's work being done up the road from the Red Grade Rd trailhead, where they have timed windows of opportunity to travel up or down. Recommend you have either 4wd or very hardy 2wd. Plenty of hike/bike trails and a decent view on the way up at the trailhead. Vaulted toilet and air pump, but nothing else.
RangerAfter a nerve racking 15 mile climb in 90°+ temps, I found a spot perfect for my soul at the very beginning of the dispersed camping area. What a view!
TravelerThe weather was perfect in the hot summer months but there were a lot of trucks driving by making lots of noise. We also had a hard time actually finding the river.
TravelerSpent one night here. Pulled in late on a Saturday in July and there were still a few sites available. There are only 7 sites. Walked to the end of the road and enjoyed part of the hike. We possibly could’ve driven our RV down there (single lane may have scraped the sides) but we didn’t want to lose our campsite. We would’ve liked to have done more but got in too late. Dogs and kids enjoyed swimming in the river.
GuideThis place was beautiful. Deer walked through camp, fish jumped in the creek, sun was hot mid-day but water was comfortably cool. My Toyota tundra pickup made it fine. Road gets a little rough and high clearance vehicles and small high clearance campers/rvs could make it to this camp site. There are tons of other more open plains and tree covered camp sites with much nicer dirt roads before this one, more suited to larger rigs. I'd be willing to camp with my 40ft skoolie in the more open sites before this one by the creek. Was pretty private and quiet, not a lot of people around but could hear dirt bikes early morning and throughout the day.
TravelerWe typically prefer dispersed camping but this was a nice paid campground. The water was wonderful to listen to and the sites were nice and big. Our only complaint was a rather aggressive camp host.
GuideWide open, plenty of room and millions dollar views. If you’re coming in from Buffalo Wyoming, is the perfect spot to stop and reset. The 2500 ft climb will test your rig and there’s 2500 more feet to go before you begin the decent. Perfect!
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.
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."
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."
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!"
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Story, Wyoming?
The Bighorn National Forest area surrounding Story offers exceptional camping opportunities. Bighorn National Forest Tie Flume Campground stands out with its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. Another excellent option is Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site Campground, where campsites are well-spaced along Medicine Lodge Creek with a walking/bike path giving access to the archaeological site. For those seeking water recreation, West Tensleep Lake provides beautiful lakeside camping, while Dead Swede offers a quiet experience near a stream with opportunities to spot moose and deer. If you prefer amenities closer to town, look to campgrounds near Buffalo or Sheridan that provide convenient access to Story.
What amenities are available at Story, Wyoming campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Story offer varying levels of amenities. Connor Battlefield State Historic Site provides vault toilets, a playground for children, and grassy areas for recreation, with a $20.34 fee for non-Wyoming residents. Lakeview Campground features picnic tables, drinking water, fire rings/grills, fish cleaning stations, lantern poles, and tent-only camping areas in loop A. Most public campgrounds in the region include basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. For more extensive amenities, KOA campgrounds in the area offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and additional facilities. Many campgrounds have on-site hosts during the main season, with some providing wood for sale.
When is the best season for camping in Story, Wyoming?
The prime camping season in Story, Wyoming runs from late spring through early fall. Buffalo KOA is particularly pleasant in August, when visitors can enjoy private sites along babbling brooks. Boulder Park Campground offers excellent conditions in July, with well-maintained facilities and access to hiking trails. Most public campgrounds in the Bighorn National Forest area typically open in June and close in September, as indicated by Lakeview Campground's operating season. Early summer brings wildflowers, while July and August offer the warmest temperatures. May camping is possible but can be windy with temperatures in the high 40s during the day. Fall brings beautiful colors but cooler temperatures, making September an excellent time to visit before facilities close for winter.
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