Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Story, WY

Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 provides tent and RV camping approximately 10 miles from Story, Wyoming in the Bighorn National Forest. Pets are allowed at all sites with standard leash requirements. Most campgrounds in the area permit pets with varying amenities and restrictions. Mikesell Potts Recreation Area allows pets at all campsites including tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations. The sites are exceptionally wide and spaced out, providing privacy for campers with active dogs. Large sites have picnic tables and fire pits, though not all fire pits include cooking grates.

Little Goose Campground offers free camping with pets in a remote setting accessed via a rough Jeep trail that requires high clearance vehicles. The campground features trout-filled creek access perfect for dogs who enjoy water. Peter Ds RV Park provides pet-friendly RV camping with a dedicated dog park and open field for pets to exercise. Sites are gravel and level but relatively tight. Multiple reviewers note that campgrounds throughout the Bighorn Mountains region offer excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs on nearby trails. Wildlife sightings are common near many campgrounds, including pronghorn antelope at Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, so keeping dogs leashed and supervised is essential. Most campgrounds require standard pet waste cleanup, though specific pet amenities like waste stations vary by location.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Story, Wyoming (73)

    1. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    23 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    18 miles

    "The road is actually 402 and 403 is at the very end behind a closed gate.) Views were breathtaking and most of the land is level. It’s far enough off the main road that there isn’t any road traffic."

    "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."

    2. Mikesell Potts Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Saddlestring, WY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-2262

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful lake . You can camp next to the lake . There doing improvements to the campground."

    "Nice lake front camping spots and some in the back with prong horns visiting. Great place to walk around. The vaults are clean and well stocked."

    3. Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    19 Reviews
    Sheridan, WY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 674-8766

    "Dog park a little on the small side but adequate. I did not check out the bath house so can’t comment on that. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos will tote you off in the evening."

    "They have a good size dog park, plus an extra area for dogs to run, unfenced."

    4. Indian Campground

    20 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-9601

    "We had a site right next to hwy 90 so we had so e road noise but we loved our site otherwise. Large shade trees and large grassy area made it ideal for our 2 dogs."

    "There is also a bathroom and shower building in the rear of the property close to row H and next to the little cabins."

    5. Buffalo KOA

    17 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-5423

    $50 - $80 / night

    "Close to town and the interstate. Dog park. Playground. Some road noise. Propane. Wifi."

    "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."

    6. South Fork (wyoming)

    13 Reviews
    Saddlestring, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $20 / night

    "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."

    7. Circle Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Saddlestring, WY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-9054

    $19 / night

    "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."

    8. Jackelope Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sheridan, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 673-5553

    $50 / night

    "The bath house was clean and new and our dogs enjoyed the park which was long enough to play fetch in. They did have yoga classes in a little cabin, but we didnt have time to check it out."

    "It is close to the interstate 90 Slight Rd. noise, but not enough to bother anything."

    9. Little Goose Campground

    2 Reviews
    Big Horn, WY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 672-0751

    "This campground is an amazing off grid location for those looking to escape for a little while."

    10. Peter Ds RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Sheridan, WY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 673-0597

    "Nice field out back to let dogs run. Also a dedicated dog park."

    "A fenced in area for dogs to run and play was fun. We would go back."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Story, WY

419 Reviews of 73 Story Campgrounds


  • Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2021

    Buffalo KOA

    Everything you expect from a KOA

    It's a typical KOA. Well maintained. Clean. Great showers/rest rooms. Close sites. Pool wasn't open yet. Store. Very friendly staff. Close to town and the interstate. Dog park. Playground. Some road noise. Propane. Wifi.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2022

    Peter Ds RV Park

    Best in Sheridan WY

    Sites are very tight but amenities are new and clean. Saw no better and a lot worse in Sheridan. Nice field out back to let dogs run. Also a dedicated dog park.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Deer Park RV Park and Campground

    Deer Park RV

    Nice little campground for stopover. Staff is super friendly and stayed past closing (7pm) to assist late arrivals. Sites are level and pull thru, although a bit narrow. No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    Average KOA

    Average KOA. Sites are level. Staff are friendly and helpful. Dog park a little on the small side but adequate. I did not check out the bath house so can’t comment on that. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos will tote you off in the evening.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2021

    KOA, Buffalo, WY

    Quiet campground

    Nice place to stop between Yellowstone and the Black Forest. Campsites were clean and well kept. This KOA has wifi, laundry, a dog park, and a lodge. The bathrooms were clean and each shower and restroom is individual so there is privacy. Checkout time is at 11 am.

    This location is seasonal and not winterized. They do shut off the water in the "off-season".

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2019

    Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    Finally, a KOA without all the rock

    This is, finally, a KOA that isn’t covered in gravel and dust! There is real, green grass! The sites are small, and tight, but there is grass. They have mostly RV sites, with some tent sites and small cabins. Electric and water, some with sewer. There is a small store, game room and pool. The shower would be better with a real door, not just curtains. They have a good size dog park, plus an extra area for dogs to run, unfenced.

  • T
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA

    Great place

    Very helpful staff. Good location. Wonderful town to walk through. Biking and walking trails. Pet friendly. Nice pool. Recommend

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Easy Spot

    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. (The road is actually 402 and 403 is at the very end behind a closed gate.) Views were breathtaking and most of the land is level. It’s far enough off the main road that there isn’t any road traffic. One mildly-annoying thing is that people drive along the road while their dogs run beside their cars. I guess that’s to exercise their animal but we watched one of these free-range dogs go after another camper’s dog who was tied up. Just an FYI if you are traveling with pets. We didn’t have any issues with mosquitos but there were a few flies. No bites or anything.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Lakeview Campground

    Beautiful lake frequented by moose.

    Stayed for just one night. Great sites and a beautiful area with plenty of trails to hike. Had a big bull moose sitting in our site upon arrival and he stayed nearby all day and night so caution with pets is recommended.


Guide to Story

Dispersed camping near Story, Wyoming offers a mix of high-elevation forest sites with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet throughout the Bighorn Mountains region. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but can drop to 40-45°F at night even in July. Most campgrounds in the region feature pine and aspen forest settings with multiple creeks feeding into the valleys.

What to do

Creek fishing access: Little Goose Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities in a remote setting. "This campground is an amazing off grid location for those looking to escape for a little while... we had the whole campground to ourselves, in a beautiful creek filled with trout," notes Shawn O., who enjoyed the secluded fishing spots.

Mountain hiking trails: Circle Park Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby trails. "The Circle Park trail is incredible, with a hike up to a great lake (several fellows were hooking decent sized fish)," reports Annie C. The campground sits at the edge of Cloud Peak Wilderness with access to numerous day hikes.

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "Saw lots of pronghorn. Did get a bit windy in the night, especially in a tent," reports N M. about their experience at Mikesell Potts Recreation Area. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing conditions across the region.

What campers like

Open spaces: Grouse Mountain Basecamp receives high marks for its spacious layout. "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," writes Michelle T., highlighting the room to spread out.

Vault toilets: Despite being remote, many campers appreciate the clean facilities. "The vaults are clean and well stocked. We had a spot with no neighbors and trees on three sides," notes David W. about Mikesell Potts Recreation Area's maintenance standards.

Wildflower displays: The mountain meadows burst with color during summer months. "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! Very few other campers but there's so much space I doubt there would be much crowding," shares Liona L. about Circle Park Campground's floral displays.

What you should know

Vehicle clearance requirements: Some campsites require more rugged vehicles. "Little Goose Campground led us down a nice easy dirt road that eventually lead to a pretty rough Jeep trail. You wouldn't want anything less than a stock Wrangler or equivalent to take this road," cautions Shawn O.

Temperature fluctuations: Night temperatures drop significantly even in summer. "The temperature got down to 45° which is perfect for me for sleeping," notes Lisa D. about conditions at Grouse Mountain, highlighting the need for proper sleeping gear.

Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally with limited facilities. "South Fork was perhaps the most pleasant surprise I've ever had as I pulled into a campground. Beautiful creek, clean, spatially distanced sites, tall Ponderosa pines at each site. USFS had invested great thought and resources into this campsite," shares Mac M., though most Forest Service campgrounds close by late September.

Tips for camping with families

Boulder play areas: South Fork Campground offers natural play spaces. "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," notes Patrick W., highlighting how natural features keep children entertained.

Playground access: Some campgrounds include playground facilities. "This is a nice family-oriented campground with a basketball court, horseshoe pits, mini golf, swimming pool, and some fun looking tricycles," writes Kari T., detailing recreation options at the Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA.

Creek exploration: Water features provide entertainment for younger campers. "This is a great little camp ground with both RV camping and designated Tent Camping areas. The Campground is well maintained and with a creek running through," explains Anna E. about South Fork Campground's family-friendly layout.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: Peter Ds RV Park offers dedicated dog areas for RVers traveling with pets. "Sites are very tight but amenities are new and clean. Saw no better and a lot worse in Sheridan. Nice field out back to let dogs run. Also a dedicated dog park," notes Mary F., providing insight for those traveling with animals.

Electrical hookups: Many RV sites have limited access to electricity. "There are only a few spots with power, so get there early," advises David W. about Mikesell Potts Recreation Area, noting the competitive nature of powered sites during peak season.

Level site access: Gravel surfaces help with RV leveling across many campgrounds. "We were in RV site 6, which was right next to the pool. The site was level, and included water, electric, and sewer hookups," reports Selena H. about Indian Campground, highlighting the convenience for RVers seeking full hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Story, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Story, WY is Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403 with a 4.8-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Story, WY?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Story, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.