Tent campsites near Story, Wyoming provide access to some of Bighorn National Forest's less-traveled areas where elevations range from 7,500 to 10,000 feet. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 40s even when daytime highs reach the 80s, making proper sleeping gear essential. Many primitive sites require navigating narrow forest roads that can become impassable during or after rain events.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Canyon Creek offers brook trout fishing for tent campers seeking solitude. A camper at Canyon Creek Road Dispersed Camping noted, "Canyon Creek has a brisk stream of water flowing. Satellite images show it dry."
Stargazing sessions: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing conditions. According to one camper, "Very dark and clear night sky is great for star gazing," making this activity ideal during new moon phases when celestial features appear most vivid.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Crazy Woman Canyon Road, a visitor reported, "We saw wildlife, we relaxed with the sound of the river, this was an unforgettable experience."
What campers like
Canyon features: The dramatic rock formations and water features draw many tent campers. One reviewer explained, "Crazy Woman Canyon Road starts high on an open hilltop and then descends deep into a lush and beautiful canyon. The road follows the river with large boulders stacked upon each other to make up the canyon walls."
Temperature relief: Higher elevation sites provide welcome cooling during summer months. A Shell Reservoir camper shared, "Stayed at a site right across from the lake on a hill in the pines," finding relief from summer heat common to lower elevations.
White noise benefits: Stream-adjacent sites provide natural sound masking. According to a camper, "Nice, quiet with good view and fire pit. Camping right next to the creek, listen to water and birds humming, perfect white noise to sleep with."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent sites require careful navigation of challenging access roads. One visitor to Ten Sleep Rock Ranch advised, "The dirt roads are well maintained, but still a fair amount of rock, so slower speeds are safer."
Seasonal closures: Some areas close unexpectedly for construction or maintenance. A recent review warned, "Currently closed about 10 minutes from where google maps was taking us without an indication why," highlighting the importance of checking current status before travel.
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal or no cell coverage. One camper reported, "Zero T-mobile signal," though some sites with open sky access can receive satellite internet service if properly equipped.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose sites with natural barriers to water features when camping with small children. A parent camping at Bighorn National Forest Cabin Creek Campground cautioned, "It appears this was at one time a campground. Now overgrown and has one pit toilet that has been neglected," emphasizing the importance of advance scouting.
Multi-generational considerations: Plan for all ages when selecting dispersed sites. One family shared, "My dad, sister, and I stayed here the summer of 23 and loved it. It was very peaceful!" demonstrating the area's appeal across age groups.
Safety planning: Create specific boundaries for children in unfenced camping areas. A family noted, "The camping spots are right next to the canyon road which weaves through," requiring clear safety rules about road proximity.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. An RVer noted, "This area is suitable for most Big Rigs," but qualified that statement with important limitations about navigating to the site itself.
Backup plans: Always have alternate options when targeting dispersed tent sites with an RV. One reviewer observed, "A climbers campground on the west side of the Big Horn Mountains, this was a very useful find when a reservation didn't pan out up canyon," highlighting the value of flexibility.
Level site scarcity: Be prepared to spend significant time finding sufficiently level parking. A camper warned, "Not too sure where it is intended for us to stop but all we saw were 'no overnight parking' signs," indicating the challenges of finding appropriate RV parking in some areas.
