Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Bighorn National Forest near Ten Sleep, Wyoming at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures averaging 70-80°F and cool nights dropping to 40-50°F. Forest Service roads provide access to numerous undeveloped sites where campers can stay for up to 14 days.
What to do
Creek fishing access: Leigh Creek Campground offers excellent trout fishing directly from campsites. "Great trout fishing there per the host. Campsites are right on the creek #4 is RIGHT on the creek and you can just walk down to it to fish," notes Suzie S.
Mountain hiking trails: The Bighorn Mountains feature numerous hiking paths accessible from campgrounds. "We saw trails leading from the campground (right behind our site) and other campers said the hiking and rock climbing are fabulous," shares Kathy L. from Sitting Bull Campground.
Brewery visit: Ten Sleep Brewing Company serves craft beer and hosts entertainment on weekends. "The space was very family friendly with lots of outdoor seating. There was a sandy playspace with toys for the kids," notes Tom C. about their camping experience at the brewery.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sitting Bull Campground provides excellent animal watching from sites along the meadow. "The campsites are in a beautiful pine forest on the edge of a prairie/meadow that has a creek running through it. We saw mule deer and elk and this last time we saw several moose!" reports Jess K.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. "The cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen," writes Suzie S. about Leigh Creek, while at Boulder Park Campground, Jennifer notes "Wonderful, and easy access to spacious campground and a breathtaking setting."
Water sounds: Many campsites feature creek-side locations for natural white noise. "The creek runs right next to some of the sites and makes the best noise to sleep to!" says Carrie C. about Leigh Creek Campground.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations as they vary by location and season. "Sites have a picnic table, metal fire ring with grate and a metal table. They do have bear area warnings posted," mentions Carrie C. about Leigh Creek.
Weather preparedness: Mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night. "It's mighty chilly here on fall nights!" warns Carrie C. about camping in the Ten Sleep area.
Reservation systems: Island Park Campground and several others require advance booking. "Not first come first serve, but in early September mid-week, there were several sites available," shares Larry F.
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly options: Castle Gardens welcomes dogs at its free BLM sites. "This is an amazing free BLM campground. It's about 5 miles off of Hwy 16, gravel with occasional washboarding, but overall doable for most vehicles," explains Laura M.
Activity areas: Some campgrounds provide built-in entertainment. Boulder Park Campground features "horseshoes, cornhole, and other games set up in a central activities area," according to Annie C.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about respecting wildlife that frequents the area. "We woke up to find a moose! They also have firewood for sale," reports Margarita Z. about her stay at Sitting Bull.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: Ten Sleep RV Park accommodates larger vehicles. "This campground is in a grove of trees with the sites along dirt roads in the grove. Each site has water, sewage, and electric," notes Anthony B.
Level site availability: Many forest campgrounds have uneven terrain. "None of the sites were very level," warns Laura M. about Castle Gardens, suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks.
Road conditions: Access roads to dog friendly campgrounds near Ten Sleep vary in quality. "The road and sites are covered with gravel. Drive slow to keep the dust down," advises N I. about Boulder Park Campground.
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