Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to water features at this Forest Service group campground in the Bighorn National Forest. Hettinger Group Area accommodates RVs up to 50 feet and allows campfires, though the access road presents rough conditions that require careful navigation.
The campground operates on a reservation system with rates ranging from $90 to $160 per night, and pets are not permitted on the property. Located in mixed forested and open terrain near creek and river systems, the site serves groups looking for a base camp with water access. Campers seeking individual sites might consider Middle Fork just north of the area.
Description
Overview
Hettinger Group Campground is located 14 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming on the east side of scenic Cloud Peak Skyway, near the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. The surrounding Bighorn National Forest offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving and a number of historic sites. The administering organization is Rustic Freedom / Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: support@rusticfreedom.com
Recreation
Tie Hack Reservoir is a short drive away, offering a great location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers cast for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout. A short trail leads from the campground to the lake. The Circle Park Trailhead is 3 miles from the campground. This beautiful trail accesses numerous alpine lakes and two 12,000' peaks within the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Many additional hiking trails are available in the area. Scenic off-road driving is available on nearby Elgin Park, Pole Creek and Crazy Woman Canyon Roads. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on these roads as well.
Facilities
The campground offers one group site that can accommodate up to 150 people, and can be used for overnight camping or day-use picnicking. The site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and a campfire circle. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are also provided. The nearest dump station is 18 miles away on Powder River Pass.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a small meadow within a dense forest of lodgepole pine. Tie Hack Reservoir and several creeks are nearby.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (307) 431-7446.
Nearby Attractions
South Fork Lodge is nearby, offering dining options, lodging, guided horseback riding, a fishing pond and a small store with fishing and camping supplies.
Charges & Cancellations
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fee Info
Group rates: $90 for 1-35 people, $110 for 36-60 people, $130 for 61-120 people, $160 for 121-150 people (150 is maximum). A fee for exceeding the number of people listed in the reservation will be collected at the campground. Firewood may be purchased from the campground host.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHettinger Group Area is located in Wyoming near Saddlestring
Directions
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 16 west for 14.5 miles.
Address
Hettinger Park Road
Buffalo, WY 82824
Coordinates
44.2972222 N
106.9511111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/15/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/15/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 46 min from Casper, WY
- 2 hrs 36 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 14 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 24 min from Bozeman, MT
