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Camping in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming

The Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming has a diverse landscape of towering mountains, amazing canyons, and expansive mountain meadows. The beauty is undeniable. There are so many great reasons to go camping in the big horn mountains like hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.  Camping in these mountains allows you to truly experience the wonders of this area. It would take years to discover all the Big Horn Mountains have to offer in entirety, but you can enjoy some of the best spots by visiting the following campgrounds and sites.

Where to Camp

There are many places to camp in the Big Horn Mountains. The following campgrounds offer beauty combined with comfort.

Deer Park

Deer Park is an RV park and campground open through May 1st and September 30th. It is located midway between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park in Buffalo, Wyoming at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains. Deer Park has sites for separate shaded tent camping, RVs, and Big Rigs, as well as 1 or 2 rooms cabins. Deer Park also maintains a large heated pool, a spa, a private 1-mile exercise path, and free cable and WiFi for all full hook-up sites. With golfing, hiking, picnicking, museums, and more nearby, Deer Park boasts a myriad of fun activities for people of all ages.

Big Horn Mountains Campground

Big Horn Mountains Campground is renowned for being the closest campground to the Big Horn Mountains. It has tent and group camping sites, as well as pull-through RV sites with full hook-ups and a dump station. The campground offers bathrooms, hot showers, and 24/7 laundry. Nearby is an abundance of hiking, biking, golf, restaurants, shopping, hunting, fishing, scenery and much more, making this one of the prime camping spots near the Big Horn Mountains.

Fort Causeway Guest Farm

Fort Causeway Guest Farm is a family owned and operated farm, hostel, and campground that allows its visitors the experience of the good old West. Fort Causeway offers 3 bedroom, 1 bath vacation rental apartments, which include full kitchens, full bathtubs, outdoor patios, free WiFi, and a communal fee laundry area. The campground also has four RV sites with full hook-ups and full access the the Fort’s outdoor patio. Dogs are welcome, and the campground also offers horse boarding for a small fee. Fort Causeway offers a common room library, an outdoor enthusiast/RV shop, free parking, and the option to work with a draft team or draft horse wagon rides for a fee. Nearby the fort is an abundance of hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling in the winter, and much more.

Sites to See

Take the time to visit some sites in between your camping. The following attractions should be on everyone’s list:

Worland

The city of Worland was founded in 1906 and has since become a modern mecca of commerce and cultural values. With a booming retail economy and abundant wildlife, Worland attracts shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.  Worland is also home to several well-known companies, such as Pepsi-Cola, Coors Brewery, Imperial/Holly Sugar and many others.

The Ten Sleep Preserve

The Ten Sleep Preserve is a 10,000 acre plot of land filled with abundant plants and wildlife, including the threatened Cary’s Penstemon wildflower, mule deer, mountain lions, beavers, the elusive spotted bat, black bears, and over 120 species of bird. Only 10 miles from the town of Ten Sleep, the Ten Sleep Preserve is a cultural landmark, with many Native American gathering sites and pictographs that show the long history of the land.

Fort Phil Kearny

Fort Phil Kearny is a historic site containing a visitor’s center and museum showcasing displays of the local history, including many of the great battles that took place near there between the Native Americans and the U.S. Soldiers. You can also visit the site of the Wagon Box Fight, where a force of 28 soldiers and 4 civilians survived attacks from 300 to over 1,000 Native American warriors.

The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center

The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center lies outside of Lovell, Wyoming, and is famous for its historical wild mustangs that have roamed the area for over 200 years. Unique for their Colonial Spanish-American heritage, these beautiful animals can be observed by going north on Highway 37 and paying the $5.00 fee to enter the Big Horn Canyon Recreational Area.

What to Bring

Bring the right gear to make sure your trip is enjoyable. Use this list as a packing guideline:

• Warm and Cold Weather Clothes: Even in the summer months, snow can happen. Be prepared for any weather condition.
• Sunscreen: The sun is strong at high altitudes. Sunburns happen even in cold weather. Bring plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin, and always wear it during daylight hours.
• Camping Gear: Bring weather appropriate tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear. If you are unsure of what type of gear to buy for the weather conditions, ask a salesperson at a camping supply store.
• Food, Water, and Medicine: Bring enough food water and prescription medications for your trip. A good guide is to bring one and a half the amount you think you need. That way, you have enough if an emergency or trip delay occurs.
• Camera: Bring your camera to capture the splendor of the Big Horn Mountains. Bring extra batteries, film, and memory cards.

Photography Courtesy of Justin Kern