RV Camping in Bighorn National Forest: Your Complete Guide
- Taylor Rosty
- Oct 16, 2025
- 4 min read
Nestled in north-central Wyoming, Bighorn National Forest encompasses over 1.1 million acres of diverse wilderness, making it a premier destination for RV camping enthusiasts. With elevations from about 5,000 to over 13,000 feet, this stunning forest offers dramatic mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor experiences ideal for your next RV adventure.
Why Choose Bighorn National Forest for RV Camping?
Bighorn National Forest boasts spectacular mountain landscapes, including the Bighorn Mountains as backdrop, and over 1,200 miles of hiking trails. It provides world-class fishing in pristine streams and alpine lakes, along with excellent wildlife viewing of elk, moose, black bears, and the iconic bighorn sheep. The forest’s accessibility with several well-maintained roads and campgrounds makes it ideal for RV travelers. Moderate summer temperatures at higher elevations provide relief from heat, while spectacular fall colors delight photographers.
Best RV Campgrounds in Bighorn National Forest
Developed Campgrounds
Sibley Lake Campground is a popular choice near Dayton, WY. It offers 14 sites with electrical hookups—the only campground in Bighorn National Forest with this amenity—and accommodates RVs up to about 32 feet. Situated around 7,950 feet elevation, it provides easy access to fishing, hiking trails, potable water, and vault toilets. The campground is generally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day depending on snow conditions.
Tie Flume Campground, located near Burgess Junction along US Highway 14, has scenic views of the Cloud Peak Wilderness. It provides vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. RVs up to 30 feet fit comfortably, though exact site numbers vary seasonally.
Dead Swede Campground, near Dayton, offers a peaceful pine forest setting with picnic tables, water, and vault toilets. It can accommodate RVs up to approximately 32 feet and provides proximity to hiking trailheads and fishing spots.
Prune Creek Campground near Burgess Junction sits amidst lodgepole pines at 7,700 feet elevation. It has water and toilets and can handle RVs up to around 30 feet, perfect for keen hikers and anglers.
Dispersed Camping Options
Bighorn National Forest allows dispersed camping in designated areas for self-contained RVs and camper vans. This free option offers solitude but requires campers to follow guidelines about distances from roads, water, and other sensitive features. Notably, the current 14-day maximum stay for dispersed camping applies year-round. Smaller RVs and camper vans are better suited for dispersed sites due to rougher road conditions.
Essential Information for RV Campers
Seasons and Weather
The prime RV camping season runs from late May or Memorial Day through September. Summer daytime temperatures range from 70 to 80°F, with nighttime lows between 40 and 50°F at higher elevations. Snow can linger into early summer, and late-season campers should prepare for possible freezing temperatures.
Amenities and Facilities
Most campgrounds have vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. However, except for Sibley Lake, hookups for electricity, water, and sewer are generally not available in Forest Service campgrounds. Dump stations are found in nearby gateway towns like Buffalo and Sheridan.
Reservations and Fees
Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are possible for some sites through Recreation.gov, especially for busy holiday weekends. Camping fees typically range from $10 to $20 per night.
Top Activities for RV Campers
Scenic Drives
The Bighorn Scenic Byway (US Highway 14) climbs from about 3,640 feet to over 9,000 feet, passing stunning mountain landscapes and providing numerous photo pullouts. This route is suitable for most RVs, but US-14A (alternate route) is very steep and not recommended for large RVs.
The Cloud Peak Skyway (US Highway 16) offers equally spectacular views with access to pristine lakes and alpine meadows.
Hiking and Backpacking
The forest offers over 1,200 miles of trails for all skill levels. Notable hikes accessible from RV campgrounds include Porcupine Falls Trail (moderate 3-mile round trip to a waterfall), Paint Rock Lakes Trail (alpine scenery and fishing), and the easy 1-mile Circle Park Interpretive Trail.
Fishing Opportunities
Numerous streams and alpine lakes provide excellent fishing for rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat trout. Popular accessible spots include Sibley Lake and North Tongue River. A Wyoming fishing license is mandatory for anglers aged 14 and older.
Wildlife Watching
Bighorn National Forest offers great chances to see bighorn sheep, especially at higher elevations in summer. Elk, moose, mule deer, and black bears are also commonly spotted in early morning and evening. Maintaining safe distances and proper food storage is essential.
Planning Your Bighorn National Forest RV Adventure
What Size RV Works Best?
Most campgrounds support RVs up to 30–32 feet. While larger motorhomes and fifth wheels can access some roads, narrow and winding forest roads favor smaller to mid-size rigs. Camper vans or travel trailers under 25 feet offer maximum flexibility, especially for dispersed camping.
Essential Items to Pack
Mountain weather can be unpredictable even in summer. Pack layered clothing, warm gear for cool evenings and mornings, bear-proof food containers, locally sourced firewood, a first-aid kit, maps or GPS, and prepare for limited cell service.
Nearby Towns and Services
Buffalo, Sheridan, and Lovell are gateway communities offering grocery stores, RV supplies, fuel, dining, and dump stations. Buffalo hosts several RV parks with full hookups, making it convenient for combining forest camping with full-service RV park stays.
Renting an RV for Your Bighorn Adventure
Renting a mid-size motorhome or travel trailer is great for access to Forest Service campgrounds. Ensure ample freshwater and waste capacity since hookups are rare.
Leave No Trace PrinciplesProtect the forest by following Leave No Trace: pack out all trash, keep campsites clean, respect wildlife, stay on designated roads and trails, and adhere to fire restrictions during dry periods.
Start Planning Your RV Experience
Bighorn National Forest offers accessible, scenic, and diverse campgrounds for RV campers of all levels. The best time to visit is from late May through September for accessible roads and favorable weather, with quieter, off-peak opportunities in early summer and early fall. Begin planning now to explore this magnificent Wyoming mountain paradise and create unforgettable memories on your RV camping trip.
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