Bighorn National Forest — Dispersed Camping along US-14
Bighorn National Forest — Dispersed Camping along US-14
Scenic free dispersed camping along the US-14 corridor in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, with mountain drives, forest roads, alpine scenery, quiet pullouts, and easy access between Sheridan, Burgess Junction, and the Bighorn Mountains.
Campground Quick Facts
Bighorn National Forest — US-14 Area Dispersed Camping · Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
| GPS Coordinates |
44.7650° N, 107.5300° W This coordinate is retained from the current CIWILD page as a reference area for dispersed camping along the northern US-14 / US-14A high-country corridor in Bighorn National Forest. Do not treat it as an official developed campground. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,500 to 9,000 ft; elevation varies significantly along US-14 / US-14A, with some high points near Granite Pass above 9,000 ft |
| Road Type | US-14 / US-14A are paved mountain highways. Dispersed sites are usually near Forest Service roads or existing pullouts. Dry-weather 2WD / high-clearance vehicles are generally suitable; high-clearance or 4WD is recommended for deeper forest roads, mud, snow, or washboard sections |
| Maximum Stay | 14 days within a 28-day period; after reaching the limit, all equipment and personal property must be moved at least 5 road miles |
| Permit | General personal dispersed camping does not require a reservation; visitors must follow Bighorn National Forest special orders, MVUM rules, posted no-camping signs, and seasonal road closures |
| Nearest Fuel | Burgess Junction / Arrowhead Lodge / Bear Lodge area may be useful for mountain resupply; more reliable services are in Shell, Dayton, Ranchester, Greybull, or Sheridan, about 20 to 45 miles depending on campsite |
| Cell Coverage | Poor / intermittent; a small amount of signal may be possible near main roads, high points, or Burgess Junction, while forest roads, canyons, and low campsites often have no service |
| Best Season | Summer and early fall; recommended late June through September. High-elevation areas can have late snowmelt, and winter / early spring may bring snow, road closures, and low temperatures |
| Facilities | Primitive dispersed camping usually has no potable water, no toilets, no trash service, and no hookups. Nearby developed campgrounds such as Shell Creek Campground may have vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables, but they are developed / fee campgrounds with different rules |
| Land Manager | USDA Forest Service — Bighorn National Forest / Medicine Wheel Ranger District · 307-765-4435 |
| Important Note | Do not camp within 100 ft of water sources, and do not block roads or trails. Bighorn National Forest has wildlife attractant storage requirements: food, trash, drinks, personal care items, and similar attractants must be stored in a vehicle, bear-resistant container, or properly hung according to current rules. Confirm road openings, weather, fire restrictions, and MVUM guidance before camping. |
| Sources | USDA Forest Service — Bighorn National Forest FAQs; USDA Forest Service — Forest Special Order 02-02-24-02 Occupancy and Use Camping Regulations; USDA Forest Service — Shell Creek Campground reference |
About This Campsite
Bighorn National Forest offers one of Wyoming’s most scenic dispersed camping experiences, especially along the US-14 corridor through the Bighorn Mountains. This route gives travelers access to forest roads, mountain pullouts, alpine meadows, lakes, overlooks, and quiet public land camping away from developed campgrounds.
This is not a single developed campground. It is a dispersed camping area along and near open Forest Service roads, where campers can look for previously used sites and legal pullouts. Campers should verify current Motor Vehicle Use Map rules, posted signs, fire restrictions, and seasonal road conditions before setting up.
Scenic Mountain Drive
US-14 crosses the Bighorn Mountains with forest scenery, high-country views, winding roads, and access to multiple recreation areas along the way.
National Forest Camping
Dispersed camping is available in many parts of Bighorn National Forest near open roads, making it a flexible option for self-contained travelers.
Cool Summer Escape
The Bighorn Mountains provide cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, making this area especially appealing for summer camping and road trips.
Why Camp Here
This area is ideal for campers who want a scenic Wyoming mountain basecamp without paying for a developed campground. It works well for road trippers, rooftop tents, trucks, SUVs, vans, and self-contained campers traveling between the Black Hills, Sheridan, Yellowstone, or northern Wyoming.
What to Expect
- Primitive dispersed camping near open Forest Service roads.
- Mountain terrain, forest scenery, and seasonal access changes.
- No hookups, water, toilets, or trash service at dispersed sites.
- Cool nights, changing weather, and possible wildlife activity.
- Some roads may require higher clearance depending on conditions.
- Excellent scenic driving along the US-14 corridor.
Nearby Things to Do
- Drive the scenic US-14 corridor through Bighorn National Forest.
- Explore forest roads and dispersed camping pullouts.
- Visit Burgess Junction and nearby recreation areas.
- Look for mountain views, alpine meadows, lakes, and overlooks.
- Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing.
- Use the area as a scenic stop between Sheridan and northern Wyoming destinations.
What to Bring
- Plenty of drinking water.
- Offline maps and the current Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Warm layers for cold mountain nights.
- Trash bags and portable toilet kit.
- Camp stove and fire-safe cooking setup.
- Recovery gear if exploring rough forest roads.
- Bear-safe food storage where appropriate.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall is usually the best season for dispersed camping along US-14 in Bighorn National Forest. Higher-elevation roads may be affected by snow, mud, or seasonal closures outside the main summer travel window. Always check current forest alerts, fire restrictions, and road conditions before camping.
Open in Google MapsFrequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping allowed in Bighorn National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of Bighorn National Forest near open roads, but visitors must follow posted signs, local restrictions, Motor Vehicle Use Map rules, and current land management updates.
Is camping along US-14 free?
Many dispersed camping opportunities near the US-14 corridor are free, as long as the site is legal and not inside a developed fee campground, closed area, or restricted zone.
Can rooftop tents camp here?
Yes. Rooftop tents, trucks, SUVs, and vans can work well in Bighorn National Forest when travelers choose a legal, durable, and level campsite off an open road.
Are there toilets or water?
Dispersed sites are primitive. Do not expect toilets, drinking water, trash service, hookups, or maintained campground facilities.
Do I need high clearance?
Some pullouts and forest roads are easy in dry weather, while others may require higher clearance. Conditions can change quickly after rain, snow, or heavy use.
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