Big Horn Mountians Wyoming Camping?

[Dbonzi]

We are heading out to the Big Horn Mountains July3rd though the 13th

Wondering if anyone has camp ground recommendations and things to see.

We are planning on the Bufallo Wy area

Dennis

 

[WStephens]

I cant help you with a Campground in the Buffalo area since I am from the South Western part of the state. But I do suggest that you have an exhaust brake before you head west. The speed limits are higher and anything over 70 your breaks dont seem quite effective. Plus anytime you come off of a mountain grade your trailer will want to push you down the mountain. I have to drop at least 2 gears below what gear I was able to pull the hill. A friend of mine hates to come off of a pass any were in the Rocky Mountain region, he has an automatic and drops his into second and prays all the way down.

 

[jandtjil]

Same here, I grew up on the west side of the BHs, so my knowledge of the Buffalo area is scant, plus over 20yrs since I've been back home for any length of time.
Like anywhere else, never too early to start looking at reservations for state/fed campgrounds, IF they can be reserved, many are first come/first served.
USDA Forest Service, Bighorn National Forest - Maps&Brochures
Most are above 7K' elv, so it should cool off nicely at night!
Consider taking a drive/hike to the medicine wheel
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/usa/bighorn-medicine-wheel.html

Makes me want to start packing the camper!
JJ

 

[Gene Arnold]

I've used both Deer Park Campground and Indian Campground. Both were pretty good, although the last time I was there was 2003. Each has a full page ad in the Trailer Life Directory. There is also a KOA. I've never used it. All three are on the east edge of Buffalo.



Gene

 

[wyosteve]

The 2 campgrounds Gene mentioned are close to Buffalo. If you head up the highway into the mountains, you'll find quite a few Natl. Forest campgrounds as well as a couple lodges/dude ranchs. South Fork, then on top is Meadowlark Lake which is nice. My advice would be to get a Forest Service map before heading out and choose from there. If you stay down off the mtns. , there is also Lake DeSmet just north of Buffalo off I-25.

 

[WyoJim]

Dbonzi..... Buffalo WY is a nice little town, but U. S. 16 over the Big Horns altho being the least steep is the least scenic and has the least opportunity for seeing wild life. There are a couple of campgrounds right in Buffalo and I don't think you need reservations.

On the other side at Tensleep is a nice little campground. A friend of mine named Darrel Tenbrock owns it and I can recommend it.

You don't need an exhaust brake any place on this mountain except maybe going down into Lovell on U. S 14A.

The most spectacular scenery is U. S 14 over the mountain from Shell. And the most wild life will be seen around Burgess Jct. The entire area is at 9000 feet. Lots of Elk, Moose and Mule deer with some pretty good cutthroat fishing in the North Tongue River that flows right beside U. S. 14A out of Burgess Jct.

There are lots of National Forest Campgrounds up there but you can camp most any place if you are a mile off the paved highway. And you can park any where overnite right next to the highway.

Bear Lodge is a great place to eat right at Burgess Jct.

I am going over the mountain to Sheridan today and I will take notice of the campgrounds at Ranchester and Dayton.

I would consider getting a night or two in there or Buffalo while I looked the top over and then relocate.

 

[WyoJim]

Well I went to Sheridan and did not notice but one campground in Ranchester. I was not impressed especially if you are tent camping. Are you tent camping Dbonzi??

 

[Jim Smith]

Deer Park was nice , actually deer right in the park as well as turkeys walking past your RV. Go into town and visit the old Occidental Hotel its quite a treat. Also a great hunting, fishing ,outdoors store down the street. Take a picture by the big hotdog on mainstreet. Have fun.

 

[Dbonzi]

WyoJim

We Both have 5th Wheels

Thanks for all the replys so far.

I almost think planning the trip is as much fun as the actual trip itself. I am googleing all the places you are telling about.

Thanks again

Dennis

 

[DodgeWarlock]

If you make it over to Sheridan, I know a great place to eat. Try the Burger Wagon. It's located at the Apple Tree Inn. It is just what the name implies, a county fair type vending trailer. They have the best hamburgers and dogs... . makes my mouth water. Be brave and try everything you can, you will not regret it.



That's beautiful country. I lived in Casper for 4yrs and my job sent me up there every week.

 

[Dbonzi]

Looks like on the map its 40 miles to Sheridan from Buffalo. I've driven that distance for a good burger before. We'll have to check it out.

Dennis



Thanks again

 

[Dbonzi]

Well we head for Wyoming on Wednesday

anything else anyone can tell me

I under stand Buffalo had high water for awhile

Dennis

 

[WyoJim]

Well we head for Wyoming on Wednesday

anything else anyone can tell me

I under stand Buffalo had high water for awhile

Dennis

Took a ride to Burgess Junction Sunday and during the middle of the day I saw 16 moose, about 30 elk and an untold amount of mule deer. The posies are out pretty good all except on the very top where it may be another week or two. The North Tongue River on the top is fishable. The moose have quit getting down on their knees to eat grass and have instead moved into the willows to browse.



When we get visitors here at our house it is not uncommon for us to load up and go over the hill to Sheridan, down to Buffalo, over the hill to Ten Sleep, then to Hyatteville and across the desert to Shell. That puts us where every one can gawk at the dinosaur track just off hwy 14.



One more thing. There is a good place for Mexican food in Sheridan called Los Agaves. They are a few blocks towards town and on the other side of the street from Walmart.



You guys have an enjoyable vacation... .....

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I second the Burgess jct. and the medicine wheel idea . I have seen moose everytime I have been up there and LOTS of snow still. The weather is nice and it melting fast but the flowers are out and it's cool, clean air. The medicine wheel trail is about a mile and a half walk and I'm sure very worth it. I have heard about it since I was a kid but have still yet to get there. (the gf had flip flops and the trail was snowy/muddy last time we went there. plus, we were up at the rodeo in Cody that night and didn't have lots of time. ) whatever you decide you will not be dissapointed. Just know that i am stuck at home with a broken pelvis now and am incredibly jealous!

Enjoy Wyoming guys. It really is God's country!

 

[Dbonzi]

Thanks guys for the replys

Will have to check it all out

Speaking of Rodeos we are going to Sheridan to see a rodeo (never been to one should be interesting) Also speaking of rodeo, Wyomingcowboy is that what the broken pelvis is from? Sorry to hear about that.

We were out in that area about 5 years ago and just loved it. Took a drive up Crazy Woman Canon. It was unbelievable. I can't imagine having a bad day waking up to that beauty everyday out there. It truley is Gods country.

Dennis

 

[Dbonzi]

I see by the map that shortest way to Burgess jct is 14a, Can one make the trip pulling 5th wheels. they are smaller 28ft and no slides on either of them. Unfortunatly I don't have an exhast brake. We are not green horn drivers, both live on a farm and have grown up pulling trailers.

Just wanted to know what you guys think.

Dennis

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Yes, the broken pelvis is from a rodeo accident. I ride barebacks and the horse fell down with my and landed right into me. I felt my pelvis pull apart and then hung me up and drug me around for awhile. I did get a helicopter ride out of the deal though!

The rodeo in Sheridan is called the W-Y-O rodeo and is a good one to watch. It is a prorodeo and the stock is really good and so are the contestants. It is definitly one of the better ones throughout the summer anywhere in the nation. Pay close attention to the steer roping... it's not a common event and it is one you would have seen/will still see out on ranches today. Enjoy it!

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I see by the map that shortest way to Burgess jct is 14a, Can one make the trip pulling 5th wheels. they are smaller 28ft and no slides on either of them. Unfortunatly I don't have an exhast brake. We are not green horn drivers, both live on a farm and have grown up pulling trailers.

Just wanted to know what you guys think.

Dennis

Just really gear down and you should be fine. As stated before, if you come down 14 in Lovell you will need to use extreme caution as it has some extreme 10% grades. I have seen a few unloaded semis come up it but going down might make you nervous. It has a few brake cool turnouts and runaway ramps (that look scary as hell!) but if you stay geared down and use your brakes sparingly you will have no problem. Your 6-spd will have a huge advantage over an auto and trailer brakes will help a bunch too.