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BLM Camping

Big Cedar Ridge

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

BLM sites offer unique opportunities for exploring an area. These areas are left mostly in their natural, wild states so that visitors can get a true feel for the landscape, wildlife, and geography. To find BLM sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”

Located just south of Bighorn National Forest in Worland, Wyoming, Big Cedar Ridge is a beautiful expanse of wilderness. About 70 million years ago, a large flow of mud and volcanic ash covered the area, flooding over the plants and many insects and small animals. This created fossils that have helped scientists discover hundreds of new species and learn more about what the area might have looked like so long ago. Today, visitors can collect some of these fossils or they can simply enjoy the landscape.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Jim Bridger Historical Trail

This short trail is gentle enough for the entire family and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Gooseberry Badlands Trail

A loop trail in Worland, this path offers beautiful views of the area’s dramatic landscape.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

T Hill Trail

Located in nearby Hot Springs State Park, this beautiful trail winds through stunning landscapes and is perfect for both hiking and mountain biking.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Tongue River Canyon

This trail, located in Bighorn National Forest, is a great way to spot native wildlife.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cloud Peak Trail

Hikers can choose to hike a small portion of the trail or backpack along the entire route of this Bighorn National Forest path.

Length: 22.5 miles

Intensity: Hard

Fishing and Boating

Some of the most popular spots for fishing in the area are Medicine Lodge Creek, Paintrock Creek, and the Paintrock Lakes in the Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site. Anglers can either spin or fly-fish for trout. There are also fishing and boating opportunities in Hot Springs State Park.

Climbing

Many climbers enjoy rock and ice climbing in the area around Big Cedar Ridge throughout the year. Shell Canyon offers many climbing options for all seasons. The area offers mostly traditional routes, but there are also some bouldering opportunities.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can spot wildlife from Big Cedar Ridge, or they can head to either Bighorn National Forest or Hot Springs State Park. Native animals include pronghorn antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, wild horses, bears, wolves, cougars, hawks, and eagles. Visitors can also view bison in Hot Springs State Park, and the bison are fed during the day, which makes for excellent photography opportunities.

Picnicking

The Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site is a great option for a picnic. There are four picnic tables and two playgrounds at the park. Nearby Boysen State Park also offers several picnic areas, plus seven playgrounds and easy access to fishing areas and hiking trails.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Visitors to the Big Cedar Ridge area can use many of the local trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months. Both activities are also popular around the Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and regular RV parks are available in several locations near Big Cedar Ridge. Worland RV Park has 46 RV sites with full hookups. There are picnic tables, a store, and a laundry area. Ten Sleep RV Park offers 52 sites with full hookups, and there are hot showers, a 24-hour laundry area, and a dump station.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Castle Gardens Scenic Area. The road in can be a bit rough, so ensure your vehicle is up to the task before entering. There are also many dispersed camping opportunities in Bighorn National Forest.

RV Rentals Near Big Cedar Ridge Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Big Cedar Ridge BLM trip

Most people prefer to visit Big Cedar Ridge and the Worland area during the summer, early fall, and late spring months when temperatures are mild. During the winter, temperatures can be very cold, dropping to well below freezing even during the day. The area sees little rain, however, so you’ll most likely have clear skies and beautiful weather for your trip.

On BLM land in the Big Cedar Ridge area, you can collect a reasonable amount of invertebrates and common plant fossils. For example, many people collect clam, coral, leaf, or seed fossils. Archeological artifacts and vertebrate fossils, such as fossils from fish, turtles, or dinosaurs, however, cannot be collected without permission from the Bureau of Land Management office.

Different rules and regulations are in place at each BLM camping site and day-use area, so always familiarize yourself with the policies before you start your adventure. Some areas may only allow for stays of a certain period, while other areas may offer different amenities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Big Cedar Ridge, like all Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and day-use sites, deserves protection, care, and respect, and following Leave No Trace guidelines can help. Try to stay on the trails, and when you can’t stay on the trail, disturb the local flora and fauna as little as possible. Always pack out or dispose of trash properly. If you see litter on the trail, take it with you and throw it away. Only start fires in areas where they can be easily controlled, and try not to make any new fire pits or rings. Observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Big Cedar Ridge Location

From Worland, head east on US Highway 16 for about 15 miles. Turn south onto BLM Road 1411, also called Blue Bank Road. Continue for 14.5 miles. There will be a parking area and interpretive panels on the west, or righthand, side of the road marking the Big Cedar Ridge area.

Ready to visit Big Cedar Ridge? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.