The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, like Buffalo Creek Campground, are managed by a federal organization that's committed to maintaining beautiful areas in nature. Buffalo Creek Campground, located by the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway, is a small campground that's ideal for those who prefer camping in secluded areas. It's close to the Bighorn National Forest, Casper Mountain, and the Trapper Creek Wilderness Study Area. Search "BLM camping near me" to find other possible campgrounds.
Eadsville Trail, the main trail at Casper Mountain County Park, connects with other trails, including Copper, Diesburg's Dungeon, and Jacobson's. Mountain biking is allowed on Eadsville Trail. If you visit during the winter, then you need to wear snowshoes. Length: 4.1 miles Intensity: Moderate
Another trail that allows mountain biking, Platte Creek Loop in Casper Mountain County Park is less traveled. There are wildlife viewing opportunities and expansive views as there aren't trees around for providing shade. Length: 3.6 miles Intensity: Easy
Tongue River Canyon Trail offers fishing opportunities and permits mountain biking and dogs. It's a popular out-and-back trail in the Bighorn National Forest. Length: 4.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
Scenic views along the path include a meadow, a creek canyon, and mountains. Dogs are allowed on the trail. Length: 11 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail in the Bighorn National Forest takes you to a waterfall. Dogs are also allowed on the trail. Length: 0.8 miles Intensity: Easy
Buffalo Creek is a hot spot for catching brook trout. Another fishing area near Buffalo Creek Campground is Boysen Reservoir. Types of fish that you could catch include mountain whitefish, largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. You're allowed to bring your boat to the reservoir as well. The Bighorn National Forest also permits boating.
Casper Mountain, a 7,000-foot mountain, offers rock climbing opportunities. The granite rock varies in quality throughout the area. Fremont Canyon is another nearby climbing opportunity. The canyon climbs range from 40 feet to 400 feet.
At the Bighorn National Forest, you might see moose, antelope, elk, deer, mountain lions, and black bears. Common bird sightings include bald eagles, golden eagles, and merlins. You have a chance at seeing a spotted bat if you're lucky.
There are a lot of picnicking spots in the Bighorn National Forest, including Lake Point Picnic Ground, North Fork Picnic Ground, and Cabin Creek Picnic Ground. Lake Point Picnic Ground overlooks Meadowlark Lake. A small creek flows through Cabin Creek Picnic Ground. Vault toilets are available at these locations, but you need to bring your own water and come prepared to pack out your trash.
The South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway is a mostly gravel road with 102 miles of scenery. You can see rock formations, prairies, and old oil field pumps. Hole-in-the-Wall is a notable landmark along the route as well. The Black Gold Byway gives you a tour of the historic Black Gold region in Wyoming. In the early 20th century, there were oil fields that created an economic boom.
In the winter, you can go skiing, sledding and snowshoeing at Casper Mountain. There are over 25 miles of groomed trails.
You can hunt white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, black bears, and mountain lions in the Bighorn National Forest. Additional game that you can hunt in designated areas in Casper, Wyoming includes turkey, duck, geese, sage grouse, and pheasants.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Buffalo Creek Campground, but it can only handle small RVs. The campground allows generators and dogs and cats. Fire rings are included at the campsites. Other options for RV camping include Tough Creek Campground, Tamarask Campground, and Lower Wind River Campground.
There aren't many options for free camping besides Buffalo Creek Campground. You could go dispersed camping at the Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Battle Park trailhead, and Elgin Park trailhead.
The average low in Casper during the winter is 17 degrees Fahrenheit, so you need to come prepared with sleeping bags that can handle lower temperatures than this. Even in the spring, the lows are in the 20 degrees. Summers are hot with the average high ranging from 80 to 89 degrees. If you want to go scenic driving on the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway, then you need a high-clearance vehicle. Not all picnic sites have amenities, so you should check in advance to prepare. You might have to bring your own water and trash bags. Buffalo Creek Campground is a beautiful area to camp because it's secluded and small. There are only four primitive campsites at the campground. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Following the "Leave No Trace" rules for each BLM site that you visit is essential for protecting the land and wildlife. What might seem like minor actions to you could disrupt the ecosystem and endanger others. ATVs going off course in the Bighorn National Forest, for instance, have been causing problems with elk being able to hide in security zones. Organizations that oversee these areas may have to close off access when too many disruptions occur.
From Casper, head north on South Beverly Street toward East 1st Street and follow US-20W/US-26W to Arminto Road/Lost Cabin Road. After about 44 miles, turn right onto Arminto Road/Lost Cabin Road. The road turns into Buffalo Creek Road after about 8.5 miles. Travel for another 14.2 miles, and turn left onto Bighorn Mountain Road. After 8.9 miles, you need to head straight onto Buffalo Creek Campground Road, instead of turning right to continue along Bighorn Mountain Road. You've now arrived at the campground. Address: Bighorn Mountain Road, Powder River, WY 82648 Ready to visit Buffalo Creek Campground? 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.
