The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Seven miles from the town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming sits the scenic Castle Gardens, an area full of natural rock formations that resemble medieval stone castle walls. The full Castle Gardens Scenic Area is also located at the base of the Bighorn Mountain Range and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a US government organization that strives to keep the area clean and safe for wildlife and visitors. This area includes a day-use area, picnic tables and shelters, and a small campground, which is free for the public to use year-round.
The Castle Gardens area itself is considered a badlands that was created by the erosion of the earth's surface. Named "bad lands" by French-Canadians who found trouble traveling through places like this in the 19th century, badlands are categorized by unique rock formations, like the mushroom or toadstool-shaped formations at Castle Gardens. These specific formations were created by uneven erosion of the weaker rock at the base of the formations while the stronger rock at the tops of the formations was left intact. This type of erosion of rock, specifically of sandstone at Castle Gardens, is a unique sight to see.
Considered a steep hike, the Salt Lick Trail is a loop trail maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The West Tensleep Falls Trail is one of many trails that can be accessed via the West Tensleep Trailhead, which also includes a restroom. This trail itself includes flat terrain and views of a small waterfall.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Lone Tree Trail is also managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is a difficult route popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Rock climbing and rock hiking are popular activities at the Castle Gardens Scenic Area. Many visitors like to hike the steep sides of the various rock formations here while some enjoy exploring the lower valleys and taking photographs of the scenery. Traditional rock climbing may be difficult at Castle Rock because the rocks are so uniquely shaped, but there are some long, flat formations that are easier to climb the closer visitors get to the Bighorn Mountains. Any time you decide to go climbing at the Castle Gardens Scenic Area, be sure to travel in a pair or group with emergency supplies on hand in case of falls since cell reception is sparse in the area.
Plenty of wildlife call the Castle Gardens Scenic Area home, including black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. You're most likely to see species like mule deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope roaming the rocks though. Birds in the area include a vast 120 species, among them many raptors, such as the bald eagle, and the rare spotted bat.
Picnic tables and shelters are available for you to use at Castle Gardens, and all of the campsites near the picnic area include fire pits with grill covers that campers can also use. You can pack your picnic to enjoy at the existing picnic sites on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can climb some of the rock formations and enjoy your meal from above.
While you're visiting the Castle Gardens Scenic Area, consider staying overnight to experience the dark Wyoming night sky. Since it is far from city light pollution and it is usually dry, this area has great clear skies for stargazing. Consider bringing a towel or blanket to use when you want to sit on the rocky ground and view the sky and be sure to pack a jacket or coat to use since the nights in this area get quite cold, even in the summer months.
If the campsites at Castle Gardens are full, try staying at another nearby campground instead. You can take your RV camping at a place like Ten Sleep RV Park, which has full hookups and a "horse hotel" for visitors who like to bring their horses with them. You can also check out Leigh Creek Campground, a US Forest Service-operated campground with potable water and shady campsites.
When you are looking for BLM camping near me, consider staying at the Castle Gardens Scenic Area, which includes four primitive campsites that both tents and RVs can use. Each of these sites includes shade roofs, picnic tables, fire pits, and access to a vault restroom. This Bureau of Land Management free camping option does not accept reservations, though, so have a backup plan in case all of the sites are full when you come to visit the Castle Gardens.
Whenever you come to Castle Gardens for BLM RV camping, be sure to pack for the expected weather since the summers there are very hot while the winters are very cold. Know that there is no shade in the badlands of Castle Garden, so you will need to pack appropriate sun protection as well.
When you plan on staying at a Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, be sure to pack for a primitive experience, meaning you will need to bring your own water and battery- or solar-powered equipment to replace electric comforts. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All Castle Gardens Scenic Area visitors are asked by the BLM to follow the Leave No Trace policy, which helps keep the area clean for future generations to enjoy. You can follow this policy's guidelines by picking up after yourself, keeping an eye on your campfires, and leaving the rock formations as you found them.
To reach the Castle Gardens Scenic Area from Ten Sleep, Wyoming, start on Old 10 Sleep Highway west for three miles. Then turn left on 2 Mile Hill Road and travel for 4.5 miles. From there, veer right onto Castle Gardens Road and follow the road for one mile until you reach the parking lot.
Ready to visit Castle Gardens Scenic Area? 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.
