The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was established in 1946 and oversees over 245 million acres of public land. The BLM is responsible for conserving and managing these lands, ensuring both present and future generations can enjoy them. You can take advantage of camping opportunities on these public lands in developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. You may stay up to 14 days within a given month at BLM campsites in Wyoming. The BLM asks that you use existing camping spots and fire rings if they are available when dispersed camping. Cottonwood Creek Trail is near the east shore of Bighorn Lake, has trails to access Bighorn National Forest land, and offers a tranquil atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cottonwood Creek Trailhead campground has five sites shaded by cottonwood trees, fire rings, and picnic tables near Cottonwood Creek. This area offers you ample hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. In addition, Yellowstone National Park is just over 100 miles east of this location.
Cottonwood Creek Trail winds through Cottonwood Cayon and up to a ridgeline. The vantage points along the route offer spectacular views of the forest below, which includes cottonwood, pine, maple, and aspen trees. Length: 4.5 miles Intensity: Intermediate
Big Horn Medicine Wheel Trail is 28 miles east of Cottonwood Creek. The trail is a gravel and dirt loop offering visitors views of the Medicine Wheel National Historic Site. Native Americans have used the medicine wheel for ceremonial and sacred purposes for hundreds and possibly thousands of years. If a ceremony is taking place during your visit, please stay back from the participants, observe quietly, and do not take pictures. Length: 3 miles Intensity: Easy
Porcupine Falls Trailhead is about 33 miles east of Cottonwood Creek in Bighorn National Forest. It offers hikers fantastic views of mountain scenery and a waterfall cascading down a cliff to a serene pool of water. The way down to the pool is steep, but stairs are built into the trail to make it easier to navigate. Length: 0.8 miles Intensity: Strenuous
Bighorn Lake is six miles west of the Cottonwood Creek Trail and offers scenic views of cliffs above crystal-clear water. Fishing enthusiasts can use the Horseshoe Bend Fishing Dock, which is s a large floating platform with pole holders, benches, and a wheelchair ramp. Anglers are also welcome to fish from motorized boats. Game fish in the lake include trout, bass, walleye, and crappie. Bighorn Lake is also popular for watersports such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. In addition, this site has restrooms, a large parking area, and a beach.
Cliff faces in Bighorn National Forest offer several places for climbing enthusiasts to enjoy. Tensleep Canyon is the most popular climbing area in the Forest. Alternatively, Funky Town offers short routes for beginners, while the Trump Tower climbing area provides challenging routes for experts.
Nestled within the wilderness of Wyoming, Cottonwood Creek Trail provides a prime location for encountering various wildlife species in their natural habitats. You may spot majestic elks grazing in the meadows along the trail and surrounding areas, while mule deer and pronghorn antelopes may be seen roaming the open grasslands. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse population of bird species like golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and songbirds like Western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds.
The Cottonwood Creek Trail area offers several picturesque picnic sites for visitors to enjoy. One popular spot is located near the trailhead, providing a convenient and scenic place to relax and have a meal before or after a hike. There are also several picnic grounds around Bighorn Lake, some near the top of the cliffs above the lake, offering fantastic water views.
In addition to the BLM RV camping at Cottonwood Creek Trail, there are several other options in the area. Five Springs Falls Campground is on the edge of Bighorn National Forest and has several pull-through sites for RVers hauling travel trailers or with larger motor homes. Sites at this location offer views of the Bighorn Basin below and a panoramic view of the Bighorn, Pryor, and Absaroka Mountains in the distance. Porcupine Campground is near the Medicine Wheel National Historic Site and has 14 spots suitable for RVs.
There is no charge to stay at the Cottonwood Creek Trailhead campground. In addition, Bureau of Land Management free camping is available around Bighorn Lake and in Bighorn National Forest. To locate these options, search "BLM camping near me" once you are in the area.
When planning your Bureau of Land Management camping trip, it's essential to keep a few things in mind. The temperature in areas around Cottonwood Creek Trail changes significantly with the elevation. It is a good idea to bring clothes suitable for both hot and cold weather. If you plan to hike some of the more remote trails in the area, the BLM suggests you stop at their field office to get updated on the latest conditions. In addition, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall, the creek near the Cottonwood Creek Trail campground may dry up. Plan on bringing plenty of water for drinking and washing up after meals. Finally, local fire regulations often change depending on the weather. Campfires may be prohibited at times, so ensure you have an alternate way to cook meals. The Cottonweek Creak Trail campground and other BLM sites offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy this region's unique mountain environment. However, planning for your trip can be daunting if you have never stayed at a location with few or no amenities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM regulations require all groups staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds to take care of the land they visit and leave it in the same or better condition. It is crucial for explorers to properly dispose of trash, food waste, and any other refuse by utilizing designated receptacles at the site or by packing it out when they vacate. In addition, ensure human waste is buried at least 150 feet away from water sources.
From Lovell, take Highway 14A for 10 miles east over the causeway crossing Bighorn Lake. At the end of the causeway, turn left onto John Blue Canyon Road and then turn onto the first road on the right. Travel about five miles to the Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. GPS Coordinates: 44.86938, -108.07204 Ready to visit Cottonwood Creek Trail? 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.
