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BLM Camping

South Bighorn/Red Wall Backcountry Byway

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

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South Bighorn/Red Wall Backcountry Byway

The South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway stretches from just northwest of Casper, Wyoming to just north of Waltman, Wyoming. The byway passes through gorgeous landscapes, including high mountain pastures and forests, and also offers stunning views of the rocky Red Wall and the Big Horn Mountains. The gravel road is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and follows paths once used by ranchers.

This BLM site provides access to several creeks, campgrounds, and the middle fork of the Powder River. It is also located near the Big Horn National Forest. There are several options for camping along the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway, and to find other BLM sites with camping amenities, you can search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Platte River Trail

This gentle trail is paved and offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Length: 9.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Muddy Mountain Loop Trail

Located near Casper, this trail passes through dense forest areas and is a great way to view wildlife.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Twin Buttes Loop

This trail can be steep or difficult to follow in some areas, but it offers incredible views and is generally peaceful and quiet.

Length: 10.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Garden Creek Waterfall Loop

This trail is usually relatively quiet and offers lovely views of a waterfall.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Eadsville Trail

Located in Casper Mountain County Park, this trail is a good option for both hiking and mountain biking, and it offers good opportunities to view wildlife, including native birds like eagles and owls.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The middle fork of the Powder River, which can be accessed via the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway, offers fantastic trout fishing. Anglers can also often catch mountain whitefish, mottled sculpins, river carpsuckers, graylings, and even sturgeons. Visitors can also fish in many small streams along the byway, including those at the Graves Springs and Buffalo Creek Campgrounds.

Climbing

There are several excellent nearby climbing locations, including many options at or around Casper Mountain. Skunk Hollow at Casper Mountain offers 19 bouldering options. Casper Mountain itself has several bouldering options, plus several traditional and top-rope routes. There are also ice climbs during the colder months. The Garden Creek Waterfall area offers a traditional and an ice climb.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can often spot wildlife as they travel along the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway, and the nearby Big Horn National Forest is also an excellent option for viewing native animals. Native species include dozens of bird species, foxes, elk, bear, red deer, mountain lions, and pronghorn antelope.

Picnicking

The Graves Springs Campground, located along the byway, is a wonderfully scenic area to stop for a picnic. Visitors can use the campsites' picnic tables and fire rings, and the views are beautiful.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can find spots for BLM RV camping along the byway, and other nearby camping options include the Fort Casper Campground. This campground offers 86 RV sites with 30- and 50-amp hookups. There is also a laundry area, showers, and two private fishing areas. The River’s Edge RV & Cabins Resort offers beautiful picnic areas, restrooms, grills, and scenic views. The Casper KOA Campground can accommodate even the largest RVs, and many sites offer full hookups. It also has showers, restrooms, a store, and a laundry area.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available along the South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway at the Graves Springs Campground. There are 12 RV sites as well as vault toilets. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Buffalo Creek Campground is also located along the byway and offers four primitive camping sites with fire rings and vault toilets.

RV Rentals Near South Bighorn/Red Wall Backcountry Byway Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your South Bighorn/Red Wall Backcountry Byway BLM trip

The South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway passes through both public and private lands. While enjoying the byway, remember to respect private property and obey all posted signs. Ranching is still active in the area, so stay alert for cattle on the road. Some areas along the byway might be rugged and require four-wheel-drive vehicles. There are also several remote locations, so bring a map or GPS and pack plenty of food and water.

A visit to the byway is enjoyable at any time of year, but most people prefer to explore the area during the summer when the weather is warm. During the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, so make sure you plan ahead, carry emergency supplies, and dress warmly if you decide to drive through or camp in the area. Even during the spring and fall, nighttime temperatures can plummet, so dress in layers.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Any natural site, including Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, day-use areas, and byways, can benefit from tread lightly and Leave No Trace practices. As you drive, stay on the road to minimize your impact on the land. When camping or hiking, only walk on stable ground. If you spot a wild animal, observe it from a distance and never try to approach it. Don't take any plants or animals home. Don't litter, and pick up any litter you see. Be careful with fires, and ensure that all fires remain controlled. Before leaving the area, check to ensure the fire coals are completely cooled.