Trapper Creek WSA
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Trapper Creek WSA lies west of the slopes of Bighorn Mountain Range in Wyoming. It’s a Bureau of Land Management camping ground with a wilderness that covers 7200 acres. The cliffs and rock formations on the Trapper Creek Canyon are attractive to climbers and boulders. Some background trails are great for hiking, and Trapper Creek is ideal for anglers. The entry of any motor vehicles or motorized equipment is prohibited in this area, and only dispersed tent camping is allowed. In this case, you might need to find a nearby BLM RV camping ground.
Located southwest of the Bighorn National Forest and 171.7 miles northeast of Shoshone National Forest, the area is surrounded by towering cliffs and canyon displays with multiple layers and colors. Also, you can access the Great Expectations Cave, one of the deepest and largest karst caves in the United States. If you head to the south, you will reach the Red Gluch Dinosaur Tracksite, where you can see dinosaur footprints. You may also seek an adventure in the underground passages in the caves, but you will require a permit to access the area.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Porcupine Falls Trails
The trail is short, but it has an exciting reward once you reach the end. There is a fantastic view of a waterfall that washes down over the side of a cliff. The hike will offer you a slightly challenging climb as you go through the forest.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Misty Moon Trail
It is among the most hiked trails in the Bighorn National Forest. It begins at the West Tensleep Lake Trailhead, leading you to climb through the forest. After a few miles, you should reach Lake Helen and Lake Marion. You will also get to see rocky peaks along Misty Moon Lake.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Moderate to Strenuous
Steamboat Point Trail
If you want a quick but extra challenging hike, you should try the Steamboat Point Trail. It is a round-trip trail that leads down a steep for the most part before you reach sections where you must scramble over rocks.
Length: 1.6 miles round-trip
Intensity: Strenuous
Medicine Wheel Trail
You should follow this trail if you want to hike and connect with an ancient Native American site. It is a wide, rough road leading up to 9600 feet above sea level. Your reward will be a spectacular view of the area and an ancient medicine wheel estimated to be between 200 and 3000 years old.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
If you can make it to Trapper Creek, you will enjoy rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout fishing. You could also head to the Big Horn River south of Shell for angling catfish or carp. You could make the experience more exciting by heading out fishing in a boat.
Wildlife Viewing
Trapper Creek WSA is an essential habitat for some rare and endangered species like peregrine falcons and bald eagles. You can also see elk and deer.
Photography
You can head to the Trapper Creek Canyon and take shots of the different colored rocks on the multiple layers of the canyons. There are also towering cliffs that could be great for photography. When you head to fish at Trapper Creek, you can bring your camera to photograph the beautiful rainbow trout.
Climbing
Experienced rock climbers could try climbing the cliffs and rock formations in the wilderness. Bring your climbing gear to help you climb these rocks, as some might prove challenging to climb without any gear.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed. You could navigate the wilderness and extend to the Bighorn National Forest to hunt deer or elk.
Caving
If you love exploring caves, your next destination should be the Great Expectations Cave. It is also called the Great X and ranks third in the list of the deepest caves in the US. Also, there are other explorable caves high on the mountainside. Ensure you get a permit before visiting the caves.
Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite
This is a site where you get the chance to witness dinosaur footprints. BLM manages the area and has installed viewing platforms that help you move through the terrains as you view the footprints. At this site, you can experience physical evidence of the world's largest creatures' past existence.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Trapper Creek WSA doesn’t allow RV camping. You may need to camp on nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds like Shell Creek Campground, which is a less than 20-minute drive from the Bighorn National Forest and operates between May and September. You will need to make reservations for a standard $17 fee. Available campsites are 12, and some can accommodate up to 70 feet long RVs. You will find fire rings, grills, and tables, but there is no water. Vault toilets are available, as well as garbage collection and drinking water. Dead Swede Campground is in the same area and charges $18 for a night’s stay. The maximum RV length is 14 feet, and available amenities include water access and vault toilets. Tie Fume is another campground in Bighorn National Forest to consider. There are 27 campsites, and nightly charges are $18. You will access water and vault toilets.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible in the Bighorn National Forest. You can check out Forest Road 231 Dispersed Camping. You should ensure your RV is packed with amenities as this site has none. If you need more recommendations and information on BLM RV camping and camping on public land, you can check the BLM camping near me map and guide.
RV Rentals Near Trapper Creek WSA Plan your next adventure
Planning your Trapper Creek WSA BLM trip
As you plan the trip, ensure you begin by checking the area map and weather forecast. You need to familiarize yourself with the routes to follow and find shortcuts. Also, mark the closest towns or cities to your camping area. Know what weather to expect before your trip so you can bring extra changing clothes and the proper footwear. The next thing would be to pack your RV with the necessary amenities that make your camping experience fruitful. Do not forget to include repellents and sunblock. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Trapper Creek WSA Location
The Trapper Canyon is five miles southeast of Shell on the western slope of the Bighorn Mountains. You can find an easy access route via a private property on Trapper Creek Road. The route is along the southern boundary of the Wilderness Study Area, which is accessible via Shell southeast using Trapper Creek Road. Follow the same route without taking any turns until you reach the southeast boundary. You can also get to the southeast boundary through BLM Road 1114, which extends toward the northwest of Alkali Road. While at Alkali Road, drive for about 1.4 miles northwest to a two-track. Follow the two-track for approximately 1 mile to get to your destination.
Address: Big Horn County, along the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains, WY 82833
Ready to visit Trapper Creek WSA? 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 of 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.