Bighorn National Forest Guide
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Spanning over 192,000 acres in Wyoming, Bighorn National Forest boasts breathtaking landscapes with alpine meadows, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls. The forest has over 1,200 miles of trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. RV camping is a popular option for visitors to Bighorn National Forest. Several campgrounds cater to RVs, and nearby BLM lands offer budget-friendly dispersed camping. Towns like Buffalo, Sheridan, and Lovell provide RV rental services through platforms like RVshare, making exploring the forest and surrounding areas easy.
Camping in Bighorn National Forest
You can explore campgrounds near Bighorn National Forest in nearby cities like Buffalo and Sheridan. You can also explore options for BLM camping near Bighorn National Forest and the top campgrounds in Wyoming. And for a smooth camping experience, check out these nearby dump stations.
Paid Campgrounds in Bighorn National Forest
$20 per night; $9 for additional vehicle
$20 per night; $9 for additional vehicle
$22 per night; $10 for additional vehicle
$20 per night; $9 for additional vehicle
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
Free, on-site donation tube to support maintenance and activities
Free
Free
Campgrounds by Lakes and Rivers for Water Activities
$23-28 per night; $10 for additional vehicle
$22 per night; $10 for additional vehicle
Medicine Lodge Lake Campground
$20 per night; $9 for additional vehicle
$20 per night; $9 for additional vehicle
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Leigh Creek Campground
If you're planning to fish or rock climb in Tensleep Canyon, Leigh Creek Campground makes a convenient home base. Pull your RV into a site under the pines; there are no hookups or water, but the beautiful location more than makes up for the lack of services. The campground is usually quiet, and the vault toilets are open for campers' use. Sites here are $16 per night.
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Lake View Campground
Situated near the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area, Lake View Campground offers lovely sites on the shores of Meadowlark Lake. Each spot has its own fire ring and picnic table, and you'll have access to drinking water, trash bins, and vault toilets during your stay. Nightly rates are $18.
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Shell Creek Campground
It's hard to imagine a more picturesque setting than the one you'll find at Shell Creek Campground. Set high in the mountains next to a rushing creek, this spot delivers beautiful views and excellent fishing a few steps from your site. Expect basic services, including trash collection, vault toilets, and drinking water. Sites here are $17 per night.
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Big Horn Mountains Campground
With full hookups and a convenient location southeast of Big Horn National Forest, Big Horn Mountains Campground offers comfort and convenience. Take advantage of the hot showers, large bathrooms, and laundry area after a day in the great outdoors. Many sites offer a beautiful view of the mountains. Rates vary; call for details.
RV Rentals Near Bighorn National Forest
Bighorn National Forest Hiking Trails
Explore the diverse hiking trails in Bighorn National Forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.79 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.49 miles
Difficulty: Easy
South Clear Creek Campground Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
South Fork Campground to Tie Hack Loop
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Distance: 15.22 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 22.3 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Soldier's Park to Seven Brothers Lakes
Distance: 15.1 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 16 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Lakeside Trails
Mirror Lake and Lost Twin Lakes Trail
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 3.48 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.13 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
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Porcupine Falls Trail
The Porcupine Falls Trail is a short hike with a big reward — at the end, you'll see a spectacular view of a waterfall as it thunders 200 feet over the side of a cliff. This hike offers a nice challenge, climbing steadily through the forest. Along the way, the views of the rocky cliffs and dense forests are nothing short of spectacular.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Medicine Wheel Trail
Hike to an ancient Native American site on the Medicine Wheel Trail. The route is a rough but wide road that takes you from the parking area to the site itself. It sits at more than 9,600 feet above sea level, so leave plenty of time if you're not accustomed to the elevation. At the end of the trail, you'll come to an ancient medicine wheel that's between 200 and 3,000 years old. The site is sacred, so make sure to pay attention to the rules along the path.
Length: 3 miles round-trip
Intensity: Moderate
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Misty Moon Trail
The Misty Moon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bighorn National Forest, so it's a great long day hike if you prefer a bit of company. The trail starts out at the West Tensleep Lake Trailhead and climbs consistently through the forest. After a few miles, you'll reach Lake Helen and Lake Marion. The most beautiful part of the route is located above the tree line — high-elevation meadows stretch into the distance, and Misty Moon Lake is framed by stunning rocky peaks.
Length: 7 miles one way
Intensity: Moderate to Strenuous
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Tongue River Canyon Trail
In a national forest that's filled with stunning hikes, the Tongue River Canyon Trail is a standout. The trail winds through grasslands and into the canyon itself, offering picturesque views of limestone cliffs and the occasional river crossing. Keep an eye out for the hidden cave along the path. The entire trail is more than 11 miles long; for a great day hike, walk 3.5 miles to Box Canyon before turning around.
Length: 11.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Steamboat Point Trail
If you're limited on time, head straight for the Steamboat Point Trail. The majority of the trail is steep, and some sections require you to scramble over the rocks. At the top, you can see for miles over the mountains and forests.
Length: 1.6 miles round-trip
Intensity: Strenuous
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James T. Saban Lookout Trail
The James T. Saban Lookout Trail gains just 200 feet of elevation, making it one of the fastest and easiest trails in the region. It leads to a fire lookout that perches on top of the rocks, offering 360-degree vistas. Make sure to check out the interpretive signs that explain the history of the lookout and its role in protecting the forests from fires.
Length: 0.4 mile
Intensity: Easy
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Sherd Lake Loop Trail
The Sherd Lake Loop Trail is another of the top hikes in Bighorn National Forest, thanks to its challenging but accessible terrain and beautiful scenery. The trail runs into the Cloud Peak Wilderness, taking you through dense forests and up a rocky slope to the lovely Sherd Lake. Bring your fishing rod or a picnic and plan to hang out on the shore before completing the trip. The trail ends at a forest road, but you can take the 1.8-mile South Fork Ponds Trail back to the trailhead for a complete loop.
Length: 7.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Bighorn National Forest
Here are some interesting activities to do when you visit Bighorn National Forest:
Mountain Biking: Enjoy mountain biking at Bald Ridge, Tongue River Canyon, and Paintrock Lake, with trails near campgrounds like Sibley Lake and Circle Park. Always check trail maps for details and prepare for changing weather.
Climbing:Bighorn National Forest's cliffs and spires attract climbers worldwide. Enjoy responsibly by respecting protected cultural resources, notifying the Forest Service before creating new routes, and following local regulations for a sustainable experience.
Fishing: Enjoy year-round fishing opportunities, from ice fishing in winter to lake, pond, river, and stream fishing during warmer months. Popular spots include Sibley Lake for ice fishing and Tie Hack Campground for trout fishing.
Hiking: Explore trails that wind through high-mountain lakes, lush valleys, and rugged wilderness. Trails like Circle Park Trailhead, Misty Moon, and Solitude Loop cater to multi-day backpackers, while shorter paths such as Sibley Lake Trail and Porcupine Falls provide excellent options for day hikes.
OHV Trail Riding:Explore OHV trails at Bald Ridge ATV, Circle Park ATV, Deer Park Campground in Buffalo, Boyd Ridge and Medicine Lodge Basin in Greybull, and Dead Swede Campground in Sheridan.
Winter Activities:Explore a range of winter adventures, including skiing at Meadowlark Ski Lodge in Buffalo and Antelope Butte Ski Area in Greybull. With 387 miles of snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing spots like Sibley Lake, Cutler Hill, and Pole Creek, there’s something for everyone.
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Fishing
Bighorn National Forest is famous for its exceptional trout fishing. Check out the South Tongue River, the Little Bighorn River, and the south fork of Clear Creek. Many lakes, including West Tensleep Lake, are also open to anglers.
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Stargazing
When the sun goes down in the forest, step away from your campfire and look up at the sky. This part of Wyoming has little to no light pollution, and the views of the stars are some of the best in the country.
How to get to Bighorn National Forest
Address: 2013 Eastside 2nd Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Buffalo, WY:Bighorn National Forest is an 11-minute drive (8.6 miles) west of Buffalo, WY, via US-16 W.
From Sheridan, WY : Bighorn National Forest is 28.4 miles from Sheridan, WY, via I-90 W and US-14 W.
By Air
Sheridan County Airport (SHR): This regional airport is closest to Bighorn National Forest, 32.2 miles away via I-90 W and US-14 W.
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): Located 124 miles from Bighorn National Forest, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes via I-90 E
Seasonal Restrictions
Certain hike trails, campgrounds, and swim areas may be closed due to cyclones or heavy rainfall. Before making plans, check the current restrictions on the forest's official website.
Fees and Permits
There is no general entry fee for this forest. However, certain activities, such as camping or using specific recreational facilities, may have associated costs. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry camping, and wood collection permits are available at ranger stations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bighorn National Forest
How many hiking trails does Bighorn National Forest have?
Bighorn National Forest has more than 1,500 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are trails for all levels, from beginning hikers to experienced trekkers - there's something for everyone!
Is Bighorn National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Bighorn National Forest is open year-round. In summer, visitors can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, and fish. In winter, there is skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available in the forest.
What type of wildlife lives in Bighorn National Forest?
Wildlife in the Bighorn National Forest includes marmots, moose, bears and bald eagles. There are plenty of other birds that live in the forest as well, along with a variety of fish and small animals.
Is there a fee to get into Bighorn National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Bighorn National Forest. However, there are fees for some day-use areas, along with campground fees and costs for other recreational activities within the forest.
Does Bighorn National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Bighorn National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest, and campsites are free. There are no amenities with dispersed camping - campers must bring everything they need with them, and must pack everything out afterward.
