The best camping near Shoshone National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shoshone National Forest adventure.
Explore some of Wyoming’s wildest landscapes without the Yellowstone crowds.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Shoshone National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds in the parkBook externally
Stay at a public campground in Shoshone National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Shoshone National Forest
The best camping near Shoshone National Forest guide
Overview
About
Spanning over 2.5 million acres of Wyoming’s most scenic landscapes, Shoshone National Forest is a wild playground for hikers, backpackers, and climbers. The forest borders Yellowstone National Park and encompasses much of the Wind River Range and the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. Shoshone has 30 campgrounds scattered throughout the forest, ideal for tent-campers and small trailers or RVs. Highlights include hiking in the Wind River Range, trout fishing on the Shoshone River, climbing Wyoming’s highest point, Gannett Peak, and driving the scenic Beartooth Highway.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for scenic views: Pinnacles Campground
- Best for water sports: Beartooth Lake Campground
- Best for solitude seekers: Double Cabin Campground
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Most campgrounds in Shoshone National Forest are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just a few, including Big Game Campground and Rex Hale Campground, can be reserved six months ahead of time online.
- For campgrounds along the Beartooth Highway and in Sinks Canyon, arrive early in the day or on a Thursday for the best chance of scoring a spot. These campgrounds often fill early in the day during the busy summer season.
- Electric, water, and sewer hookups are not available in the Shoshone National Forest campground. Private RV parks can be found in the neighboring communities of Dubois, Lander, and Cody.
When to go
Hiking season can be quite short in Shoshone National Forest. Snow may not melt out in upper elevation areas until late June, making some trails not accessible until July. Camping and hiking is usually the best in July, August, and early September. Some roads, such as the Beartooth Scenic Byway, are only open from late May through mid-October but may close at any time due to weather.
Know before you go
- Most Shoshone National Forest campgrounds offer drinking water and either flush or vault toilets, but no showers.
- Stop by the Shoshone National Forest visitor center in Lander or the Wapiti Wayside on the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, west of Cody, for trail maps and camping information.
- Shoshone National Forest is bear country. Follow all posted bear safety guidelines and never leave food or other scented items unattended.
- Dogs are allowed almost everywhere in Shoshone National Forest as long as they are on leash. Dogs are not allowed in swimming areas.
Top cities near Shoshone National Forest
- Shoshone National Forest
