Visit the Bighorn National Forest and enjoy the multiple reservoirs, 32 campgrounds, 3 scenic byways, 14 picnic areas, 7 lodges, miles and miles of streams, 189,000 acres of Wilderness, 1,500 miles of trails, and much more that provide a forest experience unique to the Big Horns.
We hope this website provides you with inside information on the Big Horn Mountains - from the experiences they have to offer to the way the USFS manages their many resources. Most of all, we hope it invites you come see their spectacular beauty for yourselves.
Camping outside of a campground is allowed on many areas of the Forest. Regulations permit camping in dispersed areas for a maximum of 21 days in Wyoming, however you should consult with your local Forest Service office for regulations regarding this and other activities.
Reservations are not required for camping in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. However, it is required that visitors to the Wilderness register with the Bighorn National Forest, which can be done at major trailheads and in Forest offices.
Campgrounds and trails in the Bighorn National Forest are subject to severe winter weather conditions, year round. Due to this variability, the Forest cannot guarantee that all facilities will continue to be open throughout the season. The information contained in this web site will be updated as time and situations allow.
For your safety, obtain your drinking and cooking water from potable water sources such as well pumps or water hydrants. If potable water is not available, boil water from lakes or streams for 5 minutes or use other purification methods.
Campgrounds are expensive to maintain. Please accept the challenge to take home your litter and garbage, thus allowing limited maintenance funds to be utilized for other maintenance chores.
Hiking in the Bighorn National Forest can be an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Trails are found along lakes and streams, across grassy parklands and climbing to reach the highest mountain summits. Those listed on the accompanying trail table (20K) are only a sample of opportunities awaiting the visitor.
We encourage you to purchase a detailed Forest Map to accurately locate these trails. The Forest Map can be purchased at any of the Bighorn's District Offices and at many commercial outlets throughout the area. If you wish, you may print out our map order form and receive one by mail. Topographic maps are available through the US Geological Survey or at local sporting good stores.
Backpacking offers freedom to the forest traveler. You become part of a scenic landscape and survive in a primitive environment with few modern conveniences. With this freedom goes an individual responsibility to care for the environment and respect the rights of those you meet along the way. Many areas are experiencing heavy use. Firewood may be scarce. Streams no longer provide safe drinking water. Help protect this fragile resource by following the "Leave No Trace" principles.
The Bighorn National Forest and surrounding areas hold outstanding fishing opportunities, whether it be along quiet mountain streams, wading rivers or boating and float tubing on reservoirs or high mountain lakes. Campgrounds are also conveniently located throughout the forest.
Hunting:
Hunting is allowed on National Forest lands. There are many hunting opportunities in the Bighorn National Forest. Big game species include elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion and pronghorn antelope.
Wildlife licensing, regulations, harvest limits, and seasons are set by the Wyoming Game and Fish department. Please contact them for more information.
