Medicine Lodge Lake Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opens in June through Labor Day weekend, weather dependent. First-come, first-served only, no reservations accepted. Off-season self-supported camping is allowed when weather permits, with no services available.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 2:10AM MDT until September 20 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by moderate to heavy rainfall is possible, especially in terrain and poor drainage areas. * WHERE...Portions of central and north central Wyoming, including the following areas, in central Wyoming, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains. In north central Wyoming, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, Bighorn Mountains West, Northeast Johnson County and Southeast Johnson County. * WHEN...Through this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive rainfall may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas and around steep terrain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A slow moving weather system will bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the region. Any shower or thunderstorm could produce moderate to heavy rainfall across the Watch Area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued September 19 at 11:59AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
ESFRIW Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected across the northern half of Wyoming Saturday and Sunday as a wet weather system shifts east across the state. This weather system is funneling abundant tropical moisture into northern and eastern portions of the state with it's eastward progression. Given the high moisture content, many thunderstorms could feature heavy rainfall and possibly lead to localized flooding. Poor drainage areas, urban areas, and steep terrain will be the most susceptible locations for this isolated flooding. Many locations could see an additional 0.5" to 1.25" of rain through Sunday afternoon, with a majority of this rain falling quickly in thunderstorms. Remember, if you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around don't down!
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
About
Medicine Lodge Lake Campground occupies a secluded high-alpine setting at 9,300 feet elevation along the shores of Upper Medicine Lodge Lake in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest. The campground provides a launching point for wilderness exploration, with nearby trailheads offering direct access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Reaching the campground requires commitment: from Shell, Wyoming, travelers head east on Highway 14 for 17 miles before turning south onto Forest System Road 17 for another 24.5 miles. This remote access keeps usage light and preserves the area's wild character. The campground offers both single sites at $20/night and one double site (#11) at $40/night for larger groups of up to 16 people. Facilities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump during the operating season. When the official season ends after Labor Day, self-supported camping remains available as weather permits, though without trash collection, water service, or cleaning. The 14-day stay limit applies, and dogs must be kept on leash. Horses and pack animals are not permitted at the campground.
Directions
From Shell, WY, travel east on Highway 14 for about 17 miles, then turn south onto Forest System Road 17 for another 24.5 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (307) 765-4435 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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