Lower Paintrock Lake Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opens in June through Labor Day, weather dependent. No reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
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
Lower Paintrock Lake Campground occupies a secluded setting at 9,300 feet elevation on Lower Paint Rock Lake in the northern Bighorn Mountains. The remote location requires a 25-mile drive on Forest System Road 17 from Highway 14 near Shell, Wyoming. This primitive campground caters to backcountry enthusiasts seeking access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness, with nearby trailheads offering routes into alpine terrain. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Standard single sites accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles for $20 per night, while double sites (1 and 5) handle up to 16 people for $40 per night. Amenities are basic: vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump. Dogs are permitted on leash, but horses and pack animals are prohibited. The season typically runs from June through Labor Day, weather dependent, with a 14-day stay limit. Given the elevation and remote forest road access, early season visitors should verify road conditions with the Medicine Wheel Ranger District before making the trip.
Directions
From Shell, WY, go east on Highway 14 for about 17 miles, then travel south on Forest System Road 17 for another 25.1 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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
| Phone | +1 (307) 548-5304 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Lower Paintrock Lake Campground |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!