Lower Paintrock Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season and gated. Opens in June through Labor Day, weather dependent. All sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations.
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.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-11 Black Mountain Lookout Building Closure
The Black Mountain Fire Lookout building and deck are closed to entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-10 Burgess Junction Visitor Center
Area closure to protect Burgess Junction Visitor Center building.
Forest Special Order 02-02-03-25-01 Medicine Wheel Area Closure
Restrictions in the Medicine Wheel Area.
Forest Special Order 02-02-01-25-02 West Tensleep Corridor
Restrictions to camping and human waste management in West Tensleep Corridor, Forest System Road 27.
Forest Special Order 02-02-03-25-05 Shell Falls Interpretive Site Closure
Shell Falls Interpretive Site trails, pathways, grounds, viewing platform, buildings, parking areas, and road closed to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-25-03 Over Snow and Motor Vehicle Restrictions
Travel management restrictions including S-Areas.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-24-09 Gravel Pit Area Closures
Burgess and Copper Creek Gravel Pit closures to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-24-02 Occupancy and Use Camping Regulations
Regulations related to camping and use of areas in the Bighorn National Forest.
About
Lower Paintrock Lake Campground is located in a remote, high-elevation setting at 9,300 feet on Lower Paint Rock Lake in the Bighorn National Forest. The campground offers a peaceful base for wilderness exploration, with nearby trailheads providing direct access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The remote location requires driving 17 miles east on Highway 14 from Shell, Wyoming, followed by 25 miles south on Forest System Road 17. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, with vault toilets and hand-pump drinking water available. The facility is gated after season closures and typically accessible from June through Labor Day, weather dependent. High clearance vehicles are recommended for several sections of the access road, and large RVs and trailers are not suitable for this location. With light usage levels and a 14-day stay limit, Lower Paintrock Lake Campground appeals to campers seeking solitude and wilderness access. The lake offers fishing opportunities, and the surrounding area provides excellent hiking and wildlife viewing in the high country.
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. High clearance vehicles recommended; large RVs and trailers not recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Medicine Lodge Lake Campground 0.5mi
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site Day Use Shelter 10mi
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site Campground 10mi
- Ranger Creek Recreation Area 12mi
- Shell Creek 13mi
- West Tensleep Lake 13mi
- Deer Park Campground 13mi
- Cross Creek Campground 13mi
- Island Park Campground 15mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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 |
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