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.
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.
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 02-02-06-26-03 Gravel Pit Area Closures
Burgess and Copper Creek Gravel Pit closures to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-26-01 Cloud Peak Wilderness Regulations
Cloud Peak Wilderness regulations
Forest Special Order 02-02-26-02 Over Snow and Motor Vehicle Restrictions
Over snow vehicles and other motorized vehicle restrictions (S-Areas).
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 02-02-24-02 Occupancy and Use Camping Regulations
Regulations related to camping and use of areas in the Bighorn National Forest.
About
Lower Paintrock Lake Campground 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 |
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