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 July 21 at 12:59PM MDT until July 23 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest, south central, southwest, and west central Wyoming, including the following areas, in central Wyoming, Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, Lander Foothills, Natrona County Lower Elevations, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains, Southwest Bighorn Basin, Upper Wind River Basin, Wind River Basin, Wind River Mountains East and Wind River Mountains West. In north central Wyoming, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, Bighorn Mountains West, Northeast Johnson County, Southeast Bighorn Basin and Southeast Johnson County. In northwest Wyoming, Absaroka Mountains, Cody Foothills, Jackson Hole, North Bighorn Basin, Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. In south central Wyoming, East Sweetwater County, Flaming Gorge and Rock Springs and Green River. In southwest Wyoming, South Lincoln County. In west central Wyoming, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, Star Valley, Upper Green River Basin and Upper Green River Basin Foothills. * WHEN...Until late Wednesday night. The most likely period of possible flooding is Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Slow moving showers and thunderstorms and abnormally high moisture in the air can bring locally heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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.
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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