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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 11:30AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
The following message is transmitted on behalf of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division, and the Wyoming Department of Health. * WHAT...Air Quality Alert for Wildfire Smoke. * WHERE...Northern Wyoming and portions of central Wyoming. * WHEN...Until 12 PM Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Smoke from western United States wildfires and the Weiser Knoll fire continues to be observed across much of western and central Wyoming. The smoke is limiting visibilities at times. HEALTH INFORMATION...The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions. CURRENT CONDITIONS...The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division offers near real-time air quality data for Wyoming's monitoring stations and health effects information to help the public interpret current conditions. Current air quality conditions across the state of Wyoming can be found at http://www.wyvisnet.com/.
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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