Medicine Lodge Lake Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opens in June through Labor Day weekend, weather dependent. First-come, first-served only, no reservations accepted. Off-season self-supported camping is allowed when weather permits, with no services available.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 11:55AM 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 Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Smoke from western United States wildfires and the Weiser Knoll fire continues to be observed across much of 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
Medicine Lodge Lake Campground occupies a secluded high-alpine setting at 9,300 feet elevation along the shores of Upper Medicine Lodge Lake in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest. The campground provides a launching point for wilderness exploration, with nearby trailheads offering direct access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Reaching the campground requires commitment: from Shell, Wyoming, travelers head east on Highway 14 for 17 miles before turning south onto Forest System Road 17 for another 24.5 miles. This remote access keeps usage light and preserves the area's wild character. The campground offers both single sites at $20/night and one double site (#11) at $40/night for larger groups of up to 16 people. Facilities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump during the operating season. When the official season ends after Labor Day, self-supported camping remains available as weather permits, though without trash collection, water service, or cleaning. The 14-day stay limit applies, and dogs must be kept on leash. Horses and pack animals are not permitted at the campground.
Directions
From Shell, WY, travel east on Highway 14 for about 17 miles, then turn south onto Forest System Road 17 for another 24.5 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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
| SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (307) 765-4435 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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