Medicine Lodge Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from June through Labor Day weather dependent. Open to self-supported camping after season closures as long as weather permits, with no trash collection, water, or cleaning services.
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
Medicine Lodge Lake Campground is nestled on the shores of Upper Medicine Lodge Lake in the Bighorn Mountains at 9,300 feet elevation. This remote campground offers 8 campsites in a pristine alpine setting, with nearby trailheads providing access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The campground's location makes it an ideal base camp for wilderness backpacking trips and fishing on Upper Medicine Lodge Lake. Access to the campground requires traveling 24.5 miles south on Forest System Road 17 from Highway 14. The rough access road requires high-clearance vehicles, and high-clearance 4-wheel drive is recommended for some sections. Large RVs and trailers are not recommended due to road conditions. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. During the operating season from June through Labor Day, the campground provides vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump. Basic amenities include picnic tables and fire pits at each site. After the official season closes, the campground is open to self-supported camping as long as weather permits, though no services are provided during this time including trash collection, water, or cleaning.
Directions
From Shell, WY, travel east on Hwy 14 for about 17 miles, then turn south onto Forest System Road (FSR) 17 for another 24.5 miles. High-clearance 4-wheel drive is recommended for some sections of FR 17. Large RVs and trailers are not recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Lower Paintrock Lake Campground 0.5mi
- Ranger Creek Recreation Area 11mi
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site Day Use Shelter 10mi
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site Campground 10mi
- Shell Creek 12mi
- West Tensleep Lake 13mi
- Cross Creek Campground 13mi
- Deer Park Campground 14mi
- Island Park Campground 15mi
Location
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 55ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (307) 765-4435 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Medicine Lodge Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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