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.
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
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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