Shell Creek
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026, and operates through Labor Day, weather dependent. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Flood Watch issued September 19 at 1:34AM MDT until September 20 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by moderate to heavy rainfall is possible, especially in terrain and poor drainage areas. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northwest Wyoming, including the following areas, in central Wyoming, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains. In north central Wyoming, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, Bighorn Mountains West, Northeast Johnson County and Southeast Johnson County. In northwest Wyoming, Absaroka Mountains, Cody Foothills and Yellowstone National Park. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive rainfall may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas and around steep terrain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A slow moving weather system will move across Wyoming today through Sunday and bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the region, especially northern Wyoming. Any shower or thunderstorm could produce moderate to heavy rainfall across the Watch Area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued September 18 at 10:20AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
ESFRIW A wet weather system will support periods of showers and thunderstorms across Wyoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This weather system is funneling abundant tropical moisture into the state. Given this anomalously high moisture, many thunderstorms will feature heavy rainfall, possibly leading to localized flooding. Poor drainage areas, urban areas, and steep terrain will be the most susceptible locations for this isolated flooding. Many locations could see rainfall totals anywhere between 0.75" to 1.75" through Sunday afternoon, with a majority of this rain falling quickly in thunderstorms. Remember, if you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around don't down!
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.
About
Shell Creek Campground is located along Shell Creek in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest, situated at 7,500 feet elevation in a forest of fir, aspen, and cottonwood trees beneath granite peaks rising over 13,000 feet. The campground offers 14 single-family sites, most with accessible features, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Recreation opportunities abound in the area. The Adelaide Trail for hiking and horseback riding is nearby, providing access to Shell Creek Trail and the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Shell Canyon and the Shell Falls Interpretive Site are less than five miles away, featuring interpretive trails, scenic views, and educational displays. The area offers excellent trout fly-fishing in numerous creeks, lakes, and ponds. Scenic off-road driving is available on Battle Creek Road to Medicine Lodge Lake and Ranger Creek Road to Shell Reservoir. The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near the town of Shell is the largest of its kind in Wyoming, with tracks approximately 167 million years old from the Middle Jurassic Period. Nearby lodges offer dining, showers, general stores, and off-road vehicle rentals.
Directions
From Shell, WY, travel east on Highway 14 for about 17 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 17 (Paintrock Lakes Road) and continue 1.2 miles to the campground.
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 | $18.5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 75ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 75ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| gccampgrounds13@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 587-9054 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Shell Creek Campground |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!