Shell Creek
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026, and operates through Labor Day, weather dependent. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 11:39AM 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...All of Western and Central Wyoming * WHEN...Now through Noon Monday. * IMPACTS...Smoke from western United States wildfires 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
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
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