Shell Creek
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026, and operates through Labor Day, weather dependent. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Red Flag Warning issued October 9 at 12:48AM MDT until October 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* IMPACTS: Low humidities, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong gusty winds will create erratic fire behavior and rapid spread for new or existing fires. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central WY Fire Zones...274...284. In South Central MT Fire Zones...123...124...126. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central MT...Wheatland. In North Central WY...Big Horn...Johnson...Sheridan...Washakie. In South Central MT...Carbon...Park...Stillwater...Sweet Grass. In Southwest MT...Gallatin. * WIND: Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * HUMIDITY: As low as 7 percent. * TEMPERATURES: 84 to 90 degrees, warmest over Zone WY274. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The worst conditions are expected across the lower to middle elevations in fine fuels. The strongest winds are expected in mountain locations and the foothills west of Billings. Zone WY274 will see lower wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph.
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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