Shell Creek
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026, and operates through Labor Day, weather dependent. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
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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