Shell Creek
Closed — Closed for the season and gated. Opens mid-May 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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
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 02-02-06-25-11 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 02-02-25-03 Over Snow and Motor Vehicle Restrictions
Travel management restrictions including S-Areas.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-24-09 Gravel Pit Area Closures
Burgess and Copper Creek Gravel Pit closures 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 just off the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14) at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the Bighorn Mountains. The campground sits along the banks of Shell Creek, surrounded by a mix of fir, aspen, and cottonwood trees, where craggy granite peaks rise over 13,000 feet above sea level. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife and offers some of the best trout fly-fishing in Wyoming. Recreation opportunities are diverse and plentiful. The Adelaide Trail, located nearby, provides access for hiking and horseback riding to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail, with entry into the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Scenic off-road driving is available on Battle Creek Road to Medicine Lodge Lake, Ranger Creek Road to Shell Reservoir, Hunt Mountain Road, and the Burgess Overlook jeep trail. Many creeks, lakes, and ponds dot the region, making it a premier destination for anglers. Nearby attractions include the Shell Falls Visitor Center, about 6 miles west, which offers interpretive trails, scenic overlooks, and educational displays about the area's natural features and history. The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, near the town of Shell, is one of the largest of its kind in the state and features approximately 167 million-year-old tracks from the Middle Jurassic Period. The campground serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities of the Bighorn National Forest.
Directions
From Shell, Wyoming, travel east on U.S. Highway 14 for about 17 miles. Turn south onto Forest System Road 17 (Paintrock Lakes Road) and continue for 1.2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | No |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!