West Tensleep Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates June through Labor Day, weather dependent. Self-supported camping allowed after season closure as long as weather permits, with no trash collection, water, or cleaning services. 14-day stay limit.
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
West Tensleep Lake Campground is located on the southern shore of scenic West Tensleep Lake on the west side of Cloud Peak Skyway in the Bighorn National Forest. At 9,100 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees in an area rich with alpine lakes and creeks. The 125-acre lake is restricted to non-motorized watercraft, making it ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The popular West Tensleep Lake Trail begins just outside the campground and provides access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The trail passes Lake Helen, Lake Marion, and Misty Moon Lake before climbing to the summit of Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the Bighorn Range at 13,167 feet. The surrounding area offers extensive opportunities for hiking, off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, and horseback riding. Meadowlark Lake is located within a few miles and allows motorized craft at no-wake speeds. The nearby High Park Lookout, an old CCC-built fire lookout, provides panoramic views of the area. The campground has 10 sites with an average spur length of 35 feet, vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump, picnic tables, and fire pits. Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge are nearby, offering dining, lodging, guided horseback riding, and camping supplies. Expect cold evenings due to the high elevation.
Directions
From Ten Sleep, take Highway 16 east for about 17.5 miles to Forest Road 27. Turn left onto FR 27, cross the bridge, and go about 1.1 miles to a Y intersection. Bear right, continuing on FR 27, for another 6.3 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 | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| 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!