West Tensleep Lake
Closed for the season. Typically opens in June and operates through Labor Day, weather dependent. Reservations available via 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
West Tensleep Lake Campground occupies a scenic position on the southern shore of West Tensleep Lake in the Bighorn National Forest. At 9,100 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and spruce forest. The 125-acre lake permits non-motorized watercraft only, making it ideal for canoeing and fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The campground has 10 sites: nine standard nonelectric sites and one tent-only site with a narrow 18-foot pull-through spur. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Facilities include accessible vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump. Trash collection is provided during the operating season. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. The nearest dump station is 17 miles away on Powder River Pass. The West Tensleep Lake Trail departs from just outside the campground and enters Cloud Peak Wilderness, passing Lake Helen, Lake Marion, and Misty Moon Lake before reaching the 13,167-foot summit of Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the Bighorn Range. Meadowlark Lake and High Park Lookout are nearby for additional recreation. Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge offer dining, lodging, and supplies.
Directions
From Ten Sleep, WY, take Highway 16 east for about 17.5 miles to Forest System Road 27. Turn left at the sign onto FSR 27, cross the bridge and go about 1.1 miles to a Y intersection. Bear right, continuing on FSR 27, and go another 6.3 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 | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| gccampgrounds13@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (307) 684-7806 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS West Tensleep Lake Campground |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!