Bighorn National Forest
From Recreation.gov
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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 02-02-26-02 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 02-02-06-24-09 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.
Overview
Bighorn National Forest is located in north-central Wyoming and encompasses 1.1 million acres in the Bighorn Mountains, ranging from 5,500 to 13,175 feet at Cloud Peak. The forest is currently open with normal operations. Key closures as of December 2025 include: Shell Falls Interpretive Site (closed for construction mobilization), Tongue River and Cliff Dweller's Caves (closed April 15-August 31 annually), Cutler Nordic Ski trails (temporarily closed for improvements), and the Black Mountain Fire Lookout. Most routes are snow-covered for winter, so consult the Motor Vehicle Use Map for seasonal road opening dates. Important regulations: 14-day stay limit year-round for camping, mandatory food storage in hard-sided containers or bear-resistant storage, 72-hour maximum for unattended property, and minimum 6 inches of snow required for over-snow vehicle use. Special S-Areas have seasonal motorized restrictions to protect wildlife and ecological reserves. West Tensleep Corridor has specific camping and human waste management restrictions. The forest offers diverse terrain from grasslands to alpine meadows, with abundant camping, hiking, hunting, and winter recreation opportunities. Located conveniently between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone.
Top Campgrounds
- Bald Mountain Campground
- Boulder Park Campground
- Circle Park Campground
- Cross Creek Campground
- Dead Swede
- Deer Park Campground
- Doyle Creek Campground
- East Fork Campground
- Hettinger Group Area
- Island Park Campground
- Lakeview Bighorn
- Leigh Creek Campground
- Little Goose Campground
- Lower Paintrock Lake Campground
- Middle Fork
- Muddy Guard Cabin
- North Tongue
- Owen Creek
- Pine Island Group Area
- Pole Creek Cabin
- Prune Creek
- Ranger Creek Recreation Area
- Shell Creek
- Sibley Lake
- South Fork
- Tie Flume
- Tie Hack
- Willow Park
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