Bighorn National Forest
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.
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.
Campgrounds
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