The best camping in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, WY

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96% (59)

Discover the rugged beauty of Bighorn Canyon's vast landscapes.  

The best camping in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, WY

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
96% (59)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area adventure.

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Tikkun Homestead

94%
(41)
46mi from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · 2 sites · RVs · Billings, MT
Stay at Tikkun Homestead in Billings, Montana Welcome to Tikkun Homestead, a peaceful 7.5-acre property in the heights of Billings, Montana. Located just north of the Yellowstone River, our homestead offers quiet rural living with easy access to the city of Billings and nearby towns. Land Features: Our property includes leveled gravel camper and RV pads, each 20' wide by 40' long. Conveniently located right off Highway 312/Main Street, just minutes from Highway 87, and about 10 minutes from Interstate 90, Tikkun Homestead offers easy access to Billings, Shepherd, Huntly, Worden, Laurel, and Roundup. We also provide fire pits and picnic benches, and firewood is available for your convenience. Utilities: We provide full hookups, including septic, water, and 50amp electrical connections. Additional 120v outdoor plugins are also available, ensuring a comfortable stay. Plus, our site is pet-friendly, so you can bring your pets along. Natural Setting and Activities: Tikkun Homestead offers a peaceful, rural setting with scenic views of the surrounding flatlands. Enjoy walks or bike rides along quiet country roads right from your doorstep. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, we're located close to local parks with river access, public land for hunting, and fishing spots. Nearby attractions include Lake Elmo, the Pictograph Caves, Pompey's Pillar, and more. Plus, you'll find several stores nearby that offer campers, RVs, and all the supplies you might need for a comfortable stay. Local Attractions: Explore nearby attractions, such as the charm of downtown Billings—The Magic City—and other outdoor opportunities in surrounding areas. Our location is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat, long-term RV pad options, or pet-friendly camping in Montana. Discounted weekly and monthly rates are available. Whether you’re looking for a long-term place to stay or a quiet spot to enjoy the Montana countryside, Tikkun Homestead has you covered. Book your stay today. (Fire Safety Note: While contained fires are allowed, please be aware that fire season can be severe in this area. We kindly ask guests to coordinate with us regarding fire use to ensure everyone's safety and to help us manage risks effectively)
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Shaw Residence

46mi from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Billings, MT
A Quiet, Convenient Stay Near Billings Shaw Residence offers a simple, peaceful spot just outside Billings — perfect for RV travelers or tent campers who need an easy overnight or a quiet place to unwind. The site includes electric hookups and room for vehicles up to 50 ft. Please note: there is no potable water, no toilet, and no campfires allowed, so come fully self-contained. Pets are welcome. A calm, no-frills retreat close to town — ideal for a restful stop with wide Montana skies overhead. Nearby Outdoor Recreation Options : Pictograph Cave State Park • About 5 miles south of Billings. • Features a ¾‑mile interpretive loop trail that takes you to three caves with rock art over 2,000 years old. • Great for history, archaeology, and bird watching. Riverfront Park Loop • A ~3.8‑mile flat trail along the Yellowstone River. • Ideal for walking, running, or biking, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnics. Four Dances Recreation Area • Open natural area with trails overlooking the Yellowstone River. • About a 3‑mile out‑and‑back trail with scenic viewpoints and modest elevation gain. Swords Rimrock Park & Skyline Trail • Trails across Billings’ Rimrocks (sandstone cliffs) with paved multi-use paths. • Skyline Trail connects to Swords Park for a continuous ~7-mile stretch with sweeping views of Billings and surrounding mountains.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night

Lance and Vivian's North Field

96%
(67)
41mi from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · 2 sites · RVs · Billings, MT
We own 4 acres here and operate a Custom cabinet shop on the property.We also live on the property and host an Airbnb out of the bonus room above our Garage.We welcome the idea of having travelers from all over the country stopping by on there way to where ever they may be traveling.Thanks for considering our North field!Learn more about this land:Billings is called the Gateway city to Yellowstone park and the North western Rockies.We have a perfect spot for a quick overnight stay as you head through Montana, right off I90.Easy access for the big campers and a clean flat spot if you are just needing a spot for your tent.You will be able to pull-through as this field is 1 Acre in size.We are close to Downtown and the 5 breweries in that area, along with multiple restaurants.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Trees, Lake view, Rock buttes!

94%
(221)
48mi from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Lockwood, MT
4 miles from Billings. 1000 acres. We try to keep things as natural as possible except we do mow the common area in the trees. For security reasons, we will meet you at the gates and escort you to your camping spot upon 1st arrival. Fire wood available for sale $10 - needs to be discussed before hand. Camping available on the butte for viewing of northern lights. Lots of room to explore. Long term camping is available. 1 porta-potty on site. There is 1 mile of dirt road after leaving the pavement. We are 6 miles from Walmart. This is a working cattle ranch and the cows come through time to time. The listing computer keeps putting us in LOCKWOOD but we are actually 3 miles north of Billings. Last minute bookings are fine, if we are around -we will let you stay. We live 1 mile from the camp site and 2 miles from the gates where we will meet you. If you are looking for a RV park or campground - this is not it. We have cows, birds, wild animals and dirt roads. There is no power but we could hook you up to a generator if needed. There is a new camper on site that may be rented ( owned by a different party) message us for details. The morning of you arrival, please send an ETA so we know how to plan our day, then give us a 30 minute heads up before arrival so we can meet you at the gates. Sometimes we also are 30 minutes away. A lot of the time you may be the only campers out here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Camp at the Rafter JB

100%
(18)
31mi from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · 1 site · RV · Lovell, WY
We have been blessed with this beautiful property and want to share it with others. We have been operating an Airbnb out of the old barn for 5 years now. The barn was the old feed store in Cody and was moved to this property. Buffalo Bill supposedly bought feed from the store. Lovell is known as the Rose Capitol of Wyoming with the climate being perfect for growing roses. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs are just minutes from our place and we almost always see them out there. Starting summer of 2025 we are excited to be partnering with Tangle Ridge Outfitters out of Greybull Wyoming to offer horse trail rides. Ask for how to contact them to schedule your ride. Cody, only 50 miles to the west is a town loaded with history of the old west and features Cody Nite Rodeo every night of the summer from June 1 through August 30 as well as numerous museums and other attractions. Buffalo Bill Museum of the West will keep you busy for a couple of days if you are a museum buff. Just about everyday in the summer, you are likely to see a gunfight on the street in front of the historic Irma Hotel. There is also Old Trail Town, a recreated old west town. Further to the west just 90 miles from here is the East gate of Yellowstone open from the end of May until first of November. Thermopolis with their giant hot springs is just about 100 miles to the south of us. The Bighorn National Recreation is just minutes from Lovell featuring the 3rd Longest Canyon in the United States with breathtaking views of the Reservoir from Devil's Overlook. Further to the east are the Bighorn Mountains where you can frequently see moose, elk, deer and other wildlife. Learn more about this land: Traveling in your RV but don't want a traditional "trailer park"? At the Rafter JB you will be the only trailer here, you will enjoy a large landscaped outdoor space which is shared with an Airbnb rental, but there is plenty of room for privacy. You will be away from the main road and can enjoy the pond, fire pit, bbq grill as well as the resident horses.
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Wellknown Buffalo Historic Camp

88%
(43)
41mi from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · 9 sites · Tents · Garryowen, MT
You will be camping on historic property- the place where the women and children hid during the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Your campsite faces Sharpshooter Ridge. This valley area was the home of Wellknown Buffalo, a medicine woman and activist who protected and fed Native families traveling along the river between reservations. Learn more about this historic land: You'll pitch your tent on the Crow Indian Reservation in the historic valley just below the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This area was part of the battlefield where the women and children camped. Campsites are in view of Sharpshooter Ridge. This business is owned by Native Americans. You will be staying near the Wellknown Buffalo Living Culture Campus and Artists Coop. The property has a gate that is closed at night. You'll find a cafe/coffee house, gift shop, horse activities, bathrooms and showers, and a gathering porch. You are just several miles from Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument and centrally located for many local adventures, including the Medicine Wheel, Yellowtail Dam, Warrior Trail Highway and Big Horn Scenic Highway. For the less adventurous, there is a cabin loft rental with a full bathroom, 1/2 mile away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

Other options near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The best camping in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, WY guide

Overview

About

You’re going to feel home, home on the range at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area! With 120,000 wild acres to explore you’ll feed your inner adventurer by hiking to canyon overlooks and past preserved ranches of yesteryear. Most of the camping at Bighorn is free, so make a plan to stay for a few days. You’ll hands down want to hop in the river or some fishing. Bighorn River has world class trout fishing you have to see to believe. Boating in Bighorn Lake causes jaws to drop as cliff faces up to 1,000 feet tower overhead; you might even spy Bighorn Sheep perched on top! A place where not just the deer and antelope come to play, you’re going to feel wild and free in Bighorn Canyon.

Notable campgrounds

  • Afterbay Campground - Nestled near Fort Smith, MT, ideal for anglers and boaters.
  • Horseshoe Bend Campground - Located in the south district, it offers stunning canyon views.
  • Black Canyon Campground - A serene spot perfect for stargazing and wildlife watching.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Check for cancellations regularly to snag a last-minute reservation.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Bighorn Canyon is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities, while winter can be harsh, with some facilities closed or limited.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and prepare for sudden changes in conditions.
  • Be aware of any alerts or closures by visiting the park's official website.
  • Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to carry enough water and dress appropriately for the activities.
  • Visitor centers are located in both the north and south districts for assistance.
96%
59 ratings · 29 reviews

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