Medicine Creek Campground
00 review20 Highway 14A East, Lovell, WY, 82431, USA
Medicine Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
There is no fee for camping at Medicine Creek Campground.
About this campground
Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Medicine Creek Campground beckons to adventurers seeking true solitude. This primitive hideaway, nestled three miles north of Barry's Landing, rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path—accessible only by trail or water, it offers an authentic backcountry experience where the modern world fades away. Open throughout the year, this remote sanctuary provides intrepid campers with an intimate connection to one of the canyon's most pristine and least-visited corners.
Medicine Creek is a primitive campground with limited facilities, accessible only by foot or boat. It caters exclusively to tent campers.
Weather and SeasonsMedicine Creek's year-round accessibility means campers experience the full spectrum of nature's moods. Winter transforms the canyon into a stark, beautiful landscape where temperatures hover between a crisp 25°F at night and a mild 39°F during the day. Snow occasionally dusts the rugged terrain, creating stunning contrasts against the red rock walls. The area's characteristically dry climate means clear skies dominate most days, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities and unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness throughout every season.
Natural Features and SceneryMedicine Creek Campground sits at the convergence of water and stone, where towering limestone cliffs plunge dramatically toward the reservoir's ever-changing shoreline. The landscape tells ancient stories through its weathered rock formations, each layer revealing millions of years of geological history. Medicine Creek's protected mooring area provides a peaceful harbor for boaters, while the fluctuating lake levels create an ever-evolving shoreline that reveals hidden beaches and secluded coves. This rugged terrain of sculpted sandstone and limestone creates a natural amphitheater where eagles soar overhead and bighorn sheep traverse the cliffsides.
Geological RegionPerched within the spectacular Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Medicine Creek Campground occupies a front-row seat to one of North America's most dramatic geological showcases. Here, ancient limestone and sandstone cliffs rise majestically from the reservoir waters, their stratified walls painting a timeline of Earth's history in shades of red, tan, and gray. These towering ramparts, carved by eons of wind and water, create a natural fortress that shelters the campground while offering endless opportunities for geological discovery and scenic wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not ADA accessible. Campers must either wade through water to access the site via boat or hike three miles in on the Barry’s Island Trail.
Sites SizeThe campground has a total of five primitive sites; all are tent-only and boat-in or hike-in accessible.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Campsite occupancy may not exceed 14 cumulative days within a 28-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five primitive tent-only campsites that are accessible by a hike or boat. No designated loops or sections are specified.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll five campsites at Medicine Creek Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.
Cancellation PolicyThese sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; advanced reservations are not possible.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Activities you can enjoy
The Medicine Creek Campground offers a quiet and remote outdoor experience with opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
The Barry’s Island Trail provides a three-mile hike to the campground. This trail is the primary access for hikers and offers scenic views of the surrounding park.Boating
The campground is accessible by boat. However, lake level fluctuations can affect accessibility and boat mooring conditions.Wildlife viewing
The remote location makes it a good spot for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire and stove policies are condition-dependent and must be verified locally.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors must be prepared for rugged terrain, fluctuating water levels that can affect boat access, and the lack of potable water and toilets.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are accessible in Lovell, WY, approximately 18 miles away. Emergency contact number for the park's visitor center: (307) 568-5406.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling collection facilities are available on site. Campers are expected to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Medicine Creek and adjacent to Bighorn Lake. Lake levels can affect how close boats can moor to campsites.
Campground Map
20 Highway 14A East, Lovell, WY, 82431, USA
Driving directionsBoat in - Navigate north of Barry's Landing to Dayboard 32 and turn left into Medicine Creek. Water fluctuations can change the access to the campground. Hike in - Follow Hwy 37 north through the park to Barry's Landing. Park at Barry's Landing and hike approximately 3 miles in on the Barry's Island Trail.
Access to the campground is limited to boat-in or hike-in only. Hikers must follow a 3-mile trail (Barry's Island Trail) from Barry's Landing, and boaters navigate to Dayboard 32 and turn into Medicine Creek. Seasonal water level fluctuations may affect boat access.Nearby places
Lovell, WY: approximately 18 miles by road, Barry's Landing (starting point for hiking or boating access): approximately 3 miles by trail or water.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Lovell, WY, approximately 18 miles from Barry's Landing, the starting point for accessing the campground.
Camper Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025