How much does camping cost at Medicine Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Medicine Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Medicine Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Medicine Creek Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Medicine Creek Campground?

Medicine Creek Campground is open Open year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Medicine Creek Campground?

Medicine Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Medicine Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Medicine Creek Campground: Fire and stove policies are condition-dependent and must be verified locally.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Medicine Creek Campground have?

Medicine Creek Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Medicine Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Medicine Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Medicine Creek Campground?

Medicine Creek Campground offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Medicine Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Medicine Creek Campground include Hiking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Medicine Creek Campground

Q: Is Medicine Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Medicine Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All five campsites at Medicine Creek Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.

4 reviews

20 Highway 14A East, Lovell, WY, 82431, USA

Peace & QuietStargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

3,658 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,658 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Medicine Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for camping at Medicine Creek Campground.

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

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Provider

(307) 568-5406BICA_media@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

1 Google reviews

"No user reviews were provided for this campground."

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Campground Map

20 Highway 14A East, Lovell, WY, 82431, USA

Medicine Creek Campground

20 Highway 14A East, Lovell, WY, 82431, USA

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Medicine Creek Campground

Summer is the practical season here. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-90s°F with nights cooling to the 50s and 60s. The reservoir warms enough for comfortable swimming, and stable water levels make boat and paddle approaches reliable. Hiking the canyon rims is pleasant in morning and evening light. Winter drops temperatures to 25–39°F with occasional snow dusting the red rock, creating stark beauty but complicating water access. The dry climate means clear skies dominate most of the year, excellent for stargazing. Cell service is unavailable regardless of season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quiet seasonality and scenic cliffs suit fall trips; likely pleasant temps and solitude.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Medicine Creek Campground

Medicine Creek Campground sits three miles north of Barry's Landing in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, accessible only by trail or boat. The five primitive tent sites attract backpackers and boaters willing to trade convenience for solitude. At 3,658 feet elevation, the campground operates year-round, though summer brings the most practical conditions for water access.

Medicine Creek is a primitive campground with limited facilities, accessible only by foot or boat. It caters exclusively to tent campers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the practical season here. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-90s°F with nights cooling to the 50s and 60s. The reservoir warms enough for comfortable swimming, and stable water levels make boat and paddle approaches reliable. Hiking the canyon rims is pleasant in morning and evening light. Winter drops temperatures to 25–39°F with occasional snow dusting the red rock, creating stark beauty but complicating water access. The dry climate means clear skies dominate most of the year, excellent for stargazing. Cell service is unavailable regardless of season.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient limestone and sandstone cliffs rise directly from the reservoir, their stratified walls displaying red, tan, and gray bands that mark millions of years of geological history. The canyon walls create a natural fortress around the campground, sheltering a protected mooring area for boats. Lake levels fluctuate throughout the year, exposing hidden beaches and coves when water drops. Eagles ride thermals above the rims while bighorn sheep navigate the cliffsides. The protected position offers both dramatic vertical scenery and intimate creek drainage geography.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive primitive tent sites, reachable by trail or boat. Bear lockers are provided. No loop structure or designated sections.

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.

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.

Site SizeThe campground has a total of five primitive sites; all are tent-only and boat-in or hike-in accessible.

Total Campsites5 campsites

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

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors must be prepared for rugged terrain, fluctuating water levels that can affect boat access, and the lack of potable water and toilets.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available year-round. Visitors are encouraged to use them to prevent wildlife encounters.

Fire PolicyFire and stove policies are condition-dependent and must be verified locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are accessible in Lovell, WY, approximately 18 miles away. Emergency contact number for the park's visitor center: (307) 568-5406.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling collection facilities are available on site. Campers are expected to pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near Medicine Creek and adjacent to Bighorn Lake. Lake levels can affect how close boats can moor to campsites.