Is Hettinger Group Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Hettinger Group Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hettinger Group Area before I book?

Yes! Hettinger Group Area has 13 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 Hettinger Group Area?

Hettinger Group Area is open June 03 to September 19. 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 Hettinger Group Area?

Hettinger Group Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Hettinger Group Area have?

Hettinger Group Area has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hettinger Group Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hettinger Group Area. 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 Hettinger Group Area?

Hettinger Group Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hettinger Group Area?

Popular activities at Hettinger Group Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hettinger Group Area

4.01

12 reviews

Hettinger Park Road, Buffalo, WY, 82834, USA

Featured in:Group Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

7,680 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 30 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,680 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 30 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Hettinger Group Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$160.00

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Provider

406-587-9054support@rusticfreedom.com

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Campground Map

Hettinger Park Road, Buffalo, WY, 82834, USA

Hettinger Group Area

Hettinger Park Road, Buffalo, WY, 82834, USA

Nearby places

Buffalo (14 miles, approximately 20-25 minutes).

Weather at Hettinger Group Area

Best Time to Camp at Hettinger Group Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Hettinger Group Campground (open May 30–Sept 14), with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F at 7,680 ft. This is peak time for hiking Cloud Peak Wilderness trails, boating and fishing on nearby Tie Hack Reservoir, abundant wildflowers in the meadow, and strong wildlife activity at dawn and dusk. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so plan reservations early (reservations/gu Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground open and at best in summer (May 30–Sept 14); warm days, wildflowers, full access to trails and reservoir.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 03 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 30 to September 14, 2025. Reservable window starts June 23, 2025.

About Hettinger Group Area

Hettinger Group Area sits at 7,680 feet in Bighorn National Forest near Buffalo, Wyoming, operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds as a seasonal group site. The small alpine campground offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings amid pine forest, with access to Cloud Peak Wilderness trails and nearby Tie Hack Reservoir for boating and fishing. Reviewers consistently praise spotless facilities and scenic mountain surroundings.

Hettinger Group Campground primarily supports group camping. It features one designated group site catering to up to 150 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Hettinger Group Campground (open May 30–Sept 14), with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F at 7,680 ft. This is peak time for hiking Cloud Peak Wilderness trails, boating and fishing on nearby Tie Hack Reservoir, abundant wildflowers in the meadow, and strong wildlife activity at dawn and dusk. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so plan reservations early (reservations/gu Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7680 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a meadow ringed by lodgepole pine forest, with Tie Hack Reservoir and mountain creeks nearby. Wildflowers fill the meadow in summer. The dense forest provides shade and shelter, while the open meadow works for large gatherings. Cloud Peak Wilderness borders the area, bringing dramatic mountain views and regular wildlife sightings at dawn and dusk. Reviewers mention the setting feels nestled in the pines despite the meadow's openness.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available directly within the campground; however, South Fork Lodge offers dining options, lodging, guided horseback riding, and a store nearby.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 150 people for the group site.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 150 people for camping or day-use picnicking. Guests are advised that exceeding the booked number of people will incur an additional fee.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeAs a group-only site, the campground accommodates up to 150 people and includes picnic tables and grills.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly detailed; the group site design suggests communal use within a meadow surrounded by lodgepole pines.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for large groups and families due to spacious capacity. Provides picnic tables, grills, and a campfire circle.

Best CampsitesOnly one group site exists. It sits in the meadow with picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and vault toilets kept spotless according to multiple reviews. The layout works for gatherings up to 150 people, with enough space for multiple tents and communal areas.

Need help booking Hettinger Group Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Hettinger Group Area offers a variety of amenities aimed at supporting group camping experiences. A single group site accommodates up to 150 people and includes picnic tables, grills, and a campfire circle. Facilities such as vault toilets, drinking water (via a hand pump), and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and pets are permitted. There is no electricity, Wi-Fi, or direct RV dump station available within the campground, although the nearest dump station is located 18 miles away at Powder River Pass.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hettinger Group Area

Hettinger Group Area offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. Its proximity to Tie Hack Reservoir and Circle Park Trailhead allows for canoeing and fishing opportunities, along with trails that lead to alpine lakes and high peaks within the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Hiking4.0/5

3 miles to Circle Park Trailhead; access to alpine lakes and 12,000-ft peaks and Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Fishing4.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking permitted on nearby scenic roads (Elgin Park, Pole Creek, Crazy Woman).

Boating3.0/5

Tie Hack Reservoir allows non-motorized boating such as canoeing.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Dense forest and nearby water bodies provide wildlife viewing opportunities, but no specifics given.

Water Sports3.0/5

Non-motorized boating on Tie Hack Reservoir (canoeing); kayaking implied but not explicit.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (7,680 ft) meadow near wilderness suggests good dark-sky potential though not explicitly stated.

Photography4.0/5Wildflowers, meadow framed by pines, mountain backdrops and clean scenic views noted by users.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

12 reviews

Satisfactory

Hettinger Group Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users praise the cleanliness, natural beauty, and suitability for group camping. Sentiments are overwhelmingly positive, with an average campground-specific sentiment score of 4.75.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from user reviews emphasize cleanliness ("The bathrooms were spotless!"), scenic surroundings ("Cute campground nestled in the pine trees"), and well-maintained facilities.

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

No notable complaints are evident from the user reviews. Issues, if any, are not documented.

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user specifically reviewed campsite '01' on Hettinger Group Area loop, mentioning a positive experience with spotless facilities and attentive service.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest Hettinger Group Area is ideal for large gatherings or family outings. Proximity to hiking trails and Tie Hack Reservoir was frequently recommended.

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews do not provide specific insights on seasonal trends.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Walt was AMAZING! So friendly and inviting. He took great care of us while we were there. Always had the trash picked up and the bathrooms were spotless!" 2. "Very clean and well maintained. The...

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews highlight pet experiences.

Based on 12 reviews

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Hettinger Group Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$160.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054support@rusticfreedom.com

Go if

You're planning a group outing in the Bighorns and want maintained facilities near wilderness hiking and reservoir recreation.

Skip if

You need individual sites or want to camp outside the late-May to mid-September operating window.

Nearby Campgrounds

MIDDLE FORK ROAD, BUFFALO, WY 82834, USA

Middle Fork sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Bighorn National Forest near Buffalo, Wyoming. Operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds, this very small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites along Clear Creek. Visitors come for the fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, with spacious sites that feel remote despite the seasonal activity.

Hettinger Group Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Hettinger Group Area

Campground Map

Weather at Hettinger Group Area

Best Time to Camp at Hettinger Group Area

Planning Tips

About Hettinger Group Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hettinger Group Area?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hettinger Group Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Hettinger Group Area

Best Time to Camp at Hettinger Group Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hettinger Group Area?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hettinger Group Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews