Is Medicine Lodge Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

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

Yes! Medicine Lodge Lake Campground has 5 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 Lodge Lake Campground?

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground is open June - Labor Day, weather dependent. 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 Lodge Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Medicine Lodge Lake Campground have?

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground?

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

3.92

18 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

9,288 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June - Labor Day, we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,288 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June - Labor Day, we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

44.4006, -107.3875

Nearby places

Shell, WY (17 miles, approximately 32 minutes)

Weather at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable window for access and activity at Medicine Lodge Lake — expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and cool nights around 30–40°F at 9,288 ft, with most snow melted from trails by mid-June to early July. Long daylight and stable weather make it ideal for hiking, day trips into the Cloud Peak Wilderness, and trout fishing on Upper Medicine Lodge Lake. Crowds are light compared with lower-elevation destinations, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and bring warm Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best: open June–Labor Day with reliable weather and long daylight.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: June - Labor Day, weather dependent

About Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground sits at 9,288 feet in the Bighorn National Forest, a short walk from Upper Medicine Lodge Lake and the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary. This very small, high-alpine campground near Shell, Wyoming, offers vault toilets, potable water, and trout fishing access. Summer brings reliable weather and long daylight for hiking and wilderness day trips.

The Medicine Lodge Lake Campground supports a range of camping styles but is not reservable and does not explicitly mention specific camping types.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable window for access and activity at Medicine Lodge Lake — expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F and cool nights around 30–40°F at 9,288 ft, with most snow melted from trails by mid-June to early July. Long daylight and stable weather make it ideal for hiking, day trips into the Cloud Peak Wilderness, and trout fishing on Upper Medicine Lodge Lake. Crowds are light compared with lower-elevation destinations, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and bring warm Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9288 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryUpper Medicine Lodge Lake occupies a granite basin surrounded by dense coniferous forest and jagged peaks. The water is cold and clear, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding ridges. Deer appear near the treeline at dawn and dusk. The forest opens occasionally onto meadows and granite outcroppings. At this elevation, the air is thin and the views extend across the wilderness in every direction.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information available about alternative lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo detail about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No specific details about group sites.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for campgrounds can be made via Recreation.gov, through the app, or at contact centers.

AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features.

Site SizeNo details about the size of campsites.

PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy at campsites.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as trail riding, fishing, and hiking. Todd Beier describes the area as "Great to camp! Lots of close trail riding, fishing, and hiking. Can't describe the views. Just go experience it for yourself!"

Hiking4.0/5

Trailheads lead into the Cloud Peak Wilderness; hiking and day trips are highlighted.

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

No kayaking info; small, cold alpine lake suggests low kayaking appeal.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (9,288 ft) and remote setting imply excellent night skies.

Photography4.0/5Granite basin, jagged peaks, lake and forest provide varied, photogenic scenes.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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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

3.9

18 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Medicine Lodge Lake Campground is highly praised by users for its remote and scenic location, as well as its suitability for families and pets. It's described as the nicest campground by one user and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less crowded locations.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful location near Upper Medicine Lodge Lake, access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, family- and pet-friendly environment, and scenic views.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints noted in the provided reviews.

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews or recommendations.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Be prepared for a remote setting; bring necessary supplies as amenities like water, showers, and trash facilities are not mentioned.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide details about seasonal variations, but the average general sentiment is high at 4.27, with campground-specific sentiment at a perfect 5.0.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great area to camp! Lots of close trail riding, fishing, and hiking. Can't describe the views. Just go experience it for yourself!" - Todd Beier 2. "The nicest campground I've ever stayed in....

Based on 18 reviews