How much does camping cost at Middle Fork?

Camping fees at Middle Fork range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Middle Fork first-come first-served or reservation?

Middle Fork 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 Middle Fork before I book?

Yes! Middle Fork has 9 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 Middle Fork?

Middle Fork is open May 22 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 Middle Fork?

Middle Fork does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Middle Fork?

Fire policies at Middle Fork: Firewood may be purchased from the campground host.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Middle Fork have?

Middle Fork has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Middle Fork?

Yes, pets are allowed at Middle Fork. 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 Middle Fork?

Middle Fork 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 Middle Fork?

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

Middle Fork

4.42

136 reviews

MIDDLE FORK ROAD, BUFFALO, WY 82834, USA

Featured in:Primitive Camping Wyoming Family-Friendly Campgrounds Wyoming Best Campgrounds Wyoming

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,310 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,310 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Middle Fork

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Non-Electric: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054support@rusticfreedom.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

MIDDLE FORK ROAD, BUFFALO, WY 82834, USA

Middle Fork

MIDDLE FORK ROAD, BUFFALO, WY 82834, USA

Nearby places

Buffalo, WY - 13 miles / Approximately 15-minute drive

Weather at Middle Fork

Current alerts(8)

Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
Click here for more information on the Bighorn National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee.

Best Time to Camp at Middle Fork

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-40s°F. Trails, alpine lakes and Clear Creek fishing are at their peak from late June through August (note reservations open June 22), while long daylight and generally stable weather make hiking, biking, boating and wildlife viewing most enjoyable. Expect moderate use on weekends and holiday weeks but very intimate, low‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Late June–Aug brings best conditions; reviewers praise cool creek, shade and comfortable days.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 14 (reservable June 22 to September 14).

About Middle Fork

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.

Middle Fork Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent camping and RV camping. All sites are non-electric and cater to a range of group sizes.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-40s°F. Trails, alpine lakes and Clear Creek fishing are at their peak from late June through August (note reservations open June 22), while long daylight and generally stable weather make hiking, biking, boating and wildlife viewing most enjoyable. Expect moderate use on weekends and holiday weeks but very intimate, low‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8310 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryClear Creek threads through the campground in a narrow canyon, its constant rush the dominant sound day and night. Pines and aspens cover the mountainsides, providing shade for most sites. The campground sits along the Cloud Peak Skyway with views of surrounding peaks. Deer and elk pass through occasionally. The creek itself offers fishing access, and alpine lakes sit higher in the surrounding mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground itself; however, South Fork Lodge is located within 10 miles and offers additional amenities such as dining, lodging, guided horseback riding, and a small store.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Site #1 is a double site accommodating up to 16 guests. Standard sites allow up to 8.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 16 people, with space for up to 4 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via www.recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and accessible parking. However, the extent of these features is not elaborated in the source material.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some sites accommodating up to 16 people and 4 vehicles. Specific site reviews note generous room for tents and trailers.

PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced for privacy, with user quotes such as 'Sites spacious and fairly level,' 'Tons of space between sites,' and 'Campsites not too close to each other.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSites along the creek are highly recommended for their privacy and proximity to water. Site #1 accommodates larger groups and offers spacious amenities.

Best CampsitesSite #4 sits directly on the creek and gets mentioned most often in reviews as the best of the nine. Sites generally offer generous space. Some accommodate up to 16 people and 4 vehicles. Spacing between sites earns consistent praise for privacy.

Need help booking Middle Fork?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Middle Fork Campground offers a range of essential amenities designed to enhance the camping experience for visitors. Each campsite includes a picnic table, campfire ring with a grill, and some sites also have lantern poles. The campground provides vault toilets, drinking water via hand pumps, and trash collection services. According to the official description, 'Firewood may be purchased from the campground host,' making it convenient for campers who may not bring their own. The natural environment features a creek running through most campsites, creating a serene background noise.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Middle Fork Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration along creeks and nearby trails. The location on the Middle Fork of Clear Creek offers a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Only vault toilets are provided, and user reviews consistently describe these facilities as clean and well-maintained ('Vault toilets are clean,' 'Bathrooms cleaner than a hospital').

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 Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Fire PolicyFirewood may be purchased from the campground host.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided at the campground, with trash cans located near restrooms. One user mentioned a peculiar policy at another campground managed by the same organization, where trash was left along the loop for pickup; however, this was not explicitly reported at Middle Fork Campground.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate that cell phone service is generally unavailable at the campground itself ('There is ZERO cell service at camp!'), but some reception can be found about 3/4 mile up on the prairie, particularly with Verizon.

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

4.4

136 reviews

Recommended

Middle Fork is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Middle Fork Campground is widely praised for its beautiful natural setting, clean facilities, and quiet atmosphere. User ratings average 4.58 overall, with campground-specific sentiment at 4.49.

Review Summaries

Based on 136 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the serene creek, and the spacious campsites. Many appreciate the proximity to nature and the opportunities for hiking and fishing.

Based on 136 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users expressed frustration over noise from other campers' generators. A few noted directional signage to the campground as inadequate.

Based on 136 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #4 is noted as 'right on the creek and the best site of all the 9 sites.' Site #6 is praised for being 'spacious, shaded, and the babbling water added so much to the experience.' Group site #1's...

Based on 136 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking 6 months in advance due to high demand, bringing extra warm clothes as temperatures can drop significantly at night, and considering earplugs for those sensitive to the loud...

Based on 136 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight the campground's appeal during summer months, with its cool creek and shaded sites offering respite from heat. However, the high altitude leads to cold nights even in summer, and...

Based on 136 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms cleaner than a hospital.' 2. 'The creek produces abundant trout.' 3. 'Vault toilets are clean with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and even an air freshener.' 4. 'Campground impeccably...

Based on 136 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility from users with disabilities; however, vault toilets and drinking water are noted as accessible.

Based on 136 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets were identified, but general policies allow pets.

Based on 136 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a quiet, high-elevation base camp for fishing Clear Creek and exploring Bighorn National Forest trails.

Skip if

You need clear signage to find your campground or want to avoid generator noise from neighbors.

Nearby Campgrounds

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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.

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Campgrounds

Bighorn National Forest

Middle Fork

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Middle Fork sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>South Fork Campground stretches along the South Fork of Clear Creek in a dense grove of Lodgepole pines.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,800 ft. The campground stretches along the South Fork of Clear Creek in a dense grove of Lodgepole pines. Little understory provides minimal privacy between sites. All tent sites are walk-in at far end of campground across the South Fork. The pleasant sound of the creek can be heard throughout the campground. The South Fork Inn, located across US Rt. 16 from the campground entrance, offers a restaurant, trail rides, pack trips plus a fishing pond for small children.

Seasons & access

Open May 25 through September 16

Facilities

The water spigots are hand pumps.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt and gravel. An RV waste station, with potable water and no fee, is located at Leigh Creek, 21.5 miles west on US Rt. 16 (mile marker 53). There is also a waste station east of Buffalo at the Conex gas station near the intersection of US Rt. 16 and Interstate 25. No fee and no potable water.

Directions

From Buffalo, WY, take US Rt. 16 west 13.9 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.1 miles to campground.

National Forest: Bighorn National Forest
Ranger District: Powder River
Elevation: 7800
Rate: $17 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: Memorial Day - Labor Day