Porcupine Campground (Wy)

4.22

103 reviews

FOREST ROAD 136, LOVELL, WY 82431, USA

Family FriendlyStargazing

Featured in:Swimming Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Porcupine Campground (Wy)

$18.50 - $18.50 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are available for $18.50 per night during the peak season of June 13, 2025, to September 7,...

Standard Site Fee$18.50

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054gccampgrounds13@gmail.com

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 103 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingsites

Some mention

noisereservation

"Porcupine Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.02. Users praised the quiet and scenic location, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts. However, issues such as site reservation management and proximity of certain sites were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 136, LOVELL, WY 82431, USA

Porcupine Campground (Wy)

FOREST ROAD 136, LOVELL, WY 82431, USA

Driving directionsFrom Lovell, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 14A (not U.S. Highway 14) 33 miles east, then 1.6 miles north on Forest Road 13. The highway has a 10% grade. From Dayton, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 14/14A west 73 miles via Burgess Junction. This is the recommended route for RVs and motorhomes.

The recommended route for RVs and motorhomes is via Dayton, Wyoming, using U.S. Highway 14/14A west 73 miles via Burgess Junction. The road includes a 10% grade, which may be challenging for some vehicles.

Nearby places

Lovell (33 miles east), Dayton (73 miles west via Burgess Junction)

Nearby supplies

The nearest dump station is 25 miles east at Burgess Junction. Additional supplies are likely available in nearby towns, such as Lovell and Dayton, but specifics are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Campground (Wy)

Experience the dramatic beauty of high-altitude weather at Porcupine Campground, where summer days unfold with temperatures dancing between a comfortable 60s and warm 90s, while evenings cool to a crisp 50 degrees—perfect for campfire gatherings. June brings refreshing mountain showers that paint the forest in vibrant greens, giving way to crystalline blue skies throughout July and August. Mother Nature keeps you on your toes here, with the possibility of surprise snowflakes even in summer, while autumn arrives early, transforming the aspens into a golden wonderland by mid-September as temperatures begin their seasonal descent.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season (Jun 13–Sep 7); summer popular with clear skies, cool days and camping services available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen colors offer strong fall appeal but frosts arrive by mid-September and services reduce.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Early season can be rainy; campground opens mid-June and services may be limited before peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (open Jun 13–Sep 7); winter camping/services not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 13, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 13, 2025, to September 7, 2025.

About Porcupine Campground (Wy)

Nestled high in the breathtaking Bighorn National Forest, Porcupine Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape at 8,900 feet. This serene retreat along the spectacular Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway offers thoughtfully spaced single-family sites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and grills for outdoor feasts. Towering pines and shimmering aspens create a natural cathedral overhead, providing both shade and a symphony of rustling leaves that lulls campers into mountain tranquility.

Porcupine Campground offers several types of camping accommodations, catering to tent campers and non-electric RV users. Some sites are first-come, first-served, while others require reservations.

Historical SignificanceJust four miles from your campsite lies one of North America's most sacred and mysterious landmarks—the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. This ancient stone circle has watched over these mountains for centuries, its spokes aligned with celestial movements and representing the profound Native American understanding of earth, sun, moon, and the eternal cycles of life. Camping at Porcupine connects you to thousands of years of human history, where indigenous peoples have long recognized this landscape as a place of spiritual significance and natural power.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high-altitude weather at Porcupine Campground, where summer days unfold with temperatures dancing between a comfortable 60s and warm 90s, while evenings cool to a crisp 50 degrees—perfect for campfire gatherings. June brings refreshing mountain showers that paint the forest in vibrant greens, giving way to crystalline blue skies throughout July and August. Mother Nature keeps you on your toes here, with the possibility of surprise snowflakes even in summer, while autumn arrives early, transforming the aspens into a golden wonderland by mid-September as temperatures begin their seasonal descent.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,900 feet above sea level, Porcupine Campground offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath feels refreshingly thin. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where afternoon sunshine can quickly give way to dramatic weather shifts, and nighttime temperatures plunge even during summer months. The altitude enhances every sunset, amplifies every sunrise, and reminds visitors they've truly escaped to Wyoming's sky-high wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryPorcupine Campground immerses you in a living postcard of Wyoming wilderness, where stately pines and quaking aspens create an ever-changing tapestry of green and gold. The melodic babble of Porcupine Creek provides a natural soundtrack as it winds alongside the campground, offering both ambiance and opportunities for creek-side exploration. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in frequent encounters with the forest's residents—graceful deer browsing at dawn, majestic moose appearing like gentle giants through the morning mist, and countless bird species filling the canopy with song. For those seeking panoramic vistas, nearby Bald Mountain rewards hikers with sweeping views that stretch across the Bighorn Range.

Geological RegionPorcupine Campground claims its home within the majestic Bighorn National Forest, a crown jewel of the Bighorn Range that rises dramatically from the high plains of northern Wyoming. This ancient mountain fortress, carved by millennia of geological forces, creates a sky island ecosystem at 8,900 feet where dense forests of pine and aspen thrive in the thin mountain air. The Bighorns represent one of Wyoming's most diverse and accessible mountain ranges, where the Rocky Mountain ecosystem meets the Great Plains, creating a unique biological crossroads that supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights per visit.

Groups

No specific group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 16 single-family sites with significant spacing between most sites. Sites are designed for tents and non-electric use.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come-first-served, but the majority require reservations through Recreation.gov. Reviews note limited availability for spontaneous use.

Cancellation PolicyRefund requests made through Recreation.gov incur a $10 processing fee. Late cancellations (after midnight one day before check-in) forfeit the first night's fee and the $10 processing fee. No-shows also incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and is located on relatively even terrain. However, accessibility reviews specific to disabled users were not provided.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious. For example, one review mentioned, 'The campsites are so spacious and have beautiful surroundings.

PrivacyReviews were mixed about privacy. While some sites were described as having good spacing, others, such as sites #8 and #9, were criticized for being too close together, with very little privacy.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites 8 and 9 if privacy is a priority. Site 15 is recommended for its peaceful environment and proximity to water features.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Porcupine Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and scenic drives. It is also close to significant cultural and natural landmarks such as the Medicine Wheel National Historic Site. Reviewers frequently praised the scenic beauty and nearby hikes, describing the area as 'amazing for hiking and wildlife.'

HikingNearby trails include Bucking Mule Falls Trail and Porcupine Creek, accessible via Jaws Trailhead. Hikers can enjoy open meadows and cliffs along the west rim of the mountains. One reviewer stated, 'Close to several beautiful hikes,' emphasizing the area's appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is a popular activity in nearby streams and lakes, but specific details about fish species or quality are not provided. A reviewer mentioned the host offering fishing advice, 'He gave us great advice on fishing and the area.'

SwimmingPorcupine Falls, located approximately 5-6 miles from the campground, offers a natural swimming area below a stunning waterfall. One reviewer highlighted, 'You can swim right by the stunning waterfall.'

BikingBiking opportunities are supported by nearby trails, but details about terrain or skill levels are not specified.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, and Great Horned Owls. One reviewer humorously noted, 'Moose having breakfast 3 feet away delayed our breakdown of our camp by an hour.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is subject to sudden thunderstorms and snowstorms. Some reviews mention road noise near certain sites and nocturnal wildlife activity, including cows and coyotes.

Fire PolicyFirewood is sold on-site by the campground host. Campfires are allowed within designated rings.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the provided source materials.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided on-site, but some reviewers mentioned that trash must be carried out ('leave no trace'). Recycling facilities were not mentioned.

Water FeaturesPorcupine Creek runs next to the campground, and Porcupine Falls is approximately five to six miles away.

Camp HostThe campground host has received mixed reviews. Some campers praised the host's attentiveness and helpfulness, while others noted issues such as unleashed dogs and poor site management.

Weather at Porcupine Campground (Wy)

Reviews

4.2

103 reviews

Satisfactory

Porcupine Campground (Wy) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Porcupine Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.02. Users praised the quiet and scenic location, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts. However, issues such as site reservation management and proximity of certain sites were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 103 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently mentioned the scenic beauty, spacious sites, and clean facilities. Several noted the friendliness and helpfulness of the camp hosts, with one saying, 'Loved the camp host's sense...

Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the proximity of some campsites (particularly #8 and #9), inconsistent reservation management, and occasional unavailability of supplies like toilet paper. Issues with camp...

Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites in advance due to limited first-come, first-served availability. Be prepared for cold nights, bring your own firewood, and avoid sites #8 and #9 if privacy is...

Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors enjoying clear skies and cool temperatures. However, June can be rainy, and autumn brings frosts by mid-September. Some reviews noted reduced services...

Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets were very clean and usable.' 2. 'Campground is very quiet. What is not to like about Porcupine Campground?' 3. 'You can swim right by the stunning waterfall.' 4. 'No service and...

Based on 103 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 and #9 have minimal privacy, as noted in multiple reviews. Site #15 is praised for its spaciousness and proximity to scenic views. Site #4 is described as noisy due to road proximity, and...

Based on 103 reviews