How much does camping cost at Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Ranger Creek Recreation Area range from $18.5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ranger Creek Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Ranger Creek Recreation 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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Ranger Creek Recreation Area 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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

Ranger Creek Recreation Area is open May 22 to September 20. 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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

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

How many campsites does Ranger Creek Recreation Area have?

Ranger Creek Recreation 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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ranger Creek Recreation 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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

Ranger Creek Recreation 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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

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

Ranger Creek Recreation Area

4.56

39 reviews

FOREST ROAD 17, Shell, WY, 82441, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Group Camping Wyoming#3 Hiking Camping Wyoming Spring Camping Wyoming +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 23–...

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

7,500 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 23–...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Ranger Creek Recreation Area

$18.50 - $18.50 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.50; Standard Nonelectric: $18.50. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$18.50

Group Site Fee$160.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054support@rusticfreedom.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 17, Shell, WY, 82441, USA

Ranger Creek Recreation Area

FOREST ROAD 17, Shell, WY, 82441, USA

Nearby places

Greybull is 34 miles east (approximately 45-minute drive). Shell Falls Visitor Center is 8 miles west (approximately 15-minute drive), Burgess Junction Visitor Center is 20 miles north (approximately 30-minute drive).

Weather at Ranger Creek Recreation Area

Current alerts(5)

Campsites 9, 10 & 11 are included in the group area for group use Group area is also available for day use for the same rate as overnight use
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 Ranger Creek Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, warm daytime temperatures, and full campground services — making it ideal for large group gatherings at Ranger Creek. Expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s, long daylight for hiking and fishing, and cleared roads to trailheads. Trails, creek fishing, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, though weekends and holiday weeks can be busy for a large group site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer (May–Sep) is best: warm days, clear roads, trails drain out and services run.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: May 23–September 15, 2025.

About Ranger Creek Recreation Area

Ranger Creek Recreation Area sits in the Bighorn National Forest near Shell, Wyoming, at high elevation where alpine meadows meet mountain streams. Operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds, this small seasonal campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites plus group camping options. Visitors fish the creek, hike forest trails, bike mountain routes, and spot moose and other wildlife in a quiet alpine setting.

Ranger Creek Recreation Area is designed to cater primarily to group camping but also accommodates individual campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, warm daytime temperatures, and full campground services — making it ideal for large group gatherings at Ranger Creek. Expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s, long daylight for hiking and fishing, and cleared roads to trailheads. Trails, creek fishing, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, though weekends and holiday weeks can be busy for a large group site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders Ranger Creek, where clear mountain water flows over smooth stones beneath a canopy of ponderosa pine and quaking aspen. Granite peaks rise above the forest, part of the Bighorn Mountains' weathered, boulder-strewn slopes. Moose appear regularly in reviews. Elk bugle at dawn during fall. The setting feels genuinely remote without being inaccessible.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options such as cabins or lodges are not available within the campground. However, nearby lodges like Elk View Inn provide such facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the data.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay for up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Large group site accommodates up to 150 individuals or smaller group sizes for overnight camping or day use.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 150 people and includes facilities such as a shelter, picnic tables, and a campfire ring.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets, drinking water access, grills, and parking are noted as accessible. Picnic tables and some trails in the area may also offer accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campground includes both group and individual sites, with the group site accommodating up to 150 people. Site sizes for individual campers are not specified.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some campsites described as secluded, such as site #8.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite #1 is rated highly for its seclusion and scenic appeal, while campsite #8 offers privacy and tranquility.

Best CampsitesSite #1 in the East Loop gets consistent praise for its location and privacy. Site #8 is described as secluded. The group site dominates the campground layout, so individual campers should confirm availability and exact site assignments when booking.

Need help booking Ranger Creek Recreation Area?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ranger Creek Recreation Area provides essential facilities to support group and individual camping, offering a mix of natural beauty and practical conveniences.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ranger Creek Recreation Area offers a range of activities focused on nature and recreation. Visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, off-road driving, and more, making it an excellent destination 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 ToiletsThe campground does not offer flush toilets; vault toilets are available 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 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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

39 reviews

Top-Rated

Ranger Creek Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Ranger Creek Recreation Area generally highlight the beauty of the setting, the quality of facilities, and the opportunities for outdoor activities. However, some site-specific issues and seasonal challenges are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 39 reviews.

Site #1Loved
Site #1 is frequently praised as the best location in the campground.
Site #8Mentioned
Site #8 is noted for its seclusion.

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the natural beauty, spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, and the range of outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Wildlife sightings, including moose, are frequently...

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

Some negative feedback includes issues with previous campers not vacating sites on time and seasonal trail closures due to wash-outs.

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend selecting specific campsites, such as site #1 for its prime location. It's advised to visit later in the summer to avoid trail wash-outs. Those with RVs may need to plan for the...

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the best time for a visit, with late summer being ideal to avoid wash-out-related trail closures.

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A beautiful place to camp! A lot of the trails are closed due to wash-outs. A little later in the summer might be a better time to go.' - Pauline Headings 2. 'This is a great place to go as a...

Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally positive, with vault toilets and water access highlighted as accessible features.

Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific amenities or reviews related to pets are not detailed.

Based on 39 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet high-elevation base camp for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching with group camping available.

Skip if

You need electric hookups or prefer campgrounds with more than a handful of sites.

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Campgrounds

Bighorn National Forest

Ranger Creek Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ranger Creek Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Ranger Creek Campground is located near the Big Goose Ranger Station, a historic ranger station built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. </p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,800 ft. The campground is a single loop in a grove of mature Lodgepole pines and located on a very scenic drive. It is near the Big Goose Ranger Station, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The campground is next to a large meadow where wildlife may be viewed. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques

Seasons & access

Services provided June 4 through September 8 - weather dependent

Facilities

The water spigot is a hand pump.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt, irregular and show signs of errosion. There is an RV Forest Service waste station 5.5 miles north of Forest Rt. 26 on US Rt. 14 (Burgess Junction) donation requested.

Directions

From Big Horn, WY, take County Rt. 335 south 9.9 miles where it becomes Forest Rt. 26. Continue straight on Rt. 26 for 8.1 miles to Ranger Creek sign. Turn right at sign and immediately left and go 0.1 miles to campground. NOTE: After the first 6.2 miles this route becomes dirt, steep, rough and eroded and is not RV friendly. An alternative RV friendly route is from Dayton, WY - take US Rt. 14 west 40.2 miles to the signs for Flume/Dead Swede Campgrounds and Forest Rt. 26. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 26 (dirt) and go 23.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left and left again into campground.

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