Ranger Creek Recreation Area
4.8014 reviewsFOREST ROAD 17, Shell, WY, 82441, USA
Quick Facts
7,500 ftPrice
$18.5 - $160/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Peak season: May 23–...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,500 ftPrice
$18.5 - $160/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Peak season: May 23–...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRanger Creek Recreation Area
$18.50 - $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Display rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges. Group reservation prices depend on the number of people. Extra fees are...
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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$160.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$178.50
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider406-587-9054gccampgrounds13@gmail.com
What Campers Say
4.80
Top-Rated
Based on 14 reviews
15 Google reviews
Most mentioned
spacioushikingfriendlysites
"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."
Fees & Passes at Ranger Creek Recreation Area
$18.5 - $160/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: You may stay for up to 14 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: A $10 processing fee applies to refunds requested through www.recreation.gov. Late cancellations: Fo...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds website.
Best Time to Camp at Ranger Creek Recreation Area
Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Bighorn Mountains, where each season paints the landscape in new colors. From May through September, warm days and cool mountain nights create perfect camping conditions under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, golden aspens dance in crisp breezes, while winter transforms the forest into a snow-draped wonderland where temperatures plunge and silence blankets the peaks.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 to September 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Peak season: May 23–September 15, 2025.
About Ranger Creek Recreation Area
Nestled deep within the majestic Bighorn National Forest, Ranger Creek Group Campground offers an unforgettable wilderness retreat where up to 150 adventurers can gather beneath towering pines. This expansive group site serves as your basecamp for endless mountain adventures—from casting lines into crystal-clear streams to exploring rugged backcountry trails, navigating thrilling off-road routes, and discovering prehistoric wonders frozen in time.
Ranger Creek Recreation Area is designed to cater primarily to group camping but also accommodates individual campers.
Historical SignificanceStep back through millennia at this crossroads of natural and cultural heritage. Just a short drive away, the thundering Shell Falls has carved its story into limestone cliffs, best appreciated from the interpretive visitor center perched above. Journey to the Burgess Junction Visitor Center to uncover tales of early mountain pioneers, then marvel at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, where 167-million-year-old footprints preserve the ghostly parade of ancient giants across prehistoric mudflats.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Bighorn Mountains, where each season paints the landscape in new colors. From May through September, warm days and cool mountain nights create perfect camping conditions under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, golden aspens dance in crisp breezes, while winter transforms the forest into a snow-draped wonderland where temperatures plunge and silence blankets the peaks.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,500 feet above sea level, Ranger Creek delivers that coveted high-country experience where the air grows thin and crisp, temperatures drop 20-30 degrees from the valleys below, and alpine meadows burst with wildflowers. Here, you'll sleep closer to the stars and wake to morning mists dancing through evergreen boughs.
Natural Features and SceneryAlong the melodious banks of Ranger Creek, where clear mountain water tumbles over smooth stones, this campground immerses you in the raw beauty of the Bighorn wilderness. Towering ponderosa pines and quaking aspens create a living cathedral overhead, while jagged granite peaks—some soaring beyond 13,000 feet—pierce the Wyoming sky. Keep watch for the abundant wildlife that calls these forests home: elk bugling at dawn, black bears foraging for berries, and golden eagles riding thermals above the treeline.
Geological RegionThe ancient Bighorn Mountains rise like a fortress from the surrounding plains, their craggy granite peaks reaching skyward over 13,000 feet. These geological titans, sculpted by millions of years of uplift and erosion, cradle dense forests of pine and aspen that shelter an incredible diversity of wildlife. From your campsite, you'll witness the raw power of mountain-building forces in every weathered cliff face and boulder-strewn slope, while exploring a landscape where geological time meets the vibrant pulse of mountain life.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites 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.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some campsites described as secluded, such as site #8.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite #1 is rated highly for its seclusion and scenic appeal, while campsite #8 offers privacy and tranquility.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo specific layout provided, but includes one large group site and adjacent smaller campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: May 23–September 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information provided; likely limited due to the emphasis on advance reservations.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 processing fee applies to refunds requested through www.recreation.gov. Late cancellations: For individual campsites, penalties start one calendar day before check-in. For group sites, penalties start 14 days before check-in. Late cancellations also subtract the first night fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
The area offers diverse hiking opportunities, including the Adelaide Trail leading to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail. Trails vary from loop routes to challenging mountain treks.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with many creeks, lakes, and ponds offering some of the best trout fly-fishing in the state.Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity, although no specific details about trails or paths are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with species like moose and deer frequently seen. Shell Creek, with its natural environment, offers excellent opportunities to observe native fauna.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned, despite the potential for snow in the area.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the data.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood must be purchased on-site.
Hazards
General hazardsMoose and other wildlife frequent the area, requiring caution. Additional risks might include severe winter-weather conditions.
Weather at Ranger Creek Recreation Area
17
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
The nearest dump station is 20 miles away at Burgess Junction, which may indicate proximity to other facilities such as emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided onsite, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated alongside Ranger Creek, which is ideal for fishing and exploring.
Common complaintsSome reviews noted delays caused by previous campers not vacating promptly.
HostThe camp host is noted for being accommodating and helpful, ensuring clean facilities and a welcoming environment.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 17, Shell, WY, 82441, USA
Driving directionsLocated 34 miles east of Greybull, Wyoming on U.S. Highway 14. Turn off onto Paintrock Lake Road (Forest Road 17). Ranger Creek Campground is 3.5 miles from the turnoff, 2 miles beyond Shell Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the turn onto Paintrock Lake Road (Forest Road 17), which is likely unpaved. No information on seasonal closures or challenges in terrain is explicitly provided.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).
Nearby supplies
Elk View Inn and other nearby lodges provide camping supplies, fishing supplies, guided adventures, dining options, and general stores. These facilities are likely near Burgess Junction, about 20 miles north.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
14 reviews
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 14 reviews
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsPro 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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsCamper 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 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #8 is noted for its seclusion. Site #1 is frequently praised as the best location in the campground. Site GRP1 is reviewed positively for its group camping capacity and scenic location.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is generally positive, with vault toilets and water access highlighted as accessible features.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but specific amenities or reviews related to pets are not detailed.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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