Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout

Star4.36
25 reviews
Powder River Ranger District, 1415 Fort Street, Buffalo, Wyoming, 82834, United States
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June 15 through Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Powder River Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for renting Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout is $50. Discounts, taxes, and incremental charges may apply depending on reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
307-684-7806
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

Most mentioned

views

"The Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout generally receives positive reviews for its stunning views, unique historic value, and serene atmosphere. However, issues such as limited privacy, extreme weather conditions, and the primitive nature of the facilities have been noted."

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Campground Map

Powder River Ranger District, 1415 Fort Street, Buffalo, Wyoming, 82834, United States

Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout

Powder River Ranger District, 1415 Fort Street, Buffalo, Wyoming, 82834, United States

Driving directionsFrom Buffalo, Wyoming, take State Highway 16 west approximately 30 miles. Turn right on Forest Developed Road (FDR) 28 and travel 6 miles north of U.S. Highway 16. FDR 28 will dead-end at the lookout.
This facility is accessed via a single lane gravel road passable by most vehicles during dry summer days. However, due to sudden changes in weather conditions, it is recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Nearby places
Buffalo, Wyoming: approximately 30 miles, 45-minute drive
Nearby supplies
Buffalo, Wyoming, located within a 45-minute drive, provides access to grocery stores, fuel, camping supplies, and other amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout

Summer in this sky-high retreat brings crisp mountain air with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70°F, perfect for outdoor adventures. But don't let the sunshine fool you—when darkness falls or thunderstorms roll across the peaks, temperatures can plummet to a brisk 30°F. The exposed summit location means you'll feel the mountain's raw power through frequent gusts of wind that sing through the tower's historic walls, reminding visitors they're truly living on the edge of the sky.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 15–Oct 20; summer days ~70°F and are the most popular, best weather window.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews are positive; October can be quieter and still offers great views.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed in spring; reservations and stays not available until mid-June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed outside June 15–Oct 20; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 26 through October 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: June 15 through October 20, reservable from June 26 to October 11 in 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Access to the facility may be limited depending on snow accumulation. Call ahead to confirm accessibility.

About Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout

Perched high in the Bighorn Mountains, Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout invites adventurers to step back in time and spend the night in a piece of living history. This restored 1950s fire tower, available for overnight stays from June 15 through October 20, transforms camping into an extraordinary experience where you'll wake up above the clouds with 360-degree views stretching from the southern Bighorns to the Buffalo plains below. While the lookout's growing popularity means solitude isn't guaranteed, the rewards are countless: days filled with hiking mountain trails, exploring by ATV, casting lines in alpine waters, and nights spent stargazing from your own private observatory at 9,600 feet.
Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout offers a unique, primitive camping experience. As a historic fire lookout, it provides shelter and stunning views but lacks modern conveniences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
14:00 (2:00 PM)
Check-out
11:00 (11:00 AM)
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout offers a range of activities both on-site and in the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The location is also ideal for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and simply relaxing amidst the serene mountain environment. Panoramic views extend as far as the Powder River Basin and Devils Tower National Monument.
HikingThe surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking, although no specific trails are mentioned. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Bighorn Mountains and the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
FishingFishing is mentioned as an activity in the area, but there are no details about types of fish or specific fishing locations.
BikingMountain biking is listed as one of the activities available near the Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight at Sheep Mountain. Visitors have reported sightings of bull moose, mule deer, and other animals. One reviewer even mentioned seeing either a fisher cat or a wolverine on the way up.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh winds, altitude sickness, and frequent visitors can pose challenges. Lightning storms are common during summers; renters are advised to remain inside.
Active AlertsAccess to the facility may be limited depending on snow accumulation. Call ahead to confirm accessibility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout

Reviews

4.4
25 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout generally receives positive reviews for its stunning views, unique historic value, and serene atmosphere. However, issues such as limited privacy, extreme weather conditions, and the primitive nature of the facilities have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praised the 360-degree views, wildlife sightings, and the unique experience of staying in a historic fire lookout. One reviewer said, 'The views were absolutely breathtaking, and...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of privacy due to frequent visitors, high winds, and cold temperatures. The vault toilet's maintenance appears inconsistent based on user reviews.
Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing Arctic sleeping bags, a heat source, and food that doesn't require cooking due to the lack of a functioning stove. Early bookings are crucial, as it is a popular destination.
Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall tend to be the most popular seasons due to milder weather. Visitors report cooler temperatures at night, even during warmer months, and windy conditions are common year-round.
Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The view itself is worth every single penny of the rental fee.' - Josh '360-degree views of the southern Bighorns and down into the plains towards Buffalo.' - Robert Short 'Finally got my lucky...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews often mention the lookout's primitive but charming setup, with highlights being the vault toilet (clean for some, unpleasant for others) and bunk beds. Visitors also comment on...
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Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for people with disabilities were noted.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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