Shell Creek

Star4.72
142 reviews
FOREST ROAD 17, GREYBULL, WY 82426, USA

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds site

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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
Shell Creek
$18.50 - $18.50 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard non-electric and tent sites is $18.50 during peak season. Additional fees include $9.00/day for a second vehicle....
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-587-9054gccampgrounds13@gmail.com
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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 142 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciousfriendly

"User reviews for Shell Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for cleanliness, scenic beauty, helpful hosts, and proximity to Shell Creek. Many reviewers emphasized the peaceful and remote nature of the campground."

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Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 17, GREYBULL, WY 82426, USA

Shell Creek

FOREST ROAD 17, GREYBULL, WY 82426, USA

Driving directionsLocated 32 miles east of Greybull, Wyoming, on U.S. Highway 14. Turn off onto Paintrock Lakes Road (Forest Road 17). Shell Creek Campground is 1.5 miles from the turnoff.
The campground is accessible via paved scenic Highway 14, followed by a 1.5-mile dirt road (Forest Road 17). The dirt road is described as steep, though manageable. Four-wheel drive may be helpful, particularly for larger vehicles or motorhomes.
Nearby places
Greybull (32 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive), Shell (approximately 20 miles, around 25 minutes drive), Burgess Junction (approximately 19 miles, around 30 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
The nearest dump station is at Burgess Junction (19 miles away). Additional supplies such as dining, showers, and general stores can be found at Elk View Inn or other nearby lodges.

Best Time to Camp at Shell Creek

Shell Creek transforms with each passing season, offering visitors a dynamic mountain experience year-round. Spring awakens the landscape with thundering snowmelt that swells the creek to impressive levels, while summer brings blissful days perfect for hiking and star-filled nights that demand an extra layer. As autumn approaches, crisp winds sweep through the canyon, painting aspens gold before winter's first snowflakes dust the peaks. Many visitors joke they've witnessed 'all four seasons in a single weekend' – a testament to the mountains' mercurial moods.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season: warm weather, good fishing and abundant wildlife per summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into mid-September; aspens and mountain views make early fall appealing though season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Top 20% in WY

Late spring (open from May 23) brings snowmelt that swells the creek; scenic but can affect fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sep 15; winter stays not supported by reservations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 23, 2025, to September 15, 2025.

About Shell Creek

Tucked away in the heart of the Bighorn Mountains at 7,500 feet, Shell Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where the rushing waters of Shell Creek provide nature's soundtrack. This peaceful retreat features thoughtfully spaced non-electric sites nestled among towering trees, with modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash service ensuring comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Far from the crowds, this hidden gem rewards those seeking authentic mountain solitude.
Shell Creek Campground offers a mix of tent-only, standard non-electric, and RV-friendly sites. Group camping and cabin lodging options are not available at this campground.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is typically at noon.
Check-out
Check-out is typically at noon.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are explicitly 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Shell Creek Campground is situated in a region rich with outdoor recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving. The Adelaide Trail nearby offers hiking and horseback riding access to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail. Fishing is highlighted as a major draw, with streams offering brook trout. Other activities include off-road vehicle trails, photography, stargazing, and mountain biking.
HikingDiverse hiking options are available, from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks. The Adelaide Trail provides nearby access to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail. Reviewers noted 'great hiking' as a highlight.
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.
FishingMany creeks, lakes, and ponds offer trout fly-fishing opportunities. Brook trout were specifically mentioned by several reviewers, who described the fishing as 'challenging' yet rewarding.
SwimmingShell Creek itself serves as a swimming area for campers, especially for cooling off during warm days. One user stated, 'The creek is perfect for cooling off.'
BikingMountain biking was noted by reviewers as a popular activity. One review mentioned, 'We saw lots of mountain bikers.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with sightings of moose, deer, elk, and pronghorn regularly reported. One reviewer noted, 'We saw moose and lots of deer.' Another highlighted, 'Saw lots of mountain bikers and wildlife.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high creek flows during spring snowmelt, wildlife such as moose and elk, and cattle breaching campground fences as described in some user reviews.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Shell Creek

Reviews

4.7
142 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Shell Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Shell Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for cleanliness, scenic beauty, helpful hosts, and proximity to Shell Creek. Many reviewers emphasized the peaceful and remote nature of the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 142 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, helpful and friendly camp hosts, proximity to Shell Creek, abundant wildlife, and quiet surroundings.
Based on 142 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of showers, issues with livestock occasionally breaching the campground, and windy conditions affecting tent camping.
Based on 142 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood if you don't plan to purchase on-site. Choose shaded sites closer to Shell Creek for better cooling during warmer weather. Plan visits for later in June or July for optimal...
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Based on 142 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring visits often highlight fast-flowing Shell Creek due to snowmelt, impacting fishing but enhancing the scenic beauty. Summer reviews praise warm weather, abundant wildlife, and better fishing...
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Based on 142 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms have always been cleaner than some 5-star hotels.' 2. 'Fishing starts in late June as Shell Creek is flowing really fast due to snow melt and spring rains.' 3. 'This spot is amazing!...
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Based on 142 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13: Praised for views and sounds, described as worth more than $20 per day. Site #6: Noted as lacking shade but offering creek access. Site #12: Highlighted for spaciousness, flat terrain, and...
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Based on 142 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and many single-family sites accommodate those with disabilities. The campground is remote, but its accessible features are appreciated.
Based on 142 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, with leash requirements. One reviewer shared, 'Well-behaved dogs are welcomed here. Belle the blue tick loves camping at Shell Creek.'
Based on 142 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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