Shell Reservoir Camping Area
01 reviewShell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Weather dependent; t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Weather dependent; t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Shell Reservoir Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground appears to have no fees for dispersed camping based on the authoritative sources.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(307) 548-5338SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
10 Google reviews
"User reviews highlight the beauty of Shell Reservoir Camping Area and emphasize the need for four-wheel drive or off-road vehicles to access the site."
Fees & Passes at Shell Reservoir Camping Area
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14-day limit is enforced.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Medicine Wheel Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Shell Reservoir Camping Area
Mountain weather here dances between extremes, painting each season with its own dramatic palette. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploration, while autumn cloaks the landscape in golden aspens. Winter transforms the area into a snow-laden wonderland that challenges even seasoned adventurers—bringing your 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential for navigating the rugged terrain year-round. Spring arrives late but spectacular, as melting snow feeds rushing streams and wildflowers burst through the awakening earth.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
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
- Operating Season: Weather dependent; typically open during warmer months when roads are passable.
- Current Alerts: None currently specified.
About Shell Reservoir Camping Area
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Bighorn National Forest, Shell Reservoir Camping Area beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This dispersed camping haven offers the freedom to pitch your tent beneath towering pines while casting a line into waters teeming with naturally reproducing Brook trout. As ice melts away in early June, the reservoir transforms into an angler's paradise where the splash of jumping fish breaks the mountain silence throughout the seasons.
Shell Reservoir Camping Area is a dispersed camping site. "Beautiful place! Need 4x4 or orv to get there."
Historical SignificanceUnder the watchful stewardship of the Medicine Wheel Ranger District, this camping area rests within lands steeped in centuries of history. The district takes its name from the sacred Medicine Wheel—an ancient stone structure that has drawn spiritual seekers and historians alike. These forests have witnessed the passage of Native American tribes, early explorers, and generations of outdoor enthusiasts who've found solace in these enduring mountains.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here dances between extremes, painting each season with its own dramatic palette. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploration, while autumn cloaks the landscape in golden aspens. Winter transforms the area into a snow-laden wonderland that challenges even seasoned adventurers—bringing your 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential for navigating the rugged terrain year-round. Spring arrives late but spectacular, as melting snow feeds rushing streams and wildflowers burst through the awakening earth.
ElevationPerched high in the Bighorn National Forest's mountainous embrace, the campground sits at an elevation where the air grows thin and crisp, and summer nights demand an extra layer around the campfire. Here, the altitude gifts visitors with cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and that unmistakable feeling of being closer to the stars—a natural high that makes every breath feel like pure mountain medicine.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising off Shell Reservoir while eagles soar overhead and elk graze in distant meadows. The surrounding landscape unfolds like nature's masterpiece—dense forests of lodgepole pine and spruce give way to rocky outcroppings and hidden trails that promise discovery around every bend. Whether you're casting for trout at dawn or hiking ridgelines painted purple by sunset, the scenery here shifts from breathtaking to sublime with each passing hour.
Geological RegionThe Bighorn National Forest serves as your backdrop—a geological wonderland where ancient limestone cliffs tell stories written millions of years ago. This diverse ecosystem spans from sagebrush valleys to alpine peaks, creating a tapestry of habitats that support everything from black bears to bighorn sheep. The mountains themselves stand as monuments to time, their rugged faces carved by glaciers and sculpted by wind into the dramatic landscapes that make this region a crown jewel of Wyoming's outdoor recreation.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe size of the sites is unspecified.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of the sites are not detailed.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations are provided.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day limit is enforced.
Groups
Group camping options and their capacity are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping layout, no designated campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonWeather dependent; typically open during warmer months when roads are passable.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served dispersed camping.
Activities you can enjoy
Shell Reservoir Camping Area offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and shooting. "Fishing is allowed year-round, ice usually clears around early June. This fishery is comprised mainly of Brook trout, which are maintained by natural reproduction."
Fishing
Fishing is allowed year-round, focusing on Brook trout fishery maintained by natural reproduction. "Ice usually clears around early June."Winter Activities
Winter activities mentioned include fishing on ice.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not discussed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific policies for campfires are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsAccess roads are challenging and require a 4x4 vehicle. Seasonal hazards include snow and ice, which may make the area inaccessible.
Active alertsNone currently specified.
Weather at Shell Reservoir Camping Area
18
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Medicine Wheel Ranger District Office at 95 Highway 16/20, Greybull, WY 82426, Phone: (307) 548-5338.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling information is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe site is near Shell Reservoir, which allows for year-round fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate difficulties in accessing the site without proper vehicles.
HostNo campground host information is available.
Campground Map
Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
Driving directionsFrom Shell, WY, east on Hwy 14 to Forest System Road (FSR) 17, then turn onto FSR 271. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended.
The road to the campground requires a four-wheel drive, as noted in both authoritative sources and user reviews. This suggests challenging terrain and potentially seasonal closures due to snow or other environmental factors.Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are located in Shell, WY, but specific details about stores or fuel stations are not provided.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Shell Reservoir Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beauty of Shell Reservoir Camping Area and emphasize the need for four-wheel drive or off-road vehicles to access the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful place!" Users appreciate the scenic beauty of the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are no complaints specified in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Need 4x4 or orv to get there."
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews and authoritative sources suggest fishing activity peaks after the ice clears in early June, implying better accessibility and usability during summer months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful place!" "Need 4x4 or orv to get there."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews addressing accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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