How much does camping cost at Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Camping fees at Shell Reservoir Camping Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Shell Reservoir Camping Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Shell Reservoir Camping Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served dispersed camping.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shell Reservoir Camping Area before I book?

Yes! Shell Reservoir Camping Area has 7 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 Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Shell Reservoir Camping Area is open Weather dependent; typically open during warmer months when roads are passable.. 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 Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Shell Reservoir Camping Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Fire policies at Shell Reservoir Camping Area: No specific policies for campfires are mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Pets are not allowed at Shell Reservoir Camping Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Shell Reservoir Camping Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shell Reservoir Camping Area?

Popular activities at Shell Reservoir Camping Area include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shell Reservoir Camping Area

3.38

13 reviews

Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,019 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Weather dependent; t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,019 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Weather dependent; t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(307) 548-5338SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Shell Reservoir Camping Area

Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are located in Shell, WY, but specific details about stores or fuel stations are not provided.

Weather at Shell Reservoir Camping Area

Best Time to Camp at Shell Reservoir Camping Area

Summer delivers the best conditions at this elevation. Expect daytime highs between 60–75°F and nighttime lows 30–45°F from June through August. The reservoir thaws completely by early June, and roads are most reliable then. Autumn brings golden aspens but colder nights. Winter buries the area in deep snow and makes the access road impassable without serious off-road capability. Spring arrives late, with snowmelt feeding streams into May.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best conditions June–Aug; ice clears early June and temps are pleasant for camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Weather dependent; typically open during warmer months when roads are passable.

About Shell Reservoir Camping Area

Shell Reservoir Camping Area sits at 9,019 feet in Bighorn National Forest, accessible only by 4x4 or off-road vehicle. This primitive dispersed camping area offers fishing and backcountry solitude along a remote alpine reservoir. The steep, rough access road keeps crowds thin even on summer weekends.

Shell Reservoir Camping Area is a dispersed camping site. "Beautiful place! Need 4x4 or orv to get there."

Historical Significance

The campground falls within the Medicine Wheel Ranger District, named for an ancient stone structure sacred to Native peoples. The Medicine Wheel itself has drawn spiritual seekers and historians for generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions at this elevation. Expect daytime highs between 60–75°F and nighttime lows 30–45°F from June through August. The reservoir thaws completely by early June, and roads are most reliable then. Autumn brings golden aspens but colder nights. Winter buries the area in deep snow and makes the access road impassable without serious off-road capability. Spring arrives late, with snowmelt feeding streams into May.

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 SceneryThe reservoir sits in a high alpine basin surrounded by lodgepole pine and spruce forest. Ancient limestone cliffs rise in layers above the treeline, evidence of glacial carving over millions of years. The Bighorn ecosystem here spans sagebrush valleys to alpine peaks, habitat for black bears and bighorn sheep. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, fully thawed by early June when brook trout become most active.

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.

Scenic ViewsThe location offers expansive views of the surrounding forest and reservoir, contributing to its appeal among campers seeking natural beauty.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping with no designated sites. Pick your spot along the reservoir or back in the trees.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served dispersed camping.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.

Site SizeThe size of the sites is unspecified.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of the sites are not detailed.

Recommended SitesNo specific campsite recommendations are provided.

Amenities available

The Shell Reservoir Camping Area has dispersed camping options. Restrooms are available at the site, but potable water is not provided. Horse/Pack animals are allowed.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAccess roads are challenging and require a 4x4 vehicle. Seasonal hazards include snow and ice, which may make the area inaccessible.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific policies for campfires are mentioned.

Emergency ServicesMedicine Wheel Ranger District Office at 95 Highway 16/20, Greybull, WY 82426, Phone: (307) 548-5338.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling information is not provided.

Water FeaturesThe site is near Shell Reservoir, which allows for year-round fishing.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Shell Reservoir Camping Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 13 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful place!" Users appreciate the scenic beauty of the campground.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no complaints specified in the user reviews.

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no site-specific reviews provided.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Need 4x4 or orv to get there."

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal 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 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful place!" "Need 4x4 or orv to get there."

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews addressing accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not address pet policies or pet-friendly features.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and solitude-seekers with a capable off-road rig will get the most out of this place. Brook trout are active once ice clears around early June, you pick your own spot along the water, and it costs nothing for up to 14 nights.

Skip if

No 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle means you won't make it in. No potable water on-site either, so haul in everything you'll drink, and expect overnight lows in the 30s even in midsummer at this elevation.

Nearby Campgrounds

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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.

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FOREST ROAD 17, GREYBULL, WY 82426, USA

Shell Creek sits at 7,500 feet in Bighorn National Forest, 30 minutes from Greybull. Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds operates this small alpine campground along Shell Creek, where tent and RV campers fish, hike, and watch wildlife from spacious, private sites. Reviewers praise the clean vault toilets and helpful hosts, though cattle occasionally wander through and some sites lack shade.

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Medicine Lodge Lake Campground

Bighorn National Forest

Medicine Lodge Lake Campground sits at 9,288 feet in the Bighorn National Forest, a short walk from Upper Medicine Lodge Lake and the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary. This very small, high-alpine campground near Shell, Wyoming, offers vault toilets, potable water, and trout fishing access. Summer brings reliable weather and long daylight for hiking and wilderness day trips.

Ranger Creek Campground

2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801

Ranger Creek Campground sits at 7,800 feet in Bighorn National Forest, offering 11 sites in a single loop tucked among mature Lodgepole pines. A scenic meadow borders the campground, and the historic Big Goose Ranger Station from the 1930s stands nearby. Sites cost $14-$20 per night and include 6 tent-only and 5 combined sites.

$14.00 - $20.00 / night

2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801

East Fork Campground sits at 7,600 feet in Bighorn National Forest, two miles north of Park Reservoir. The 11-site campground operates Memorial Day through Labor Day with vault toilets, potable water, and a helpful camp host. Sites cost $14-20 per night and accommodate up to 8 people and two vehicles each.

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FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Dead Swede sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Bighorn National Forest near Dayton, Wyoming, operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites along the South Tongue River, where guests fish, hike forest trails, and watch for moose. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables draw families and anglers during the summer season.

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FOREST ROAD 236, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Owen Creek sits high in the Bighorn National Forest near Dayton, Wyoming, offering a quiet alpine escape with fewer than ten sites. Operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds, this seasonal campground draws visitors for fishing cold mountain streams, hiking trails through wildflower meadows, and spotting moose and other wildlife. The small scale and mountain views create a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking a low-key forest experience.

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FOREST ROAD 234, DAYTON, WY, 82836, USA

Tie Flume sits at 8,400 feet in the Bighorn National Forest near Dayton, Wyoming, operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds. This small, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike, fish, bike, and watch for moose and deer in a setting reviewers call beautiful and peaceful, though ATV traffic and bathroom cleanliness draw complaints.

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Campgrounds

Bighorn National Forest

Shell Reservoir Camping Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Shell Reservoir Camping Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>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.</p>

Open Season: June