Shell Reservoir Camping Area

Star4.20
13 reviews
Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,019 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Weather dependent; t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Medicine Wheel Ranger District site

Official Website
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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

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USFS
Provider
(307) 548-5338SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 13 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Shell Reservoir Camping Area, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Shell Reservoir Camping Area

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best access after ice clears; warm days and prime fishing begin in early June.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn brings golden aspens and good scenery; roads likely still passable early fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Ice melts late; access and fishing limited until ice clears (~early June).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Typically closed/inaccessible in winter; roads and reservoir are snow/ice affected.

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."
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Stay Limit
14-day limit is enforced.


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."
FishingFishing is allowed year-round, focusing on Brook trout fishery maintained by natural reproduction. "Ice usually clears around early June."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAccess roads are challenging and require a 4x4 vehicle. Seasonal hazards include snow and ice, which may make the area inaccessible.
Active AlertsNone currently specified.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Shell Reservoir Camping Area

Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Shell Reservoir Camping Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no site-specific reviews provided.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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