How much does camping cost at West Tensleep Lake?

Camping fees at West Tensleep Lake are $18.5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is West Tensleep Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

West Tensleep Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at West Tensleep Lake before I book?

Yes! West Tensleep Lake has 10 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 West Tensleep Lake?

West Tensleep Lake is open June 12 to September 05. 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 West Tensleep Lake?

West Tensleep Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at West Tensleep Lake?

Fire policies at West Tensleep Lake: Firewood may be purchased from the campground host.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does West Tensleep Lake have?

West Tensleep Lake has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at West Tensleep Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at West Tensleep Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at West Tensleep Lake?

West Tensleep Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at West Tensleep Lake?

Popular activities at West Tensleep Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

West Tensleep Lake

4.57

92 reviews

FOREST ROAD 522, TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA

Top 5% in WYSummer

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Wyoming Primitive Camping Wyoming RV Camping Wyoming +2 more

Quick Facts

9,091 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open June 12, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,091 ft

Price

$18.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open June 12, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

West Tensleep Lake

$18.50 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.50; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.50. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$18.50

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Provider

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Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 522, TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA

West Tensleep Lake

FOREST ROAD 522, TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA

Nearby places

Worland, Wyoming (49 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

Ten Sleep, Wyoming (approximately 25 miles, 40 minutes drive).

Weather at West Tensleep Lake

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information on the Bighorn National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Groups larger than 20 people must camp elsewhere: Willow Park, Hettinger, Ranger Creek Recreation Area or Pine Island offer group camping
Larger RVs and trailers cannot be accommodated; Boulder Park Campground is recommended for larger units

Best Time to Camp at West Tensleep Lake

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight at West Tensleep Lake: high-country access is reliable (campground open mid-June through early September), days are pleasantly mild (typically 60–75°F) while nights drop into the 30s–40s, and alpine wildflowers, boating, trout fishing, and high-elevation hiking are all at their peak. Water is glassy for early-morning casts or paddle trips, trails into the Cloud Peak Wilderness are mostly snow-free by July, and wildlife viewing is excellent at dawn and dusk. Expect a Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in WY

Campground open mid-June–early Sept; summer is the clear highlight with mild days and activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 05. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 12, 2025, to September 1, 2025.

About West Tensleep Lake

West Tensleep Lake sits at high elevation in Bighorn National Forest, managed by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds and open mid-June through early September. This small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish for trout, paddle the glassy lake, hike nearby trails, and watch for wildlife in the high country above Ten Sleep.

West Tensleep Lake Campground offers sites for tent camping and small RVs or trailers. Group camping is not supported, and larger RVs are discouraged.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight at West Tensleep Lake: high-country access is reliable (campground open mid-June through early September), days are pleasantly mild (typically 60–75°F) while nights drop into the 30s–40s, and alpine wildflowers, boating, trout fishing, and high-elevation hiking are all at their peak. Water is glassy for early-morning casts or paddle trips, trails into the Cloud Peak Wilderness are mostly snow-free by July, and wildlife viewing is excellent at dawn and dusk. Expect a Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation9091 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a pocket where granite peaks surround a clear alpine lake. Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce create dense forest cover around the sites, gradually thinning toward higher elevations where alpine meadows and exposed rock dominate. The lake reflects the surrounding peaks on calm mornings. Mountain streams cut through the landscape, and the Cloud Peak Wilderness skyline rises beyond the trees. Wildlife appears at dawn and dusk. The geology reveals uplifted sedimentary layers and glacial sculpting across millions of years.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations are not available within the campground itself, but nearby lodges such as Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge offer dining and lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited space allows for no more than 1-2 tents per site. Groups larger than 20 people must camp elsewhere.

Groups

Group sites are not available. Groups larger than 20 people are directed to other campgrounds such as Willow Park or Pine Island.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are accessible, and the campground is designed to accommodate a range of visitors. However, steep or uneven site terrain may present challenges for some visitors.

Site SizeSites are relatively small, with reviewers mentioning limited tent space (1-2 tents per site, generally 8x10 ft). Larger RVs and trailers are not recommended.

PrivacySites provide moderate privacy. Some are closer to the lake, offering scenic views but less seclusion. "Campsite 9 is spacious...near the pit toilets but we couldn’t really smell them," noted a user. Another mentioned Site #1 as private but with public traffic nearby.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 1 offers waterfront access but is near the entrance and kayak launch. Site 2 gets ample sunlight, ideal for solar panels.

Best CampsitesSites 1 and 2 handle larger trailers and have lakefront views. Site 9 is spacious and near the vault toilets without odor issues. Site 1 offers privacy but gets foot traffic from other campers heading to the lake. Most sites fit 1–2 small tents (around 8x10 feet). Larger RVs don't work here.

Need help booking West Tensleep Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

West Tensleep Lake Campground offers a range of amenities aimed at enhancing the camping experience, including picnic tables and fire rings with grills at each site, accessible vault toilets, potable water, and trash collection. The campground host is noted for their attentiveness and clean facilities. "The campsite host (from Island Park) makes several passes through each day—she does a great job of keeping things in order / maintaining cleanliness," stated a visitor. However, some reviewers noted issues like non-functioning wells at certain times. "The only problem was that the well was not functioning, so there was no water available," said one user. Firewood is available for purchase on-site at the campground host station.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at West Tensleep Lake

Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness offers challenging trails for the adventurous, while West Tensleep Lake is perfect for canoeing and fishing.

Hiking4.0/5

Hiking is a standout; West Tensleep Lake Trail leads into Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Non-motorized boats allowed; canoeing/inflatables are common and praised.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Non-motorized watercraft (canoes/kayaks) are allowed and commonly used on the glassy lake.

Biking3.0/5

Biking is mentioned but trail types, mileage, and difficulty are not detailed.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Crystal clear lake, mountain reflections, wildlife and night skies offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Rate West Tensleep Lake

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From Booking Sources

4.6

92 reviews

Top-Rated

West Tensleep Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users frequently describe the campground as "beautiful" and "peaceful" with clean facilities and a range of activities available. However, some note issues like noise from ATVs and crowded conditions during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 92 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 92 reviews.

Site 2Loved
Site 2 is described as spacious and ideal for solar panels.
Site 1Mentioned
Site 1 is noted for its lakefront location but has high traffic.
Site 9Mentioned
Site 9 is near bathrooms but offers good space.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic location, proximity to hiking trails, clean facilities, and attentive hosts. "Wonderful campground with excellent non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking," said...

Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from ATVs and other campers, crowded conditions on weekends, and occasional lack of water from the well. "The downside of actual campground, mosquitoes were horrible...

Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing a good GPS for hiking, avoiding weekends to escape crowds, and preparing for altitude adjustments. One reviewer mentioned, "Be mindful of the size of your trailer,"...

Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with many reviews highlighting the high activity levels and occasional noise. Several users noted that the altitude and mosquitoes could be challenging during summer months.

Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

"You can't beat the views!" - Brianna S. "Mama moose & baby moose made a showing!" - Lacey S. "Bathroom was clean. Close to trail head. Stars were unbelievable!" - Kristine B.

Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users did not explicitly mention accessibility features beyond the cleanliness of vault toilets. Some terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no negative experiences regarding pets were detailed in reviews. One reviewer mentioned, "Dogs that wandered from campsite to campsite" as a minor issue.

Based on 92 reviews

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West Tensleep Lake

$18.50 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.50; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.50. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$18.50

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054support@rusticfreedom.com

Go if

You want a budget-friendly high-elevation base camp for fishing, non-motorized boating, and alpine hiking during summer months.

Skip if

You need quiet weekends or want to avoid mosquitoes and off-road vehicle noise from nearby areas.

Nearby Campgrounds

1415 Fort Street Buffalo, WY 82834

Deer Park Campground sits at 8,900 feet in Bighorn National Forest, adjacent to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. With sites spaced widely among tall pines and natural brush barriers, it's a quiet base for hikers and wildlife watchers. The campground charges $20 per night and operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reviews praise the forest setting and moose sightings but note occasional generator noise and lack of enforcement.

West Tensleep Lake

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about West Tensleep Lake

Campground Map

Weather at West Tensleep Lake

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at West Tensleep Lake

Planning Tips

About West Tensleep Lake

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking West Tensleep Lake?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at West Tensleep Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about West Tensleep Lake

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at West Tensleep Lake

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking West Tensleep Lake?

Amenities available

Things to do at West Tensleep Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns