West Tensleep Lake

Star4.57
92 reviews
FOREST ROAD 522, TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA
Family FriendlyStargazingSummer Destination

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

Opens Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds site

Official Website
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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
West Tensleep Lake
$18.50 - $18.50 / night
Campsite Fees
$18.50 per night for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites during peak season. Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site. The first...
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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

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 92 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationhiking

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Worland, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 16 east 49 miles. Take West Tensleep Road (Forest Road 27) seven miles to the campground.
Road access is primarily via paved U.S. Highway 16, followed by a 7-mile drive on Forest Road 27, which may be unpaved and washboarded, as noted in multiple user reviews.
Nearby places
Worland, Wyoming (49 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Ten Sleep, Wyoming (approximately 25 miles, 40 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained at Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge, which offer dining, camping supplies, and more, within a few miles of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at West Tensleep Lake

Summer arrives gently at this high-altitude haven, bringing pleasantly mild days perfect for exploration while evenings cool dramatically, inviting cozy campfires and stargazing under crystalline skies. Spring and fall seasons paint the landscape with dramatic contrasts—lingering snowfields give way to wildflower meadows in early summer, while autumn's first snows dust the peaks as golden aspens shimmer below. The elevation ensures that even midsummer nights require warm layers, creating that quintessential mountain camping atmosphere.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest season; mild days, many activities, but mosquitoes and weekend crowds noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Sept 1; fall camping not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 12; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure; winter services and access not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 12, 2025, to September 1, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 12, 2025, to September 1, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Potentially noisy weekends based on user reviews.

About West Tensleep Lake

Nestled along the pristine southern shore of West Tensleep Lake, this intimate mountain retreat serves as your gateway to the magnificent Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Here in the heart of Bighorn National Forest, West Tensleep Lake Campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp where crystal-clear waters meet towering peaks. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, setting off on wilderness trails, or simply soaking in the alpine serenity, this small but spectacular campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience far from the crowds.
West Tensleep Lake Campground offers sites for tent camping and small RVs or trailers. Group camping is not supported, and larger RVs are discouraged.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking is a standout activity, with trails like the West Tensleep Lake Trail leading into the Cloud Peak Wilderness. "Fantastic hikes from the nearby trailhead into the Cloud Peak Wilderness," shared a reviewer.
FishingThe lake supports fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, providing excellent opportunities for anglers.
BikingBiking opportunities exist, but specifics on trail types and difficulty are not detailed.
BoatingNon-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks are allowed on the lake. "Lots of people used inflatable kayaks or SUPs on the lake and they seemed to work well," a visitor mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of animals such as moose and chipmunks. "You can't beat the views! Great first trip with my young boys and they even got to see a mama moose and her baby!" shared a reviewer.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months. User reviews mention noise from ATVs and motorcycles turning around in the campground.
Active AlertsPotentially noisy weekends based on user reviews.

Weather at West Tensleep Lake

Reviews

4.6
92 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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...
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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...
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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,"...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is noted for its lakefront location but has high traffic. Site 2 is described as spacious and ideal for solar panels. Site 9 is near bathrooms but offers good space. "Site 1 took a couple of...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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