Beartooth Lake Campground

4.63

43 reviews

Beartooth Lake Campground, Cody, WY

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wyoming Fishing Camping Wyoming Boating Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Seasonal opening in ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Clarks Fork, Greybull, and Wapiti Ranger Districts site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Seasonal opening in ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Clarks Fork, Greybull, and Wapiti Ranger Districts site

Official Website

Get Directions

Beartooth Lake Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fee is $25 per night per single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single-site fees....

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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) 527-6921

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"User reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural location, friendly hosts, and variety of recreational opportunities. However, some negative experiences were noted regarding campground host interactions and issues with bear safety practices."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Beartooth Lake Campground, Cody, WY

Beartooth Lake Campground

Beartooth Lake Campground, Cody, WY

Driving directionsFrom Cody, WY take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Proceed about 46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212. Turn right onto Highway 212, which is the Beartooth All-American Highway, and continue about 8 miles to the Beartooth Campground, which will be on the left. The campground entrance is at the end of a dirt road approximately 0.4 miles from the highway.

The campground is accessible via paved highways (State Highways 120 and 296, and U.S. Highway 212) and a short dirt road (0.4 miles). Seasonal closures may apply due to weather conditions.

Nearby places

Cody, WY: 70 miles (approx. 1.5-hour drive).

Nearby supplies

Limited groceries and gas are available at the Top of the World Store, located about 2 miles east of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Beartooth Lake Campground

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature writes her own rules. Summer mornings often greet campers with crystalline frost that sparkles like diamonds on tent flies, giving way to gloriously sunny afternoons that can just as quickly transform into dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Even in July and August, wise travelers pack layers for temperatures that can plunge into the 30s after sunset. Early and late-season visitors should come prepared for surprise snowfalls that dust the landscape in white—a reminder that at 9,000 feet, winter is never far away. The thin mountain air amplifies both the sun's warmth and the wind's bite, creating a dynamic weather tapestry that keeps every day interesting.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season (late June–Sept) with hiking, boating, fishing and cool sunny afternoons; high appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Short fall window (closes early/mid-Sept); good scenery but limited access duration.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Snowpack typically keeps site closed until late June; spring not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; seasonal operations limit winter use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasonal opening in late June and closure in early/mid-September, dependent on weather conditions.
Current Alerts: Currently closed with plans to reopen in late June 2025.

About Beartooth Lake Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet along the pristine shores of Beartooth Lake, this alpine sanctuary offers 21 thoughtfully placed campsites across three distinct loops (A, B, and C), each nestled within aromatic stands of Lodgepole Pine. Here, where the dramatic Beartooth Butte towers overhead, adventurers find themselves at the crossroads of some of the West's most spectacular country—just 30 miles from the wonders of Yellowstone National Park and perfectly positioned along the legendary Beartooth and Chief Joseph Scenic Highways, two of America's most stunning mountain drives.

Beartooth Lake Campground supports a mix of camping setups including tent camping, RV camping (limited to pull-through sites), and combined-use sites. The campground is first-come, first-served, with no reservations accepted.

Historical SignificanceThese mountains hold stories etched deep into the landscape. The nearby Chief Joseph Scenic Byway follows the poignant path of the Nez Perce people during their historic 1877 flight toward freedom—a journey of courage and heartbreak that still resonates through these peaks and valleys. Just 30 miles down the road, Yellowstone National Park stands as America's first national park, a testament to our nation's commitment to preserving wild places. Together, these lands weave a rich tapestry of natural wonder and human history, where ancient volcanic forces, indigenous heritage, and the American conservation movement converge.

Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Mother Nature writes her own rules. Summer mornings often greet campers with crystalline frost that sparkles like diamonds on tent flies, giving way to gloriously sunny afternoons that can just as quickly transform into dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Even in July and August, wise travelers pack layers for temperatures that can plunge into the 30s after sunset. Early and late-season visitors should come prepared for surprise snowfalls that dust the landscape in white—a reminder that at 9,000 feet, winter is never far away. The thin mountain air amplifies both the sun's warmth and the wind's bite, creating a dynamic weather tapestry that keeps every day interesting.

ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Beartooth Lake Campground invites visitors into the rarified air of true alpine country. This elevation places you nearly two miles closer to the stars—a height where the atmosphere grows thin and every breath becomes a conscious act. Visitors ascending from lower elevations should take time to acclimate, drinking plenty of water and moving slowly for the first day or two as their bodies adjust to the decreased oxygen. The reward for this adjustment is access to a high-altitude wonderland where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the night sky seems close enough to touch.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-perfect reflections of towering peaks on Beartooth Lake's glassy surface, where morning mist dances across waters so clear you can count the stones on the bottom. The campground sits cradled in a natural amphitheater of Lodgepole Pines, their slender trunks creating cathedral-like groves that filter golden light into ethereal beams. Above it all, Beartooth Butte rises like an ancient sentinel, its layered rock faces telling geological stories millions of years in the making. This is classic Rocky Mountain splendor at its finest—a landscape of sparkling alpine lakes, verdant meadows painted with wildflowers, and peaks that pierce the sky.

Geological RegionWelcome to the crown jewel of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where the raw power of geological forces has sculpted one of North America's most dramatic alpine landscapes. Part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem within Shoshone National Forest, this region showcases the aftermath of ancient volcanic activity and relentless glacial carving. The surrounding peaks, composed of some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth, create a geological wonderland where 3-billion-year-old granite meets younger volcanic deposits. Dense forests of Lodgepole Pine—nature's pioneer species after fire and disturbance—blanket the lower slopes, while above treeline, the landscape opens into a world of rock, ice, and sky that feels more like the top of the world than the heart of Wyoming.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 consecutive days

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features three loops (A, B, C), with a mix of pull-through and back-in sites. Loop C is smaller with only four sites.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with no option for reservations. Availability may vary depending on season and time of arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments, and wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Site SizeMaximum spur length is 32 feet. Sites can accommodate standard-sized camping equipment.

PrivacySome user reviews noted that sites in Loop C felt private and less utilized. However, other reviews mentioned that the sites are generally close together.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Loop C for a quieter experience or sites near the lake for easier access to water activities.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and both motorized and non-motorized boating.

HikingTwo primary trails are accessible: Beauty Lake Trail #621 (2.5 miles, suitable for foot and horse travel) and Beartooth High Lake Trail #619 (8 miles, also suitable for foot and horse travel). Both connect to an extensive trail network in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

FishingFishing is available in Beartooth Lake, which is home to lake and rainbow trout. The lake is 100 acres in size, providing ample space for anglers.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted. A boat ramp is provided for ease of access.

Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently encounter wildlife, including bears. Elk sightings near the lake have also been reported by campers.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a significant safety concern, with previous sightings in and around the campground. Campers are advised to store food properly using the provided bear boxes and hard-sided vehicles. Other hazards include high-altitude sickness and rapidly changing weather conditions.

Active AlertsCurrently closed with plans to reopen in late June 2025.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood collection may be restricted.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital is located in Cody, WY, approximately 70 miles away (1.5-hour drive). Limited medical assistance may be available at the campground or nearby locations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers are advised to practice proper food storage and waste management to prevent bear encounters.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Beartooth Lake, a 100-acre alpine lake suitable for fishing and boating.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available on-site, but some reviewers have reported negative interactions, describing hosts as overly intrusive.

Weather at Beartooth Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6

43 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural location, friendly hosts, and variety of recreational opportunities. However, some negative experiences were noted regarding campground host interactions and issues with bear safety practices.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments frequently mention the beauty of the surrounding area, access to Beartooth Lake, and the campground's proximity to scenic driving routes like Beartooth Highway. Stargazing is...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include disruptive or overly vigilant behavior by campground hosts, lack of privacy between campsites, and bear-related safety concerns. Some users also noted that the lake is too cold for...

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend staying in Loop C for more privacy. It is advised to practice strict food storage and make use of provided bear boxes to avoid encounters. Be prepared for cold mornings, even in...

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season when the campground is operational. Visitors frequently report cool temperatures, even in the height of summer, and emphasize the importance of preparing for variable...

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A wonderful campground hugging the margins of Beartooth Lake." "Very quiet, well maintained. Trails lead right from the campground." "Cannot overstate how absolutely amazing this place is. A perfect...

Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B9 is noted as spacious and private, accommodating a 30' travel trailer comfortably. Loop C is often praised for its seclusion and proximity to Beartooth Creek.

Based on 43 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is not accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. No wheelchair-friendly facilities are available.

Based on 43 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in the source material. However, some campers brought pets and described walking dogs around the campground.

Based on 43 reviews

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