Clearwater Campground

Star4.66
67 reviews
203A Yellowstone Ave
Family FriendlyFishing

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$15 - $90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Shoshone National Forest 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
Clearwater Campground
$15.00 - $90.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for individual sites range from $15 to $30 per night, and group sites are available for $90 per night. Fees may not reflect...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$30.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$90.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
307-527-6921
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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 67 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanspacious

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews praise Clearwater Campground for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and excellent camp host. Grizzly bear warnings and proper food storage practices are frequently noted. Users expressed appreciation for the privacy of campsites, proximity to the river, and general peacefulness of the area."

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Campground Map

203A Yellowstone Ave

Clearwater Campground

203A Yellowstone Ave

Driving directionsFrom Cody, Wyo., follow Sheridan Avenue west through Cody until the road leaves town, and becomes the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). The campground is 32 miles west of Cody, on the south side of the highway and next to the river.
The campground is located along the paved Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway and is accessible via well-maintained roads. Seasonal closures or restrictions are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Cody (32 miles, approximately 40-minute drive), Yellowstone National Park East Entrance (25 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Cody, WY, approximately 32 miles east of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Clearwater Campground

Mountain weather here tells its own dramatic story, with winter temperatures dancing between crisp highs of 28.83°F and bracing lows near 12.96°F. Snow dusts the higher peaks like nature's confetti, while winds sweep through at 6.41 mph on average, occasionally gusting up to an exhilarating 37.32 mph. Wise travelers plan their visits during the glorious summer months, when azure skies stretch endlessly overhead and gentle warmth transforms the landscape into an outdoor paradise perfect for camping under the stars.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 3% in WY

Summer is peak season; users praise summer camping and easy access to area attractions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into early Sept; fall offers wildlife viewing and good scenery though peak is summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23; late-spring access limited and conditions variable early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal open dates indicate campground is closed in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 6, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, through September 6, 2025.

About Clearwater Campground

Tucked away in the rugged mountains of northwestern Wyoming, Clearwater Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience just 32 miles west of historic Cody. This intimate riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into pristine waters, explore winding mountain trails, or simply settle in to watch the abundant wildlife that calls this corner of the Greater Yellowstone home. With Yellowstone National Park's wonders just 20 miles to the west, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned along the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway for the ultimate Wyoming adventure.
Clearwater Campground is designed for primitive and tent camping with no utility hookups. Single-family campsites and one reservable group area are offered.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Official check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing. According to the authoritative source, "Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. The North Fork of the Shoshone River is a popular fly-fishing location for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout."
HikingHiking is actively supported in the area with trails available near the campground. Difficulty levels and trail lengths are not specified.
FishingFishing is a major activity at Clearwater Campground. The North Fork of the Shoshone River is popular for fly-fishing, targeting species like rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. User reviews such as Linda B state, "Close to river for fishing or exploring."
Wildlife viewingExcellent opportunities for wildlife viewing exist in the area. Visitors often glimpse grizzly bears, deer, elk, bison, moose, fox, coyotes, and bald eagles. User Rebecca M noted, "Be careful and vigilant because you will run into wildlife."
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe nearby Pahaska Tepee offers guided tours of Buffalo Bill's original hunting lodge, as well as horseback rides, a gift shop, restaurant, and lodging. Tours are available daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGrizzly bears are a significant hazard; proper food storage is mandatory. Other wildlife such as bison may also pose risks.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with food storage lockers that comply with bear safety standards.

Weather at Clearwater Campground

Reviews

4.7
67 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Clearwater Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Clearwater Campground for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and excellent camp host. Grizzly bear warnings and proper food storage practices are frequently noted. Users expressed appreciation for the privacy of campsites, proximity to the river, and general peacefulness of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, spacious sites, great privacy, and outstanding views. Hosts were often described as knowledgeable and helpful, with Walt highlighted as particularly...
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Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of drinking water and cell service, as well as isolated incidents of host demeanor being perceived as less friendly than expected. One user reported confusion over group...
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Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water due to the absence of potable water on-site. Utilize food storage lockers effectively to mitigate wildlife risks. Tent campers should select sites with tree coverage for wind...
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Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping at Clearwater Campground, with users appreciating the proximity to Yellowstone and wildlife viewing opportunities during this time. Winter reviews are...
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Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: "Camp host was great, very respectful and full of knowledge with bear safety" - Marty Vanmiddelkoop. "The campsite itself was very well maintained and beautiful!" - Brenna...
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Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate sites 4 and 6 are particularly desirable for their privacy and proximity to the river. User Scott G stated, "We stayed on site #6 and it worked great for the 2 tents we...
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Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are absent or not explicitly detailed in user feedback.
Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies were not directly mentioned in user reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 67 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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