Elk Fork Campground

Star4.10
32 reviews
Elk Fork Campground, Wapiti Ranger District, Cody, Wyoming, USA

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Services provided Ma...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Shoshone National Forest site

Official Website
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Elk Fork Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campsite fee is $15 per night for single units, as per authoritative sources. User reviews mention tent site rates of $10 per day.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 32 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

"User reviews describe Elk Fork Campground as clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with good separation between sites. It is praised for its rustic nature and proximity to Yellowstone and other attractions."

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Campground Map

Elk Fork Campground, Wapiti Ranger District, Cody, Wyoming, USA

Elk Fork Campground

Elk Fork Campground, Wapiti Ranger District, Cody, Wyoming, USA

Driving directionsFrom Cody, WY, take US Route 14/16/20 west 27.1 miles to the campground sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.
Accessible via US Route 14/16/20, which is a paved highway. Parking aprons are paved and gravel. Not recommended for large RVs or trailers over 22 feet due to limited space and straight, non-looped layout.
Nearby places
Cody (27.1 miles, approximately 30 minutes), East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
RV waste stations with potable water and fee are located at Buffalo Bill State Park on US Route 14/16/20. Additional RV waste stations, gas, and supplies are available at the Yellowstone RV Center/Sinclair gas station in Cody, Wyoming.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Fork Campground

Summer mornings at Elk Fork greet you with crisp mountain air and temperatures in the refreshing 40s°F, perfect for that first cup of campfire coffee. As the day unfolds, comfortable highs around 70°F create ideal conditions for hiking and exploring. When winter transforms this landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, temperatures plunge below freezing, and heavy snowfall blankets the forest in pristine white. Each season paints the campground in dramatically different hues, from summer's vibrant greens to autumn's golden aspens and winter's crystalline beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with cool mornings (~40s°F) and comfortable highs (~70°F); praised in summer reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is favored for fewer crowds and abundant wildlife; scenic setting supports fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Top 20% in WY

Spring is noted as favored for wildlife and fewer crowds, but services begin May 8 (late spring).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground services run May 8–Sept 30; winter use limited by freezing conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 8 through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Services provided May 8 through September 30. Open 24 hours per day.

About Elk Fork Campground

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the Shoshone River, Elk Fork Campground beckons adventurers with 13 intimate, rustic sites just 25 miles from Yellowstone's East Entrance. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the magnificent Washakie Wilderness, where towering peaks and pristine forests await. Equestrian enthusiasts will delight in the convenient corrals at the Elk Fork trailhead, making this the perfect basecamp for horseback adventures into the backcountry. Far from the crowds yet close to wonder, Elk Fork offers that rare combination of accessibility and seclusion that seasoned outdoor enthusiasts treasure.
Elk Fork Campground offers 13 combined tent and RV sites, catering to equestrian enthusiasts with horse corrals and a rustic, secluded atmosphere.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
16 days stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Elk Fork Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, emphasizing hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The Elk Fork Trail provides access to the Washakie Wilderness, and the nearby Shoshone River is good for fishing.
HikingThe Elk Fork Trail (#760) extends 18 miles and is used for hiking and horseback riding. It provides access to the Washakie Wilderness.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby North Fork of the Shoshone River, offering a variety of trout. However, fishing is not permitted in Elk Fork Creek.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. A user noted, "I saw a grizzly bear by the river during my ride." Park hosts provide tips on wildlife and bear safety.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGrizzly bear country; campers must practice safe food storage techniques.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
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 containers available at each site, and their use is mandatory.

Weather at Elk Fork Campground

Reviews

4.1
32 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Elk Fork Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Elk Fork Campground as clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with good separation between sites. It is praised for its rustic nature and proximity to Yellowstone and other attractions.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean vault toilets, spacious sites, a welcoming and helpful park host, and scenic views along the creek. Many campers appreciated the rustic and peaceful environment.
Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback mentioned lack of potable water, overgrown vegetation, challenges for large RVs due to limited maneuverability, and occasional unfriendly encounters with rangers.
Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water, adhering to bear safety practices, and exploring the trail network. Sites along the creek are favored for their scenic views.
Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight its proximity to Yellowstone and cooler temperatures. Winter use is limited due to freezing conditions. Spring and fall are favored for fewer crowds and abundant wildlife...
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Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This is a hidden, small little gem just 20 miles outside the east gate (Cody) of Yellowstone." 2. "The cleanest vault toilets I’ve used." 3. "The campground host was very friendly and helpful,...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

West side sites border the creek and have scenic views, while East side sites offer more shade. Some sites can fit 30' RVs but maneuverability is challenging.
Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

This campground is explicitly noted as not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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