You will need to print or save a copy of your confirmation email to bring with you to remind you of your campsite number and reservation dates. Your name will no longer appear on the site marker, only a reservation card marked "reserved tonight". Most campgrounds in the Bighorn National Forest do not have cell service.
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Campground
Facilities
The campground offers one large group site that can accommodate up to 150 people for overnight camping or day-use picnicking.
A shelter covers several picnic and serving tables, and a campfire ring and grill are on-site. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
The nearest dump station is 20 miles away at Burgess Junction.
A shelter covers several picnic and serving tables, and a campfire ring and grill are on-site. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
The nearest dump station is 20 miles away at Burgess Junction.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of Ranger Creek in the Bighorn Mountains, where craggy granite peaks rise over 13,000 feet above sea level. The area is forested with a mix of pine and aspen trees. An abundance of wildlife lives in the area.
Recreation
Scenic off-road driving is available on Battle Creek Road to Medicine Lodge Lake, Ranger Creek Road to Shell Reservoir, Hunt Mountain Road and the Burgess Overlook Jeep trail.
Diverse hiking opportunities vary from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks including access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Adelaide Trail, for hiking and horseback riding is nearby, providing access to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail.
Many creeks, lakes and ponds dot the region, offering some of the best trout fly-fishing in the state.
Diverse hiking opportunities vary from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks including access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Adelaide Trail, for hiking and horseback riding is nearby, providing access to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail.
Many creeks, lakes and ponds dot the region, offering some of the best trout fly-fishing in the state.
Recreation Sites
- Standard Nonelectric
- Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Overnight
Activities
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Camping
- Biking
Amenities
- Accessible Campsites
- Accessible Drinking Water
- Accessible Grills
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Playground
- Accessible Trails
- Accessible Vault Toilets
- Campfire Rings
- Creek Access
- Day Use Area
- Grills
- Group Cooking Facilities
- Horseshoe Pit
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Tent Pads
- Trailhead Parking
- Picnic Table
- Pets Allowed
- Fire Pit
- Tent Pad
- Lean To/Shelter
- Parking Area
Nearby Attractions
The Shell Falls Visitor Center, at the overlook of Shell Falls, is about 8 miles west. Burgess Junction Visitor Center is 20 miles north. Both centers offer interpretive trails, scenic views and educational displays about natural features like flora and fauna, and area history.
Elk View Inn and other nearby lodges provide guided horseback riding and fishing adventures, off-road vehicle rentals and fishing supplies, as well as dining options, showers and general stores.
The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, near the town of Shell, is the largest of its kind in the state and one of only a few in the world from the Middle Jurassic Period. The tracks found here are approximately 167 million years old.
Elk View Inn and other nearby lodges provide guided horseback riding and fishing adventures, off-road vehicle rentals and fishing supplies, as well as dining options, showers and general stores.
The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, near the town of Shell, is the largest of its kind in the state and one of only a few in the world from the Middle Jurassic Period. The tracks found here are approximately 167 million years old.
Getting Here
Latitude
44° 32' 44.9999" NLongitude
107° 29' 57.0001" WLocated 34 miles east of Greybull, Wyoming on U.S. Highway 14. Turn off onto Paintrock Lake Road (Forest Road 17). Ranger Creek Campground is 3.5 miles from the turnoff, 2 miles beyond Shell Creek Campground.
Need to Know
Campsites 9, 10 & 11 are included in the group area for group use
Group area is also available for day use for the same rate as overnight use
The administering organization reserves the right to substitute sites without prior notice.
Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site. The first is included in the basic fee; the second will be charged an extra $10.00, collected at the campground.
Firewood may be purchased from the campground host.
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.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1380 Wolverine Lane
Bozeman, MT 59718
Physical Address
Forest Road 17
Shell, WY 82441
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-587-9054
