Bald Mountain Campground

For Wyoming residents seeking the quintessential high-country experience, **Bald Mountain Campground** stands out as a hidden gem within the magnificent **Bighorn National Forest**. Situated at a high altitude of approximately **9,200 feet**, this campground provides an open, airy environment with some of the most spectacular **great views** the Bighorns have to offer. It serves as a comfortable, centrally located base camp for exploring the northern reaches of the mountain range and accessing both natural wonders and significant historical sites.

The campground offers **15 single-family sites** that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 50 feet). It operates seasonally, typically from mid-June through early September, which is the prime window for enjoying the cooler mountain climate. Visitors consistently rate it as a top choice, praising the high altitude air and the chance to see **elk on the lush slopes** of the namesake Bald Mountain. While one review noted it felt small and somewhat like a "trailer park," the majority of feedback emphasizes its open setting, proximity to major attractions like the **Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark** and **Porcupine Falls**, and the excellent access it provides to prime fishing grounds like the upper Little Bighorn River. Bald Mountain Campground truly captures the rugged, yet accessible, spirit of Wyoming camping.

**Bald Mountain Campground** is strategically located on the **Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14A)** in the northern section of the **Bighorn National Forest**. The general address is associated with **Forest Rd 130, Lovell, WY 82431, USA**.

Its location makes it a crucial stop along one of Wyoming's most beautiful scenic routes.

• **Driving Access:** The campground is about **33 miles East of Lovell, WY**, accessible directly via Highway 14A. The road is scenic, though travelers should be prepared for mountain driving conditions and potential closures outside the main summer season.
• **Altitude:** Sitting at an elevation of **9,200 feet**, the campground is located near the top of the mountain, offering unparalleled views but requiring caution for those sensitive to altitude. Campers should **expect cool evenings** and prepare for variable mountain weather.
• **Campsite Maneuverability:** The 15 sites are designed as **back-in spurs** with an average length of 55 feet (ranging from 40 to 70 feet), accommodating both trailers and RVs up to 50 feet. The sites are on dirt pads.
• **Proximity to Attractions:** Its placement along the scenic byway makes it an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the region's top landmarks, including the historic **Medicine Wheel** (approximately 4 miles away) and the challenging, but rewarding, hike to **Porcupine Falls**.

As a U.S. Forest Service (NFS) campground, Bald Mountain provides essential facilities designed for a comfortable, self-sufficient experience in the high country.

• **Campsite Essentials:** The 15 single-family campsites all come equipped with a **picnic table** and a **campfire ring with a grill grate**.
• **Water:** **Drinking water** is available via **hand pumps** during the operating season (typically mid-June through early September). Potable water is *not* available outside of this season.
• **Sanitation:** The campground provides **accessible vault toilets** (pit toilets). There are **no showers** at this facility.
• **Reservations:** Sites are reservable via **Recreation.gov** or phone, which is highly recommended due to the small capacity and high demand, especially on weekends and holidays.
• **Waste Management:** **Trash collection** is provided during the main operating season. Campers staying outside of the season must adhere to **pack-it-in, pack-it-out** guidelines.
• **Equestrian Facilities:** Recent improvements have enhanced the site for those traveling with horses, including a **horse unloading dock** and **hitching posts** nearby, and development of four dedicated **equestrian campsites and corrals**.
• **No Hookups:** Crucially, there are **no electric, water, or sewer hookups** at any of the campsites.

Bald Mountain Campground's appeal lies in its altitude, scenery, and proximity to unique Bighorn attractions, making it a truly authentic Wyoming destination.

• **Spectacular High-Altitude Views:** Sitting at 9,200 feet, the campground is **very open** and offers **great, unobstructed views** of the surrounding meadows and mountain peaks, a feature visitors consistently rave about.
• **Proximity to the Medicine Wheel:** It is just a short trip from one of Wyoming's most significant cultural sites: the **Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark**, an ancient Native American geoglyph of immense spiritual importance.
• **Excellent High-Country Fishing:** Anglers will find a **"hoot"** fishing the nearby **upper Little Bighorn River** for **small cutthroat and brook trout**, offering a classic, high-mountain angling experience.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The **lush slopes of Bald Mountain** provide a frequent and reliable location for spotting **elk**, along with the potential for viewing other Wyoming wildlife, including moose and deer.
• **Gateway to Hiking and Exploration:** The campground is close to trailheads like the **Jaws Trailhead**, providing access to trails leading toward **Bucking Mule Falls** and **Porcupine Falls**, as well as access to historic mining sites and open meadows.
• **Medicine Wheel Passage Byway Access:** Located directly on Highway 14A, it is a perfect stop or base for travelers exploring the entirety of the scenic **Medicine Wheel Passage**.

Bald Mountain Campground is managed by the Medicine Wheel Ranger District of the Bighorn National Forest. Reservations and general inquiries are handled through the national reservation system and the district office.

**Address:** Forest Rd 130, Lovell, WY 82431, USA (Managed by Medicine Wheel Ranger District)

**Reservations Phone:** (877) 444-6777

**Alternative Contact (Medicine Wheel Ranger District Office):** (307) 765-4435

For Wyoming adventurers looking for an **unforgettable high-altitude experience** with direct access to cultural and natural landmarks, **Bald Mountain Campground** is highly worth choosing. It provides the genuine, rustic flavor of **Bighorn National Forest camping** while still offering essential amenities like drinking water and vault toilets. You should choose Bald Mountain because its **high elevation (9,200 ft)** guarantees **cooler temperatures** and **spectacular, open mountain views**—a welcome escape during the height of the Wyoming summer.

Its location is unmatched for local exploration, placing you steps away from viewing wildlife like elk and a short drive from the ancient **Medicine Wheel** and the dramatic **Porcupine Falls**. Anglers will find their time well-spent fishing the nearby Little Bighorn River for mountain trout. Despite its small size, the fact that sites are **reservable** is a major benefit for planning your trip in this popular forest. Bald Mountain Campground is the ideal, high-country base camp for hikers, sightseers, and fishers ready to immerse themselves in the authentic and beautiful wilderness of the Bighorn Mountains.