Cabin Creek Campground

Introduction / Overview: Cabin Creek Campground - Finding Peace in the Bighorns

For Wyoming residents seeking a true escape into the high-country wilderness without the crowds of a large, developed recreation area, Cabin Creek Campground offers a uniquely quiet and peaceful option within the expansive Bighorn National Forest. Located in the area near Shell and Greybull, this spot is perfect for those who prioritize solitude and the natural, undeveloped beauty of the mountains over extensive amenities. Situated amidst forested terrain that gives way to picturesque, wildflower-strewn meadows, the atmosphere here is one of tranquility, as highlighted by local users who describe it as "quiet and peaceful" and "virtually empty."

It is important for prospective visitors to note that the site has a history of changing uses. Some records indicate it was once a more traditional campground, while more recent assessments suggest it now operates in a very primitive state, with limited maintenance and facilities. It is sometimes also referred to as a picnic ground. This lack of development, however, is precisely what appeals to the self-sufficient camper looking for a private, no-frills overnight stay or day visit in the Bighorn Mountains. The site sits at a high elevation, offering cool summer temperatures where highs only reach the 80s, ensuring a refreshing retreat from the warmer temperatures of the Bighorn Basin.

Location and Accessibility: A Short Detour Off the Bighorn Scenic Byway

Cabin Creek Campground is nestled in the Bighorn National Forest, providing a convenient access point to the western side of the Bighorn Mountains. Its address is listed near Greybull, WY 82426, USA, placing it near the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14).

To access the site from Greybull, Wyoming, you drive approximately 30.7 miles east on U.S. Route 14. You then take a right turn onto Forest Route 17 (a dirt road), following signs for the campground. The site is a short distance—roughly 0.3 miles—off the paved highway via this dirt road, making it accessible to most vehicles, though conditions can vary seasonally. Its proximity to the main scenic byway makes it a great spot for a stopover while traveling, yet the short detour down the dirt road provides enough separation to maintain that coveted quiet and private feel praised by visitors. Nearby attractions for day trips include the awe-inspiring Shell Falls and the historically significant Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark.

Services Offered

Prospective visitors should prepare for a primitive experience, as amenities are sparse and may not be consistently maintained:

• Campsites/Picnic Tables: The area offers a small number of primitive sites, which may include picnic tables. The focus here is on day-use picnicking or very basic, self-supported camping.
• Toilets: A single vault toilet (pit toilet) is generally available on the premises. User reviews, however, strongly suggest this facility may be neglected and should not be relied upon as a primary or clean amenity.
• Water: Potable water is listed as a potential amenity in some Forest Service records, but given the reported primitive and neglected state of the site, campers should always plan to bring their own drinking water to ensure self-sufficiency.
• Vehicle Capacity: The area, historically, has been able to accommodate vehicles up to approximately 50 feet in length, suitable for tents and most RVs, though the limited number of available sites must be considered.
• Fire Rings: While not explicitly guaranteed at every primitive spot, fire rings or grills are typical features for basic camping and picnicking in the National Forest.
• Fee Site: Generally, this is a fee-free or low-fee site due to its primitive nature, though visitors should check with the Bighorn National Forest for the most current information.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Cabin Creek Campground are tied to its natural setting and sense of remoteness:

• Genuine Solitude and Quiet: The most consistent positive highlight from local users is the profound peace and quiet. Unlike larger, highly developed campgrounds, Cabin Creek is often "virtually empty," providing a secluded retreat.
• Creekside Setting: The site is situated alongside a small creek that flows through the area, adding a tranquil soundtrack to your stay and enhancing the scenic value.
• Scenic Bighorn Forest Environment: The campground is nestled in a beautiful setting of lodgepole pine forest and open meadows, making it an excellent location for photography, reflection, and quiet nature walks.
• Proximity to Bighorn Attractions: It serves as a good basecamp for exploring major nearby sites, including the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark and the scenic gorge at Shell Falls along the Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14).
• Private Overnight Option: The handful of primitive sites offers a great solution for the self-sufficient traveler looking for a "private place for a good overnight" without the hassle of securing reservations at more popular, crowded campgrounds.
• Wildlife Viewing: Like many Bighorn National Forest locations, the area's mix of meadow and forest creates excellent habitat for local wildlife, offering great opportunities for observation.

Contact Information

Address: Located in the Bighorn National Forest near Greybull, WY 82426, USA (Access via US Route 14 and Forest Route 17)

Bighorn National Forest - Powder River Ranger District Phone: (307) 684-7806

Bighorn National Forest Supervisor's Office (for general information): (307) 674-2600

What is Worth Choosing: The Ultimate Quiet, Primitive Getaway

Cabin Creek Campground is an excellent choice for a very specific type of outdoor enthusiast in Wyoming: the one who demands absolute peace and quiet and values an undisturbed, natural setting above all else. This is not the spot for those seeking amenities, playgrounds, or electrical hookups; rather, it’s a destination for experienced campers who practice "pack it in, pack it out" principles and are fully prepared to be self-reliant. If you are traveling through the Bighorns and need a simple, overnight stop that promises to be a great private place, or if your goal is to spend a day enjoying the simple pleasures of a quiet picnic near a creek, Cabin Creek is worth choosing. It is your off-the-beaten-path escape—a reminder of the true, primitive camping experience still available in Wyoming's majestic Bighorn National Forest.