Five Springs Falls Campground (upper)

🏔️ Introduction / Overview: Five Springs Falls Campground – Your Bighorn Mountain Retreat

For Wyoming residents seeking a quintessential mountain camping experience with stunning panoramic views and access to high-country adventure, the Five Springs Falls Campground (Upper Loop) is an outstanding choice. Operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and situated near the entrance to the Bighorn National Forest, this campground is a scenic and historic gem located on the famous Medicine Wheel Passage (US-14A), a route known for its dramatic elevation gain and breathtaking vistas.

The campground itself is divided into two distinct sections, but the Upper Loop is specifically favored by those traveling in smaller RVs and camp trailers due to its larger parking pads and pull-through site designs. Perched at an elevation of approximately 6,520 to 7,240 feet, the site offers breathtaking views of the northern Bighorn Basin, with the Bighorn, Pryor, and Absaroka Mountains dominating the horizon. Its location near a captivating waterfall and adjacent to the old historic US-14A trail makes it a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance. While embracing a rustic feel with primitive amenities, it is an ideal spot to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Northern Wyoming.

📍 Location and Accessibility

Five Springs Falls Campground is easily accessible from the town of Lovell, WY, serving as the immediate gateway to the high elevations of the Bighorn National Forest.

Campground Address:
Lovell, WY 82431, USA

The site is located approximately 25 miles east of Lovell on U.S. Highway 14A (Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway). This route is considered one of Wyoming’s most scenic drives, but due to its high elevation, it is subject to seasonal closure, typically opening around Memorial Day and closing for the winter season in the fall.

• Mountain Access: The campground is the starting point for trails that lead into the Bighorn National Forest, placing epic hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding within immediate reach.
• Road Suitability: The access road leading up to the campground is generally manageable for standard vehicles, though larger RVs (over 25 feet) may find the winding road challenging. The Upper Loop, specifically, offers easier parking for small trailers with its pull-through sites.
• Regional Hub: Lovell provides the closest services for gas, supplies, and dining before entering the Bighorn Mountains.

🛠️ Services Offered (Upper Loop Focus)

The Upper Loop of Five Springs Falls Campground provides essential, rustic facilities aimed at keeping the area clean and environmentally low-impact, while maximizing the outdoor experience.

• Campsite Layout: The Upper Loop features approximately 10 campsites. Some of these are designed as pull-through sites, offering better maneuverability for small RVs and trailers.
• Utilities: All sites are primitive with no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Campers must be self-contained for these services.
• Drinking Water: A central water faucet adjacent to the host site (typically in the Lower Loop) is usually available to all visitors for filling containers during the peak season.
• Sanitation: Clean, centrally located vault toilets are provided for all campers in the Upper Loop.
• Waste Management: Trash collection and bear-proof food storage lockers are available to maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and a camping pad.
• Fees: The fee is generally very affordable (historically reported around $7 per night), making it a budget-friendly option for exploring the Bighorns.

⭐ Features and Highlights of the Wyoming Mountain Experience

Choosing the Upper Loop of Five Springs Falls places you in the heart of Wyoming's spectacular mountain terrain, rich with natural and historical attractions.

• Five Springs Falls: A short, relatively easy hike from the campground leads to a lookout of the impressive Five Springs Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall that provides a refreshing atmosphere.
• Breathtaking Panoramic Views: The higher elevation of the Upper Loop provides some of the most expansive views of the Bighorn Basin and surrounding mountain ranges—an exceptional spot for photography and sightseeing.
• Gateway to Bighorn National Forest: The campground offers direct access to trails leading into the Bighorn National Forest, including the historic alignment of US-14A, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring vast wilderness areas.
• Proximity to History: The site is near historic mining sites and serves as an excellent base for visiting the Medicine Wheel National Monument, a fascinating and sacred ancient Native American site located higher up on the Medicine Wheel Passage (US-14A).
• Wildlife Viewing: Campers often spot diverse Wyoming wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
• Creek-Side Ambiance: Many sites are nestled next to a small, beautiful stream, offering a tranquil backdrop and the soothing sound of running water.

📞 Contact Information

Five Springs Falls Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Inquiries regarding the campground, fees, and current road/site conditions should be directed to the BLM or the Bighorn National Forest office responsible for the area.

• Primary Contact (BLM Cody Field Office): (307) 578-5900
• Alternate Phone: +1 307-578-5900
• Physical Address: Lovell, WY 82431, USA (Located off US Highway 14A)
• Reservations: Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations for specific sites can often be made via the Recreation.gov platform, especially for peak season and holiday weekends.

✨ What is Worth Choosing Five Springs Falls Campground (Upper)

For Wyoming adventurers, the Upper Loop of Five Springs Falls Campground is worth choosing because it offers high-mountain beauty without the high-mountain hassle of difficult access.

It is the ideal location for those who want a scenic, affordable, and centrally-located base camp for a multi-day exploration of the Bighorn National Forest. The Upper Loop's pull-through sites make it uniquely suited for travelers with small RVs or trailers who appreciate the convenience of driving up the Medicine Wheel Passage (US-14A).

The combination of stunning, photo-worthy views, direct access to the Five Springs Falls trail, and the quiet, primitive nature of the camp offers a profound sense of solitude and natural connection. By choosing this site, campers gain a reliable and economical staging point for experiencing some of Northern Wyoming’s most impressive landscapes and historically significant sites.