Fox Creek Campground

For Wyoming locals and visitors alike seeking an authentic mountain camping experience with both rustic charm and surprising comforts, Fox Creek Campground on the legendary Beartooth Highway near Cody is a highly cherished destination. Nestled within the vast Shoshone National Forest, this United States Forest Service (USFS) campground offers breathtaking views, proximity to iconic wilderness areas, and a unique blend of amenities that set it apart. If you're looking for a memorable escape into the heart of Wyoming's majestic landscapes, complete with the thrill of being in prime wildlife country, Fox Creek Campground is an absolute must-visit.

Fox Creek Campground holds a special place in the hearts of many seasoned campers, with one reviewer fondly recalling it as "the best first-come first-served campground about twenty years ago." This long-standing reputation is built on its consistent quality and the memorable experiences it offers. While it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, its popularity speaks volumes about its appeal. Guests have highlighted its clean facilities, including "super clean" bathrooms that stand out in remote camping environments, and the welcoming spirit of the campground hosts, one of whom was noted for decorating restrooms with "magazines, flowers and air freshener" – a delightful touch of hospitality in the wilderness.

Despite its popularity, Fox Creek Campground manages to retain a peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in nature. It offers a unique balance of rugged outdoor adventure, being situated in "prime grizzly-bear country" with warnings at every site, and the convenience of electric hookups, a rarity in many national forest campgrounds. This combination makes it suitable for a wide range of campers, from those in hard-sided RVs seeking a base for exploration to tent campers who appreciate well-maintained facilities amidst the wilderness. The campground has undergone remodeling, ensuring that it continues to offer a high-quality experience for all who visit, maintaining its status as an "all-time favorite USFS campground." It serves as an ideal base for exploring the Beartooth Mountains, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and is conveniently located near the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, making it a perfect hub for an extended Wyoming adventure.

Fox Creek Campground is strategically located on the scenic Bear Tooth Pass Hwy (US-212), Cody, WY 82414, USA. This places it along one of America's most spectacular drives, often referred to as "the most beautiful drive in America," connecting the vast landscapes of Wyoming and Montana. The campground is nestled within the Clark's Fork Ranger District of the Shoshone National Forest, providing campers with direct access to an immense expanse of wilderness.

Accessibility to Fox Creek Campground is generally straightforward via the well-maintained Beartooth Highway, though visitors should always check road conditions, especially during the spring and fall, as the high-elevation pass is often subject to seasonal closures due to snow. The campground is approximately 11 miles from the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park and about 7-8 miles from the charming mountain town of Cooke City, Montana, which serves as the nearest community for basic supplies and services. From Cody, Wyoming, travelers would take State Highway 120 North, then turn onto Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WY-296), and finally turn onto US-212 (Beartooth All-American Highway) to reach the campground. This route offers stunning vistas and a sense of ascending into the high country. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring not only Yellowstone but also the vast Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, offering countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives through pristine mountain environments. The elevation of the campground is approximately 7,100 feet, providing crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months.

Fox Creek Campground, being a USFS (United States Forest Service) site, offers a blend of essential amenities designed for a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience, especially considering its remote, high-country setting.

Services Offered:

• Electric Hookups: A significant highlight for an USFS campground, many of the 33 available sites feature electrical hookups, catering to RVs and hard-sided campers.

• Potable Water: Accessible drinking water is available, a crucial amenity in a remote mountain setting.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided, which are frequently praised by visitors for their cleanliness.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and gatherings.

• Fire Pits/Rings: Individual fire pits are available at each site, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires (always check for fire restrictions).

• Food Storage Boxes: Crucial in prime grizzly bear country, each campsite comes with a steel bear-proof food storage cabinet to ensure proper food storage and safety.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: While not a traditional service, the first-come, first-served system means that early birds have a good chance of securing a spot, especially if they arrive on weekdays or during less peak times.

• Campground Host: Often, a dedicated campground host is on-site, providing assistance, maintaining facilities, and contributing to the welcoming atmosphere, as noted in previous reviews.

Fox Creek Campground offers a compelling array of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for campers in Wyoming and beyond.

Features / Highlights:

• Prime Grizzly Bear Country: This is a significant highlight for wildlife enthusiasts, though it also necessitates strict adherence to food storage guidelines (hence the bear boxes at every site). The presence of grizzly bears emphasizes the true wilderness experience.

• Stunning Mountain Views: Located at just over 7,000 feet elevation within the Shoshone National Forest, the campground boasts "beautiful views of Pilot and Index Peaks" and the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks.

• Proximity to Yellowstone National Park: Situated only 11 miles from Yellowstone's Northeast entrance, it serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the park's iconic geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.

• Access to Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: Beyond Yellowstone, campers have direct access to vast opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing within the extensive Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

• First-Come, First-Served System: While it can require early arrival, this system allows for spontaneous trips and avoids the need for advance reservations, which can be a plus for flexible travelers.

• Well-Maintained and Recently Remodeled: The campground has undergone remodeling, ensuring up-to-date facilities and a pleasant camping environment.

• Forested Setting: The 33 sites are located in a forested area, offering shade and a classic mountain camping ambiance.

• Good for Tents and Hard-Sided Campers: The amenities and layout accommodate both tent campers who appreciate clean facilities and those in RVs or hard-sided campers utilizing the electric hookups.

• Clean Bathrooms: Multiple reviews specifically commend the cleanliness of the bathrooms, which significantly enhances the comfort of a wilderness camping trip.

For inquiries and to plan your trip to Fox Creek Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Bear Tooth Pass Hwy, Cody, WY 82414, USA

Phone: (307) 527-6921

Mobile Phone: +1 307-527-6921

It is important to note that Fox Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are generally not accepted. The phone numbers provided are primarily for campground inquiries or for reaching the Shoshone National Forest's Clarks Fork Ranger District, which manages the campground. It is highly advisable to call ahead or check the US Forest Service website for the Shoshone National Forest for the most current information regarding opening and closing dates (which are seasonal and weather-dependent), road conditions on the Beartooth Highway, any fire restrictions, and real-time availability updates if possible. Given its popularity and first-come, first-served nature, arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays or during shoulder seasons, increases your chances of securing a site.

For Wyoming locals, Fox Creek Campground presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the best of their state's natural grandeur. Its location on the iconic Beartooth Highway makes it easily accessible for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, offering a quick escape into truly wild country without extensive travel. The campground's blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, like electric hookups and famously clean bathrooms, strikes a perfect balance for those who appreciate the rugged beauty of the mountains but also value comfort. This makes it suitable for a wide range of Wyomingites, from seasoned adventurers in RVs to families with tents looking for a clean and safe basecamp.

The fact that it's in "prime grizzly bear country" adds an authentic Yellowstone ecosystem experience right on their doorstep, appealing to those who cherish wildlife and responsible outdoor practices. Furthermore, its first-come, first-served policy, while requiring some flexibility, means locals can spontaneously decide to chase good weather or a free weekend to head to the mountains, rather than being tied to advance reservation systems. Being so close to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Fox Creek Campground serves as an ideal launchpad for day trips into the park's wonders, allowing Wyoming residents to frequently explore this world-renowned treasure. It's not just a place to camp; it's a gateway to hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and relishing the breathtaking vistas that define the Cowboy State, making it a beloved and highly suitable destination for anyone living in Wyoming.