Horsehoe Bend Campground Loop C

Introduction / Overview: Primitive Camping with a View in Northwest Wyoming

Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop C is a specific, designated camping area within the larger and highly scenic Horseshoe Bend Campground near Lovell, Wyoming. This entire area is a crown jewel of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA), famed for its breathtaking views of Bighorn Lake nestled between towering red sandstone cliffs, particularly Sykes Mountain. While Loops A and B of the main campground offer modern amenities like water and electric hookups, Loop C serves a distinct purpose: providing a more primitive, overflow camping experience.

Loop C is known for being remote, isolated, and lacking in conventional amenities, which for many Wyoming outdoor enthusiasts translates to peace and quiet away from the crowds. The campground overall provides 68 total RV and tent sites, with 28 sites offering hookups, but Loop C is specifically part of the remaining unimproved sites. It is an area best suited for the fully contained RV traveler who prioritizes wide-open spaces, solitude, and spectacular scenery over immediate hookups. Local users consider Loop C to be a viable option, particularly during high season when the more developed loops (A and B) are fully occupied, or for those who simply prefer a more self-sufficient, traditional camping experience at a lower cost.

Location and Accessibility: Gateway to the Bighorn Canyon

The Horseshoe Bend Campground is perfectly situated in the South District of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, placing it in the dramatic high desert landscape of Northwest Wyoming. The campground is located approximately 14 miles north of Lovell, Wyoming, via WY Highway 37. The official address for the area is Lovell, WY 82431, USA.

Accessibility:

• Road Travel: Access is generally easy via paved state and county roads leading directly to the BICA entrance. Once inside the recreation area, the roads leading to the campground are typically well-maintained, though conditions can vary.
• Proximity to Lovell: The town of Lovell provides essential services, gas stations, and basic shopping, making resupply runs manageable. Lovell also features the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center, offering valuable information on the area’s history, geology, and recreational opportunities.
• Water Access: The campground area, including Loop C, is located uphill from the Horseshoe Bend Marina, which is less than a mile hike away. This provides convenient access to boat docks, a boat ramp, and a swim beach on Bighorn Lake.

The location offers a rugged, desert environment with stunning views that contrast sharply with the nearby Bighorn Mountains.

Services Offered (Basic & Primitive)

Loop C of the Horseshoe Bend Campground is defined by its limited amenities, catering to self-sufficient campers. This is where the core camping experience shines through, focusing on the basics:

• Site Count & Style: Loop C consists of approximately fifteen back-in sites (part of the 40+ unimproved sites total).
• No Hookups: Crucially, Loop C sites are undeveloped sites with no water or electric hookups. This reinforces the necessity for campers to be fully self-contained.
• Overnight Fee: Despite the lack of amenities, an overnight camping fee is required for use. Unimproved sites are available at a lower rate, typically discounted further with an NPS Senior Pass.
• Site Amenities: All sites in the overall campground, including Loop C, typically include a fire pit and a picnic table. Some sites in the main campground also feature newer sun/wind shades (pergolas), which may or may not extend to Loop C.
• Communal Facilities: Loop C relies on the shared facilities of the larger Horseshoe Bend Campground, which includes:
  • Modern Restrooms (Flush Toilets): Located centrally and typically open year-round, about a quarter mile from the Loop C area.
  • RV Dump Station & Water Fill: Available near the entrance to the main campground for potable water and sewage disposal. Note: Water is typically available seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
  • No Showers: No public shower facilities are available in the campground.

Features / Highlights (Solitude and Spectacular Scenery)

While Loop C is primitive, its appeal lies in the unique combination of its remote feel and its access to the geological and recreational wonders of the Bighorn Canyon NRA.

• Stunning Canyon Views: The campground overlooks the incredible Bighorn Lake and the dramatic red sandstone cliffs of Sykes Mountain, offering spectacular and unique scenery that is worth the trip.
• Isolation and Tranquility: It is considered remote and isolated, making it an excellent choice for campers seeking genuine solitude and quiet nights, especially compared to the higher-traffic, developed loops.
• Direct Access to Bighorn Lake Recreation: Campers are within a short hike of the Horseshoe Bend Marina, which offers:
  • Boating and Water Sports: Excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and pleasure boating on Bighorn Lake.
  • Swim Beach and Picnic Area: A dedicated area for swimming and day use.
• Wildlife Viewing: The high desert, sagebrush, and juniper environment provide ample opportunity to view local wildlife, including the area’s famous wild horses that can often be seen along the scenic highways in BICA.
• Back-in Sites: The back-in design of the sites often provides better spacing between campers, enhancing the sense of privacy.

Contact Information: Bighorn Canyon NRA Management

Horseshoe Bend Campground is operated under a commercial use authorization. For the most accurate information on Loop C availability (as it is generally first-come, first-served), fees, and seasonal conditions, contact the managing authority or concessionaire:

• Managing Authority: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (National Park Service)
• Concessionaire: Hidden Treasure Charters
• Address: Lovell, WY 82431, USA (General area address)
• Phone: (307) 899-1401 (Associated contact number for Hidden Treasure Charters)
• NPS Ranger Station (Horseshoe Bend): Located at the entrance to the campground, offering local guidance.

What is Worth Choosing Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop C

Choosing Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop C is a strategic move for the experienced Wyoming camper. It is worth choosing for two main reasons: access to unparalleled scenery and the guarantee of a primitive, quiet spot.

• The Scenery: The breathtaking views of the Bighorn Canyon and Bighorn Lake from the campground are simply stunning and offer a unique photo opportunity unlike anywhere else in the state.
• The Solitude: For those who find Loops A and B too crowded during the peak summer season, Loop C provides the essential overflow camping area, ensuring you have a place to stay even when the park is busy. Its remote, no-amenity status naturally filters out less prepared visitors, preserving a quieter atmosphere.
• Self-Contained Value: It is the ideal choice for fully contained RVs—campers who have their own water, power, and sanitary facilities—as they can leverage the lower camping fee of the unimproved sites while still having the convenience of the dump station and flush toilets less than a mile away.

If your priority is a spectacular lake view, quiet nights under the vast Wyoming sky, and you are self-sufficient enough to manage without immediate hookups, Loop C is a fantastic, cost-effective spot in one of Wyoming’s most scenic national recreation areas.