Lower Paintrock Lake Campground

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For Wyoming residents and visitors seeking a truly immersive high-country experience, the **Lower Paintrock Lake Campground** offers a prime destination within the expansive **Bighorn National Forest**. Situated at an impressive elevation of approximately 9,300 feet, this campground provides a gateway to rugged mountain terrain, pristine lakes, and the spectacular Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. It’s a location designed for those who appreciate a rustic, remote camping environment away from the crowds, offering peace, quiet, and unparalleled access to the natural wonders of the Bighorn Mountains. Operating seasonally—typically from mid-June through early September—this site is a beloved spot for local adventurers and anglers.

While the campground is not designed for luxurious glamping, it provides essential facilities that allow campers to comfortably enjoy the deep wilderness. Its remoteness is its greatest asset, promising clear night skies and quiet mornings by the lake. Customers have fondly remembered their experiences here, with one early review noting, "1997 Camp Host had a great. TIme." underscoring the long-standing, positive connection this spot has with its visitors.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

The journey to Lower Paintrock Lake Campground is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself. Located deep within the Bighorn National Forest, the official address listed is **Shell, WY 82441, USA**, though the campground is actually situated about 17 miles northeast of Shell via US Highway 14, followed by a significant 25.7-mile travel southeast on Forest System Road (FSR) 17 (also known as Paintrock Road).

Potential visitors should be aware that accessibility can be challenging. FSR 17 is a long, unpaved road, and a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with four-wheel drive, is highly recommended for navigating several rugged sections. Large RVs and trailers are generally not advised due to the road conditions. This remote location, while demanding careful travel planning, ensures an exceptional level of solitude and a truly off-grid experience. The campground is located in the Paintrock Recreation Region of the Bighorn National Forest, one of the most out-of-the-way destinations on the forest, rewarding those who make the effort with breathtaking scenery and proximity to the **Cloud Peak Wilderness** boundary, just about a half-mile away.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

Lower Paintrock Lake Campground is maintained by the US Forest Service and offers a foundational level of amenities to support a rustic camping experience. It’s important to note what is, and is not, available to properly prepare for your visit to this remote location. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not accepted.

• **Campsites:** Approximately 10 sites are available, including a couple of double sites for larger groups.
• **Water:** Potable drinking water is generally available on-site, sourced from a nearby well or pump system, though this can occasionally be non-operational, and campers should always consider bringing backup water.
• **Toilets:** Vault or portable toilets are provided for convenience.
• **Picnic Tables:** Each designated campsite includes a picnic table.
• **Fire Rings:** Each site is equipped with a fire ring or grill grate for controlled campfires (subject to current fire restrictions, which must be checked prior to arrival).
• **Pet Friendly:** Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.
• **Vehicle Limit:** A limit of two non-towed vehicles is typically enforced per single site, with the second vehicle charged an extra fee.
• **No Showers or Electrical Hook-ups:** Campers must be self-sufficient as there are no shower facilities, electrical, or sewer hook-ups available.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

The campground’s appeal is heavily tied to its stunning natural features and the recreational opportunities they unlock. The environment here epitomizes the raw, rugged beauty of the Wyoming mountains.

• **Lower Paintrock Lake Access:** The campground is situated directly on the shore of Lower Paintrock Lake, offering easy access for fishing and non-motorized boating, such as kayaks or canoes.
• **Cloud Peak Wilderness Gateway:** Its proximity—approximately a half-mile—to the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary means that numerous trailheads are easily accessible, providing immediate entry into a designated and protected wilderness area known for its pristine beauty and challenging hiking.
• **High-Elevation Scenery:** At 9,300 feet, the area is surrounded by stunning high-elevation scenery, forested terrain, and a mix of lakes and streams, providing cool temperatures even during the height of summer.
• **Fishing:** The lake and nearby streams are known to be trout-laden, offering excellent opportunities for anglers to catch species like rainbow and cutthroat trout.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The remote, dense wilderness location makes this an excellent spot for viewing native Wyoming wildlife, including the potential for sighting elk, moose, or even bears (requiring strict adherence to food storage protocols).
• **Spanish Agates:** The area near the lake, including the nearby Spanish Point, is noted as a location where people sometimes find the famous Spanish agates.

📞 **Contact Information**

For the most current information on conditions, fees, and operational status, especially regarding road accessibility and fire restrictions in the Bighorn National Forest, it is best to contact the local Forest Service Ranger District.

P **Address:** Shell, WY 82441, USA

P **Phone:** (307) 674-2600 (Typically connects to the Bighorn National Forest Supervisor's Office or a local Ranger District)

P **Mobile Phone (Alternative/Direct):** +1 307-674-2600

P *Note: For highly localized information, contacting the Medicine Wheel Ranger District Office, which oversees this area, may be recommended, as the specific campground does not have a dedicated on-site phone.*

✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

Choosing Lower Paintrock Lake Campground is a choice to disconnect and embrace the wild side of Wyoming. It stands out from more developed camping areas for several key reasons, making it particularly appealing for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast. **What is worth choosing** here is the **absolute, undisturbed wilderness experience**. You are choosing a remote camp spot that serves as a base camp for serious exploration, not a convenient parking spot for a large RV.

The spectacular natural setting, right on the lake and adjacent to the Cloud Peak Wilderness, is the primary draw. This location is a haven for those who prioritize **hiking, backcountry access, and cold-water fishing**. The challenging drive filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make it are dedicated to respecting and enjoying the rugged environment. If your idea of a perfect Wyoming escape involves sleeping under a blanket of stars with the sounds of the mountains, spending days on uncrowded trails, and fishing for trout in chilly alpine lakes, Lower Paintrock Lake is undoubtedly one of the top destinations in the Bighorn National Forest worthy of your time and effort. It’s an authentic taste of high-country solitude that few places can still offer.