Prune Creek

🏕️ Prune Creek Campground: Your Authentic High-Elevation Escape in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest

If you call Wyoming home, you know that the call of the mountains is undeniable. The desire to trade in the noise of the everyday for the peaceful sounds of a running creek and the rustle of pines is a common one. For those looking for a truly rejuvenating experience in the high country, Prune Creek Campground in the spectacular Bighorn National Forest offers an authentic, accessible, and remarkably well-kept basecamp for your adventures. Nestled among towering lodgepole pines at an elevation of approximately 7,700 feet, this beloved campground provides the quintessential Wyoming camping experience—one that emphasizes natural beauty, quiet solitude, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Prune Creek is situated at the confluence of Prune Creek itself and the South Fork of the Tongue River, making it a naturally stunning location. It's a family-friendly spot that caters to both tent campers and those with RVs or trailers (up to 40 feet in length are accommodated at some sites). The grounds are level, beautifully shaded, and have recently undergone renovations to the roads, spurs, and picnic tables, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is rustic. For those of us who appreciate the simple pleasure of a well-maintained site in an untouched setting, Prune Creek Campground is a treasure within the Bighorn Mountains.

🏞️ Location and Accessibility

Prune Creek Campground is conveniently located along the scenic U.S. Highway 14 (The Bighorn Scenic Byway), making it an excellent stop on a grand scenic tour or a primary destination. The official address is listed as US-14, Wolf, WY 82844, USA. For local users, its location is approximately 26 miles southwest of Dayton, Wyoming.

While the highway provides relatively easy access, it is important to note the high-elevation mountain driving conditions. The campground is located near Burgess Junction, which is a gateway to the broader Bighorn National Forest experience. The elevation means campers should always be prepared for changing weather; even in mid-summer, evenings can be quite chilly, with lows reaching into the 40s. The campground is typically open seasonally, running from early June to mid-September, depending on mountain weather and snow conditions.

Accessibility is also granted through a well-laid-out internal road system. Customer reviews frequently highlight the "easily walkable roads" and a path that runs along the creek, enhancing the on-site experience for all visitors. While the remoteness is a key feature, keep in mind that as is common in high-mountain settings, cell service is generally unavailable here (including for carriers like T-Mobile), encouraging a true disconnection from digital life.

🌲 Services Offered

Prune Creek Campground maintains a focus on core camping essentials, providing a clean and functional environment for a traditional outdoor experience. While it doesn't offer full utility hookups, the following services ensure a comfortable stay:

• Potable Drinking Water: Water is available via hand pumps on-site. The Bighorn National Forest also provides a water and dump station three miles west of the campground (often at no charge, though donations are welcome).
• Vault Toilets: The facilities are consistently noted by visitors as being exceptionally clean, which is a significant plus for national forest camping. One reviewer specifically mentioned they are "legit the cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen" and were odor-free.
• Trash Collection: Designated bins are provided for trash removal, helping to maintain the pristine environment of the National Forest.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every one of the 21 single-family campsites is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a campfire ring that includes a cooking grill.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood bundles are available for purchase directly from the campground host, ensuring you have locally sourced wood for safe, contained fires.
• On-Site Campground Host: A host is typically present to assist campers, manage the grounds, and provide local knowledge.

✨ Features and Highlights

What truly sets Prune Creek Campground apart are the natural and recreational highlights that immerse you in the best of the Bighorn National Forest:

• Creek-Side Sites and River Access: Many of the private campsites are positioned right along Prune Creek or the South Fork of the Tongue River, offering soothing water sounds and immediate access to the waterfront. It’s perfect for relaxing or enjoying the tranquil environment.
• Superb Trout Fishing: The campground is a fantastic spot for trout fishing, with excellent opportunities right within the camp boundaries. Nearby Sibley Lake also offers an accessible fishing dock and non-motorized boating, just a short drive away.
• Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: This location is prime habitat, particularly for moose. Visitors frequently report seeing moose right in the campground, offering memorable and unique photo opportunities (from a safe distance, of course!). Deer, elk, and various bird species are also abundant.
• Proximity to Scenic Byways and Attractions: The campground's location on U.S. Highway 14 provides easy access to some of the area's most popular attractions, including Shell Falls Visitor Center (about 23 miles southwest) and the historically significant Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (about 28 miles away).
• Gateway to Recreation: The surrounding Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness offer a wealth of outdoor activities, including off-road vehicle trails, extensive hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking opportunities.

📞 Contact Information

For the most up-to-date information, including current operating status and reservation details, we recommend contacting the managing organization.

Address: US-14, Wolf, WY 82844, USA

Phone: (406) 587-9054

Mobile Phone: +1 406-587-9054

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months. You can typically book sites via the national recreation reservation system (Recreation.gov) or by calling the toll-free reservation line (often 1-877-444-6777).

⭐ What is Worth Choosing Prune Creek Campground

Choosing Prune Creek Campground is choosing a classic Wyoming high-country experience without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. It’s a perfect fit for local users who understand and appreciate the rugged beauty of the Bighorn National Forest.

It’s the ideal spot for families, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The riverfront location provides an immediate focal point for recreation and relaxation, while the private, tree-shaded sites offer a genuine sense of solitude. The frequent, documented sightings of moose and other native wildlife create an immersive nature experience that few other campgrounds can match. The dedication to cleanliness—especially of the vault toilets—demonstrates an attention to detail that significantly enhances the camping experience, a common pain point at more remote sites.

For those who prefer a self-contained getaway, the ability to find sites that accommodate larger RVs/trailers (up to 40 feet) while still being in a true National Forest setting is a significant benefit. Though you'll be unplugged from your phone, you're plugged directly into the wilderness. Prune Creek is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a destination that perfectly blends the raw, stunning landscapes of the Bighorns with the peace and quiet you need for a truly restful mountain retreat. Book your site and discover why so many Wyomingites return to Prune Creek year after year.

The combination of stunning river access, superb cleanliness, excellent fishing, and guaranteed high-elevation serenity makes Prune Creek Campground a top-tier choice for camping in the Bighorn National Forest—a true local gem waiting for your next adventure.