Ranger Creek Campground

**Introduction / Overview: A Pristine Mountain Retreat in the Bighorns**

For Wyoming natives and seasoned travelers who appreciate the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains,

**Ranger Creek Campground**

represents a perfect slice of the high country experience. Located deep within the majestic Bighorn National Forest, near the historic town of Buffalo, this United States Forest Service (USFS) facility sits at a refreshing elevation of approximately

**7,500 feet**

. It is precisely the escape that mountain lovers crave: cool, forested, and situated right along the pristine waters of Ranger Creek.

Ranger Creek Campground is known for its incredible value and exceptional cleanliness, a point often highlighted in visitor reviews. One happy camper noted it was "A bargain at $18 bucks!" while another simply stated, "Beautiful place. Squeeky clean they keep it." This consistent dedication to maintenance, often credited to the friendly presence of the campground hosts (who sometimes visit from the nearby East Fork Campground), ensures a pleasant and low-impact stay for everyone. The campground is designed to accommodate both

**tents and self-contained RVs/trailers**

, making it accessible to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts who seek solitude over resort-style amenities.

With a limited number of single sites—generally between

**11 and 14 sites**

—the atmosphere is intimate and quiet. While the sites do not offer electrical hookups, they are well-spaced and surrounded by a mix of pine and aspen trees, providing valuable shade and privacy. Ranger Creek is not just a place to park; it's a base camp for genuine adventure, offering immediate access to trout fishing, expansive hiking trails, and the stunning geology that makes the Bighorn Mountains a treasure of Central Wyoming. For those ready to disconnect from cell service and reconnect with nature, this campground is a premier choice.

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**Location and Accessibility: High-Elevation Access via the Bighorn Scenic Byway**

The location of Ranger Creek Campground is both stunning and easily reachable, making it a popular spot for Wyoming locals. It is situated off the famed

**Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14)**

, one of the most picturesque routes traversing the Bighorn National Forest. The closest major town is

**Buffalo, WY 82834, USA**

, placing the campground within comfortable driving distance of Sheridan and points along Interstate 90.

Specific directions typically involve a turn off of Highway 14 onto a well-maintained Forest Road, such as Forest Road 26 or a clearly marked turnoff near the historic

**Big Goose Ranger Station**

. The elevation of 7,500 feet ensures cool summer temperatures and beautiful high-mountain scenery, but also means the campground operates seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day or mid-September, dependent on snow and weather conditions.

Accessibility details:

• **Road Quality**

  : Access roads are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy travel by most vehicles, trailers, and RVs.

• **Vehicle Size**

  : While the Group Recreation Area can accommodate large RVs up to 75 feet, the

  **standard single sites**

  are more suited for mid-sized RVs and trailers, or comfortable tent camping setups.

• **Nearby Services**

  : The small towns of Big Horn and Dayton offer some nearby supplies, while Buffalo provides all necessary groceries, fuel, and medical services within a manageable distance.

This prime location ensures campers feel immersed in the mountain wilderness yet remain secure and easily able to resupply when needed, providing the best of both worlds for a Wyoming outdoor vacation.

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**Services Offered (Forest Service Standards and Cleanliness)**

Ranger Creek Campground provides the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable and environmentally conscious stay in the National Forest, focusing on reliability and cleanliness:

• **Campsite Hookups**

  : All single sites are

  **Non-Electric**

  , promoting a quiet, natural camping experience. Campers must be fully self-contained for power.

• **Potable Water**

  :

  **Drinking water**

  is available via hand pumps or spigots throughout the campground during the operating season (usually shut off for winter).

• **Sanitation**

  : Clean and regularly serviced

  **vault toilets**

  are located conveniently within the camping loops. The "squeeky clean" status is a key feature here.

• **Individual Site Features**

  : Each site is equipped with a sturdy

  **picnic table**

  , a dedicated

  **fire ring**

  for campfires, and often a

  **BBQ pedestal**

  for charcoal grilling.

• **Waste Disposal**

  :

  **Trash collection**

  services are provided during the open season, ensuring the area remains clean and protecting local wildlife.

• **Host Presence**

  : Although a dedicated host may not be permanently stationed at Ranger Creek, periodic visits from the hosts at the nearby East Fork Campground ensure maintenance and a friendly presence.

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**Features / Highlights (Mountain Fishing and Wilderness Access)**

Ranger Creek’s appeal is heavily tied to its spectacular Bighorn setting and the direct access it provides to renowned Wyoming recreational activities:

• **Exceptional Creek Fishing**

  : The campground is situated along

  **Ranger Creek**

  , known for its fine creek fishing, providing immediate opportunities for trout anglers right by their campsites. Numerous other fishing lakes are also within a few miles' drive.

• **Gateway to Wilderness**

  : The campground serves as a great staging area for high-elevation exploration, including access to the

  **Cloud Peak Wilderness Area**

  via nearby trail systems. Diverse hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant.

• **Wildlife Viewing**

  : The forested mountain setting and riparian environment of Ranger Creek make it a prime location for spotting

  **Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, and various bird species**

  , offering incredible photographic and viewing opportunities.

• **Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails**

  : The surrounding Bighorn National Forest area features a network of

  **designated OHV trails**

  , making this an excellent base camp for those who enjoy motorized exploration of the wilderness.

• **Historic Interest**

  : The nearby

  **historic Big Goose Ranger Station**

  is a worthwhile attraction, offering a glimpse into the history of Forest Service management in the Bighorn Mountains.

• **Disconnectivity**

  : A key feature for modern escape artists: there is generally

  **NO cell phone service**

  available in the area, allowing for a complete and restorative disconnect from digital life.

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**Contact Information**

Ranger Creek is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Contact the nearest District Office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, opening dates, and conditions.

**Address:** Located in the Bighorn National Forest near Buffalo, WY 82834, USA

**Managing District Office (Tongue Ranger District):**

** (307) 674-2600**

**Fees:** Single sites are typically around

**$20 per night**

(subject to change).

**Reservations:** Single campsites are generally

**first-come, first-served (FCFS)**

. The nearby **Ranger Creek Group Campground** is reservable via Recreation.gov and should be booked well in advance.

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**What is Worth Choosing: The Bighorn Mountain Bargain**

Ranger Creek Campground is an undeniable choice for Wyoming residents seeking a high-quality, authentic mountain experience without the higher costs and crowds of fully developed parks. It is worth choosing because it provides

**superior access to the Bighorn National Forest's best features for an exceptional value**

.

At roughly $20 per night, campers receive a large, wooded site with a picnic table, fire ring, accessible vault toilets, and potable water—a bargain for a mountain setting. The dedicated maintenance and cleanliness noted in the reviews ensure the cost is well worth it.

More importantly, Ranger Creek offers an experience of place. Its location is strategic for the adventurous local: immediate access to

**trout fishing in Ranger Creek**

and trails for hiking, biking, and OHV exploration. It provides the essential, quiet, high-elevation escape, surrounded by pine and aspen, where the only sounds are the wind and the creek. Choosing Ranger Creek is choosing to slow down, embrace the wilderness, and base your Bighorn adventure in a clean, friendly, and naturally stunning Wyoming environment.