RANGER CREEK

Introduction / Overview

For anyone in Wyoming seeking the quintessential high-country experience, Ranger Creek Recreation Area offers an unforgettable mountain getaway nestled within the stunning Bighorn National Forest. Located at an invigorating elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, this is a destination that truly embodies the rugged beauty and immense recreational opportunities of the Bighorn Mountains. Ranger Creek is not just a place to park your tent or RV; it is a full-fledged hub for exploration, family gatherings, and pure outdoor adventure.

The area is uniquely positioned to cater to diverse interests, from those seeking a peaceful day of fly-fishing along the creek to large groups requiring spacious accommodations for gatherings. The primary campground focuses on individual campsites, but the adjacent Recreation Area is well-known for featuring a large, reservable group site, perfect for family reunions, youth camps, or organizational retreats. Reviewers often celebrate the area for its diverse opportunities, noting, "Beautiful lots to do...great adventure." Another satisfied visitor highlighted its versatility, stating, "This is a great place to go as a family or by yourself," praising the available campgrounds, the large pavilion, and the beautiful, accessible facilities like bathrooms and water spigots.

Operating under the management of the U.S. Forest Service, this recreation area provides essential amenities that blend comfort with an authentic wilderness experience. It serves as a perfect base camp for accessing some of the Bighorn’s most sought-after hiking, fishing, and off-road trails. If your adventure involves exploring the remote lakes and high-mountain scenery that Wyoming is famous for, Ranger Creek is where your journey begins.

Location and Accessibility

Ranger Creek Recreation Area is located in the western portion of the Bighorn National Forest, easily accessible from the charming, small town of Shell, Wyoming.

Address: Shell, WY 82441, USA

The site sits just off the scenic Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14), which makes for a picturesque approach as you climb into the Bighorn Mountains. From Shell, travelers drive east on Highway 14 before turning onto Forest Road 17, which leads directly to the recreation area. The convenient location places it approximately 8 miles from the Shell Falls Visitor Center, an absolute must-see for its spectacular geological views and interpretive displays. While the access roads are generally maintained, the high elevation means the area is typically seasonal, opening from late spring through early fall, depending on snowpack and weather conditions. Visitors should be prepared for mountain driving and cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings, even during mid-summer. The area's relative remoteness is part of its charm, but note that cell service is generally not available, ensuring a true disconnect from the everyday hustle.

Services Offered

The facilities at Ranger Creek Recreation Area are designed to support a rustic yet comfortable high-altitude camping experience for both individual and group users.

• Individual Campsites: Approximately ten single-family campsites are available, accommodating tents, trailers, and smaller RVs.
• Group Camping Site: A large, reservable group site within the Recreation Area is available for both overnight camping and day-use picnicking, capable of hosting up to 150 people.
• Shelter and Pavilion: The group site includes a covered shelter that protects several picnic and serving tables, ideal for event staging and communal meals.
• Accessible Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained accessible restroom facilities are provided for all campers and day-use visitors.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available via a water spigot or similar source within the campground and recreation area, a welcome amenity in a national forest setting.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite and the group area are equipped with picnic tables, a campfire ring, and a grill pedestal for outdoor cooking.
• Trash Collection: Dumpsters and trash receptacles are provided to help campers maintain a clean and beautiful environment.
• Reservations Accepted: Sites, especially the large group area, can be reserved in advance through the national reservation system, ensuring your spot is secured.

Features / Highlights

Ranger Creek is celebrated throughout Wyoming for its exceptional access to the Bighorn’s most thrilling recreational pursuits.

• Direct Trail Access: The campground is a short distance from the Adelaide Trailhead, offering a moderate hiking and horseback riding trail that leads to the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary, Shell Creek, and onward to beautiful Lake Adelaide.
• Off-Road Vehicle (OHV) Exploration: The area is highly popular for ATV and off-road driving, with scenic trails like Ranger Creek Road providing access to high-country destinations, including Shell Reservoir.
• Trout Fishing Excellence: Campers can enjoy superb creek fishing directly on Ranger Creek, as well as lake fishing opportunities at nearby Shell Reservoir and other alpine waters, known for some of the best trout fly-fishing in Wyoming.
• Group-Friendly Facilities: The large reservable pavilion and group site make Ranger Creek one of the best locations in the Bighorns for large organizational or family events.
• Scenic Mountain Setting: Situated among mixed forests of pine and aspen, the campground offers tranquil beauty, picturesque views, and abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, elk, and moose.
• Proximity to Shell Falls: The stunning Shell Falls Interpretive Site on the Bighorn Scenic Byway is just minutes away, providing an easy and worthwhile side trip.

Contact Information

For reservation details, current operating status, or information on fire restrictions, it is best to contact the managing National Forest office.

Address: Shell, WY 82441, USA

Phone: (406) 587-9054 (Often the central line for the managing concessionaire/reservation service)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-587-9054

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Ranger Creek Recreation Area is choosing the authentic Wyoming high-country experience without sacrificing essential amenities. For locals and seasoned travelers, it is the premier choice in the Bighorns due to its unrivaled access to both motorized and non-motorized recreation. While other sites may offer one or the other, Ranger Creek is the perfect staging point for a multi-day adventure that includes a challenging hike to Lake Adelaide one morning and an invigorating ATV ride to Shell Reservoir the next. The availability of a large, reservable group pavilion is a significant draw, making it the perfect mountain venue for large groups who need reliable facilities and a stunning backdrop. Furthermore, its location just off the Bighorn Scenic Byway means it is convenient to find yet remote enough to offer the solitude and clear night skies that define a true Wyoming camping trip. For those who prioritize diverse recreational opportunities, essential on-site water and restroom facilities, and proximity to legendary Bighorn attractions, Ranger Creek is the logical and rewarding choice.