Shell Creek Campground

**An Authentic Wyoming Escape: Shell Creek Campground**

For those of us in Wyoming seeking a true mountain retreat, **Shell Creek Campground** offers an essential slice of the Bighorn National Forest experience. Tucked away in a picturesque canyon, this campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a basecamp for exploring the rugged beauty of the Bighorn Mountains. From the moment you arrive, the peaceful sound of Shell Creek sets the stage for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, making it a beloved destination for local residents and visitors alike.

The campground is renowned for its well-maintained facilities and a setting that perfectly balances accessibility with a sense of genuine wilderness. It’s an ideal spot for escaping the hustle and bustle, offering ample opportunity for both relaxation and high-altitude exploration. The friendly camp hosts ensure the area remains quiet and exceptionally clean, contributing to the high praise it receives from the local camping community.

**Location and Accessibility**

Shell Creek Campground is uniquely situated in the heart of the Bighorn National Forest, making it easily accessible yet wonderfully remote. Its specific location is just off the **Bighorn Scenic Byway** (U.S. Highway 14), approximately 17 miles east of the town of Shell, Wyoming, and in the general vicinity of Greybull, WY.

The campground sits at a refreshing elevation of around 7,500 feet, providing a welcome escape from the summer heat of the lower basins. To reach the sites, travelers will turn off Highway 14 onto Forest Road 17, traveling approximately 1.2 to 1.5 miles south to the entrance. While Highway 14 is a paved scenic route, the final stretch on Forest Road 17 is a dirt road, which is typically manageable for most vehicles, including large RVs, though caution is always advised, especially in adverse weather conditions. Its position near the Bighorn Scenic Byway also places it conveniently close to major area attractions, including the spectacular Shell Falls Visitor Center, which is about six miles west, offering educational exhibits and stunning viewpoints.

**Services Offered**

Shell Creek Campground provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and rustic outdoor stay within the National Forest. The focus is on traditional camping amenities, helping preserve the natural environment while providing necessary conveniences.

Services include:

• Spacious **Single-Family Campsites**: Sites can generally accommodate both large RVs and tents, with some designated as tent-only spots.
• **Vault Toilets**: Accessible and noted by customers for being kept exceptionally clean.
• **Drinking Water**: Potable water is available on-site, a valuable amenity for any high-altitude campground.
• **Picnic Tables**: Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining.
• **Fire Rings with Grills**: Designated fire rings allow for safe campfires and outdoor cooking.
• **Trash Collection**: Designated bins are available for refuse, helping campers adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles.
• **Camp Hosts**: Dedicated hosts are on-site during the operating season, offering assistance and ensuring the smooth operation and cleanliness of the facility.
• **Extended Stay Limit**: Campers can enjoy stays of up to 14 continuous days, allowing for deep exploration of the surrounding wilderness.

**Features and Highlights**

The appeal of Shell Creek Campground lies in its stunning natural features and the wealth of nearby recreational opportunities. The campground is a haven for those who cherish the quiet, unspoiled beauty of Wyoming’s high country.

Key features and highlights include:

• **Prime Creek-Side Location**: Many of the campsites are situated directly next to **Shell Creek**, providing the soothing backdrop of rushing water and easy access for fishing.
• **Exceptional Fishing Opportunities**: The creek and numerous nearby lakes and ponds are celebrated for having plentiful trout, including brook trout, making it one of the area's best spots for fly-fishing.
• **Abundant Wildlife Viewing**: The area is rich in wildlife, with customer reviews frequently noting exciting sightings of **moose**, as well as deer and elk, creating a truly authentic wilderness experience.
• **Proximity to Cloud Peak Wilderness**: The campground is a convenient gateway to the vast trail system leading into the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, offering diverse hiking and horseback riding adventures, such as the Adelaide Trail.
• **Scenic Off-Road Driving**: Multiple forest roads in the immediate vicinity, like Battle Creek Road and Ranger Creek Road, are available for scenic off-road driving and exploration.
• **Close to Shell Falls Interpretive Site**: Located just a few miles down the Bighorn Scenic Byway, Shell Falls offers spectacular canyon views and educational exhibits about the Bighorn National Forest's unique geology and natural history.
• **Spacious and Clean Sites**: Sites are generally well-spaced, accommodating various setups from large RVs (up to certain size limits) to tents, and are consistently maintained to a high standard of cleanliness by the camp hosts.

**Contact Information**

For reservations, current seasonal dates, and the most up-to-date conditions, it is recommended to check the national reservation service or contact the administering organization. Please note the address is a general location within the Bighorn National Forest near the community of Greybull.

Address: Greybull, WY 82426, USA (Located off US Highway 14 on Forest Road 17)

Phone: (406) 587-9054 (General information line for the administering concessionaire/host)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-587-9054

**What is Worth Choosing Shell Creek Campground**

For Wyoming residents and those seeking the authentic flavor of the Bighorns, Shell Creek Campground is an undeniable choice. What truly sets this location apart is the profound sense of escape and connection to nature, achieved without sacrificing basic comforts. The combination of its incredible location along Shell Creek and the dedicated maintenance by the camp hosts results in a consistently positive and high-quality experience. The ability to find a spacious site right next to the creek, with the chance of spotting a magnificent moose just yards away, is a rare treasure. Customers routinely praise the campground’s quiet atmosphere and its pristine condition, often noting the hosts’ friendly and helpful nature. Whether you’re an avid angler seeking the rewarding challenge of brook trout, a hiker looking for direct access to the trails of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, or simply a family needing a tranquil, clean spot to relax and enjoy a campfire, Shell Creek Campground provides the perfect backdrop. The limited size of the campground (typically around 15 sites) ensures a quieter, less crowded experience than many larger facilities, fostering the peaceful environment that so many seek in the Wyoming mountains. It truly is a great spot to escape into the Bighorns and recharge your spirit amidst stunning natural beauty.

The experience of waking up to the sound of the creek and enjoying a nice addition to your campfire menu from the day’s fishing makes Shell Creek not just a stop, but a destination in itself.

Shell Creek Campground operates seasonally, generally from mid-May through mid-September, so it is always wise to check current opening and closing dates before planning your trip. Due to its popularity, securing a reservation, especially for a prime creek-side spot, is highly recommended.