Medicine Lodge Lake Campground
02 reviewsMedicine Lodge Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation fees are $8 if made online, $9 via the contact center, and $3 in person.
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Escape to the pristine shores of Upper Medicine Lodge Lake, where this secluded campground serves as your gateway to the untamed Cloud Peak Wilderness. Far from the crowds and nestled in Wyoming's high country, Medicine Lodge Lake Campground offers adventurers the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of wilderness trails that wind through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the American West.
The Medicine Lodge Lake Campground supports a range of camping styles but is not reservable and does not explicitly mention specific camping types.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of winter camping when Week 2 brings nature's perfect recipe for cold-weather adventures. With clear, star-filled skies dominating more than half the time, gentle 5 mph breezes, and just a delicate dusting of snow (averaging 1.4 inches), conditions are ideal for those seeking a serene winter wilderness experience. The crisp mountain air and brilliant sunshine create perfect conditions for snowshoeing, wildlife tracking, and cozy evenings by the campfire.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to mirror-like reflections on Upper Medicine Lodge Lake, where towering pines and firs frame crystal-clear alpine waters against a backdrop of dramatic wilderness peaks. This high-mountain paradise transforms with each passing hour as sunlight dances across the water and filters through dense forest canopies. Keep your camera ready for frequent wildlife encounters – graceful deer often emerge from the treeline at dawn and dusk, while a symphony of mountain birds fills the air with their calls. The surrounding wilderness reveals a tapestry of rugged granite outcroppings, hidden meadows, and secret streams that beckon exploration.
Geological RegionPerched within the legendary Cloud Peak Wilderness of Bighorn National Forest, this campground sits at the intersection of ancient geological forces and pristine mountain ecosystems. Here, millions of years of uplift and erosion have sculpted a dramatic landscape where jagged peaks give way to jewel-like alpine lakes, and dense coniferous forests carpet the valleys between weathered granite formations. This remarkable terrain represents one of Wyoming's last great wilderness frontiers, where the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains remains wonderfully untouched by time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features.
Sites SizeNo details about the size of campsites.
Sites PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy at campsites.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific details about group sites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsReservations for campgrounds can be made via Recreation.gov, through the app, or at contact centers.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis as reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for reservations canceled after 12:00 AM local time on the day before the check-in date. Late cancellations for one-night reservations will forfeit the entire amount paid.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as trail riding, fishing, and hiking. Todd Beier describes the area as "Great to camp! Lots of close trail riding, fishing, and hiking. Can't describe the views. Just go experience it for yourself!"
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, with trailheads leading into the Cloud Peak Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity based on user reviews, but specific details about fish species or regulations are not provided.Winter Activities
No specific details about winter recreation.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and rugged terrain.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shores of Upper Medicine Lodge Lake, providing easy access for fishing and water activities.
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Shell, WY, travel east on Hwy 14 for about 17 miles, then turn south onto Forest System Road (FSR) 17 for another 24.5 miles.
The campground is accessed via Forest System Road 17, which may be challenging for some drivers due to its remote nature. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for unpaved or semi-maintained roads.Nearby places
Shell, WY (17 miles, approximately 32 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Shell, WY, has basic amenities including gas stations and small stores for groceries and supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Medicine Lodge Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The Medicine Lodge Lake Campground is highly praised by users for its remote and scenic location, as well as its suitability for families and pets. It's described as the nicest campground by one user and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less crowded locations.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful location near Upper Medicine Lodge Lake, access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, family- and pet-friendly environment, and scenic views.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No significant complaints noted in the provided reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Be prepared for a remote setting; bring necessary supplies as amenities like water, showers, and trash facilities are not mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide details about seasonal variations, but the average general sentiment is high at 4.27, with campground-specific sentiment at a perfect 5.0.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Great area to camp! Lots of close trail riding, fishing, and hiking. Can't describe the views. Just go experience it for yourself!" - Todd Beier 2. "The nicest campground I've ever stayed in....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or recommendations.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is described as dog-friendly by a reviewer, adding appeal for pet owners.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025