Owen Creek
4.4729 reviewsFOREST ROAD 236, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA
Owen Creek
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. Additional $9.00/day fee for a second vehicle. Firewood bundles available for purchase from the campground host.
About this campground
Tucked away along the breathtaking Bighorn Byway, Owen Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Wyoming's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude while exploring hiking trails that wind into the Cloud Peak Wilderness, casting lines into crystal-clear mountain streams, or discovering nearby wonders like the thundering Shell Falls. Its small size and off-the-beaten-path location make it a peaceful retreat for those who prefer their camping experiences uncrowded and authentic.
The Owen Creek Campground offers standard nonelectric single-family sites with facilities such as picnic tables and campfire rings. Additional options include dispersed camping further up the road, as noted by one reviewer: "There is dispersed camping further up the road that creates a bit of traffic past Owen Creek campground."
Historical SignificanceThe surrounding region tells stories millions of years in the making. Just a short drive away, the Shell Falls Visitor Center unveils the geological forces that shaped these mountains, while the remarkable Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite preserves ancient footprints from when dinosaurs roamed this landscape. These nearby attractions offer fascinating glimpses into both the natural history and prehistoric past of the Bighorn Mountains.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late at Owen Creek, bringing crisp mornings that give way to pleasantly warm afternoons under brilliant blue skies. The peak camping season delivers ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating perfect days for outdoor adventures. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreens. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures making it accessible only to the most intrepid winter enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at 8,400 feet in the thin mountain air, Owen Creek Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. At this elevation, even July nights require a warm sleeping bag, while days remain comfortably cool for hiking and exploring. The crisp, pine-scented air and the elevation's natural air conditioning create an invigorating atmosphere that rejuvenates both body and spirit.
Natural Features and SceneryOwen Creek babbles through a pristine forest of towering pines and quaking aspens, creating a natural soundtrack for your mountain retreat. The campground sits in the shadow of magnificent granite peaks that soar to 13,000 feet, their craggy faces catching the alpenglow at sunrise and sunset. This diverse ecosystem attracts an impressive array of wildlife—lucky campers might spot majestic moose browsing near the creek or hear the haunting bugle of elk echoing through the forest. The interplay of rushing water, ancient trees, and towering peaks creates a landscape that feels both intimate and grand.
Geological RegionThe Bighorn Mountains showcase nature's architectural prowess with dramatic granite spires and peaks that pierce the sky at over 13,000 feet. These ancient formations, carved by millennia of wind, water, and ice, create a rugged backdrop for the campground. The mixed forest of pine and aspen softens the harsh granite landscape, while Owen Creek has carved its own path through the terrain, creating a riparian corridor that supports diverse plant and animal life. This unique geological setting places campers in the heart of one of Wyoming's most spectacular mountain ranges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, but further details about accessibility for campers with disabilities are not provided.
Sites SizeSites generally appear level, as noted by one reviewer: "Sites were nice and level, facilities were clean, and traffic was minimal."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some reviewers mentioned sites being close together, while others appreciated the seclusion provided by the campground's layout.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 001 is not recommended due to proximity to OHV trails and dust/noise concerns.
Best CampsitesCampsites 004 and 007 are praised for their scenic views and proximity to wildlife.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in time is not explicitly mentioned
- null value.
Check-out
- Check-out time is not explicitly mentioned
- null value.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features single-family sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Sites are well-maintained but close together, offering limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 5 to September 15 (2025).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly stated; null value.
Cancellation PolicyRefund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee. No refunds for on-site cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Owen Creek Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle trails. The nearby Sibley Lake allows non-motorized craft and features an accessible fishing dock, making it ideal for anglers. User reviews often praise the beauty of the surrounding area, with one camper describing, "The Owen Creek campground is beautiful and near a creek where the moose sometimes visit." Another noted the abundance of trails for dirt bikes or ATVs, adding, "Lots of great trails for dirt bikes or ATVs."
Hiking
Hiking trails vary from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks, some accessing the Cloud Peak Wilderness. One user highlighted the area's scenic hiking, stating, "We also love hiking and enjoying the mountains and wildlife."Fishing
Fishing opportunities include angling for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, particularly at nearby Sibley Lake. User reviews confirm the quality of fishing in the area.Biking
User reviews highlight biking trails, including dirt bike and ATV routes, as a popular activity.Boating
Non-motorized boating is available at nearby Sibley Lake, which provides an accessible fishing dock.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with moose, deer, elk, sandhill cranes, and bears commonly seen. One reviewer remarked, "I love this campground for its relative quiet & peace. I was lucky enough to see moose (IN the campground), deer, elk, and sandhill cranes returning to their nest each evening."Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not outlined, and the area may be less accessible during colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as canoeing, are supported at nearby Sibley Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings with grills. Firewood must be purchased locally.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned; null value.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include moose, elk, and bears. Some campsites are close to OHV trails, leading to dust and noise during peak OHV activity.
Active alertsNo active alerts are listed in the source materials.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10 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
The nearest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials. This field is null.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 5, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but garbage receptacles were reported as being too small, causing inconvenience for some campers. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Owen Creek and close to Sibley Lake, which offers fishing and canoeing opportunities.
Common complaintsCampsite 1 is noisy and dusty during OHV season. Garbage receptacles are reportedly too small, and some users found locked larger bins unavailable.
HostThe campground hosts are praised for their cleanliness and efficiency, but some users reported sporadic host availability.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 236, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA
Driving directionsFrom Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 27 miles on U.S. Highway 14 west, turn left (south) at Burgess Junction and continue on Hwy 14 for 5 miles until you reach Forest Road 236. Take a right on Forest Road 236 and continue about 0.2 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved U.S. Highway 14 and a short drive on Forest Road 236. There are no navigation challenges indicated, and the roads leading to the campground seem well-maintained.Nearby places
Dayton (27 miles, approximately 35 minutes)
Burgess Junction (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Nearby lodges such as Bear Lodge and Elk View Inn provide supplies, dining options, off-road vehicle rentals, and fishing supplies. Distance from Owen Creek Campground is approximately 5-10 miles.
Camper Reviews
4.5
29 reviews
Owen Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Owen Creek Campground has received positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.31 out of 5 for campground-specific experiences. Users frequently praise the campground's beauty, wildlife, and quiet atmosphere, with many highlighting the well-maintained facilities and friendly camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praise includes the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, wildlife presence, and the quiet environment. One user described it as "super convenient location...overlooks the mountains across...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some issues include the proximity of campsites leading to reduced privacy, garbage receptacles being too small, and intermittent presence of campground hosts. One user stated, "The garbage...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers suggest bringing your own firewood or purchasing from the host, using the vault toilets early for better experience, and visiting nearby attractions like Shell Falls and the Medicine Wheel....
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak season runs from June 5 to September 15. Reviews during summer highlight the abundance of wildlife and scenic beauty, while winter-specific insights are unavailable.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
"I love this campground for the relative quiet & peace. I was lucky enough to see moose (IN the campground), deer and elk." "Sites were nice and level, facilities were clean, and traffic was...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001: Close to a highly used road, noisy during OHV season (Rating: 1). Site 006: Quiet, well-maintained, facing a meadow (Rating: 5). Site 003: Wildlife sightings include moose and sheep;...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are available, but user reviews lack specific insights on broader accessibility features.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but one user reported issues with a neighboring dog's behavior, stating, "Love the campground but the person in between had a dog that wasn’t the most friendly and the grandkids...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025