Ranger Creek Campground

Star0
3 reviews
2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801
Ranger Creek Campground
$14.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

Single Site: $20/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by pass holders. Payments must be made in cash or check.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
(307) 674-2600SM.FS.bighorninfo@usda.gov

About this campground

Nestled within a cathedral of towering Lodgepole pines, Ranger Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Wyoming's high country wilderness. This charming, single-loop campground sits in the shadow of the historic Big Goose Ranger Station, a beautifully preserved 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps landmark that whispers tales of America's conservation heritage. Just steps from your tent, a sprawling alpine meadow beckons with morning mist and frequent wildlife encounters, creating the perfect backdrop for your mountain adventure.
Ranger Creek Campground offers tent and combined use campsites, with a total of 11 available. The campground does not provide accommodations for RVs or other luxury camping options.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the neighboring Big Goose Ranger Station, where the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in hand-hewn logs and careful stonework. Built during the Great Depression of the 1930s, this architectural gem stands as a testament to the young men who shaped America's wilderness areas during one of the nation's most challenging eras. The station's rustic charm and historical significance add a layer of cultural richness to your camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late and departs early at this mountain retreat, with Memorial Day through Labor Day offering the most reliable camping conditions. July and August bring warm days perfect for hiking, with crisp nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape while temperatures begin their descent. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing and heavy snowfall creating a pristine, if challenging, backcountry experience.
ElevationPerched at 7,800 feet above sea level, Ranger Creek Campground offers a true high-altitude experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool. This elevated paradise provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks while offering relief from the heat of lower elevations. The thin mountain air and dramatic elevation create an invigorating atmosphere that energizes hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle sway of ancient Lodgepole pines filtering the morning sun through their emerald canopy. The campground's prime location at the edge of an expansive mountain meadow creates a natural amphitheater for wildlife watching, where elk graze at dawn and deer emerge at dusk. This pristine pocket of the Bighorn National Forest showcases nature's artistry with wildflower displays in summer, golden grasses in fall, and the serene beauty of a pine-scented forest that has stood sentinel for generations.
Geological RegionRanger Creek Campground claims its place in the heart of the majestic Bighorn National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. At 7,800 feet, the campground occupies a sweet spot where dense stands of mature Lodgepole pines meet open meadowlands, creating diverse ecosystems that support abundant wildlife. This unique positioning in the Bighorns offers campers a front-row seat to the interplay between forest and meadow, mountain and sky, in one of Wyoming's most treasured landscapes.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThere are no specific accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground has a total of 11 campsites, including 6 tent-only sites and 5 combined sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is a single loop in a grove of mature Lodgepole pines and located next to a scenic meadow, offering some degree of seclusion.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the meadow provide better opportunities for wildlife observation and scenic views.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest that selecting the right site can enhance the camping experience.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Limit to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8people per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ranger Creek Campground provides limited recreational activities focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Visitors can engage in fishing in nearby rivers or streams. There are no designated hiking trails, biking paths, or boating facilities at this campground.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in nearby rivers and streams, but no additional details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are mentioned.
Wildlife viewing
The campground is located next to a large meadow where wildlife viewing opportunities are possible.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned in the source information.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfire rules not explicitly stated.

Hazards

General hazardsThis is bear country, and campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques. Roads leading to the campground are steep and eroded, posing challenges for vehicles.

Weather forecast

65
ยฐF
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 27%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 8.3 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campgroundโ€”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.

Subscribe to unlock detailed weather insights

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services are in Sheridan, WY, address: 2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801, phone: (307) 674-2600.

Good to know

Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes, rivers, or streams directly accessible from the campground.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention trail closures due to wash-outs.

Campground Map

2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801
Driving directionsFrom Big Horn, WY, take County Rt. 335 south 9.9 miles where it becomes Forest Rt. 26. Continue straight on Rt. 26 for 8.1 miles to Ranger Creek sign. Turn right at sign and immediately left and go 0.1 miles to campground. NOTE: After the first 6.2 miles this route becomes dirt, steep, rough and eroded and is not RV friendly. An alternative RV friendly route is from Dayton, WY - take US Rt. 14 west 40.2 miles to the signs for Flume/Dead Swede Campgrounds and Forest Rt. 26. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 26 (dirt) and go 23.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left and left again into campground.
The road to the campground is steep, rough, and eroded, becoming dirt after the first 6.2 miles. This makes it unsuitable for RVs. An alternative RV-friendly route from Dayton is available but involves significant travel over dirt roads.
Nearby places
Big Horn: 9.9 miles, Dayton: 40.2 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Sheridan, WY, approximately 40 miles north of the campground.

Camper Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Ranger Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors have a positive impression of Ranger Creek Campground, mentioning its natural beauty and the historic Big Goose Ranger Station nearby. A common theme is the scenic and serene environment, although some trails nearby are reportedly closed due to wash-outs.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

The scenic beauty and serenity of the campground are frequently praised by visitors. The historic Big Goose Ranger Station adds a cultural and historical aspect to the camping experience.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors noted that nearby trails were closed due to wash-outs, potentially limiting recreational opportunities.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggested visiting later in the summer when trails might be more accessible. They also emphasized selecting the right campsite to maximize the camping experience.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most popular time for camping, with visitors suggesting that weather and trail conditions may improve later in the season.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A beautiful place to camp! A lot of the trails are closed due to wash-outs. A little later in the summer might be a better time to go." - Pauline Headings. "If you get the right site this is a great...
Show more
Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were mentioned directly in the reviews.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly discuss pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 3 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Bighorn National Forest
Ranger Creek Campground