West Tensleep Lake
4.5648 reviewsFOREST ROAD 522, TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA
West Tensleep Lake
$18.50 - $18.50 / night
Campsite Fees
$18.50 per night for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites during peak season. Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site. The first...
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Standard Site Fee$18.50
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
Total Campsite Fees$18.50
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider406-587-9054gccampgrounds13@gmail.com
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine southern shore of West Tensleep Lake, this intimate mountain retreat serves as your gateway to the magnificent Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Here in the heart of Bighorn National Forest, West Tensleep Lake Campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp where crystal-clear waters meet towering peaks. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, setting off on wilderness trails, or simply soaking in the alpine serenity, this small but spectacular campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience far from the crowds.
West Tensleep Lake Campground offers sites for tent camping and small RVs or trailers. Group camping is not supported, and larger RVs are discouraged.
Historical SignificanceThis corner of the Bighorns carries echoes of America's conservation legacy, sitting in the shadow of the historic High Park Lookout. Built by the industrious hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the Great Depression, this stone sentinel still watches over the wilderness, a testament to the young men who helped shape our national forests. Their craftsmanship and dedication to protecting these wild places continues to inspire visitors who follow the same mountain paths decades later.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently at this high-altitude haven, bringing pleasantly mild days perfect for exploration while evenings cool dramatically, inviting cozy campfires and stargazing under crystalline skies. Spring and fall seasons paint the landscape with dramatic contrasts—lingering snowfields give way to wildflower meadows in early summer, while autumn's first snows dust the peaks as golden aspens shimmer below. The elevation ensures that even midsummer nights require warm layers, creating that quintessential mountain camping atmosphere.
ElevationPerched high in the Bighorn Mountains where the air grows thin and pure, the campground's lofty elevation creates a natural air conditioning system that offers sweet relief from summer heat. This alpine setting transforms typical camping into a high-country adventure, where afternoon thunderstorms roll through with dramatic flair and morning mist clings to the lake surface until the sun burns through. The altitude adds an element of wilderness authenticity—you'll feel the elevation in your lungs and see it in the stunted, wind-sculpted trees that mark the approaching treeline.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of emerald waters and evergreen forests unfolds before you, where West Tensleep Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks in its glassy surface. Towering lodgepole pines, stately Douglas firs, and ancient spruce trees create a natural cathedral around the campground, their branches whispering stories of mountain storms and summer breezes. Beyond the forest curtain, the jagged skyline of Cloud Peak Wilderness beckons with snow-capped summits and hidden alpine basins. Mountain creeks tumble through the landscape, their music mixing with the calls of gray jays and the occasional bugle of elk echoing across the valleys.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic geological wonderland of the Bighorn National Forest, the campground occupies a stunning pocket where ancient granite peaks cradle jewel-like alpine lakes. This is Cloud Peak Wilderness territory—a land sculpted by glaciers and time, where exposed rock faces tell stories spanning millions of years. The surrounding ecosystem showcases nature's vertical zonation perfectly: dense forests of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce gradually give way to alpine meadows and bare rock as elevations climb toward the 13,000-foot summits. Each vista reveals layers of geological history, from uplifted sedimentary formations to crystalline mountain streams carving their patient paths through solid stone.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are accessible, and the campground is designed to accommodate a range of visitors. However, steep or uneven site terrain may present challenges for some visitors.
Sites SizeSites are relatively small, with reviewers mentioning limited tent space (1-2 tents per site, generally 8x10 ft). Larger RVs and trailers are not recommended.
Sites PrivacySites provide moderate privacy. Some are closer to the lake, offering scenic views but less seclusion. "Campsite 9 is spacious...near the pit toilets but we couldn’t really smell them," noted a user. Another mentioned Site #1 as private but with public traffic nearby.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 offers waterfront access but is near the entrance and kayak launch. Site 2 gets ample sunlight, ideal for solar panels.
Best CampsitesSites 1 and 2 are noted as particularly favorable for lakefront views and larger trailers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited space allows for no more than 1-2 tents per site. Groups larger than 20 people must camp elsewhere.
Groups
Group sites are not available. Groups larger than 20 people are directed to other campgrounds such as Willow Park or Pine Island.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 10 single-family sites arranged in a loop near the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 12, 2025, to September 1, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly detailed; reservations are strongly encouraged.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be altered for a $10 change fee. Late cancellations incur a $10 cancellation fee along with forfeiting the first night's camping fee. Refund requests are subject to specific policies retained by the reservation contractor.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness offers challenging trails for the adventurous, while West Tensleep Lake is perfect for canoeing and fishing.
Hiking
Hiking is a standout activity, with trails like the West Tensleep Lake Trail leading into the Cloud Peak Wilderness. "Fantastic hikes from the nearby trailhead into the Cloud Peak Wilderness," shared a reviewer.Fishing
The lake supports fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, providing excellent opportunities for anglers.Biking
Biking opportunities exist, but specifics on trail types and difficulty are not detailed.Boating
Non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks are allowed on the lake. "Lots of people used inflatable kayaks or SUPs on the lake and they seemed to work well," a visitor mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of animals such as moose and chipmunks. "You can't beat the views! Great first trip with my young boys and they even got to see a mama moose and her baby!" shared a reviewer.Winter Activities
No specific information on winter activities is provided.Water Sports
Water-based activities include canoeing and kayaking, but no motorized water sports are permitted.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are available at each site. Firewood must be purchased from the host.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months. User reviews mention noise from ATVs and motorcycles turning around in the campground.
Active alertsPotentially noisy weekends based on user reviews.
Weather forecast
14
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency services are likely available in Ten Sleep or Worland, Wyoming.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 12, 2025, to September 1, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and guests are encouraged to leave trash by their site post for pick-up by the campground host.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on West Tensleep Lake, offering opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include noise from off-road vehicles, busy weekends, and mosquitoes.
HostHost maintains cleanliness of pit toilets and provides firewood for sale. Host is shared between multiple campgrounds.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 522, TEN SLEEP, WY 82442, USA
Driving directionsFrom Worland, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 16 east 49 miles. Take West Tensleep Road (Forest Road 27) seven miles to the campground.
Road access is primarily via paved U.S. Highway 16, followed by a 7-mile drive on Forest Road 27, which may be unpaved and washboarded, as noted in multiple user reviews.Nearby places
Worland, Wyoming (49 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Ten Sleep, Wyoming (approximately 25 miles, 40 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained at Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge, which offer dining, camping supplies, and more, within a few miles of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
48 reviews
West Tensleep Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users frequently describe the campground as "beautiful" and "peaceful" with clean facilities and a range of activities available. However, some note issues like noise from ATVs and crowded conditions during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic location, proximity to hiking trails, clean facilities, and attentive hosts. "Wonderful campground with excellent non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking," said...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from ATVs and other campers, crowded conditions on weekends, and occasional lack of water from the well. "The downside of actual campground, mosquitoes were horrible...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing a good GPS for hiking, avoiding weekends to escape crowds, and preparing for altitude adjustments. One reviewer mentioned, "Be mindful of the size of your trailer,"...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with many reviews highlighting the high activity levels and occasional noise. Several users noted that the altitude and mosquitoes could be challenging during summer months.
Based on 48 reviewsCamper Quotes
"You can't beat the views!" - Brianna S. "Mama moose & baby moose made a showing!" - Lacey S. "Bathroom was clean. Close to trail head. Stars were unbelievable!" - Kristine B.
Based on 48 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 1 is noted for its lakefront location but has high traffic. Site 2 is described as spacious and ideal for solar panels. Site 9 is near bathrooms but offers good space. "Site 1 took a couple of...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Users did not explicitly mention accessibility features beyond the cleanliness of vault toilets. Some terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Based on 48 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no negative experiences regarding pets were detailed in reviews. One reviewer mentioned, "Dogs that wandered from campsite to campsite" as a minor issue.
Based on 48 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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