Hunter Campground
Powder River Ranger District, 1415 Fort Street
Hunter Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fee is $22 per night during the peak season from June 1 to September 30, 2025. Additional reservation service fees may apply and vary...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider307-684-7806
About this campground
Perched at 7,800 feet in Wyoming's majestic Bighorn Mountains, Hunter Campground welcomes both equestrian adventurers and traditional campers to a gateway of wilderness exploration. Originally designed with horse enthusiasts in mind, this Johnson County gem serves as your basecamp for discovering the pristine Cloud Peak Wilderness and the secluded Rock Creek Recommended Wilderness Area. Miles of trails beckon from your tent flap, promising encounters with untamed mountain beauty that few places can match.
Hunter Campground is designed primarily for equestrian and primitive camping. It features non-electric equestrian sites, livestock corrals, and is accessible to all campers.
Historical SignificanceLong before modern campers pitched their tents here, these sacred mountains offered sanctuary to those seeking something greater than themselves. Native American peoples found spiritual renewal among these peaks, while later generations of homesteaders and explorers discovered the same transformative power in this landscape. Today, Hunter Campground continues this legacy of solitude and connection, where the whispers of history blend with the wind through ancient pines.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Hunter Campground into an outdoor paradise, where warm days invite endless exploration—but don't let the sunshine fool you. At this elevation, mountain weather writes its own rules. One moment you're basking in perfect camping conditions; the next, winds whip through the pines and snow might dust your tent, even in July. Winter arrives with a hushed intensity, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and a delicate frosting of snow that turns the landscape into a crystalline wonderland few are brave enough to witness.
ElevationAt 7,800 feet, you're camping closer to the clouds than the prairie below. This lofty perch brings rewards and responsibilities—spectacular views and crisp mountain air come paired with nature's unpredictability. The thin air might leave lowlanders breathless at first, but it's a small price for front-row seats to some of Wyoming's most dramatic weather shows and star-filled nights that seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of lodgepole pines, their slender trunks creating natural columns that frame your mountain sanctuary. Step beyond your campsite and discover alpine meadows painted with summer wildflowers, their vibrant blooms attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Crystal-clear mountain lakes mirror the sky, tucked into valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Keep your camera ready—moose browse through morning mists while elk bugle across distant ridges, reminding you that you're merely a guest in their mountain kingdom.
Geological RegionThe Bighorn Mountains rise like an island of stone from northern Wyoming's plains, and Hunter Campground sits near the heart of this geological masterpiece. Ancient glaciers sculpted these peaks and valleys with patient artistry, leaving behind a landscape that shifts from dense lodgepole forests to open alpine meadows in the span of a short hike. Each valley tells a story written in stone and ice, creating a diverse tapestry of ecosystems that makes every trail a journey through millions of years of Earth's history.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is fully ADA accessible, including ramps for horse mounting, making it friendly for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeEach spur is 65 feet long by 20 feet wide, with a 20x20 ft hardened use pad.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details were not provided in user reviews or authoritative sources.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 005 is recommended for views and proximity to trails. Sites 007 and 009 are well-suited for larger trailers.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites praised in reviews include 002, 004, 007, and 009 for good livestock pens and beautiful views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at noon local time.
Check-out
Check-out by noon local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 11 sites spread across a single loop, with two sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityTwo campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis outside of the nine reservable sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the date of arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations will incur an additional fee equivalent to the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hunter Campground offers a variety of activities suited for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground connects to numerous hiking and equestrian trails, including access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness and Rock Creek Recommended Wilderness Area. Fishing is available at the nearby Tie Hack Reservoir, which is a 15-minute drive from the campground.
Hiking
Numerous trails are accessible from the Hunter Trailhead, including options for both hiking and equestrian use. User reviews highlight trail diversity, with one mentioning, 'Good variety of trails for inexperienced and advanced riders.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are located at Tie Hack Reservoir, 15 minutes southeast of the campground, where anglers can fish for rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include moose, elk, antelope, and deer. A reviewer noted, 'The view from campsite is amazing! We spotted numerous Moose.'Winter Activities
Snow and cold conditions were reported in a review dated September 20, 2022. Winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not detailed.Water Sports
Apart from fishing and canoeing at Tie Hack Reservoir, no other water sports are noted.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Firewood must be sourced locally to avoid spreading invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsRisks include sudden weather changes, wildlife encounters (moose and elk), and rugged terrain requiring sturdy footwear.
Weather forecast
18
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Buffalo, Wyoming, which includes hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not detailed in the campground description or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresA river runs behind the campground, and Tie Hack Reservoir is a short drive away, offering fishing and canoeing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include perceived favoritism towards equestrian campers by the camp hosts, cleanliness issues with poop bins, and challenges regarding non-equestrian users' access.
HostHosts Stan and Libby are frequently praised for their exceptional service, trail guidance, and maintaining cleanliness within the campground.
Campground Map
Powder River Ranger District, 1415 Fort Street
Driving directionsFrom Buffalo, travel west on Highway 16 for 13 miles. Turn off Highway 16 west onto Forest Road 19, where you will travel approximately 2 miles to the campground.
Easily accessible gravel road offering views of wildlife, mountain streams, and abundant wildflowers. The drive is a winding route traveling two miles west of U.S. Highway 16 on Forest Road 19.Nearby places
Buffalo: 13 miles (~15 minutes drive)
Tie Hack Reservoir: ~15 minutes drive southeast.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are found in Buffalo, Wyoming (13 miles away), including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.5
34 reviews
Hunter Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Hunter Campground are predominantly positive, highlighting the beauty of the landscape, cleanliness of facilities, and helpfulness of the camp hosts. However, there are reports of mixed treatment of non-equestrian campers, some maintenance issues, and occasional noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic views with abundant wildlife.
- 'Bathrooms are squeaky clean.'
- 'Camp hosts Stan and Libby are wonderful.'
- 'Great corrals and nice campsites.'
- 'Well-maintained and organized facilities.'
Based on 34 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Some non-equestrian campers reported being treated less favorably by the hosts.
- Maintenance issues such as unclean poop bins and boggy conditions after heavy rain.
- Noise from nearby gunfire was...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- One reviewer suggested visiting '7 Brothers,' which is a recommended trail.
- Another camper advised ensuring horses have shoes due to rocky trails.
Based on 34 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to favorable weather and trail accessibility. Snow and colder conditions were noted in late September, making camping less ideal during this period.
Based on 34 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Absolutely WONDERFUL!!! Bathrooms are squeaky clean, incredible views.'
- 'It snowed on Sept 20, 2022, and it was cold that day.'
- 'Beautiful campsite, but the hosts were rude to non-equestrian...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 002: One user reported issues with a vehicle and trailer parked in their reserved spot.
- Site 005: Gunfire noise reported at night.
- Site 007: Maintenance issues with poop bins and boggy...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Positive feedback on ADA accessibility, particularly the horse-mounting ramp.
Based on 34 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
A complaint was raised about incessantly barking dogs at one site. Otherwise, no significant pet-related reviews.
Based on 34 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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