Tincup Campground

Star3.86
6 reviews
Tincup Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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

This campground is free of charge.
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About this campground

Nestled along the babbling waters of Tincup Creek, this hidden gem south of Alpine, Wyoming offers adventurers a true back-to-basics camping experience. With just five intimate sites tucked beneath a canopy of towering evergreens, Tincup Campground provides a peaceful retreat where the only soundtrack is nature's symphony. This free, primitive campground has earned a devoted following among those seeking solitude and simplicity—perfect for travelers looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness on a quick overnight escape.
Tincup Campground offers primitive camping. User reviews confirm the presence of three spots for medium-sized rigs and two tent sites.
Weather and SeasonsTincup transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this mountain hideaway. Winter blankets the campground in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid adventurers. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens with wildflowers and warm sunshine filtering through the pine boughs. Late May through September offers the sweet spot for camping, with comfortable temperatures, minimal precipitation, and long days perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryThe gentle murmur of Tincup Creek serves as nature's lullaby at this enchanting campground, where crystal-clear mountain water dances over smooth stones just steps from your tent. A protective embrace of mature conifers creates natural privacy between sites while painting the ground with dappled shadows throughout the day. This forested sanctuary offers cool shade during summer afternoons and serves as a natural windbreak, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionTucked within the vast expanse of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Tincup Campground sits in a pristine pocket of Wyoming's mountainous terrain. This forested enclave along Tincup Creek represents the classic character of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's fringe areas—where dense coniferous forests meet mountain streams, creating ideal habitat for wildlife and offering visitors a authentic slice of the American West's untamed beauty.

Campsite details

Sites SizeThe campground has 5 single units, with reviews noting space for 3 medium-sized rigs and two tent sites.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider bringing insect repellent due to biting mosquitoes and flies. Users recommend using the site for quick stops rather than extended stays due to minimal amenities.
Best CampsitesSite 3 and 5 received mentions in user reviews, but with mixed experiences regarding cleanliness.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Limits are not mentioned in source data.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits are unspecified.
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 5 sites, including space for medium-sized rigs and tent camping. User reviews indicate limited privacy and close proximity between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground open in May. No closure months were specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservation required; free and on a first-come-first-served basis.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is primarily used for fishing, hunting, and as a stop for campers. "Fun little creek campground" describes one review. Fishing in the nearby creek is a popular activity.
Fishing
Fishing in Tincup Creek is a known recreation opportunity at this primitive site.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include biting flies and mosquitoes, as noted by user reviews, and the risk associated with risky water from the creek.

Weather forecast

74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 38%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 1.4 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Overcast
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Good to know

Trash and recyclingUser reviews indicate that trash left behind is a recurring problem. Broken tents and glass were particularly noted at specific sites.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Tincup Creek.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention accumulated trash left by previous campers (e.g., broken tent at site 5 and broken glass at site 3) and free-roaming dogs that may create disturbances. Inadequate maintenance and lack of facilities were noted.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Alpine, WY, head southwest on US-89 S for 12.8 miles. Turn right at WY-239 W for 1.6 miles. Turn right at County Line Rd/State Line Rd and go 0.9 miles. Turn left at ID-34 W for 3.1 miles and your destination will be on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but there is no detailed mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in the provided source materials.

Camper Reviews

3.9
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Tincup Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Tincup Campground is described as a primitive and free camping site with no amenities. Campers note the lack of maintenance and restroom facilities as significant drawbacks. "It's free, but not kept up," one review explains.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Free camping near a creek with picnic tables and fire pits. "Nice place for a pit stop," says one reviewer. Other users mention the quietness and peacefulness despite minimal amenities.
Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of restroom facilities, trash left behind by previous campers, and poor maintenance are recurring complaints. "There was trash left behind. Someone left their broken tent," another user...
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Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, mosquito repellent, and be prepared for primitive conditions. "Bring bug spray - lots of biting flies and mosquitoes," advises one user.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as a peaceful place in the fall, primarily used as a hunting camp during that season. Some reviews mention it being used heavily for hunting and by local workers at other...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It's not much, but it's free!" "Nice place for a pit stop." "Bring bug spray - lots of biting flies and mosquitoes."
Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 had a broken tent left behind, while site 3 had broken glass, noted as an issue in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets appear to be allowed, as workers' dogs were noted to run freely around the site.
Based on 6 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Tincup Campground