Big Game Campground
4.2232 reviews203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, 82414, USA
Big Game Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Peak season rates for standard nonelectric campsites are $15 per night. Discounts may apply for interagency pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, Big Game Campground serves as your gateway to adventure, positioned perfectly between the Old West charm of Cody (29 miles east) and the natural wonders of Yellowstone's east entrance (23 miles west). Each thoughtfully designed single-family campsite comes complete with sturdy tables and traditional campfire rings, setting the stage for memorable evenings under Wyoming's star-filled skies. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or quietly observing the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, Big Game offers an authentic Rocky Mountain camping experience.
Big Game Campground offers rustic camping options suitable for tents and RVs. Sites are non-electric and cater to dry camping enthusiasts.
Historical SignificanceJust west of the campground stands Pahaska Tepee, Buffalo Bill Cody's legendary hunting lodge that whispers tales of the American frontier. This historic treasure welcomes modern visitors with guided tours that bring the Wild West to life, alongside a well-stocked gift shop and an authentic restaurant serving hearty mountain fare. The proximity to Yellowstone National Park adds another layer of significance, placing campers at the doorstep of America's first national park, where geothermal wonders bubble and steam while iconic wildlife roams freely across an ancient volcanic landscape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives like a gentle friend in this high-country paradise, bringing predominantly clear blue skies and mild temperatures that make for perfect camping conditions. While afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through the valley, they typically pass quickly, leaving behind that distinctive fresh mountain air. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing and snow blankets the surrounding peaks, creating a dramatically different but equally stunning environment for the hardy cold-weather adventurer.
ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, Big Game Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat, where crisp mountain air invigorates the senses. This elevated position creates naturally cooler temperatures that make for comfortable sleeping on even the warmest nights. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should take it easy for the first day or two, allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinner air that characterizes this spectacular high-altitude environment.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests gracefully in a picturesque river valley, where ancient cottonwoods spread their broad canopies overhead and fragrant junipers dot the landscape with their distinctive blue-green hues. The melodious North Fork Shoshone River flows alongside the camping area, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and excellent fishing opportunities. This diverse ecosystem attracts an impressive array of wildlife – from majestic grizzly bears and graceful deer to towering moose and soaring bald eagles – transforming every day into a potential National Geographic moment.
Geological RegionBig Game Campground occupies a stunning river valley in northwestern Wyoming's legendary Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway corridor, where the dramatic geology tells a story millions of years in the making. At 6,000 feet elevation, the campground is cradled by ancient rock formations and embraced by groves of cottonwood and juniper trees that have adapted to this unique high-altitude environment. The North Fork Shoshone River serves as the valley's lifeblood, carving its path through the landscape and creating the fertile riparian habitat that makes this area such a wildlife magnet.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious in some reviews, but the grassy areas may be overgrown during wetter seasons.
Sites PrivacySites offer a reasonable level of privacy due to spacing and partial vegetation coverage.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 9 is noted in user reviews as having limited shade; site 5 is frequently mentioned for positive experiences.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 16 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site not explicitly provided.
Groups
No mention of designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIndividual campsites are spaced for privacy; some are noted as overgrown or lacking shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23, 2025, to September 1, 2025 (reservable dates).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve is available. User reviews often mention the campground hosts and availability patterns.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations made after midnight 1 calendar day before check-in. No refunds offered for no-shows.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Game Campground features opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving. Located along the North Fork Shoshone River, fly-fishing for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout is a popular activity.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the area, but there are no specific trails mentioned within the campground.Fishing
The North Fork Shoshone River is a prime location for fly-fishing, offering rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout.Biking
No specific biking trails are mentioned, but biking along scenic areas nearby is implied.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, deer, elk, bison, moose, fox, coyotes, and bald eagles.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Wapiti Wayside offers interpretive information on local wildlife, especially bears.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
No mention of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood gathering is allowed on-site.
- Quiet hours are Not consistently enforced, per user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsGrizzly bears frequent the area; users must properly store all attractants. Mosquitoes are noted to be aggressive during summer months.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 15.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
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
Nearest emergency services: Cody Regional Health Medical Center (hospital, 29 miles east); Cody Police Department (29 miles east); Wapiti Ranger Station (adjacent to the campground).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 1, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but no specific mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the North Fork Shoshone River, though access points for observation or recreation are limited.
Common complaintsComplaints include inconsistent maintenance, overgrown grasses, and lack of available camp hosts in some stays. Mosquitoes and limited river access are also noted.
HostUser reviews indicate a mix of experiences with hosts. Some praise them for friendliness and cleanliness, while others report absent or unhelpful hosts.
Campground Map
203A Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY, 82414, USA
Driving directionsFrom Cody, Wyo., follow Sheridan Avenue west through Cody until the road leaves town, and becomes Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). The campground is 29 miles west of Cody, on the north side of the highway and next to the river. It is between Wapiti Campground and Horse Creek Picnic Area.
The campground is accessible via paved roads on the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. It is situated 29 miles west of Cody and 23 miles east of Yellowstone National Park's east entrance. Roads are generally in good condition, but seasonal weather patterns may affect travel.Nearby places
Cody (29 miles, approximately 40 minutes by car)
Yellowstone National Park East Entrance (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies: The town of Cody (29 miles east) offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Pahaska Tepee (23 miles west) provides a gift shop, restaurant, and basic supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.2
32 reviews
Big Game Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's scenic location and affordability while others note maintenance issues during wetter seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include spacious campsites, proximity to Yellowstone National Park, and affordable rates. Several reviewers appreciated the clean and quiet environment and the helpfulness of camp hosts.
Based on 32 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues reported include overgrown grass, lack of potable water, inconsistent presence of camp hosts, and poorly maintained vault toilets. Mosquitoes were also noted as a significant nuisance...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing potable water and being prepared for dry camping. Using nearby water sources and exploring adjacent fields for scenic walks are popular suggestions. Several users...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Maintenance issues were noted during wetter seasons, with overgrown grass and flooded walkways. Mosquitoes are prevalent in summer. Winter reviews are scarce, suggesting limited usability during...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Cheap and beautiful campsite. $10 per night, half off with an interagency pass. Max stay is 16 Days." - Natasha Shaty
2. "Not the nicest campground we have stayed at. The sites were big enough...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 005 and 006 received mixed reviews, with some users complaining about lack of maintenance. Site 009 was described as spacious but less shaded than expected.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mention experiences with pets.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025