Little Sunlight Camping Area
03 reviewsLittle Sunlight Camping Area
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
The fee for a single campsite is $10 per night. A 50% discount applies to Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders for one campsite only. Payment is by cash or check.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the wilderness, Little Sunlight Camping Area offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience across five intimate sites. Here, towering pines and ancient junipers form a natural cathedral overhead, their branches whispering stories of the wild. This is camping as it was meant to be—no running water, no trash service, just you and the untamed beauty of nature. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and bear-proof storage boxes, essential companions for your wilderness adventure. Perfect for seasoned campers who arrive self-sufficient and ready to disconnect from the modern world.
The Little Sunlight Camping Area is designed for dispersed camping with a focus on a natural and rustic experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this secluded spot remains untold, the ancient pines and weathered rocks hold countless stories of those who've passed through these lands over the centuries.
Weather and SeasonsLittle Sunlight transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this mountain retreat. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and crackling campfires. As summer arrives, the forest comes alive—warm days invite exploration while crisp mountain nights (dipping to 44°F even in peak season) remind you of the elevation. During the height of summer, expect glorious days reaching 76°F under predominantly clear skies, with minimal rain to interrupt your outdoor adventures. The shoulder seasons paint the landscape in dramatic transitions, from spring's awakening to autumn's golden farewell.
ElevationNestled high in the mountain wilderness, Little Sunlight sits at an elevation where the air grows thin and the stars shine brilliantly close.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where fragrant pine and juniper create a verdant canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The rugged grandeur of Shoshone National Forest surrounds you in every direction, offering a landscape carved by time and weather into dramatic peaks and hidden valleys. Morning mist often clings to the trees, while evenings bring alpenglow to distant ridges. This is raw, unfiltered wilderness—where the only sounds are wind through branches, birdsong at dawn, and perhaps the distant bugle of an elk echoing through the valleys.
Geological RegionLittle Sunlight Camping Area rests within the magnificent tapestry of Shoshone National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic mountainous landscape. Millions of years of uplift and erosion have created this rugged paradise, where resilient pines and junipers sink their roots into rocky soils. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell the story of ice ages past, volcanic activity, and the patient work of wind and water that continues to shape this spectacular corner of the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeNo specific details on site sizes are provided beyond there being five campsites.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite is described as being nestled under a canopy of pine and juniper, which may contribute to a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific recommendations for site selection are provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted as the best in the source material.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has five dispersed sites, each equipped with picnic tables and bear boxes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round unless made inaccessible by snow or ice.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground, indicating it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available.
Cancellation PolicyThe source material does not provide specific information about cancellation rules or penalties.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Little Sunlight Camping Area offers a variety of outdoor activities that align with its rustic and natural setting. Activities include hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding.
Hiking
"Hiking" and "backpacking" are mentioned as recreational activities available at the site. The nearby trailhead also has parking for horse trailers, indicating access to trails.Wildlife viewing
"Viewing Wildlife" is listed as an activity, suggesting opportunities to observe local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the campground remains open as long as it is accessible during snow and ice.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable as the site does not have water access.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No Forest Service fire rings are provided, and fire policies are not explicitly detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife due to the food storage requirement, as well as challenges posed by the lack of potable water and garbage services. Winter weather conditions may also make the site inaccessible.
Active alertsThe campground is indicated as "closed" at the time of specific inquiry, potentially due to winter conditions.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services closest to this campground would likely be in Cody, Wyoming. Specific details about hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe materials do not explicitly define peak seasons, but weather data suggests summer as the most favorable time.
Trash and recyclingGarbage pickup is explicitly noted as unavailable.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water bodies, such as lakes or rivers, are mentioned near the campground.
Common complaintsNo specific recurring complaints are noted. However, the lack of potable water, fire rings, and garbage pickup could be inconvenient for some campers.
HostThere is no information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and proceed about 7 miles to Forest Road 101. Turn left onto Forest Road 101 about 9 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessed via State Highway 296 and then onto an unpaved Forest Road (FR 101) for 9 miles. While the directions are straightforward, the unpaved road may pose challenges, particularly during inclement weather or winter months when snow and ice could make the route inaccessible.Nearby places
Cody (approximately 23 miles, or a drive of about 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely in Cody, Wyoming. Specific distances or stores are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Little Sunlight Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s natural beauty and rustic charm, with mentions of its scenic location and peaceful environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the 'gorgeous vale' and the 'canopy of pine and juniper,' describing the site as a 'beautiful, secret little campground.'
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are provided in the user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips are explicitly mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal review trends are mentioned, though one user noted camping there for nearly 30 years, implying year-round appeal.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This was such a beautiful, secret little camp ground nestled in a gorgeous vale." - Austin Petak. "Beautiful! A long drive back especially towing a camper but totally worth it!" - Haley Rhoden
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available beyond the general praise for the campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is noted as a limitation in the official description, and no user reviews address this feature.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not mentioned in the official description or user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025