RV & camping guide

Bighorn Mountains by RV

50 min from SHRCamping score 9/10

Trip snapshot

Arrival airport
SHR
Airport drive
50 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–5 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
Reliable brakes are essential for mountain passes; check rental terms for operation on steep, winding grades.

Your route

SHR

Sheridan County Airport

Bighorn Mountains

About 50 min · 36 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.

Vehicle & road notes

Which vehicle

Reliable brakes are essential for mountain passes; check rental terms for operation on steep, winding grades.

parking

Trailhead Demand

West Tensleep Trailhead often reaches capacity during July weekends due to wilderness access. Arrive before mid-morning to secure a spot for day hikes.

signal

High Country Dead Zones

Expect total loss of signal on Highway 14 and Highway 16 between gateway cities. Satellite messengers are recommended for backcountry travelers.

fuel

Last Chance Supplies

Fuel is generally unavailable between Sheridan/Buffalo and the mountain interior. Top off tanks before beginning the ascent.

Campground reservations

Seasonal Forest Road and Historic Site Access

Most campgrounds and historic sites like the Medicine Wheel are seasonal and require official status checks. While general forest access is open, specific developed sites and group areas may require booking via the national reservation system; always verify current fire restrictions.

Official source

2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan

Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.

Prefer a car and campground trip?

3 · Where to park the rig near Bighorn Mountains

Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.

Your route

  1. Day 1 · Alpine Heights and Ancient Landmarks

    Steamboat Point → Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark

  2. Day 2 · Canyon Falls and Glacial Lakes

    Shell Falls → Sibley Lake

  3. Day 3 · Cloud Peak Skyway and High Passes

    Powder River Pass → Tensleep Canyon

Viator

Tours & experiences near Bighorn Mountains

Explore guided activities around Bighorn Mountains. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Bighorn Mountains

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Quick answers

Can I take an RV to Bighorn Mountains?

Yes, Bighorn Mountains is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.

Where do I pick up an RV for Bighorn Mountains?

The nearest airport is Sheridan County Airport (SHR), about 50 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.

Do campgrounds near Bighorn Mountains need reservations?

Most campgrounds and historic sites like the Medicine Wheel are seasonal and require official status checks. While general forest access is open, specific developed sites and group areas may require booking via the national reservation system; always verify current fire restrictions.

Full guideStays, day-by-day plan and route map for Bighorn Mountains