Fishing enthusiasts will find South Fork Campground positioned along a clear creek that flows through this 14-site Forest Service facility in the Bighorn National Forest. Located about 25 miles west of Buffalo on Highway 16, the campground sits at higher elevation where Ponderosa pines provide substantial shade over gravel site pads. The access road requires a quarter-mile drive on gravel, and several reviewers note the route can become rough during wet conditions.
The campground follows a single-loop design with sites distributed on both sides of the road. A metal footbridge crosses the creek to reach five walk-in tent sites that occupy their own secluded area with a dedicated vault toilet. "Over the bridge there are a group of beautiful tent sites," observes Art S.. The sound of flowing water carries throughout the campground, and campers consistently report the creek's presence creates a notably quiet atmosphere despite proximity to the highway.
A 1.5-mile hiking trail connects directly from the tent area to Tie Hack Reservoir, offering easy access for fishing and wildlife viewing. The trailhead for Circle Park lies one mile down the road, providing entry to the Cloud Peak Wilderness via three miles of forest roads. Multi-use trails also depart from the campground's front entrance. Sites accommodate RVs up to 65 feet, though the heavy tree canopy limits solar panel effectiveness.
The campground operates from late May through mid-September with reservations available through Recreation.gov. A camp host maintains the facility and sells firewood on-site. Hand pumps provide drinking water at multiple locations, and vault toilets receive high marks for cleanliness from recent visitors. Cell service remains unavailable, requiring trips to Buffalo for connectivity. Sites fill quickly during peak season, making advance reservations essential for weekend stays.
Description
Overview
South Fork Campground is located 15 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming on the east side of scenic Cloud Peak Skyway, near the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. The surrounding Bighorn National Forest offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving and a number of historic sites. The administering organization is Rustic Freedom / Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: support@rusticfreedom.com
Recreation
Tie Hack Reservoir is nearby, offering a great location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout in the lake. The Circle Park Trailhead is 3 miles from the campground. This beautiful trail accesses numerous alpine lakes and two 12,000' peaks within the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Many additional hiking trails are available in the area. Scenic off-road driving is available at nearby Elgin Park, Pole Creek and Crazy Woman Canyon Roads. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on these roads as well.
Facilities
This fully accessible campground offers single-family sites each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of South Fork Clear Creek at an elevation of 7,800 feet. A dense forest of lodgepole pine covers the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (307) 431-7446.
Nearby Attractions
South Fork Lodge is located across the highway from the campground, offering dining options, lodging, guided horseback riding, a fishing pond and a small store with fishing and camping supplies.
Charges & Cancellations
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fee Info
Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site. The first vehicle is included in the basic fee; the second vehicle will be charged an extra $10.00/day fee at the campground. Firewood bundles may be purchased from the campground host.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouth Fork (wyoming) is located in Wyoming
Directions
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 16 west for 15 miles to Forest Service Road 337. Follow Forest Service Road 337 east for .25 miles to the campground.
Address
US Highway 16
Buffalo, WY 82834
Coordinates
44.28 N
106.9452778 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 47 min from Casper, WY
- 2 hrs 37 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 15 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 26 min from Bozeman, MT



























