About SHELL CREEK
Overview Shell Creek Campground is located just off the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14) at an elevation of 7,500 feet. The 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.comRecreation Scenic off-road driving is available on Battle Creek Road to Medicine Lodge Lake, Ranger Creek Road to Shell Reservoir, Hunt Mountain Road and the Burgess Overlook jeep trail. Diverse hiking opportunities vary from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks including access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Adelaide Trail, for hiking and horseback riding is nearby, providing access to Shell Creek and the Shell Creek Trail. Many creeks, lakes and ponds dot the region, offering some of the best trout fly-fishing in the state.Facilities The campground offers single-family sites, most of which are accessible, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. The nearest dump station is 19 miles away at Burgess Junction. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of Shell Creek in the Bighorn Mountains, where craggy granite peaks rise over 13,000 feet above sea level. The area is forested with a mix of fir, aspen and cottonwood trees. An abundance of wildlife lives in the area. Nearby Attractions Shell Falls Visitor Center, at the overlook of Shell Falls, is about 6 miles west. This center offers interpretive trails, scenic views, and educational displays about natural features such as flora and fauna and area history. Elk View Inn and other nearby lodges offer fishing adventures and off-road vehicle rentals and fishing supplies, as well as dining options, showers and general stores.The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, near the town of Shell, is the largest of its kind in the
How to Get There
Located 32 miles east of Greybull, Wyoming, on U.S. Highway 14. Turn off onto Paintrock Lakes Road (Forest Road 17). Shell Creek Campground is 1.5 miles from the turnoff.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SHELL CREEK
Heading to SHELL CREEK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SHELL CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for SHELL CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233918) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SHELL CREEK?
Located 32 miles east of Greybull, Wyoming, on U.S. Highway 14. Turn off onto Paintrock Lakes Road (Forest Road 17). Shell Creek Campground is 1.5 miles from the turnoff.
How do I contact SHELL CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-587-9054 or email: support@rusticfreedom.com.
References & Official Resources