About OWEN CREEK
Overview Owen Creek Campground is located along the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14) near the Burgess Overlook and Woodrock areas at an elevation of 8,400 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 Off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available in the surrounding area. Diverse hikes vary from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks; many trails access the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Nearby Sibley Lake is open to non-motorized craft and offers an accessible fishing dock on the shoreline. Anglers fish for rainbow, brown and brook trout.Facilities The campground offers single-family sites each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of Owen 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 pine and aspen trees. An abundance of wildlife lives in the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (307) 431-7446. Nearby Attractions Shell Falls Visitor Center, at the overlook of Shell Falls, is about 22 miles southwest. This center offers interpretive trails, scenic views, and educational displays about natural features such as flora and fauna and area history. Bear Lodge, Elk View Inn and other nearby lodges provide guided horseback riding and fishing adventures, 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 state and one of only a few in the world from the Middle Jurassic Period. The tracks found h
How to Get There
From Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 27 miles on U.S. Highway 14 west, turn left (south) at Burgess Junction and continue on Hwy 14 for 5 miles until you reach Forest Road 236. Take a right on Forest Road 236 and continue about .2 miles to the campground.
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).
- 👖
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.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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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 OWEN CREEK
Heading to OWEN 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 OWEN CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for OWEN CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233926) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OWEN CREEK?
From Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 27 miles on U.S. Highway 14 west, turn left (south) at Burgess Junction and continue on Hwy 14 for 5 miles until you reach Forest Road 236. Take a right on Forest Road 236 and continue about .2 miles to the campground.
How do I contact OWEN CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-587-9054 or email: support@rusticfreedom.com.
References & Official Resources
