Backcountry
Approximately 58% of the Shoshone National Forest's 2.4 million acres are in Congressional-designated Wilderness. Home to five wilderness area in three different ranges, the North Absaroka, North Absaroka/Beartooth, Washakie, Popo Agie and the Fitzpatrick, the Shoshone National Forest has limitless backcountry opportunities. more info
Backcountry Listings: (add your listing)
Wyoming Wilderness Outfitters
Horse pack trips and hunting in the rugged and scenic Wyoming Backcountry. Experience trout fishing, wild game viewing and campfire tales with real Wyoming cowboys.
(307) 754-4320
Backcountry camping can be one of the most rewarding adventures our part of the country
has to offer. In order to preserve these pristine lands for future generations, it is important to respect some basic
guidelines:
Dispersed Camping (camping in areas other than developed campgrounds) is allowed on the Shoshone National Forest.
The following rules apply:
- Campsites must be 200 feet from trails, lakes, or wet meadows and 100 feet from streams or creeks.
- There is a 16 consecutive day stay limit. Any new location must be at least five miles from previous location.
- Group size is limited to 15 persons with a limit of 15 head of saddle and/or pack animals.
- Grizzly Bear Food Storage Regulations must be followed when in designated grizzly bear use areas. In general all odorous items (including food, toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, pet foods, beverages, refuse) must be stored at night and during the day when unattended in one or several of the following ways:
1) suspended 10 feet at all points from the ground and 4 feet away from any supporting tree or pole
2) stored in a locked bear-resistant (Forest Service approved) container. Coolers are NOT bear resistant.
3)stored out of sight in a closed, hard sided vehicle.
- Dispersed camping or campfires are not allowed in the area commonly known as the North Fork Canyon and includes the area 1/2 mile on either side of the center line of U.S. Highway 14-16-20 between the National Forest boundary and the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Within this special recreation corridor all camping and campfires must be within developed recreation sites.
- Some areas on Forest are closed and signed as such to dispersed camping due to grizzly bear activity or resource protection. Be alert to signage.
- Check with the local ranger district office in the area you plan to be for any seasonal campfire restrictions that may apply.
Other Basic Guidelines:
- Follow local regulations.
- Set up cooking, eating, and supply area at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
- Select food in individually sealed packages. Plan meals carefully to prevent leftovers. Store animal food, feed and garbage the same as food. Never bury it. Pack it out.
- Strain food particles from dish water using a fine mesh screen and store with garbage. Dump dishwater at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. Food odors may attract bears.
- Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, food odors or beverages at all times.
- Store personal items (such as deodorants, toothpaste, make-up, soap, and lotions) with food and garbage when not in use. Any odorous product may attract bears.
- Camp in open areas away from trails, thick brush, berry patches spawning streams or carcasses. Sleep in a tent for increased safety.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cooking, eating, or handling fish or game. Minimize odors.
- Change your clothes before going to bed - do not sleep in the same clothes you cook in.
Wapiti, Greybull & Clarks Fork Ranger Districts
203 A Yellowstone
Cody, WY 82414
307-527-6921
- content from US Forest Service
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