About CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND
Overview Clearwater Campground is located along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, about 32 miles west of Cody, in northwestern Wyoming. It is 20 miles east of the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and viewing local wildlife.Recreation Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. The North Fork of the Shoshone River is a popular fly-fishing location for rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout.Facilities The campground offers one group camping area, which provides private parking, three large picnic tables, two food storage lockers and campfire circle. Additionally, 11 single-family campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and food storage locker. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided, but drinking water is not available. Campers may gather firewood from the area. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of the North Fork of the Shoshone River and has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Douglas fir and large juniper trees cover the campground, which sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet. A wide variety of wildlife lives in the area. Visitors often glimpse grizzly bears, deer, elk, bison, moose, fox, coyotes and bald eagles. Nearby Attractions Pahaska Tepee, west of the campground, is home to Buffalo Bill's original hunting lodge, built in 1904. Tours are offered daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Pahaska also offers guided horseback rides, a gift shop, restaurant and lodging. Yellowstone National Park's east entrance is 25 miles from the campground via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. The park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as breathtaking scenery and unique geological features. The small, historic city of Cody offers a variety of dining, lodging and
How to Get There
From Cody, Wyo., follow Sheridan Avenue west through Cody until the road leaves town, and becomes the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). The campground is 32 miles west of Cody, on the south side of the highway and next to the river.
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.
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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.
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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 CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND
Heading to CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND? 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 CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233292) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND?
From Cody, Wyo., follow Sheridan Avenue west through Cody until the road leaves town, and becomes the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20). The campground is 32 miles west of Cody, on the south side of the highway and next to the river.
How do I contact CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 307-527-6921 - THIS NUMBER IS NOT FOR RESERVATIONS. FOR RESERVATION OR INQUIRIES ABOUT RESERVATION STATUS, GO TO RECREATION.GOV 1-877-444-6777.
References & Official Resources
