About ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND
Overview Island Park Campground is located in pine and spruce forest on West Tensleep Creek near West Tensleep Lake and the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Located 21 miles northeast of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, and 55 east of Worland, Wyoming, on US Hwy 16 this campground is nestled in the Bighorn National Forest offering 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 Meadowlark Lake is seven miles distant and allows motorized craft with a no-wake rule. West Tensleep Lake is a scenic, 125-acre lake open to non-motorized craft only, making it a perfect location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow, brown and brook trout in the cool waters of the lake. Off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, hiking and horseback riding trails and many fishing streams are available in the surrounding area.Facilities The campground offers single-family sites each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump and trash collection are provided. The nearest dump station is 17 miles away on Powder River Pass.Natural Features West Tensleep Creek is adjacent to the campground and West Tensleep Lake is four miles away, along with other lakes and creeks. Hiking trails into the Cloud Peak Wilderness start about five miles from the campground. A forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir and spruce trees covers the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (307) 431-7446. Nearby Attractions The High Park Lookout is located just east of Meadowlark Lake. This old fire lookout was built by the CCC decades ago and is no longer active. A short hike leads to the lookout, where hikers are awarded panoramic views of the Cloud Peak Wilderness and the surrounding area. Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lodge are nearby, offering dining, lodging, gu
How to Get There
Drive 21 miles northeast of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, on US Highway 16; then go 3 miles north on FSR 27. From Buffalo, Wyoming, travel west 42 miles on US Hwy 16 to FSR 27 (at Deer Haven Lodge), turn right onto FSR 27 and go 3 miles north to 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).
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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.
- 🧴
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 ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND
Heading to ISLAND PARK 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 ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250042) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND?
Drive 21 miles northeast of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, on US Highway 16; then go 3 miles north on FSR 27. From Buffalo, Wyoming, travel west 42 miles on US Hwy 16 to FSR 27 (at Deer Haven Lodge), turn right onto FSR 27 and go 3 miles north to campground.
How do I contact ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-587-9054 or email: support@rusticfreedom.com.
References & Official Resources
