Lily Lake Campground: A High-Altitude Escape in Wyoming

Lily Lake Campground Introduce

For those who call Wyoming home, the call of the wild is a constant presence. With vast landscapes and a commitment to preserving its natural splendor, the Cowboy State offers an unmatched sense of freedom and adventure. Nestled within the Shoshone National Forest, Lily Lake Campground near Cody is a testament to this spirit. This isn't a bustling resort with a swimming pool and gift shop; it's a genuine, rustic camping experience that connects you directly with the rugged beauty of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. For Wyoming locals seeking a peaceful and authentic escape, Lily Lake Campground offers a perfect high-altitude retreat where the quiet is broken only by the sounds of nature.

Lily Lake Campground is designed for the self-sufficient camper who values privacy and a deep connection to the outdoors. The area is known for its dispersed camping sites, which means you're not packed in shoulder-to-shoulder with other campers. Instead, the sites are spread out, providing a sense of seclusion and allowing you to truly feel as if you have the wilderness all to yourself. This level of privacy is a significant highlight for many visitors, offering a tranquil alternative to more crowded campgrounds. It's a place where you can set up your camp, build a campfire, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains without interruption. The high elevation of around 6,900 feet provides not only cooler temperatures but also a breathtaking perspective of the landscape, making the sunrise over the lake and the stars at night particularly spectacular.

The location of Lily Lake Campground is a key part of its appeal. It is situated on Forest Road 130, just outside of Cody, WY 82414. This places it within the Shoshone National Forest, a vast and wild area that offers endless opportunities for exploration. The campground's proximity to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness means it serves as an ideal basecamp for more serious adventures, including backpacking and long-distance hiking. The road leading to the campground can be a bit rugged, so drivers should be prepared for a gravel surface that may be washboarded. This remote setting is a feature, not a bug, for those who want to truly get away from it all. The remoteness also means that visitors should be prepared for grizzly bear country, requiring careful food storage practices to ensure a safe and respectful stay for both humans and wildlife.

While Lily Lake Campground offers a primitive experience, it does provide a few key amenities that enhance the stay. One notable service is the availability of running water, which is a significant convenience for drinking and cooking. This feature, not always a guarantee at more rustic sites, can make a big difference in the comfort and ease of a camping trip. The presence of vault toilets is another practical amenity, providing a clean and essential facility for campers. A camping fee is required, which helps maintain the campground and its services. Additionally, the campground provides shared bear boxes and picnic tables, which are crucial for safe food storage and for enjoying meals outdoors. There are also a few primitive boat ramps, accommodating both motorized and non-motorized crafts, allowing for easy access to Lily Lake itself for fishing and boating.

Services offered at Lily Lake Campground are designed to support a rustic yet comfortable experience:

Running Water: A valuable and convenient amenity for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Camping Fee: A required fee for camping, which contributes to the upkeep of the site.
Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available for camper use.
Shared Bear Boxes: Crucial for secure food storage in grizzly bear country.
Primitive Boat Ramp: Allows for easy launching of boats onto Lily Lake for fishing and other water activities.

Features and Highlights that make Lily Lake Campground a standout choice for Wyoming adventurers:

Dispersed Campsites: The spacious layout provides a rare sense of privacy and seclusion.
Breathtaking Scenery: Located at 6,900 feet, the campground offers stunning views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and a beautiful lake setting.
Abundant Recreational Activities: A perfect base for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Trout fishing in Lily Lake is a popular pastime.
Primitive and Authentic Feel: It's a place to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, away from the crowds and modern conveniences.
Wildlife Viewing: The remote location provides excellent opportunities to see local wildlife, including cattle from nearby farms that sometimes visit the area.

For those planning a trip, Lily Lake Campground is located at Forest Rd 130, Cody, WY 82414, USA. As this is a dispersed, first-come, first-served campground, reservations are not accepted, and it’s best to arrive with a backup plan during peak season. Due to the remote location, cell service is nonexistent, so it is vital to have directions downloaded or a physical map on hand. Contact information for general inquiries would be through the Shoshone National Forest's North Zone Ranger District, as there is no specific phone number for the campground itself.

So, what makes Lily Lake Campground truly worth choosing? For locals who understand the grandeur of Wyoming's wilderness, this campground is a perfect representation of the state's wild heart. It’s for the camper who seeks solitude, who wants to be surrounded by magnificent mountains, and who finds peace in the simplicity of a rustic setting. The availability of running water and vault toilets provides a welcome touch of convenience, but the true value lies in the pristine environment and the sense of freedom it offers. Whether you’re a fisherman looking for a quiet morning on the lake, a hiker seeking to explore the vast trails of the Shoshone National Forest, or simply a person in search of a starry night sky, Lily Lake provides an authentic and unforgettable experience. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with the raw, untamed beauty that makes Wyoming such a special place to live.