Lower Slough Creek Campground 1

For Wyoming residents and visitors who dream of a truly immersive Yellowstone National Park experience, Lower Slough Creek Campground offers a prime opportunity. This isn't just a place to park your camper; it's a gateway to some of the park's most secluded and celebrated landscapes. Tucked away in the Lamar Valley, an area renowned for its abundant wildlife, the campground provides a perfect blend of rustic camping and breathtaking natural beauty. As one camper perfectly described it, it’s a "great location for fishermen" and a "perfect distance for a family overnight," highlighting its versatility for different types of adventurers.

Lower Slough Creek Campground appeals to those who seek a quieter, more authentic encounter with the Yellowstone wilderness. Unlike some of the park's larger, more populated campgrounds, this site offers a sense of solitude and remoteness that is highly valued by many campers. Waking up to a "winter wonderland" in early May, as a visitor recounted, is a testament to the unpredictable and incredible nature of this region. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the dramatic shifts in weather and the raw power of the landscape.

The overall atmosphere of the campground is peaceful and serene, a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the park's more popular attractions. It's a place where you can hear the sounds of nature, and if you're lucky, the howl of wolves at night. The campground’s setting is perfect for families looking to introduce their children to a genuine wilderness experience, while also being an ideal retreat for solo travelers and couples. Its remote location adds to its allure, providing an opportunity for a truly memorable and stress-free getaway in the heart of Wyoming.

Location and Accessibility

Lower Slough Creek Campground is located within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 82190, USA. More specifically, it is situated in the park's Northern Range, just a few miles from where Slough Creek meets the Lamar River. This places it in one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the park, a major draw for visitors. Access to the campground is via a two-mile-long dirt road, which is best suited for tents and small RVs. The National Park Service notes that vehicles longer than 25 feet are not recommended due to a very tight turnaround.

This campground's location at the end of a quiet dirt road gives it a secluded feel, setting it apart from more accessible and crowded sites. It is important for campers to be aware of the road conditions, especially after rain or snow, and to come prepared for a more rugged drive. Despite the access road, the on-site parking at each campsite makes it easy to set up your camp once you arrive.

The campground’s proximity to the Lamar Valley is a key advantage. The Lamar Valley is often referred to as the "Serengeti of North America" and is a critical winter habitat for large animals like bison and elk. The presence of these large herds, in turn, attracts predators such as wolves and grizzly bears, making the area a top spot for wildlife viewing and photography. This strategic location makes Lower Slough Creek Campground an excellent basecamp for anyone interested in witnessing Yellowstone’s incredible ecosystem in action.

Services Offered

• Tent Sites: While the campground can accommodate small RVs (under 25 feet), it is particularly well-suited for tent camping, with sites that provide a true back-to-nature experience.

• On-site Parking: Each campsite has a designated parking pad, ensuring that all wheeled vehicles, including trailers and motorcycles, are kept on established roadways and not in the surrounding environment.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for essential sanitation needs, which are typically available seasonally.

• Potable Water: Running water may be available seasonally from a well, which is a convenient service for drinking and cooking needs. It is always wise to bring a backup supply of water just in case.

• Food Storage Lockers: Bear-resistant food storage boxes are available for shared use. All food and related items must be kept locked inside a vehicle or these storage lockers when not in immediate use to protect against wildlife.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit with a grate, perfect for cooking meals and gathering around a campfire, subject to any park-wide fire restrictions.

• Trash/Recycling Collection: Trash and recycling collection is available on a seasonal basis, ensuring a clean and responsible camping environment.

Features / Highlights

• Incredible Wildlife Viewing: Located in the heart of the Lamar Valley, the campground offers unparalleled opportunities to see iconic Yellowstone wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. This is a primary reason many choose to camp here.

• Excellent Fly Fishing: Slough Creek is world-renowned for its fantastic fly fishing opportunities. The campground is a perfect basecamp for anglers looking to cast a line in these pristine waters.

• Secluded and Peaceful Setting: The remote location and limited number of sites (16 total) contribute to a quiet, serene, and uncrowded camping experience, allowing for a deep connection with nature.

• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the nighttime sky at Lower Slough Creek Campground is a breathtaking spectacle, perfect for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.

• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground is a starting point for the Slough Creek Trail, which follows a historic wagon trail into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This provides access to incredible hiking and backpacking opportunities.

• Good for Kids: The reviews mention that the campground is a "great location for a family," indicating that the natural setting and opportunities for exploration make it a wonderful spot for children to learn and play in a safe environment.

Contact Information

Lower Slough Creek Campground is managed by the National Park Service. For general inquiries about the campground, it is best to contact the park directly. The physical address is Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA. For the most up-to-date information on reservations, fees, and current conditions, visitors are advised to check the official Yellowstone National Park website or the Recreation.gov site.

What is worth choosing

Lower Slough Creek Campground is worth choosing for those who want a truly authentic and less-traveled Yellowstone experience. The main draw is its secluded location and unparalleled access to the Lamar Valley, one of the most famous wildlife habitats in the world. For anglers, its proximity to Slough Creek's renowned fishing waters makes it an unbeatable choice. The campground’s primitive nature, with basic but essential amenities, encourages a focus on the natural surroundings rather than on modern conveniences.

The peaceful environment, combined with the exciting possibility of seeing wolves, bison, and bears, creates an unforgettable experience. The campground's size and remote access ensure that it will never feel crowded, allowing for a greater sense of solitude and connection with the wilderness. While the road may be a bit rugged for some larger RVs, for tent campers and those in smaller rigs, it is the perfect destination. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, whether you're fly-fishing on the creek, spotting a wolf pack, or simply gazing at the Milky Way in a clear Wyoming sky.

Lower Slough Creek Campground 1

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA