Cody Field Office

Camping Opportunities

Five Springs Falls Campground

Five Springs Falls
This BLM-administered campground is nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains along Five Springs Creek. It is centrally located between the Bighorn National Forest's Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark and the National Park Service's Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. A short hike on the trail from the parking area leads to a viewing area of Five Springs Falls. The upper loop of the campground provides a breathtaking scenic overlook of the Bighorn Basin and access to trails leading to the Bighorn National Forest. The campground is within the Five Springs Falls Area of Critical Environmental Concern that was designated to protect existing populations of four near-endemic rare and sensitive plant species. The elevation ranges from 6,250 feet at the campground to 7,240 feet at the forest boundary. This site offers breathtaking views of the northern Bighorn Basin with a panoramic view of the Bighorn, Pryor, and Absaroka Mountains. Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lion.

Five Springs Campground Host
The campground features 19 developed campsites. The lower loop of the campground contains nine campsites with tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and a central toilet facility and water faucet. The sites in the lower loop are suitable for tent camping or picnicking only, with the exception of the host site where parking a camp trailer is possible. The upper loop of the campground contains ten campsites, and a central toilet facility. Many of the campsites in the upper loop are designed as pull through sites suitable for camp trailers. The campground has eight accessible campsites. The central water faucet and toilet facilities are also accessible.

Things to note: This is a Recreation Fee Demonstration Site with a $7 per night fee for overnight camping. There is no fee for day use. Campsites are occupied on a first come, first serve basis, there is no reservation system. There is a 14-day camping limit. The access road is steep and narrow with many switchbacks and is not suitable for recreational vehicles over 25 feet in length. The best time to visit is during the summer between May and October. The site is open year round, but is often not accessible during the winter months due to snow pack.

How to get there: Travel 22 miles east on U.S. Highway 14A from Lovell, Wyo., turn left at the Five Springs Falls Campground sign. Travel this steep, narrow access road two miles to the lower loop of the campground.

Hogan & Luce Campground / Bald Ridge Trailhead

The Hogan and Luce Campground and Bald Ridge Trailhead provide access to the Bald Ridge Trail. This site also provides opportunities for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Five campsites located along Hogan Reservoir feature picnic tables and fire rings. The site also includes two information kiosks, toilet facilities, horse trailer parking, horse stanchions and hitching rails. Fishing opportunities are available at Hogan Reservoir and a short hike leads to Luce Reservoir which is known for its excellent catch and release fishing opportunities. Luce Reservoir contains Kamloops Rainbow Trout.

Things to note: The Bald Ridge area (south of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and west and north of Hogan Reservoir) is closed to all use from December 15 through April 30 of each year to protect essential wintering habitat for elk and mule deer. The area immediately surrounding the campground is not included in this seasonal closure. Be aware, this is grizzly bear country.

How to get there: This site is located 18 miles north of Cody off Wyoming State Highway 120. Turn left onto Park County Road 7RP and continue approximately five miles; look for the Hogan-Luce Trailhead sign and take a left onto the one-mile long access road to the site.

Bald Ridge Trail

The Bald Ridge Trail begins at the Hogan and Luce Campground and Bald Ridge Trailhead. This horseback riding and hiking trail winds for five miles through BLM-managed public lands and state land to the destination of Bald Ridge in the Shoshone National Forest. Once on the forest, additional trails are present. The elevation ranges from 4,880 feet to 8,400 feet. On Bald Ridge, one can see spectacular views of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River to the west and of Heart Mountain to the east. Wildlife that may be encountered along this trail includes antelope, mule deer, moose, elk, and grizzly and black bear. Waterfowl are often found at the lakes near the trailhead and soaring raptors are often sighted. The trail is steep and arduous requiring good physical condition of both humans and horses. The lower portion of the trail is marked. The middle and upper portions are not marked or constructed; users must pick their own route up the mountain.

Things to note: The Bald Ridge area (south of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and west and north of Hogan Reservoir) is closed to all use from December 15 through April 30 of each year to protect essential wintering habitat for elk and mule deer. The area immediately surrounding the campground is not included in this seasonal closure. Be aware, this is grizzly bear country.

How to get there: This site is located 18 miles north of Cody off Wyoming State Highway 120. Turn left onto Park County Road 7RP and continue approximately five miles; look for the Hogan-Luce Trailhead sign and take a left onto the one-mile long access road to the site.

Bobcat - Houlihan Trailhead

The Bobcat-Houlihan Trailhead features a moderately steep hike to the Shoshone National Forest boundary, suitable for horseback riding and hiking. The trail begins near the South Fork of the Shoshone River and provides access to trails along both Bobcat and Houlihan Creeks. Facilities at the trailhead include an information kiosk, horse trailer parking, horse hitching rails, and toilet facilities. Fishing access to the South Fork of the Shoshone River is also available adjacent to the trailhead. Elevations ranging from 6,020 feet to 6,280 feet provide views of the South Fork Shoshone River valley and Carter Mountain. Deer, moose, grizzly and black bear, elk, antelope, bald eagles, and predators such as bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions may be seen throughout the area.

Things to note: Camping is allowed at the trailhead. Be aware, this is grizzly bear country.

How to get there: The trailhead is located 28 miles southwest of Cody. Travel on Wyoming State Highway 291 (the South Fork Highway) 28 miles. Turn right onto Park County Road 6EH and travel approximately three miles to the trailhead.