For those who love the crisp mountain air and starry nights of Wyoming but prefer a real mattress to a sleeping pad, glamping in the Bighorn Mountains offers the perfect middle ground. This region provides several ways to experience 'glamourous camping,' ranging from outfitted wall tents in the pine forests to historic lodges that offer a rustic yet refined atmosphere. It is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the rugged landscape without sacrificing comfort.
The Glamping Experience in Northern Wyoming
In the Bighorns, glamping usually takes the form of canvas wall tents or tiny cabins tucked away on the edges of the national forest. These accommodations often feature comfortable beds, high-quality linens, and sometimes even small wood-burning stoves to take the chill off the mountain nights. Unlike traditional camping where you spend time setting up gear and cooking over a backpacking stove, glamping allows you to arrive and immediately begin relaxing.
Many glamping sites are located near the gateway cities of Sheridan and Buffalo, or tucked into the foothills near Tensleep. These locations offer easy access to the high-country trails during the day while providing a cozy retreat in the evening. You might find yourself sitting on a private deck watching the sunset over the peaks, a glass of wine in hand, far from the noise of a crowded campground. This style of travel is particularly popular for couples celebrating special occasions or families who want a nature-focused trip with fewer logistical headaches.
Glamping vs. Traditional Camping
The primary difference between glamping and traditional camping in the Bighorns is the level of infrastructure. Standard Forest Service campgrounds are wonderful for those with their own gear, but they often lack showers and provide only basic vault toilets. Glamping sites generally offer more amenities, which may include shared or private bathroom facilities with hot water, and often a centralized lodge area where guests can gather.
For those who aren't ready to commit to a tent but find an RV too cumbersome, glamping is the sweet spot. It provides the sound of the wind through the trees and the smell of the sagebrush without the discomfort of a hard ground. However, because these sites are often more labor-intensive for hosts to maintain in a mountain environment, they come at a higher price point than a standard campsite. If you are looking for a true 'unplugged' experience but still want a hot shower at the end of a long hike to Steamboat Point, glamping is the way to go.
Where to Find Upscale Stays
While you won't find large-scale luxury resorts inside the national forest itself, the surrounding areas are rich with character-filled lodging. Look for 'guest ranches' or 'mountain lodges' near the communities of Buffalo and Sheridan. These establishments often have a mix of traditional lodge rooms and more secluded, upscale cabins or seasonal wall tents. The area around Burgess Junction also features mountain lodges that serve as great basecamps.
By staying on the periphery of the forest, you often get the added benefit of being on a working ranch or a historic property with deep ties to the region. Some locations offer curated experiences like guided horseback rides or fly-fishing lessons on private stretches of creek. This adds a layer of 'Western hospitality' to your stay that you won't find in a standard hotel. When searching for these spots, use terms like 'luxury ranch' or 'outfitted camping' to find the most comfortable options in the Northern Wyoming high country.
The RV and Road Trip Alternative
For many, the ultimate way to 'glamp' through the Bighorns is in a high-end RV or campervan. This allows you to bring your own luxury with you as you move between different parts of the range. There are several RV parks in the gateway cities that offer full hookups and amenities like laundry and Wi-Fi, which are hard to find in the mountains.
Driving an RV over the Bighorn Scenic Byway or the Cloud Peak Skyway requires a confident driver, as the grades are steep and the turns are tight. However, having your own kitchen and a warm bed at the end of a day spent exploring Shell Falls or the Medicine Wheel is a significant luxury. If you choose this route, make sure your vehicle is in top mechanical shape and that you have reserved your spots in advance, as the few campgrounds that can accommodate large rigs fill up very quickly during the summer months.
Seasonal Planning for Comfort
The window for glamping in the Bighorns is relatively short, typically running from late June through September. Because many of these structures are canvas-walled or lack heavy insulation, they are not suitable for the harsh Wyoming winters. Even in July, the temperature at night can hover near freezing, so even the most 'glamourous' setup requires you to bring warm layers.
When booking your stay, check to see what kind of heating is provided. Some tents offer propane heaters or wood stoves, while others rely entirely on heavy blankets. It is also wise to ask about the water situation; some remote glamping spots may have limited water during dry spells or late in the season. Always verify the cancellation policy, as mountain weather can sometimes make even a luxury tent feel a bit too close to nature if a summer snowstorm rolls in. Checking the official Forest Service site for the latest on road conditions and fire levels will help ensure your luxury getaway goes off without a hitch.