Shoshone National Forest

Accessible Recreation

The Shoshone National Forest offers a number of recreational facilities designed with accessibility in mind for persons with disabilities. Also, there are programs that allow visitor discounts for fees charged on national forests. Check with the local ranger district office for details.

Camping & Picnicking

The Shoshone National Forest has more than 60 developed facilities including family and group campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and rental cabin

Campground listing - html
Day Use Area listing - html

Dispersed camping may be for you if you like to camp away from it all. Check out our dispersed camping info page.

Current Conditions

What’s the weather? How are the roads? Is your favorite campground open? Check out the Current Conditions page.

Commercially Provided Recreation Opportunities

The Shoshone has a variety of recreation businesses with valid permits to operate on forest. See this page for a list of those able and ready to help with your adventure.

Fishing

Find out where to cast your line for stream and lake fishing from the shore or a boat. See our fishing site. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the State department of fish and game.

General Recreation

Recreation.gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.

Heritage Resources

Archeological resources and historic places abound on the Shoshone. Be watching for our Heritage Resources Page coming soon!!!!

Hunting & Target Shooting

Most of the forest is open to hunting. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the State department of fish and game. Check out where you can target shoot.

Maps & Brochures

Visitor maps provide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. Our brochures provide local recreation, wildlife, fire safety, and other information. Check our maps and brochures page.

Passes & Permits

Most national forests and grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations. Check with the local ranger district office for details.

Reservations & Rentals

While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, you can use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations for some campgrounds. Currently on the Shoshone, only Rex Hale Campground is on the reservation system. Check with the North Zone Office for details.

Rules & Etiquette

General rules for national forests and grasslands include details about camping, pets, and other topics. Check out our Special Orders for specific regulations concerning recreating on the Shoshone. Etiquette expected of visitors is outlined in the Leave No Trace program. If planning a camping trip into the PoPoAgie Wilderness with livestock you must have a signed survey form with you. Get one.

Safety

Have a safe visit when you come to your forests and grasslands—whether driving, hiking, boating, or enjoying other activities. Visitors to the Shoshone can expect to find both grizzly and black bears anywhere on forest. Food storage is required on portions of the forest where the food storage order is in effect. See our Bear Info page for more specifics.

Sightseeing

Scenic drives, visitor centers, special places, and more. Coming soon - Scenic Byway and Drives page!

Trails

Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrian users. Off-highway vehicle users will find many opportunities for off-road enjoyment in the Shoshone National Forest. State maps showing open routes for ATV's and for other types of vehicles are available through our offices or the State.
Trail listing - [pdf - 112kb] [jpg - 317kb]

Visitor Centers

There are two visitor centers on the forest—with maps and books, interpretive displays, and helpful information specialists. The Wapiti Wayside is located on the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway (US 14-16-20) adjacent to the historic Wapiti Ranger Station. The Washakie Ranger Distict office located in Lander, Wyoming also houses a visitor center.

Wilderness

Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed. The Shoshone is a wilderness forest encompassing all or parts of five wilderness areas and three mountain ranges. These areas are sylvan and untamed. Day hikers, backpackers, horsepackers, fishermen, photographers and others can enjoy pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls, slopes awash in wildflowers, cloud-shrouded peaks, glacier-carved valleys and a plethora of wildlife. Coming soon..the Shoshone Wilderness page.

Road to Dickinson Park from Ft Washakie temporarily closed. See our Current Conditions page for details.

Recreation.gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.

Find out about recreation fee demonstration projects.

While many campgrounds are available on a first-come basis, you can use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations for some campgrounds.