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RV Parks In Buffalo, Wyoming

44.3483° N, 106.6989° W

Quick Overview

Buffalo sits at the base of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming with several RV parks and campgrounds serving travelers on the I-90 corridor, including some free camping options. The Johnson County seat is one of the most historically significant small towns in the West, known for the Johnson County War of 1892 -- a violent conflict between wealthy cattle barons and smaller ranchers that became a defining episode in the mythology of the American frontier. The Bighorn Mountains rise steeply to the west, with Cloud Peak at 13,167 feet anchoring the Cloud Peak Wilderness and providing alpine recreation that rivals any mountain range in the Rockies. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in downtown Buffalo houses one of the finest collections of frontier-era artifacts in the state, with an emphasis on the Johnson County War and the regional Native American and ranching heritage. Clear Creek flows through town providing fishing and a pleasant green corridor, and the Bighorn National Forest campgrounds and trailheads accessible from Highway 16 west of town offer mountain camping, hiking, and fishing in settings that range from ponderosa pine foothills to alpine meadows above timberline. RV camping near Buffalo provides an excellent base for exploring both the mountains and the high plains, with the Powder River basin stretching east into cattle country that still operates much as it did a century ago. The Occidental Hotel in downtown Buffalo, where Butch Cassidy and other famous figures of the frontier era stayed, has been restored and operates as both a hotel and museum that captures the town's colorful past. The Bighorn Scenic Byway (Highway 16) over the Bighorn Mountains to Ten Sleep on the west side is one of Wyoming's most spectacular mountain drives. The Powder River basin stretching east of Buffalo remains working cattle country where vast ranches operate much as they have for over a century, providing a living connection to the frontier ranching heritage that the local museums document.

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Traveling to Buffalo by RV

I-90 runs through Buffalo connecting to Sheridan about 35 miles north and to Gillette about 70 miles east. Highway 16 heads west over the Bighorn Mountains, climbing through Crazy Woman Canyon before crossing 9,677-foot Powder River Pass. From Casper, Buffalo is about 120 miles north on I-25 and I-90. The interstate handles all RV sizes easily through the plains terrain, while Highway 16 west into the Bighorns includes mountain grades and curves that larger rigs should approach with attention. Fuel and supplies are available in Buffalo, with additional services in Sheridan. The Bighorn National Forest campgrounds are accessible from Highway 16, with the first campgrounds appearing about 15 miles west of town. Cloud Peak Wilderness trailheads are accessible from forest roads that branch off Highway 16 and other forest roads, with conditions varying from good gravel to rough tracks. Cell service is reliable in Buffalo and along I-90 but becomes unreliable once you head west into the Bighorn Mountains on Highway 16, particularly in the canyon sections and at higher elevations. Winter typically closes Highway 16 over Powder River Pass from November through May depending on snow conditions.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Buffalo, Wyoming, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

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Dump Station Costs in Buffalo

Camping near Buffalo is moderately priced for a town with this quality of mountain and historical attractions. Of the available options, a portion% are free while a portion% charge fees, with paid parks running $30 to $45 per night for hookup sites. Bighorn National Forest campgrounds on Highway 16 offer sites at $12 to $20, and dispersed camping on forest land is available. The Jim Gatchell Museum charges a modest admission fee that's a bargain for the collection's quality. The Occidental Hotel tours are also modestly priced. Fuel and groceries in Buffalo are competitive for northern Wyoming, and the town's restaurant scene includes several solid options in the historic downtown district.

Free: 4 stations (67%)
Paid: 2 stations (33%)

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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Buffalo

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Best Time to Visit Buffalo by RV

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Winter

Nov - Feb

5-30°F

Crowds: Low

Cold winters close Highway 16 over the Bighorns and most mountain campgrounds. Town-level camping remains accessible.

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Spring

Mar - May

22-58°F

Crowds: Low

Spring warming brings green to the foothills while the high mountains remain snow-covered, with lower campgrounds opening in May.

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Summer

Jun - Aug

48-88°F

Crowds: Medium

Peak season with Highway 16 open, mountain recreation accessible, and all museums and attractions operational.

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Fall

Sep - Oct

25-62°F

Crowds: Low

Excellent fall colors in the Bighorn foothills, hunting season, and fewer visitors as the mountain season winds down.

Explore the Buffalo Area

The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is a must-visit, with outstanding frontier artifact collections that rival museums in much larger cities, and the Johnson County War exhibits provide context for one of the West's most dramatic episodes. Highway 16 over the Bighorn Mountains is a spectacular drive that takes you from sagebrush prairie to alpine meadows in about 20 miles, with Meadowlark Lake providing fishing and picnic areas at elevation. Cloud Peak Wilderness offers serious alpine backpacking to 13,167-foot Cloud Peak, the highest summit in the Bighorns. Clear Creek through Buffalo provides pleasant town fishing for brown and rainbow trout. The Occidental Hotel tours reveal the building's frontier-era history and its connections to famous western figures. If you're driving I-90 through this region, Buffalo is by far the most charming town between Sheridan and Gillette.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Buffalo

How many RV parks are near Buffalo, Wyoming?

Buffalo has several RV parks and campgrounds in the area, offering Bighorn Mountain base camp camping on I-90 with access to alpine wilderness, historic frontier attractions, and the scenic Bighorn Mountain byway.

Are there free camping options near Buffalo?

Yes, some free options exist near Buffalo. Dispersed camping on Bighorn National Forest land in the mountains west of town provides free camping for self-contained rigs in mountain forest and meadow settings.

What is the Johnson County War?

The Johnson County War of 1892 was a violent conflict between wealthy Wyoming cattle barons and smaller ranchers near Buffalo. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in town has outstanding exhibits on this dramatic frontier episode.

How much do RV parks cost in Buffalo?

Paid RV parks near Buffalo typically charge $30 to $45 per night. Bighorn National Forest campgrounds offer sites at $12 to $20, and dispersed camping on forest land provides free mountain camping options.

What is the Bighorn Scenic Byway?

The Bighorn Scenic Byway is Highway 16 crossing the Bighorn Mountains west of Buffalo over 9,677-foot Powder River Pass, climbing from sagebrush prairie through pine forest to alpine meadows in one of Wyoming's most dramatic mountain drives.

How many RV parks are near Buffalo, Wyoming?

Buffalo has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, offering Bighorn Mountain base camp camping on I-90 with access to alpine wilderness, historic frontier attractions, and the scenic Bighorn Mountain byway.

Are there free camping options near Buffalo?

Yes, {{freeCount}} free options exist near Buffalo. Dispersed camping on Bighorn National Forest land in the mountains west of town provides free camping for self-contained rigs in mountain forest and meadow settings.

What is the Johnson County War?

The Johnson County War of 1892 was a violent conflict between wealthy Wyoming cattle barons and smaller ranchers near Buffalo. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in town has outstanding exhibits on this dramatic frontier episode.

How much do RV parks cost in Buffalo?

Paid RV parks near Buffalo typically charge $30 to $45 per night. Bighorn National Forest campgrounds offer sites at $12 to $20, and dispersed camping on forest land provides free mountain camping options.

What is the Bighorn Scenic Byway?

The Bighorn Scenic Byway is Highway 16 crossing the Bighorn Mountains west of Buffalo over 9,677-foot Powder River Pass, climbing from sagebrush prairie through pine forest to alpine meadows in one of Wyoming's most dramatic mountain drives.

Are there free dump stations in Buffalo?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Buffalo.