Sibley Lake Recreation Area - Image 1
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Sibley Lake Recreation Area

4.7
·99 reviews·Buffalo, United States

A serene Bighorn Mountains escape with spacious campsites, stunning lake views, abundant wildlife, and excellent fishing.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps, wildlife active

CrowdMedium
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Sibley Lake Recreation Area - Image 1

Sibley Lake Recreation Area

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps, wildlife active

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Bighorn Mountains escape with spacious campsites, stunning lake views, abundant wildlife, and excellent fishing.

4.7
(99 reviews)

"This has to be one of my favorite places I've gone so far! The spaces between each site on top of all the big beautiful trees surrounding you gave you some privacy."

Vertical photo
TIP

Reserve Early! 🏕️

Popular campground, especially for RVs. Book electric sites in advance as they fill quickly.

Download Offline Maps 🗺️

No cell service here! Get maps and info before you arrive. Nearest service is Sand Turn.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sibley Lake Views

Sibley Lake Views

Campground and shoreline

Stunning lake vistas with opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Enjoy the serene beauty.

Reddit
Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Surrounding trails and roads

Keep an eye out for moose, elk, and deer. Evening drives offer excellent chances to see these magnificent creatures.

Reddit
Bighorn Mountains Exploration

Bighorn Mountains Exploration

Tongue River and surrounding trails

Ideal base camp for exploring the Bighorn Mountains, with great fly fishing in the lake and river.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Prime Spots

Sibley Lake Recreation Area is a popular spot, especially for RVs. First-come, first-served sites with electric hookups fill up fast. Reserve your spot online well in advance to guarantee a place, particularly if you need electric. Reddit

Prepare for Limited Connectivity

Expect no cell service or internet at the campground. Download maps and any essential information beforehand. The nearest reliable service is at the Sand Turn Interpretive Site. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Cooler temps, wildlife active
Crowd
Medium
When
June 13-14
Why
Pleasant, though nights can be cold
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Heading out in 29 days for this 3.5 week trip in our 33ft class A. Any suggestions for fun stops along the way?

Reserve Early! 🏕️

Popular campground, especially for RVs. Book electric sites in advance as they fill quickly. Reddit

Download Offline Maps 🗺️

No cell service here! Get maps and info before you arrive. Nearest service is Sand Turn. Reddit

reddit.com

What’re your favorite MN state parks?

reddit.com

Things to do in Big Horn national forest

Bring Water & Dump Supplies 💧

Potable water spigots available, but bring drinking water. Dump station is 5 miles away. Reddit

Fly Fishing Hotspot 🎣

Lake and Tongue River are great for fly fishing. Try streamers in the lake, dry flies with droppers in the river. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Reserve Early! 🏕️

Popular campground, especially for RVs. Book electric sites in advance as they fill quickly. Reddit

Download Offline Maps 🗺️

No cell service here! Get maps and info before you arrive. Nearest service is Sand Turn. Reddit

Bring Water & Dump Supplies 💧

Potable water spigots available, but bring drinking water. Dump station is 5 miles away. Reddit

Fly Fishing Hotspot 🎣

Lake and Tongue River are great for fly fishing. Try streamers in the lake, dry flies with droppers in the river. Reddit

Wildlife Watcher's Paradise 🦌

Moose, elk, and deer are common. Evening drives are best for sightings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(99 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sibley Lake Recreation Area is praised as a beautiful and private campground, ideal for exploring the Bighorn Mountains and enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and wildlife viewing. Campers appreciate the spacious sites and the serene lake setting. However, the lack of cell service and on-site amenities like showers and a dump station are noted drawbacks.

"Nice campground for a base camp to explore the Big Horns. You can belly boat the lake and work the Tongue River. Both are decent for fly fishing. Stocked rainbows, streamers in the lake work well, dry fly with a dropper in river. Plenty of trails for hiking, abundant wildlife to enjoy as well."

Mitch Behm

"This has to be one of my favorite places I've gone so far! The spaces between each site on top of all the big beautiful trees surrounding you gave you some privacy, which was nice. The spots were very spacious. My big rate fit perfectly. They have electrical hookups but no water at the site however they do have spigots around the campground. No showers but they do have restrooms. There are lots of hiking trails around the whole campground and in the whole area. You do have to keep an eye out for moose and other animals, which was really cool to see. The lake is gorgeous! Lots of kayaks, paddle boards, and people fishing around the lake. They do have three first come, first serve spots with electric however they do go pretty quickly. This place fills up quickly, so definitely get your reservations in advance. There's no dump station on site, but there is one roughly 5 Mi down the road, which I strongly suggest dumping before going down the big hill. The dump station is donation based. The host lives on site and also sells wood. There is absolutely no service up here, so make sure you download your map or get all the things off your phone that you need prior to getting to the campground. Bear Lodge down the road does have internet that you can use when you're there if that is something you end up needing."

Angela Helt

"It's a nice campground in Sibley national forest.
The lake view is amazing and the campground has convenient access to the lake.
Camp host is welcoming and ready to assist with any questions you might have.
We stayed two nights at this campground and the stay was amazing.
Visited during 13-14 June, the temperature can be a bit cold at night.
Vault toilet : Yes
Potable water : may not be available, bring enough drinking water.
Mobile coverage : No

Tip: Nearest place where you can find mobile coverage and better internet connectivity is "Sand turn interpretive site""

Avinash Deshmukh

What People Like

Spacious, private campsites
Beautiful lake views
Abundant wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

No cell service
No showers
No on-site dump station

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sibley Lake Recreation Area is located off RT 14. It's a popular destination, especially for those exploring the Bighorn Mountains. Be prepared for limited cell service as you approach the area. Reddit

Yes, the campground has spacious sites that can accommodate large RVs, including 33ft Class A motorhomes. Some sites have electric hookups, but water is not at the site. Reddit

Download offline maps of the area before you leave home. The Sand Turn Interpretive Site is noted as a place where you might find mobile coverage and better internet connectivity. Reddit

While the campground is remote, a dump station is available about 5 miles down the road. Bear Lodge, further down the road, reportedly has internet access if needed. Reddit

The campground is accessible via RT 14. Be aware that there's a significant hill to navigate down to the campground, making it advisable to dump your tanks before descending. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sites with electric hookups, as the campground fills up quickly. There are also three first-come, first-served spots with electric that go fast. Reddit

Campgrounds are typically open seasonally. While specific hours aren't listed, it's best to check reservation platforms or official forest service sites for current operating dates. Reddit

Pricing details are not explicitly provided, but expect standard campground fees. The dump station is donation-based. Reddit

Typically, national forest campgrounds have a nightly fee. Specific entrance fees are not mentioned, but it's wise to budget for camping charges. Reddit

While some first-come, first-served sites might be available, reservations are strongly advised due to high demand. It's best to book online in advance to secure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The campground offers electric hookups at some sites, restrooms (vault toilets), and potable water spigots throughout. There are no showers or large dumpsters on-site. Reddit

No, there are no showers available at the campground. Visitors will need to plan accordingly or seek facilities in nearby areas if showers are a priority. Reddit

Enjoy fishing, belly boating, kayaking, paddleboarding on the lake, and hiking on numerous trails. Wildlife viewing is also a major draw. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, most national forest campgrounds allow pets. Always check specific regulations and keep pets leashed. Reddit

There is no mobile coverage or internet service at the campground. You'll need to download all necessary information and maps beforehand. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities

Sibley Lake is stocked with rainbows, making it good for fly fishing. Streamers work well in the lake. Reddit

Yes, the lake is popular for kayaks, paddleboards, and other small watercraft. It's a scenic spot for enjoying time on the water. Reddit

The Tongue River is also a good spot for fly fishing, particularly with dry flies and droppers. Reddit

Yes, a Wyoming fishing license is required to fish in Sibley Lake and the Tongue River. Licenses can typically be purchased online or from local vendors. Reddit

Mornings and evenings are generally the most productive times for fishing, especially when targeting stocked rainbows. Reddit

🎫 🌲 Nature & Wildlife

Visitors frequently report seeing moose, elk, and deer. Evening drives are particularly good for wildlife spotting. Reddit

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails around the campground and throughout the entire Sibley Lake area, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty. Reddit

While exciting, it's important to be aware of wildlife. Keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and be particularly cautious of moose, which can be unpredictable. Reddit

The area is characterized by big, beautiful trees providing privacy between campsites, and it's situated within the Sibley National Forest, offering a serene, wooded environment. Reddit

Campfire regulations can vary based on fire danger. Check with the campground host or local forest service for current restrictions. Firewood is often available for purchase from the host. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sibley Lake Recreation Area offers a fantastic natural playground for families. The spacious campsites provide room for kids to play, and the lake is perfect for supervised water fun like kayaking and paddleboarding. Wildlife sightings, such as moose and elk, are a huge hit with children and create memorable experiences. Reddit

While there are no showers, the clean vault toilets are manageable. The abundance of hiking trails offers opportunities for family adventures. Remember to download offline entertainment and maps, as cell service is nonexistent. The remoteness adds to the adventure, but preparedness is key for a smooth family trip. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

For fishing enthusiasts, Sibley Lake is a must-visit. The lake's stocked rainbow trout population, combined with the nearby Tongue River, provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer streamers in the lake or dry flies with droppers in the river, you're likely to find success. Reddit

Beyond fishing, the area is a haven for those who love the outdoors. The numerous hiking trails offer a chance to explore the Bighorn Mountains, and the lake is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. The chance to see abundant wildlife like moose and elk adds another layer of excitement to any outdoor adventure here. Reddit

🚐 RV Travelers

Sibley Lake Recreation Area is well-suited for RV travelers, offering spacious sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Electric hookups are available at many sites, though water is not at individual spots. The primary consideration for RVers is the lack of an on-site dump station; plan to use the one located about 5 miles away before navigating the steep hill into the campground. Reddit

Booking in advance is crucial, especially for electric sites, as they are in high demand. The easy-to-navigate back-in sites are a plus. Be prepared for a complete digital detox, as cell service is non-existent. Downloading maps and essential information beforehand is non-negotiable for a stress-free RV experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

RV Camping at Sibley Lake

Sibley Lake Recreation Area is a popular choice for RV travelers, with many reviewers highlighting the spaciousness of the sites. While some sites offer electric hookups, water is not directly at the site, requiring you to use communal spigots. It's crucial to note that there is no dump station on-site; the nearest one is about 5 miles away, and it's recommended to use it before descending the steep hill leading to the campground. Reddit

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the electric sites, as they tend to fill up quickly. The campground also offers first-come, first-served spots with electric, but these are limited and go fast. The back-in sites are described as easy to navigate, even for larger rigs. Remember to prepare for a complete lack of cell service and download all necessary information before your arrival. Reddit

Fishing and Water Activities

Sibley Lake is a gem for anglers and water enthusiasts. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, making it a prime spot for fly fishing. Anglers often find success using streamers in the lake. For those who prefer river fishing, the Tongue River nearby offers opportunities with dry flies and droppers. Reddit

Beyond fishing, the lake itself is a hub for recreational water activities. Visitors enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and belly boating, taking advantage of the gorgeous lake views. The serene environment makes it a perfect place to spend a day on the water, whether you're casting a line or simply enjoying the scenery. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters and Hiking

The Sibley Lake area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, offering visitors thrilling opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. Moose, elk, and deer are frequently spotted, particularly during evening drives. It's a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Reddit

Complementing the wildlife viewing are the numerous hiking trails that crisscross the campground and surrounding forest. These trails provide excellent avenues for exploration, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bighorn Mountains. Whether you're seeking a short stroll or a more challenging trek, the area offers diverse options for hikers of all levels. Reddit

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