West Tensleep Lake campground
West Tensleep Lake
Reservations are not accepted at West Tensleep Lake camping area, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early, especially during the peak season, to secure a desirable camping spot. The best time to visit is typically between June and September when the weather is milder, and the lake is more accessible.
There are several activities to enjoy while camping at West Tensleep Lake. Fishing is a popular choice as the lake is known for its abundance of trout, including brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Hiking enthusiasts can explore various trails nearby, offering stunning views of the surrounding Bighorn Mountains. However, campers should be cautious of wildlife encounters, as black bears and moose are occasionally spotted in the area. It is advised to store food properly and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Overall, West Tensleep Lake camping area provides a serene and scenic getaway for nature lovers seeking a peaceful camping experience.
What's on-site at West Tensleep Lake
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of West Tensleep Lake, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Tensleep Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Deer Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Island Park Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Island Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Sitting Bull Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of West Tensleep Lake -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Piney Creek At Willow Park | 0 cfs | → |
| North Fork Powder River Near Hazelton | 3 cfs | → |
| Shell Creek Above Shell Creek Reservoir | 12 cfs | → |
| Rock Creek Near Buffalo | 70 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Near Buffalo | 116 cfs | → |
| Piney Creek At Kearny | 113 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of West Tensleep Lake -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder River Pass | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Powder River Pass Snotel | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Soldier Park Snotel | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Hansen Sawmill Snotel | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Hansen Sawmill | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Soldier Park | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Fishing spots
- Veterans Cove Fishing Site
- Upper Paintrock Fishing Site
- Tie Hack Reservoir
- Lake Desmet
- Healy Lake
- Tongue River Fishing Site
Points of interest
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save West Tensleep Lake as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About West Tensleep Lake
Can I make reservations at West Tensleep Lake?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to West Tensleep Lake?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of West Tensleep Lake.