Hi, we rode the bighorns in 2004 from Hunter Mesa Trailhead. Most of the camping in the bighorns is going to be primitive trailhead type camping. I believe there are a few private places available, you'll have to do some research on the net. Check out gafoxtrotters.com, they ride the bighorns every year and have a lot of nice pics and Susan will probably give you some information if you email her. We were there over July 4th, and I would not recommend you go earlier than this,,,probably should wait a few more weeks. The week we were there, we had rain, sleet, hail, thunder, lightning, and snow, intermixed with 80 degree blue sky days. The riding is really fantastic, and we only hit a very small part of the forest from where we were camped. Our best ride was from the hunter mesa trailhead where we camped up to the 7 brothers lakes area thats inside the cloud peak wilderness, and back down into the entrance to the florence pass on the east side. We had to clear fallen lodgepole pine from the trail, obviously we were the first horse party up there that year...it was great and we are hoping to get back in 2008. The year we stayed at Hunter Mesa, the trailhead hosts were really great...they helped get us oriented...likely they are no longer there but you should be able to check with the forest service to find out who is hosting and try to contact them...I would guess it's usually someone who rides. You wont be disappointed unless you are wanting deluxe accomodations. When you head up into the mountains, pack warm gear, raincoats, flashlight, some water, energy bars, etc. Make sure you let someone know your plans because when we were there we had no cell phone service (that may be changed now) and we did not see any other riders all week! A couple of other items.  Check out the backcountry horsemen of wyoming web page.  There is a chapter that works the trails in the bighorns and they can provide information and also have a nice trailmap booklet.  Secondly, if you go there to ride, purchase a good portable saw (I recommend a "wyoming" brand so you can clear the small lodgepole pine from the trails..there is a lot of old burns and these small pines fall all over the trails,,in some places blocking your path.

We stayed at Hunter campground, last week in July 2007.  The weather was great, when we got there it was hot, then it cooled down.  No need for airconditioner.  No snow for us, some rain.  The campground was full, and the host said it had been all year.  We had made reservation, so we had a spot.  Many people didn't, but the host sent them to the top of the hill, and they camped along the woods line up there.  A little rocky going up, the road was very crude.  But we talked to some of the people up there and they said they made it fine, unloaded their horses before pulling up, put it in 4 wheel drive and went up.  I recommend reservations.  The trails are marked, and the map is pretty good.  The marks are quite a ways a part from each other.  We went down to Buffalo and bought a better map.  We plan on going back in 2008.  Planning on staying at Hunter a few days and move to Battle Creek campground, I think that's the name of it.  It was closed for work, last year, I believe it is back open for 2008. As for tips, just take the RAINCOAT, and extra WARM cloths when you ride out, & plenty of water and some food.  You will enjoy it, beautiful country.  Don't forget your CAMERA.

Happy Trails