Bighorn National Forest · Sheridan County
Cabins Near Bighorn National Forest
The Bighorn range covers more than a million acres of public land. These cabins put you closest to the trailheads, the byways, and the country worth getting to.
The Bighorns, Up Close
Bighorn National Forest is the centerpiece of this region — 1.1 million acres climbing from foothills to nearly 13,000 feet, with Cloud Peak Wilderness at its heart and three scenic byways crossing it. From the right cabin, you can be at a trailhead with coffee still in hand.
The closest cabin towns to the forest are Story (along US-87) and Dayton (at the foot of US-14). Both sit at the seam between the high prairie and the conifer canyons, with year-round paved access and the kind of views that make porch coffee feel like an event.
Drive Times to Trailheads
From Story cabins, the South Piney and Penrose Park drainages are roughly 15 to 25 minutes via US-87. Cloud Peak Wilderness approaches via West Tensleep typically run an hour or more — these are full-day outings rather than morning hikes.
From Dayton cabins, the mouth of Tongue River Canyon is 10 minutes; the climb up US-14 onto the Bighorn Scenic Byway begins immediately west of town. Black Mountain Lookout is roughly 45 minutes; high-country lakes along the byway are 60 to 90 minutes depending on which one.
From Sheridan cabins, expect 30 to 45 minutes to the nearest forest entry, with longer runs to interior trailheads. The town offers more dining and amenities — cabins closer to the foothills offer the morning advantage.
Featured Cabins Near the Forest
Closest access. Currently bookable. Managed locally.
Story, Wyoming
My Story
Story, WY — minutes from US-87 and the Bighorn foothills. Creekside, historic, and one of the most direct paths to the eastern range.
6 guests · 4 bed · 2 bath
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Story, Wyoming
Story Tiny House Retreat
A small, character-rich cabin in Story with quick access to South Piney Creek and the lower Bighorn drainages.
4 guests · 2 bed · 1 bath
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Dayton, Wyoming
Rustic Ridge Cabin, Dayton
Dayton sits at the western gateway to the Bighorn Scenic Byway — this cabin is ten minutes from the mouth of Tongue River Canyon.
3 guests · 1 bed · 1 bath
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Dayton, Wyoming
Rachael's Place
A larger Dayton home built for groups using the cabin as a Bighorn base camp — space, kitchen, and a quick drive to US-14.
11 guests · 2 bed · 2 bath
View Cabin →Seasons in the Bighorns
The high country opens late and closes early. Most lake-level access is realistic from June through September; Cloud Peak Wilderness approaches sometimes hold snow into July at elevation. October brings golden aspens, cooler nights, and the start of hunting seasons.
Winter is the underrated season. The byways close at the high passes, but the lower forest stays open and quiet — snowmobiling on groomed trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the kind of stillness that makes the rest of the year feel loud. Cabin life in the Bighorn foothills in February is one of the unspoken pleasures of Sheridan County.
Bighorn Access FAQ
Which Wyo Stays cabins are closest to Bighorn National Forest?+
Cabins in Story and Dayton sit closest. Story properties are typically 10 to 20 minutes from US-87 forest access points; Dayton properties are 5 to 15 minutes from the mouth of Tongue River Canyon and the start of the Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14). Cabins inside Sheridan are 30 to 45 minutes from forest entry depending on the route.
What's the difference between US-14 and US-87 access?+
US-14 climbs west out of Dayton, becomes the Bighorn Scenic Byway, and crosses the range toward Greybull and Cody. US-87 runs south from Sheridan through Story toward Buffalo and the eastern flank of the Bighorns. Both are paved year-round to certain elevations; high-country and pass-level access varies seasonally.
When is the Bighorn high country accessible?+
Most low and mid-elevation trailheads are accessible from late May through October. Cloud Peak Wilderness approach roads typically open in June and close in September or October depending on snowpack. The byways themselves remain open year-round to the lower elevations, with occasional winter closures at the highest passes.
Do I need a permit for Bighorn National Forest?+
Day hiking is generally permit-free. Cloud Peak Wilderness overnight trips require a self-issued permit at the trailhead. Some campgrounds operate by reservation in summer. Check the US Forest Service site for the most current information before your trip.
Can I see wildlife from the cabin?+
Routinely. Mule deer cross the lawns at dusk. Wild turkeys are common. Elk move through the foothills in shoulder seasons. Moose are occasional but not rare. Bald eagles work the creeks year-round. The cabin team is happy to point you toward the most reliable viewing windows during your stay.
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Tell us when you're coming and what you want to see. We'll match you with the right cabin and the right approach.