2020 Devils Tower

Campfires and Cosmic Vibes: Camping at KOA Near Devils Tower

There’s something surreal about waking up in the shadow of a geologic wonder that looks like it was dropped onto Earth by aliens—or at least borrowed from a sci-fi film set. That’s exactly what it felt like camping at the KOA just outside Devils Tower, Wyoming. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Black Hills region, this campground offers front-row seats to one of the most mysterious and majestic landmarks in America.

And yes, Close Encounters of the Third Kind fans—this is that tower.

🏕️ KOA Comfort with a Wild West View

We pulled into the KOA with a mix of road trip exhaustion and giddy anticipation. The campground itself is a gem: clean sites, friendly staff, and amenities that make you feel like you’re roughing it just enough. There’s a pool, a general store, and even nightly showings of Close Encounters under the stars. It’s kitschy, it’s charming, and it’s exactly what you want when you’re camping near a national monument.

Our tent site had a direct view of Devils Tower, which meant every sunrise and sunset felt like a private light show. At night, the stars came out in full force, and the silhouette of the tower against the Milky Way was nothing short of magical. We roasted marshmallows, swapped ghost stories, and tried to convince ourselves that the strange noises were just raccoons—not extraterrestrial visitors.

🧗‍♂️ The Tower Itself: Majestic and Mysterious

Visiting Devils Tower is like stepping into a different dimension. Rising 867 feet from its base, this monolithic formation is sacred to many Native American tribes and a magnet for climbers, hikers, and curious travelers alike.

We started with the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that circles the base and offers stunning views from every angle. Along the way, we saw prayer cloths tied to trees—reminders of the spiritual significance this place holds. The air was quiet, reverent, and filled with the kind of stillness that makes you whisper without knowing why.

The tower itself is made of igneous rock columns that look like giant organ pipes stacked by a divine hand. Geologists say it formed millions of years ago, but standing beneath it, you can’t help but feel like it’s watching you. Tara (my hiking buddy and fellow adventurer) kept saying, “It’s like nature’s skyscraper.” She wasn’t wrong.

🛸 Alien Energy and Pop Culture Vibes

Of course, you can’t visit Devils Tower without acknowledging its Hollywood fame. The KOA leans into it with nightly screenings of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and we joined a crowd of campers sprawled on lawn chairs and blankets, watching Richard Dreyfuss sculpt mashed potatoes while the tower loomed behind us.

It was surreal. It was hilarious. It was perfect.

We may not have seen any UFOs, but we did spot a few climbers halfway up the tower, which is basically the same thing if you squint.

🌄 Final Thoughts

Camping at the KOA near Devils Tower wasn’t just a stop on a road trip—it was an experience. A blend of natural wonder, cultural history, and just the right amount of alien lore. Whether you’re a geology nerd, a movie buff, or someone who just wants to roast s’mores with a view, this place delivers.

We left with full hearts, dusty boots, and about 300 photos of the tower from slightly different angles. And as we drove away, Tara turned to me and said, “Next time, we bring mashed potatoes.”

Agreed.

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