Rex Hale Campground, USA

Welcome to Rex Hale Campground: A Quiet Tribute on the Edge of Yellowstone

Tucked into the rugged wilderness west of Cody, Wyoming, just 18 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, lies a serene and storied retreat: Rex Hale Campground. Surrounded by towering cliffs, whispering pines, and the steady rush of the North Fork of the Shoshone River, this campground offers more than just a place to pitch a tent—it offers a moment of reflection, a connection to nature, and a tribute to a fallen hero.

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🏕️ Campground Overview: Rustic Comfort in the Wild

Operated by the Shoshone National Forest, Rex Hale Campground is a first-come, first-served site that caters to campers seeking a peaceful, scenic base near Yellowstone. It’s not flashy, but it’s rich in character and natural beauty.

Amenities include:

• 21 campsites, each with picnic tables and fire rings.
• Vault toilets (clean and well-maintained).
• Potable water (seasonally available).
• Bear-proof food storage boxes—a must in grizzly country.
• RV access, though there are no hookups.

The campground is nestled among lodgepole pines and cottonwoods, with dramatic views of the Absaroka Mountains. Wildlife sightings are common—elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bear. It’s a favorite for anglers, hikers, and those looking to escape the crowds of Yellowstone while staying close to its wonders.

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🌊 The Shoshone River: Lifeblood of the Canyon

The North Fork of the Shoshone River runs alongside the campground, offering both beauty and recreation. Fed by snowmelt from the Absaroka Range, the river carves through volcanic rock and lush forest, creating a dramatic canyon landscape.

• Fly fishing is popular here, with native cutthroat and rainbow trout thriving in the cold, clear waters.
• The river’s flow varies seasonally, but its presence is constant—providing a soundtrack of rushing water and a habitat for countless species.
• The river corridor is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the most intact temperate ecosystems in the world.

Whether you’re casting a line or simply sitting by the bank, the Shoshone invites you to slow down and listen.

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🔥 Honoring Rex Hale: A Firefighter’s Legacy

The campground is named in honor of Rex Hale, a U.S. Forest Service firefighter who tragically lost his life in 1937 during the Blackwater Fire, one of the deadliest wildland fires in Wyoming history.

• The fire broke out in the Shoshone National Forest and quickly escalated due to dry conditions and unpredictable winds.
• Rex Hale was among the brave men who battled the blaze. He died alongside seven other firefighters when the fire overran their position.
• The tragedy led to significant changes in wildfire management and safety protocols, including the development of the Ten Standard Firefighting Orders and the Incident Command System.

Naming the campground after Rex Hale is more than symbolic—it’s a quiet, enduring tribute to those who risk their lives to protect our wild places.

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🛣️ Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Rex Hale Campground is located along U.S. Highway 14/16/20, also known as the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. The drive from Cody to the campground is breathtaking, winding through red rock cliffs, alpine forests, and open meadows.

Nearby highlights include:

• Yellowstone’s East Gate: Just 18 miles away, offering access to Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the park’s geothermal wonders.
• Buffalo Bill State Park: A great spot for boating, fishing, and learning about the legendary showman.
• Pahaska Tepee: Buffalo Bill Cody’s historic hunting lodge, now a museum and lodge near the park entrance.

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Final Thoughts

Rex Hale Campground is more than a place to rest—it’s a place to remember. It offers the raw beauty of Wyoming’s wilderness, the soothing presence of the Shoshone River, and a quiet nod to a firefighter who gave everything to protect it.

Whether you’re passing through on your way to Yellowstone or staying for a few nights under the stars, Rex Hale invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with history, and with the spirit of the American West.WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!