FAQ’s

Your Questions, Answered:
Everything You Need to Know About Elk Creek Ranch

At Elk Creek Ranch, we know that preparing for your child’s summer adventure raises plenty of questions. From travel logistics to camp activities, we’ve got you covered! Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from parents and campers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help!

General Camp Information:

  • We maintain a small, close-knit community with a high camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personal attention, safety, and guidance for each camper throughout their time at Elk Creek Ranch.

  • We provide a detailed Equipment List that outlines all the essentials your child will need for their time at Elk Creek Ranch, from clothing to gear. Make sure to label everything, and feel free to contact us with any questions about packing.

  • We accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special requirements. Please let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

  • The health and safety of our campers are our top priorities. We have trained medical staff on-site, and all camp activities are supervised by experienced counselors. In case of emergency, the closest hospital is located in Cody, Wyoming, about 45 minutes away.

  • Homesickness is common, especially for first-time campers. Our staff is trained to help campers through the adjustment period, offering support, encouragement, and plenty of fun distractions. Parents can also communicate with staff if they have concerns.

Camp Programs and Activities:

  • Yes. A state fishing license is required, and it can be purchased through the ranch or online in advance. The ranch offers a variety of fishing experiences, and campers will need their Social Security number to make the purchase.

  • Yes! The Yellowstone-Teton Caravan is a three-day, 400-mile road trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, including a white-water rafting trip on the Snake River. Space is limited to 15 campers, and the cost is an additional $400.

  • Campers who have attended Elk Creek for at least two sessions over two summers and are at least 15 years old can apply for the Leadership Program. To apply, indicate your interest on the application and include a letter of interest.

  • We primarily hire counselors who have participated in the Ranch program. First-year counselors receive a 50% discount on tuition, while second-year counselors attend for free. Senior counselors are salaried.

Travel and Communication:

  • We work with a travel agency to coordinate each camper’s trip to and from the ranch. Once we receive your application and deposit, we’ll send all the necessary details to the agency, and they will notify you with final travel plans at least one month before departure. This allows campers to travel as a group while we organize transportation between the airports and the ranch, which is included in the tuition. Please note that Billings, Montana, is 120 miles from the ranch, so individual travel arrangements can be difficult.

  • Yes, but we recommend pre-paying baggage fees through the airlines, as shipping luggage can be expensive and difficult to manage on the final day of camp.

  • We have one telephone line at the ranch (307-587-3902), which campers can use for emergencies. The best times to reach your child are during meal times (8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:00 pm MDT). You can also contact the ranch via phone or email.

  • For USPS mail, use:
    Elk Creek Ranch, PO Box 1476, Cody, WY, 82414

    For UPS/FedEx, use:
    Elk Creek Ranch, 114 Sunlight Road, Cody, WY, 82414

  • We ask that campers check in their cell phones upon arrival, as we strive to foster an immersive western experience. Phones are mainly for travel purposes and should not be relied on for photos or music during the camp.

Tuition and Policies:

  • Yes, we offer a 10% discount for applications received before January 1, as well as a 10% discount for the second and third children from the same family during the same summer. Only one discount can be applied per camper.

  • The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other drugs is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal without a refund.

  • Refunds for early departures due to personal reasons or behavior issues are not provided. However, if your child must leave for a medical reason, we handle such situations on a case-by-case basis.