Laramie, Wyoming sits at an elevation of 7,165 feet, where camping often means preparing for significant temperature swings even in summer months. The area surrounding Laramie features a mix of high plains and mountain terrain, with several camping options located within 20-50 miles of town. Most campgrounds in the region experience strong afternoon winds, particularly at lakeside locations.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Curt Gowdy State Park offers extensive trail networks for riders of all skill levels. "The trails are beautiful, fun and abundant. We couldn't have had a better time hiking and wildlife watching," notes a visitor at Curt Gowdy State Park Campground.
Fishing access: Lake Hattie provides shoreline fishing about 20 miles west of Laramie. "Great little spot ~20 miles west of Laramie. Easy access and can drive right up to the water and park. The wind was a variable as were the gnats, but they did not bite," reports one Lake Hattie camper.
Wildlife viewing: The open landscape around Laramie supports pronghorn and various bird species. At RV Park near the Wyoming border, campers mention the natural setting: "Ranch was quiet, horses and pronghorn made for excellent neighbors."
What campers like
Easy overnight stops: Many travelers appreciate the convenience of Laramie-area campgrounds for cross-country travel. A visitor to Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney shared: "Stayed in campground one night as our original campground was closed due to snow. Nice campground off highway 80. Nice facilities. Very clean sites are flat and level."
Stargazing opportunities: The open skies and minimal light pollution create excellent night viewing. "This place was an unexpected treasure. There is open parking at the picnic tables so you can face any direction you want. Extremely private and spacious," reports a camper at Last Chance Camp.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers rank high on camper satisfaction lists. One visitor to Lake Hattie Public Access Area noted: "We stayed here at the lake. Camping limit is 5 days. Beautiful Mountain View, swimming and fishing. No cell phone service with Verizon. No running water has restrooms and lots of camp/picnic tables."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. At Cheyenne RV Resort, a camper reported: "We were able to receive a couple of Amazon deliveries without issue, which was a big plus...The showers were a bit tight but were clean and heated - a nice touch."
Wind conditions: Strong winds affect most rv sites near Laramie, Wyoming, particularly in open areas. A Lake Hattie camper observed: "The wind was a variable as were the gnats, but they did not bite."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Last Chance Camp, one visitor noted the ease of last-minute booking: "I was able to book the same day and the host's communication was excellent. I immediately received details about my booking and it was super easy to find and access."
Tips for camping with families
Outdoor activities: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities beyond just camping spaces. A visitor to Terry Bison Ranch described: "Took the feed the bison train ride. Which was totally fun. Getting ready to go have a buffet at the ranch."
Safety considerations: Look for campgrounds with good site spacing and clear boundaries. One Last Chance Camp visitor observed: "I am a Solo Traveler with a small friendly dog and this was a safe place for us. Owners have a friendly dog which came by to visit and gave my dog some company."
Swimming options: Lake access provides natural water play areas during summer months. A Lake Hattie camper mentioned: "Lake is like a beach. Beautiful Mountain View, swimming and fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Many rv camping areas near Laramie, Wyoming feature closely arranged sites. At AB Camping & RV Park, a visitor noted: "Clean bathrom and showers. Even have a fitness center. 2 dog runs and 2 dump stations also. BarBQ restaurant, theyll deliver to your site. If they're busy then you'll be right on top of each other, spaces are maybe 12' apart."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional effort for proper setup. At Laramie RV Resort, one camper observed: "Over night stay on route to our finale destination. Hot showers bathroom are clean. 30 amp hook up and water. We were good to go not the Taj Mahal but it served our needs. Level parking area."
Weather preparation: The region experiences sudden weather changes that require flexibility. A Curt Gowdy State Park camper shared: "During a sudden snowstorm that caused I-80 to close, we thought our propane might run out, and weren't able to refill on propane because of road closure. We were able to move to an electric site for an extra $10 and the staff even loaned us a space heater just in case."
