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Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

521 Reviews

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland cover a large area with many camping choices. Encampment River Campground works well for campers who want to fish or kayak, with sites close to the water. Each spot comes with a picnic table and fire ring, but you'll need to bring your own water since none is available on-site. Ryan Park Campground, not far away, has vault toilets and connects to hiking trails throughout the Snowy Range. Many campers come to this area to see the mountains and wildlife, which make good photo subjects if you're patient. Most people camp here during summer when temperatures stay comfortable and you can use all the trails. Weather can change quickly in these mountains though, so pack extra layers and rain gear. The area works for both quiet camping and more active trips depending on what you're looking for.

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Best Camping Sites Near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG (157)

    1. Sugarloaf Campground

    9 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "This was my first experience in this area of SE Wyoming, but it did not disappoint. My boyfriend pulled off here on a cross country drive via I-80. We enjoyed our drives to and fro the site."

    "Lots of hikes and lakes in walking distance"

    2. Brooklyn Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "We were up at Brooklyn Lake over the holiday weekend. The campground was closed but apparently in Wyoming a campground becomes dispersed if it’s not officially open."

    "One of my favorite parts about this campground is that every site does have a view of the lake."

    3. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here. There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig."

    "I tent camped tucked into the forest a bit. The birch was dripping sap all night and I think I would have put my tent in the open if I had known. Some nice little fire pits."

    4. Forest Road 318

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles

    "Fortunately, I just had to go to opposite side of the highway for a good secluded campsite. About 3 other campers were here, but I was able to find a a secluded campsite behind some trees."

    "Location was a plus - this is within 15 minutes of lots of hikes in the Snowy Range."

    5. North Fork Campground (WY)

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 - $34 / night

    "Great spot super close to the river. Lots of dispersed camping just outside this established campground."

    "There a a lot of dispersed options close by that I would utilize in the future but happy to support the campground."

    6. Deep Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 326-5258

    $10 / night

    "If you have time, hike the nearby Crater Lake Trail for a view of an alpine lake."

    "We had six moose, one with a very tiny baby come through our site at night and in the morning and the site next to us to feed in the big meadow."

    7. Forest Service Road 330C

    2 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles

    "We found a great spot right next to the river on forest road 330C near North Fork Campground. The area was fairly busy on Labor Day weekend but we were basically isolated in this spot."

    "Had a great time with my dog, very close to medicine bow, and awesome views of the river. Heard no cars throughout the night, there were three other campers I believe ."

    8. FS RD 103 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "I saw a handful of campers on the main fire road, but then as I drove further down, I saw offshoot that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could get to which is where I went."

    9. Nash Fork Campground

    3 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "Excellent small trout stream runs next to the campground that has some nice brown’s. The hike up to the lake is nice. Pit toilets only, but easy access off the main highway."

    10. Libby Creek Pine Campground

    1 Review
    Centennial, WY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $14 / night

    "Close to creek, Mirror lake, nice toilet and trash. $14 a night."

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Recent Camping Photos near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

177 Photos of 157 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

521 Reviews of 157 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds

  • Chloe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Deer Haven RV Park

    Small and wonderful

    We stated this campsite for a month, we were having trouble finding somewhere last minute and Jeff got us in for a great price! It's a smaller park which we love, there are quite a few full-time tenants here. It is RIGHT on the north Platte river, so you don't have to go far for fishing or paddle boarding. There are no bathrooms or showers on site so your rig must be fully self-contained, which wasn't a problem for us but thought it was worth mentioning. We would definitely stay here again! Adding it to our list of favorites. It's also only 4 minutes away from hobo Hot springs. And there is a wonderful ice cream shop downtown that makes their own ice cream it's delightful

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    vedawoo campground

    Wonderful

    Beautiful campground! Destination worthy. Lots of trails and rock formations. Pristine vault toilets. Paved sites. No hookups. Come to site with full water tanks and empty gray & black tanks. Located just of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great location

    I went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!

    The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    FS RD 103 Dispersed

    Great spot, particularly if you have 4WD

    There are various types of spot to camp along this road. I saw a handful of campers on the main fire road, but then as I drove further down, I saw offshoot that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could get to which is where I went. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, I highly recommend searching for one of those off shoots for the privacy and nice camping spot.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Miller Lake dispersed

    Great for a one nighter

    Beautiful old abandoned campground! There are cows and unfortunately the water near by has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Very small

    Definitely only room for maybe 2

    The app was also showing at least some bars for Verizon but it’s definitely SOS land

    Had to turn around. Looks nice if you’re lucky enough to get a spot

  • Brian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Manhattan Campground

    Great views & Quiet

    While some of the views have some beetle kill and left over burn scar. The area is still beauty.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Small riverside camping area

    This is a primitive camping spot with 3 to maybe 5 sites if you are pushing it. Free, with pit toilet. Close to the N Platte, probably good fishing much of the year. I saw a mink and an eagle while there.

  • Andrew B.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Miller Lake dispersed

    If you don’t like being around cow poop, I’d go elsewhere

    Very pretty but absolutely covered in cow pies. We started setting up and then left because of the smell.

Guide to Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, Wyoming, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers in the area are great for fishing. One camper mentioned, "We enjoyed our drives to and fro the site," while fishing at Brooklyn Lake Campground and noted the fun they had catching small fish.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for hiking. A visitor at Sugarloaf Campground said, "Lovely hikes nearby and super clean toilets!" making it a great spot for those who love to explore.
  • Boating: If you have a boat, Saratoga Lake Campground is a fantastic choice. One reviewer shared, "For those with a boat or want water access this is a pretty great site!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. A review from Deep Creek Campground highlights, "We really enjoyed our stay...lots of trees, polite campers, and signs of moose!"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at Foote Public Access Area said, "When nobody is here it’s wonderful - right next to a creek, dogs can run around, and it is so very quiet and secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the sites. One camper at Sugarloaf Campground noted, "The toilets were clean and had hand sanitizer."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Encampment River Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper mentioned, "There are pit toilets throughout the campground that appeared to be very well maintained."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the evenings. A visitor at Brooklyn Lake Campground warned, "The other reviews about mosquitoes are correct...they are relentless in the evening and mornings."
  • Cash Only: Some campgrounds operate on a cash-only basis. A camper at Saratoga Lake Campground mentioned, "Cash only. No dump station, but there’s one located just across the highway."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Saratoga Lake Campground has a playground, making it a hit for families.
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray to keep the little ones comfortable. A camper at Sugarloaf Campground suggested, "Bring white sage bundles! Only thing that really helped with the mosquitoes."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A family at Brooklyn Lake Campground advised, "We didn’t get a site about 1pm on a Thursday but came back first thing Friday morning and got a spot for the weekend."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Sugarloaf Campground noted, "No 4x4 or high clearance necessary, we watched a few cars make the trip in/out."
  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: If you're in a larger RV, choose campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. Deer Haven RV Park is noted for being big rig friendly.
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Many campgrounds don’t sell firewood or other supplies. A camper at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, "There’s some firewood, but bring an axe to break it down."

Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, Wyoming, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Medicine Bow National Forest?

Medicine Bow National Forest offers several exceptional camping areas. Vedauwoo Tent Campground is highly rated for its stunning rock formations and both developed campsites and abundant dispersed options nearby. For those seeking dispersed camping, Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping provides well-spaced sites where you'll feel completely secluded despite being relatively accessible. Other excellent options include North Fork Campground near Centennial with reservable sites and amenities, Nash Fork Campground which accommodates larger vehicles, and Forest Service Road 700 for more private dispersed camping experiences surrounded by beautiful scenery. The forest offers a mix of developed campgrounds with basic facilities and dispersed areas for those seeking more solitude.

What amenities are available at Brooklyn Lake Campground?

Brooklyn Lake Campground is a remote but popular camping destination in a beautiful alpine setting. The campground features clean, well-maintained facilities despite its remote location. While the campground is officially seasonal, visitors note that when closed, the area effectively becomes dispersed camping (though gates may be down requiring equipment to be carried in). The campground sits directly above a lovely lake with nearby hiking trails. Basic amenities include fire rings and primitive camping spots. The area experiences significant elevation, so campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions even in summer. During peak season, the campground can be busy, and forest management activities like beetle kill removal have occurred in the area.

What campgrounds are available in Routt National Forest?

Routt National Forest offers several camping options across its diverse landscape. Big Creek Lakes Campground sits near the Wyoming border at over 9,000 feet elevation and is only open during summer months (June-August). This high-elevation campground requires visitors to be prepared for possible snow even in summer, as well as wildlife like bears and mountain lions. Comanche Peak View Campground offers primitive dispersed sites with fire pits and flat tent spots, accessible with high-clearance vehicles. It's an excellent option for those seeking to avoid crowds. Other options in the forest include developed campgrounds with basic amenities like vault toilets and designated fire rings, plus numerous dispersed camping areas along forest service roads.

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