Best Tent Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG
Tent campsites near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland offer a range of primitive camping options in southeastern Wyoming. Free dispersed tent camping is available at Foote Public Access Area along the North Platte River and Lake Hattie Public Access Area. The Medicine Bow region includes several tent-friendly locations within reasonable driving distance of Laramie and Saratoga, where campers can experience Wyoming's high plains and mountain landscapes.
Most tent camping locations in this area feature minimal amenities and primitive conditions. Lake Hattie sites are situated on open terrain with little to no shade, while Foote Public Access provides riverside camping on sometimes weedy, uneven ground. Access roads vary in quality, with some locations like Foote requiring travel on dirt roads through private property. Vault toilets are available at both Lake Hattie and Foote Public Access, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. No potable water is provided at dispersed sites, and camping is restricted to designated areas only, with variable stay limits depending on land management regulations.
The Medicine Bow region offers tent campers quiet, secluded experiences with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Sites near water bodies like Lake Hattie provide swimming and fishing access but may have seasonal challenges. Mosquitoes can be problematic near water, particularly at Foote Public Access Area. Most tent sites lack tree cover, offering extensive views but little protection from sun or wind. The open terrain provides excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor to Foote Public Access noted, "This tiny dispersed site is on the North Platte River with boat access and a few weedy, private sites spread out in this area tucked inside private property." Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, including strong winds and rapid temperature changes typical of Wyoming's high plains.
