Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland contain over 2 million acres spanning three states. Elevation ranges from 5,500 to 12,940 feet at the summit of Mount Zirkel, creating diverse camping conditions. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing even in summer months, with sudden weather changes common at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking trail access: At North Fork Campground, campers can explore multiple trails directly from their sites. "Creek to dip your feet in and trails to hike on," notes one visitor. The campground sits along the Laramie River, providing water access for anglers.
Paddleboarding on mountain lakes: Pearl Lake State Park offers calm waters perfect for paddleboarding. "It's a quiet lake, surrounded by mountains and forest, perfect for paddle boarders. There is also a nice hike that goes over the dam and then climbs up and away from civilization," according to one review. Non-motorized watercraft restrictions maintain the tranquil setting.
Star viewing: At elevations over 10,000 feet, Sugarloaf Campground provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "We bundled up and stargazed and felt so lucky to have detoured to this spot," writes one camper. The high elevation means nights remain cold even in summer, with temperatures dropping below 30°F after sunset.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: At Deer Haven RV Park, campers appreciate the riverside location. "It is RIGHT on the north Platte river, so you don't have to go far for fishing or paddle boarding," notes one reviewer. Another adds: "Request Riverside if you want to be on the river."
Lake views: Visitors to Sunrise Vista Campground value the scenic setting. "Our site was very well maintained and level. Sites are nicely spaced and for such a busy time (week of the 4th) it was amazingly peaceful and quiet," writes one camper. Another mentions: "We visited this site in Hahns Peak for the first time, it is breathtaking with the scenery it offers."
Alpine wildflowers: Sugarloaf Campground offers abundant summer wildflower viewing. "There are so many wildflowers and little cascades that even a short stroll with children is rewarding," notes a camper. The campground's late opening (mid-July) corresponds with peak wildflower season in the alpine zone.
What you should know
Weather extremes: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature fluctuations. At Sugarloaf Campground, one camper warns of "constant strong wind" while another notes it "Got below 30 degrees at night so come prepared!"
Limited availability: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We arrived on Wednesday morning to find all sites occupied. So we drove around for a little while before heading to Brooklyn Lake," reports one Sugarloaf visitor. Weekday arrivals offer better chances at securing sites.
Road conditions: Access to Buffalo Pass Dispersed requires appropriate vehicles. "Crazy hard to get to in anything less than 4wd," warns one visitor. Another notes: "The road up got rough and really did a number on my top mounted bike racks. I wouldn't take anything more than a teardrop or Airstream Basecamp up."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Sugarloaf Campground offers excellent value. "For $10, can't be beat!" notes one visitor. The campground has 16 sites with water access and clean vault toilets, making it suitable for families seeking basic amenities at reasonable prices.
Bug preparation: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect activity. At Buffalo Pass, one camper warns: "When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs… they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere." Bring appropriate repellent, particularly during June and July.
Local ice cream stops: Eagle Soaring RV Park offers easy access to town amenities. Deer Haven visitors recommend: "There is a wonderful ice cream shop downtown that makes their own ice cream it's delightful." These small-town stops provide welcome relief during hot summer days.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: When selecting sites at rv campgrounds near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, pay attention to terrain. Eagle Soaring RV Park gets good marks for site preparation: "Sites are gravel for the RV, very level, and very well maintained. All sites are pull through."
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds in the Medicine Bow-Routt area have size restrictions. North Fork Campground accommodates larger rigs, but Buffalo Pass dispersed camping is challenging for anything substantial. One camper noted seeing "one or two RVs up, shocked they made it" at Buffalo Pass.
Cell service variability: Internet connectivity varies significantly across rv campgrounds in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. At Eagle Soaring RV Park, a reviewer reports: "We had 2 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. The campground wifi was average at best."
