Tent camping throughout Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland offers primitive wilderness experiences across an expansive 2.9 million acre landscape spanning northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. Elevations range from 6,000 to over 12,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems and dramatic temperature variations even during summer months. Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency with no facilities, while established campgrounds provide limited amenities.
What to do
Fishing access: Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground provides lake access for anglers. "What a beautiful drive to the campsite. Our girls had a blast exploring and making their 'fort'. A very clean and peaceful place with an amazing view. The lake itself is beautiful and offers people great photo opportunities," notes Joe W.
Gold panning: Try your luck at Middle Fork Campground where creek access is available directly behind several campsites. According to Fadelle P., "This is a small but very well maintained campground. You can pan for gold or fish. The creek runs right behind a number of the campsites. The owners have planted trees and flowers at every site and the wildflowers were also in bloom."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot elk and other wildlife from secluded camping areas. "We saw two bull elk and a calf play in the valley and drink from the pond as the sun went down. There's cacti, sage and pretty wildflowers," reports Kerrie L. about her experience in Medicine Bow.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Sage Campground's open terrain creates ideal conditions for night sky observation. "The biggest drawback to this campground is it is completely open with no trees. The bathrooms are very clean. There are fire rings, a picnic table, and tent pads in every site. Some spotty cell service... Excellent for stargazing," writes Kayla G.
Solitude and privacy: Medicine Bow offers remote dispersed camping for those seeking isolation. "This spot is extremely private and very rugged to access," notes Socious I. The rugged terrain provides natural separation between camping areas.
Sunset views: Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping offers unobstructed sunset viewing across the water. Quinn M. describes it as "simple, and easy place to get to... flat awesome sunset." The open landscape provides panoramic views with minimal light pollution.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Wind conditions can change rapidly, particularly in exposed areas. Jessica C. advises about BLM North Sand Hills Campground: "We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes. Beautiful spots with amazing views. Be prepared for wind!"
Insect considerations: Multiple campsites report significant insect activity, particularly during summer months. "We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies," warns Robert D. about Walden Reservoir.
Access limitations: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. Maya G. cautions: "The roads going in there are rough and then turn to sand. Car struggled a bit. It's clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Lakes provide recreational opportunities but require supervision. Scott W. notes about Hahns Peak Lake Campground: "We spent a week here and loved it. The campground is an hour north of Steamboat Springs and on Hahn's Peak Lake. Steamboat Lake State Park is 15 minutes away. Spots are large and 5 are FF."
Nature exploration: Create structured activities for children to engage with the natural environment. "Our girls had a blast exploring and making their 'fort'," shares Joe W. about Hahns Peak Lake, indicating opportunities for creative outdoor play.
Site selection: Beaver Creek Trailhead provides tent-only sites suitable for family camping. "Beautiful views, one of our fav places. Completely free just follow the dispersed camping rules. No amenities," reports Amber P. Families should select sites with natural boundaries to contain younger children.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads often deteriorate after rainfall, creating hazards for recreational vehicles. "I picked this place because it was free. When I got there maps took me in the wrong direction then rerouted me. The roads going in there are rough and then turn to sand," cautions Maya G. about North Sand Hills.
Site leveling: Many dispersed areas require significant effort to level RVs. Walden Reservoir offers relatively flat terrain according to Liv M.: "Better for campers/cans as there isn't much privacy for tent campers. Not enough trees for bathrooms so you may want to bring a hide-able set up. Sites aren't really marked/but are right next to the reservoir."
Navigation challenges: GPS directions may be unreliable in remote areas. "The gps takes you past the 2 visible pulloffs that would be great for campers," warns Haley B. about arriving at Walden Reservoir after dark. RVers should research routes during daylight hours when possible.
