Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland campsites span elevations from 5,500 to 11,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations even in summer months. At higher elevations, night temperatures commonly drop below 45°F even in July, with frost possible year-round at sites above 9,000 feet. Many campgrounds remain snow-covered until late June, with dirt access roads becoming impassable during spring melt.
What to do
Fishing access points: The North Platte River offers exceptional trout fishing at Six Mile Campground, where anglers need flies and lures only. "We were told by Google that this campground was permanently closed, but we went with The Dyrt's info, and it really panned out. We were the only ones there, it was a short walk down to the Platt (flys and lures only), and the tent site, fire-ring, and picnic table were in top notch condition," notes one visitor.
High-elevation hiking: Multiple trails near Seedhouse Campground connect to Mount Zirkel wilderness, with trailheads just 15 minutes from camp. "Trailheads to mount zirkel are 15 minutes away, highly recommend the hike to lake Gilpin," advises a camper. Sites here sit along the Elk River, providing natural white noise for sleeping.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Encampment River area hosts diverse wildlife year-round. "We saw Marmots, Big Horn Sheep, and other wildlife. The mosquitoes were pretty bad everywhere we went in early July. The creeks, mountains, and trees were magnificent," reports a visitor to Pickaroon Campground.
What campers like
Lakeside recreation: Steamboat Lake State Park provides extensive water activities from multiple campgrounds. "We love camping on Steamboat Lake. It's absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by mountains, and offers plenty to do while visiting, including fishing, boating, biking, and hiking. Visit the Outpost, or Clark Store for lunch, take a bike ride around the lake, fish for dinner, and soak up the sun," shares one regular visitor.
River access: Encampment River Campground offers direct waterfront sites with varied recreational options. "If you like camping, rafting, and fishing, then this is the perfect site! We've gone back year after year and it never disappoints. Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, and a drive way that can squeeze 2 cars and trailers if they aren't huge," explains a return visitor who appreciates the boat ramp on site.
Remote solitude: For campers seeking isolation, dispersed camping locations throughout the forest provide true wilderness experiences. "Absolutely gorgeous," notes a visitor to Gilpin Lake, continuing: "Hit this one on an overnight backpacking trip and boy was this just paradise. Awesome little trip with never ending amazing views. Definitely a little windy at the top and the hike back wasn't my favorite but wouldn't recommend it enough. Snow at top... be prepared."
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds provide only basic amenities. "No water nor power and I did not see the vault toilet mentioned, but I wasn't looking for it. They do have trash containers," reports an Encampment River visitor. At remote sites, carrying supplies becomes essential.
Challenging access roads: Many campgrounds require traveling unpaved roads that deteriorate quickly. "4 wheel drive a must if it's wet. Most traffic is day use fishermen and is the end of the forest road," notes a Pickaroon visitor, while another adds: "Tight switchbacks on the final decent into the campground will be a challenge for anything 20+."
Extreme weather variations: Big Creek Lakes Campground sits above 9,000 feet with a short season. "It's camping at over 9,000ft elevation and requires for you to be extra prepared for snow even in the summer months, bears, mountain lions, mosquitos, aggressive horse flies, leeches, strong winds, thunder storms and altitude sickness," warns one camper about conditions even during the June-August open season.
Tips for camping with families
Check amenities carefully: Family-friendly sites offer specific facilities. "There are pit toilets throughout the campground that appeared to be very well maintained and cleaned often. There are also numerous water spigots throughout with potable water," notes a Big Creek Lakes visitor who camped with five children.
Wildlife education opportunities: Small wildlife provides learning opportunities for children. "We had hundreds of chipmunks visit us each day to clean up the kids' crumbs. We also saw antelope and deer on the drive in and several moose, elk and a coyote off the highway," reports a family that visited Big Creek Lakes.
Choose accessible activities: Some campgrounds offer family programming. "The park had a lot of events and we did a nocturnal night hike and a star party the next. 10/10," shares a visitor to Sunrise Vista Campground at Steamboat Lake, noting the convenient "Lots of access to restrooms & potable water."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should research specific site dimensions. At Sunrise Vista, one camper reports: "Got a pull through site for my R-Pod. Level site with 15/30/50. No water or sewer on site but nice dump station and water taps everywhere."
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles fare better on forest roads. "We are in a 24' Class C and dirt road and steep approach were not a problem. Other campers were in trailers (nothing huge) and/or tents," notes an Encampment River visitor, while another mentions "Site 94 is a bit steep, but offers a fairly level spot once you travel down into it."
Seasonal considerations: Higher elevations mean limited access periods. "Depending upon chosen site, good views of lake or Hawn's park. Site 42 just glimpses of lake. Campground was nearly empty mid week late September," notes a visitor about off-season camping at Sunrise Vista.
