Friend Park Campground — Medicine Bow Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Overview

Situated at the base of Laramie Peak, the Friend Park Campground has 11 sites surrounded by firs, pines, and aspens with beautiful Friend Park to the southwest. A favorite of both tent and trailer campers, it is another great location for recreating within the Laramie Peak Unit of the Douglas Ranger District. The campground is popular for OHV riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, or just getting away to relax.

Recreation

The Laramie Peak area in the Medicine Bow National Forest is located in Central Wyoming. The Douglas Ranger District manages the Laramie Peak and Thunder basin National Grasslands areas. Year-round recreation uses include hiking, fishing, hunting, OHV riding, camping, biking, horseback trail riding, and rock climbing. Primary access across the district is by I-25 and Highway 59. The Laramie Peak Connector Trail leaves the campground and leads to the Friend Park Trail and Laramie Peak Trail. Hiking access to the Roaring Fork Trail is located along the nearby FSRD 661.A. There are many fishing opportunities just below the campground in Friend Creek and the beaver ponds along the Connector Trial.__Other fishing areas are along the Upper Horseshoe Creek on National Forest System lands and WY State Trust land. Mountain Biking Upper Roaring Fork Trail Friend Park Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Laramie Peak Trail Sunset Ridge Trail Lost Creek Trail Arapaho Trail Albany Peak Trails Black Mountain Look out Mountain Climbing Curtis Gulch Trail Upper Roaring Fork Trai Day Hiking Upper Roaring Fork Trail Friend Park Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Laramie Peak Trail Sunset Ridge Trail Lost Creek Trail Albany Peak Trails Black Mountain Look out Backpacking Upper Roaring Fork Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Lost Creek Trail Albany Peak Trails Horseback riding Upper Roaring Fork Trail Friend Park Trail Arapaho Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Laramie Peak Trail Sunset Ridge Trail Lost Creek Trail Black Mountain Look out OHV Riding Arapaho Trail FSRD633 Trails Sunset Ridge Trail North Laramie River Trail Laramie Peak Trail Albany Peak trails Black Mountain Look out

Facilities

There are 11 campsites in a lightly wooded, rocky area with picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, vault toilets, trash collection, and potable water. Most campsites have abundant shade and several of the walk-in sites are spaced far enough apart to have a dispersed feel. Potable water is typically available in this campground from early June to late November. These dates may vary due to weather. Potable water availability may vary due to well and/or pump maintenance, and water testing requirements. As such, we encourage you to bring your own drinking water or call ahead.

Natural Features

The campground is at an elevation of 7,572 feet within a mature stand of ponderosa pine, along with aspen and firs. Several of the walk-in sites have a great view of Laramie Peak. The general area is intermixed with timber, meadows and large rock formations. The highest peak in the Laramie Range at 10,200 feet, Laramie Peak was once a welcome sign to pioneers on the Oregon and Mormon trails, as well as the first real' mountain most had ever seen.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can find many outdoor opportunities in the surrounding area including OHV riding, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, rock climbing, photography, and horseback riding. Fishing opportunities nearby in Friend Creek and Upper Horseshoe Creek. Sunday services available nearby at the historic Esterbrook Community Church (non-denominational).