Medicine Bow National Forest Ryan Park Campground

Ryan Park Campground lies along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in the Medicine Bow National Forest, at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The site is intriguing for history buffs; it was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and was used as a prisoner of war camp for Italians and Germans during World War II. Recreation Visitors can access nearby road cycling routes, stream fishing and day hiking. Scenery abounds in the Snowy Range high country, including the Mirror Lake picnic area, which campers can reach via a paved road from the campground. Although little remains of either of the two historical camps, visitors can learn more from interpretive signs on the facility grounds. Facilities Ryan Park boasts 42 campsites and one group campsite. The group site has 14 sites and can host up to 140 visitors. All campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings with grates. Natural Features The campground is situated in a mountainous area along Barrett Creek in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The surrounding forest consists of evergreen trees and aspen that turn golden in fall. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. Nearby Attractions The historic Brush Creek Visitor Center is located 2.5 miles west of the campground and provides information on various outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports. ADA Access: N

Ryan Park

The cabin offers an ideal winter playground, with a snowy landscape perfect for recreation. Snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. The Brush Creek Cross-Country Ski Trails are made up of loop trails winding through aspen, lodgepole pine stands and reclaimed clear-cuts. The frequency of trail grooming depends on weather conditions and equipment. Recreation After the Wyoming Highway Department closes their gate for the winter the highway becomes a popular snowmobile trail. The Wyoming State Trails map shows over 300 miles of groomed and ungroomed trail. A new map is created each year. Other recreational opportunities in the area include cross country skiing on the trails behind the Barracks and sledding at the old Ryan Park Ski Area. Facilities This bi-level house can accommodate up to eight people comfortably in four bedrooms with a set of twin beds in each. The small living room has a TV, but reception is weak. The large kitchen and dining area is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, basic kitchen utensils and cooking supplies. Two bathrooms include showers and flush toilets. The house has electricity and heat. Guests should bring a few of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, dish soap, extra toilet paper and garbage bags. Additional light sources should be brought for emergencies. All trash and food should be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features The Snowy Range is aptly named. The Barracks, at 8,100 feet, receives early autumn snow and by Halloween the snow is beginning to accumulate. Eight miles up from the Barracks is the Highway 130 winter closure gate. ADA Access: N

Brush Creek Work Center Barrack

Snow Survey Cabin is located 28 miles southeast of Saratoga, Wyoming, in the Snowy Range of Medicine Bow National Forest. The cabin, located just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway at nearly 10,000 feet, was built in 1944 and was a shelter for snow surveyors. Today, it is a unique lodging experience for guests seeking rustic recreation and relaxation in southeastern Wyoming. The cabin is open year-round and is accessible by vehicle in good road conditions. Winter access to the facility requires snowmobiling, skiing or snowshoeing up to six miles. Basic amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear. Recreation In the summer months, a vast hiking trail system accessing the highest elevations of the Snowy Range extends from the cabin's back door. Hikers looking for a challenge can make the trek up Medicine Bow Peak at an elevation of 12,013 feet, or hike nearby Browns Peak or Sugarloaf Mountain. Fishing is available at many alpine lakes and streams, including the popular Mirror Lake day use site. Winter brings deep powder snow for the snowmobiler and cross-country skier. Facilities The one-room cabin is furnished with two sets of bunk beds and can accommodate up to four people. The cabin is equipped with a propane cook stove, heater, solar lights, table and chairs, cookware, and basic cooking and eating utensils. An outhouse with vault toilet is located nearby. No running water is available at the cabin. Guests must bring their own supply of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Snow for melting is usually available in winter. Guests need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, lanterns or flashlights, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. No pets are allowed within the building. Pets must be on leash or lead outside to protect wildlife. Pet must be cleaned up after by owner. Natural Features From valleys and canyons that rise steeply to jagged ridges, the Snowy Range boasts alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and a mixed forest of spruce, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and aspen. At elevations of 9,000 to 12,000 feet, it lives up to its name, as snow can fall in the area during any month of the year. Wildlife viewing is abundant near the cabin, including elk, deer and moose. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear find habitat in the forest as well. Nearby Attractions The Snowy Range is transected by Wyoming Highway 130 between Laramie and Saratoga. This is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. Many campgrounds, picnic areas and hiking trails are located along its course. The small Snowy Range Ski Resort is accessible from this scenic byway as well; however, portions of Highway 130 are not completely accessible during the winter. ADA Access: N

Snow Survey Cabin

This campground is three miles off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Hwy 130) beside North Brush Creek. Facilities include: 12 small camp sites, picnic tables, water, toilets, fire grates and trash service. Elevation: 7,800 OHV/ATV Trails: Stump Hollow Trail and Cedar Creek Trail. Kennaday Peak is nearby and offers a panaramic view of the area. Pick up a free Motor Vehicle Use Map at the Ranger station in Saratoga, WY. Fishing: Streams in the area support populations of brook and brown trout.

Lincoln Park Campground

At just under 10,500 feet Silver Lake Campground is the highest elevation campground on the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District. It opens in late June or early July depending on snow depth. The campground is beside the Snowy Range Scenic Byway on Silver Lake. This facility provides easy access to exploring the trails, lakes, streams, and glacial landscapes of the area. Facilities include 17 campsites with 3 RV pull-throughs (trailers under 32'), picnic tables, toilets, water, fire grates, and trash receptacles with a 14 day stay limit. There are two trailheads at the campground. Popular attractions near this campground include Silver Lake, Lake Marie Falls, Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow Peak Trail, French Creek CanyonTrail and Miners Cabin Trail. 

Silver Lake Campground

The Corral Creek Campground is in a scenic setting near the North Platte River, which makes it great for fishing and floating. The campground has 6 campsites, vault toilet, day use parking and a foot trail to wade fishing. Each campsite features a picnic table, fire ring or grill, and parking space. No pull-throughs please. This area has juniper, sagebrush and grasses primarily, and is near a riparian area. Visitors will see a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, wild turkeys, mule deer, mountain lions, grouse, rattlesnakes. Both rainbow trout and brown trout are abundant.

Corral Creek Campground

This is a fee site with 11 campsites, vault toilet, boat ramp, day use parking, and bank fishing accessible to persons with disabilities. The hand pump water well is not operable at this time. Fees at Bennett Peak are $10 per night per campsite. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring/grill, sandy tent pad, parking space but no pull-throughs. The elevation is 7,200 feet and an abundance of wildlife including bald eagle, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, wild turkey, mule deer, mountain lion, grouse, rattlesnakes, and rainbow and brown trout can be found. The campground is located on the banks of the North Platte River and enjoyed by hunters and anglers, who find trout in the North Platte River and big game in the nearby Snowy Range. Use season predominately from June 1st through November 15th depending on winter conditions.

Bennett Peak Campground

Sugarloaf is a rustic, picturesque campground that overlooks the spectacular peaks of the Snowy Range and the crystal clear waters of Libby Lake in southeastern Wyoming. Situated atop a mountain pass just 12 miles northwest of the town of Centennial, Wyoming, Sugarloaf lies at an elevation of 10,700 feet. The lake area offers excellent hiking and fishing opportunities, as well as the chance to enjoy the fresh air and alpine scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Natural Features: The campground lies in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Numerous alpine lakes dot the area, including the 19-acre Libby Lake and 26-acre Lewis Lake, which are formed by snow-melt. Vegetation consists of price and fir forests, interspersed with alpine meadows. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. Recreation: Sugarloaf is in the midst of a fishermans paradise. with 102 recreational lakes. Libby and Lewis Lakes offer brook, cutthroat and brown trout. The campground is convenient to a variety of hiking trails. Three popular trailheads originate in this area. Non-motorized boating is also available in the lake. Facilities: This is a small, quaint campground nestled beneath a dramatic mountainous landscape. Every site has sweeping views of the Snowy Range. The 16 campsites form a single loop that meanders along a spruce and fir-lined hillside. Walk-in sites are no more than 25 feet from parking. Nearby Attractions: Visitors can find many more outdoor opportunities in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

Sugarloaf Campground

Medicine Bow National Forest Sugarloaf Campground

Medicine Bow National Forest Brooklyn Lake Campground

This campsite was a great surprise. The campground was really well maintained and tidy. The sites were all well groomed. Newish composite picnic tables. Fire rings and grills all in good shape. A fair amount of beetle kill in the area but still decently wooded to not seem barren. The campground host was really nice and made regular rounds on each loop. Roads getting here are easy.

We have a 25’ trailer and there were only a couple of spots that’s would have been a challenge for us. Many pull-thru spots. Most trailers in the campground but a few hardy souls in tents. Clean toilets.

Late June is a great time to visit. Lots of wildflowers and hummingbirds. Love the Indian Paintbrush. A creek runs along the north edge of the campground.

Historic value too. This is the site of a POW camp from the 30s/40s.

Medicine Bow National Forest Ryan Park Campground

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