Camping spots in Medicine Bow National Forest offer dispersed and established options at elevations of 8,000-11,000 feet around Centennial, Wyoming. Summer temperatures range from 40-70°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The camping season typically runs June through September due to snow persistence at higher elevations.
What to do
Alpine lakes exploration: Visit Brooklyn Lake Campground with multiple trailheads leading to glacial lakes. "There are some great trails which lead up to a glacial lake with some incredible views," notes Dave, who camped at Brooklyn Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for moose and other wildlife. "We had six moose, one with a very tiny baby come through our site at night and in the morning and the site next to us to feed in the big meadow," reports Bryan P. from Deep Creek Campground.
Fishing in mountain streams: Cast for trout in the small creeks. "Excellent small trout stream runs next to the campground that has some nice brown's," shares Jonathan about Nash Fork Campground. Many campsites throughout the area provide direct stream access.
What campers like
High-elevation stars: Clear mountain skies provide exceptional stargazing. "We bundled up and stargazed and felt so lucky to have detoured to this spot," Madison D. writes about Sugarloaf Campground. The limited light pollution makes night sky viewing remarkable.
River access: Many sites position directly next to flowing water. "We found a great spot right next to the river on forest road 330C near North Fork Campground. We were nestled up against the Little Laramie River which was awesome," shares Opus 15 about Forest Service Road 330C.
Uncrowded camping even during peak times: Most campgrounds maintain a peaceful atmosphere. "Even when the parking lot and campground are full it doesn't seem crowded," explains Melanie G. about Brooklyn Lake. Weekdays typically see lower visitor numbers than weekends.
What you should know
Weather variability: Prepare for sudden temperature drops and wind. "The wind was consistently 25mph+ the whole weekend," Connor B. reports about Sugarloaf Campground. Pack layers as temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer.
Limited availability at established campgrounds: Arrive early to secure spots. "We arrived on Wednesday morning to find all sites occupied. So we drove around for a little while before heading to Brooklyn Lake," Dave warns about Sugarloaf Campground.
Insect protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent near water. "The mosquitoes are very bad. They are relentless in the evening and mornings," Dave notes about Brooklyn Lake. Bring EPA-approved repellent for humans and pets.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with fishing access: Kids enjoy catching trout. "Fun kayaking and fishing at the lake," mentions Melanie G. about Brooklyn Lake Campground, making it an ideal spot for families.
Plan day hikes: Short trails suitable for children. "Even a short stroll with children is rewarding," Gretchen B. writes about trails near Sugarloaf. Many trailheads start directly from campgrounds.
Select campsites with space between neighbors: Provides room for kids to play. "The campground has all the amenities you'd expect: fire pits, tables, toilets, trash bins, and a water pump. The sites vary in terms of privacy and style," explains Quinn Z. about Brooklyn Lake Campground.
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most forest roads accommodate smaller RVs only. "Narrow turns, big rigs not recommended. We pulled an 18-foot trailer and saw only a few spots that would work for us," advises Donna H. about Brooklyn Lake.
Consider dispersed options: More space for larger vehicles. "Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie," says Izzy T. about Laramie Overlook Dispersed Camping. Dispersed sites often provide more room than established campgrounds.
Cell service varies by location: Plan accordingly if working remotely. "Great cell service!" reports Izzy T. about Laramie Overlook, while Quinn Z. notes about Brooklyn Lake: "I didn't get any cell service (on Verizon), which for those of us that are mobile workers can be a deal-breaker."
Dog-friendly options: All dispersed areas welcome pets. "We stayed one night at the coordinates of camper 1. Had a great time with my dog, very close to medicine bow, and awesome views of the river," shares Samuel C. about Forest Service Road 330C. Most established campgrounds in the area are also dog friendly campgrounds near Centennial.
