M
Megan T.
Traveler
TravelerLaramie Overlook Disperesed Camping
No services but great view
There’s an upper and lower area. I was able to get an upper spot with a view of the valley next to a fire pit. There’s no services here.
Camping near Elk Mountain, WY
87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Medicine Bow National Forest surrounds Elk Mountain, Wyoming, offering diverse camping experiences from developed sites to remote dispersed areas. Bow River Campground, situated on the edge of the forest not far from Interstate 80, provides a true nature experience with the Medicine Bow River running through the grounds. Deep Creek Campground and White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site offer alternatives for those seeking different levels of amenities. Within a short drive, campers can access Brooklyn Lake Campground, which features lake views from every site and proximity to multiple trailheads. The region includes both free dispersed camping options requiring minimal preparation and established campgrounds with basic facilities like vault toilets and picnic tables.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Elk Mountain area, with most developed campgrounds operating from June through September or early October. Many forest roads become impassable during winter and spring snowmelt. As one camper noted, "Make sure to get a map (or download) so you can get around all the paved and dirt roads around here." Wind presents a consistent challenge throughout the year, with several reviewers mentioning strong gusts even during summer months. Cell service varies widely across the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Interstate 80 and towns. Permits are required for some dispersed camping areas like East Fork Wagonhound Creek, while established campgrounds typically charge modest fees between $5-15 per night.
Campers consistently praise the area's natural beauty and stargazing opportunities. "We were treated to a gorgeous sunset and once the sun went down, the clearest skies we've seen in a while," reported one visitor to Sugarloaf Campground. Wildlife viewing ranks high among visitor experiences, with moose, deer, and various bird species commonly spotted. Fishing opportunities abound in the region's lakes and streams, particularly for rainbow and brook trout. Mosquitoes present a common challenge during summer months, with multiple reviewers recommending bug spray as essential equipment. Hikers appreciate the network of trails accessible from many campgrounds, particularly around Brooklyn Lake where "three trailheads at the campground all with multiple hike options" allow visitors to explore without driving to separate trailheads.
Best Campgrounds near Elk Mountain (87)
1. White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site
"Nice isolated spot in the National Forest, 5 mi from the main highway. Nice view with few fire rings. No one was around."
"It’s 4th of July weekend so all the spots/areas had someone in them by the time I got in around 9pm. I could see how it would be awesome on a slower weekend."
2. Saratoga Lake Campground
"I stayed here on a bicycle tour across American in 2016 and again while driving across later in 2016."
"Is Saratoga lake, and the aptly named Saratoga Lake Campground. It has tiers of camp sites mostly set up for RV'S but a few towards the water which tent campers will be comfortable."
3. Bow River
"This is on the edge of the main part of Medicine Bow National forest, not too far from interstate 80. The Medicine Bow river runs through camp."
"I am not the biggest fan of campgrounds because they are usually packed, noisy and not a fun way to 'get away from it all'."
4. Deep Creek Campground
"If you have time, hike the nearby Crater Lake Trail for a view of an alpine lake."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability5. Elk Mountian RV Park
from $56 / night
6. East Fork Wagonhound Creek
7. Bow River Ranger Station
"We drove 12 miles from this cabin to hike to Crater Lake; it's pretty country. Dusty roads, loads of stars, other little creeks nearby."
from $135 / night
Check Availability8. Sugarloaf Campground
"This was my first experience in this area of SE Wyoming, but it did not disappoint. My boyfriend pulled off here on a cross country drive via I-80. We enjoyed our drives to and fro the site."
"Great camp spot close to so many gorgeous views, trails and fishing. The trailhead areas only allow vehicles like 20’ or less."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Brooklyn Lake Campground
"We were up at Brooklyn Lake over the holiday weekend. The campground was closed but apparently in Wyoming a campground becomes dispersed if it’s not officially open."
"One of my favorite parts about this campground is that every site does have a view of the lake."
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Foote Public Access Area Dispersed
"When nobody is here it’s wonderful - right next to a creek, dogs can run around, and it is so very quiet and secluded. If I’m ever in Wyoming I’ll head back to this little spot."
"Got here around 3pm only 2 other people. Only a few spots are larger for 5th wheels etc. road was pretty bumpy coming down, you pass a few farms and a lot of private property which can be confusing."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 51 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 52 min from Casper, WY
- 2 hrs 16 min from Greeley, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Elk Mountain, WY
49 Photos of 87 Elk Mountain Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Elk Mountain, WY
397 Reviews of 87 Elk Mountain Campgrounds
- DDanielle D.
ScoutDugway Recreation Site
Beautiful and Remote
This was an overnight stop about 8 miles off 80w in the middle of nowhere. It was quiet, well maintained (cleanest vault toilet I’ve ever been in) and had beautiful views. There are 5 very flat sights spread far apart and all were full by 8p. No bugs at all and a good bit of wind. We had no trouble in RWD Class C and there was also a huge 5th wheel there. There’s a hand pump water well too.
- SSteve H.Scout
Lake Hattie Public Access Area
Nice view!
Nice view and clean land.
David D.TravelerDugway Campground
Nice quiet place
Not many spaces but spread out well and fairly level dirt pads.
- MMystle W.
GuideRawlins KOA
Great stopover
So many yard games and activities for the whole family. Fenced in dog park. And individual showers/bathrooms were clean.
Callie C.GuideSanger Public Access Area on North Platte River
Private River Camping
Absolutely dreamy! Stayed two nights and only saw ppl taking out at boat ramp. We saw three bald eagles!
No T-mobile service. There are only maybe 5 - 6 spots to camp.
Please pick up your trash to keep this place beautiful!
The road in is gravel and flat!
- jjames W.Scout
Brooklyn Lake Campground
No First Come First Sites
Dyrt says a mix of reservation and first come first serve sites; this is incorrect. I arrived on a Monday at noon, the campground was full. I talked with the forest service camp host on site - he said Brooklyn Lake is reservation only.
Erich B.
RangerEncampment River Campground — Bureau Of Land Management
Well kept campground
Right on the river. Spaces are close to each other but not too close. There is a day use parking area and a well maintained bathroom. There is 1 pull through site and the others are back in sites.
- Erich B.Ranger
Kortes Reservoir Miracle Mile Dispersed
Location location location
As the title states this is about the location. The camping could be better if people didn’t leave trash behind and broken glass everywhere.
Guide to Elk Mountain
Medicine Bow National Forest offers numerous campsites near Elk Mountain, Wyoming, ranging from established facilities with amenities to remote dispersed sites. The elevation in this region varies from 7,000 to 10,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Wind speeds commonly reach 25-30 mph even during summer months, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking options: Brooklyn Lake Campground provides direct access to multiple trails without needing to drive elsewhere. "There are three trail heads at the campground all with multiple hike options which was really nice to have access to some beautiful hikes without getting into the car," notes a reviewer. Trails lead to glacial lakes with views of the Snowy Range.
Fishing access: Saratoga Lake Campground offers prime shoreline camping for anglers. "Friend and I did a spur of the moment road trip down through the Snowies. We stopped Sunday night, drove into town to find the bath house (free hot spring, freaking awesome!)," writes Kevin C. The North Platte River runs through this area, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Hot springs visits: The town of Saratoga, located about 20 minutes from several campgrounds, features free public hot springs. "Visit Hobo Hot Springs, the free hot springs in town," recommends one camper at Saratoga Lake. These natural springs offer a welcome respite after hiking, especially during cooler weather.
What campers like
Moose sightings: Deep Creek Campground regularly hosts wildlife visitors. "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. Wildlife viewing peaks during early morning and evening hours.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites creates exceptional stargazing conditions. One camper at Sugarloaf Campground noted: "We were able to observe millions of stars" at night. The campground's 10,000-foot elevation contributes to clear, dark skies.
Lake access: Several campgrounds feature direct waterfront access. "Every site does have a view of the lake. My buddies and I came here pretty late in the day, and still got a pretty great spot with a view of the lake!" reports Drew W. about Brooklyn Lake Campground. Many campers bring kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for lake recreation.
What you should know
Weather extremes: High elevation camping means significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. "Got below 30 degrees at night so come prepared!" warns Maya G. about Sugarloaf Campground. Snow can persist at some sites into July.
Insect pressure: Mosquitoes pose a significant challenge at many sites, particularly those near water. "The mosquitoes were relentless. Our poor dogs were getting bit all over," reports a camper at Foote Public Access Area. Bug pressure typically peaks from June through mid-August.
Road conditions: Access to many campsites requires traveling on rough forest roads. About White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site, Christopher E. notes: "Road in is about 5 miles, keeps going to few pullouts. Huge area for camping in groups if you continue down road make left." Four-wheel drive is recommended for dispersed sites.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom availability: Established campgrounds typically provide vault toilets. At Deep Creek Campground, "the bathrooms were quite run down and dirty. The pits themselves seemed as though they had been cleaned out, but the doors were rotting and the floors were littered with paper and covered with dirt," reports one camper. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Water sources: Water access varies by location and season. "NO water while we were there, but vault toilets were decent and open," notes Dave about Brooklyn Lake Campground. Many campgrounds shut off water pumps early in the season due to freezing temperatures.
Arrival timing: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We arrived on Wednesday morning to find all sites occupied. So we drove around for a little while before heading to Brooklyn Lake," shares a camper at Sugarloaf. Arrive before noon mid-week for best site selection.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Foote Public Access Area offers minimal space for larger vehicles. "This is a primitive camping spot with 3 to maybe 5 sites if you are pushing it. Free, with pit toilet," notes James K. Most sites accommodate smaller trailers but turning space is limited.
Leveling challenges: Dispersed sites often feature uneven terrain. At White Rock Canyon Dispersed Site, Anita M. reports: "We have a 36 ft fifthwheel. The road has washboard and is quite steep in places. The biggest issue was finding a place to turn around. No sites are level so bring your legos." Bring extra leveling blocks for dispersed camping.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly across the region. "T-mobile was dismal, but Verizon was usable with a solid 4G 2 bars," notes an RVer about White Rock Canyon. Sites at higher elevations or near the interstate generally offer better connectivity for those needing to work remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season to camp at Elk Mountain in Wyoming?
When is the best season to camp at Elk Mountain in Wyoming?
Summer through early fall (June to September) is the ideal time to camp in the Elk Mountain area of Wyoming. Brooklyn Lake Campground is popular during summer months, with some campers visiting over holiday weekends when the weather is pleasant. Late September can still offer beautiful camping experiences at Sugarloaf Campground before sites close for winter. Wyoming's high elevation means camping seasons are shorter than lower regions, with potential for cold nights even in summer. Snow often closes mountain access roads and campgrounds from October through May, so verify openings before planning a spring or late fall trip.
Where is Elk Mountain campground located in Wyoming?
Where is Elk Mountain campground located in Wyoming?
Elk Mountain camping options are located in southeastern Wyoming, primarily within the Medicine Bow National Forest region. Bow River sits on the edge of Medicine Bow National Forest, near Interstate 80 with the Medicine Bow river running through camp. For those seeking a more remote experience, French Creek Campground is nestled in the Snowy Range via a scenic drive from Laramie, the closest populated area. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, forests, and waterways, providing access to numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and recreational opportunities.
What amenities are available at Elk Mountain campground?
What amenities are available at Elk Mountain campground?
Campgrounds in the Elk Mountain area offer varying levels of amenities. Encampment River Campground provides vault toilets, trash cans, a water pump, and level sites suitable for tents, hammocks, and smaller vehicles for $10 per night (half-price with senior/interagency passes). For those preferring more facilities, Dugway Campground offers five sites including a pull-through option, making it suitable for various camping setups. Most campgrounds in the area feature basic facilities like pit toilets and picnic tables, with some providing access to rivers or lakes. Cell service is typically limited, and hookups are rare, so be prepared for a more rustic camping experience.
Keep Exploring