The Encampment area offers camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 7,200 to 9,000 feet within the Medicine Bow National Forest and surrounding public lands. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are significant, with summer nights often dropping below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Camping options near Encampment, Wyoming typically remain accessible from late May through early October, with higher elevation sites opening later in the season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Bennett Creek Campground provides excellent North Platte River access with a boat ramp for oar-float boats and rafts. According to one camper, the campground is "located where the North Platte river cuts through sagebrush country, the hills and peaks resembling prehistoric boulders... in the middle of ranch country."
Wildlife watching: The area around Saratoga Lake Campground offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor noted, "Great bird watching and pronghorn sightings" while another mentioned seeing "tons of different birds (pelicans to meadowlarks)" during their stay.
Hot springs visits: When staying at campgrounds near Encampment, visitors can access the free hot springs in Saratoga. A camper at Saratoga Lake Campground shared: "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!)."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Lazy Acres Campground receives positive reviews for its location on the Encampment River. One visitor described it as an "excellent small campground. Everything from full hookups to grassy tent spots. Bathroom with showers. Laundry facilities. Sits on the Encampment River."
Stargazing conditions: The remote location of Bennett Creek Campground creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. A camper mentioned the area is "quiet with amazing stargazing" and noted that even on the 4th of July weekend, "more than half the sites were available."
Natural screening: Dispersed camping at Green Mountain Overlook offers privacy from highway traffic. A visitor explained, "This place marked had a row off trees blocking road view and awesome views of Green Mountain and even Mtns down by steamboat springs. Easy parking even with full size truck pulling bumper pull trailer."
What you should know
Water availability: Many campsites near Encampment require visitors to bring their own water. At Bottle Creek Campground, water is available on-site, but one camper advised: "You will need a bear bag or vault. There are vault toilets and bear proof trash cans available."
Insect conditions: Bugs can be problematic throughout the camping season. A visitor to Hog Park Campground advised: "Prepare yourself for a lot of biting insects so I would bring a screen house if you are staying for more than one night."
River temperature: The Encampment River and other waterways in the area remain cold even during summer months. A camper noted about Encampment River: "The river is COLD and fast, though not deep near the campground. I would not advise wading out too deep."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation on unpaved roads. A visitor to Hog Park Campground reported: "Road in was gravel with washboards in the curves. Last few miles in were very rough."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Foote Public Access offers camping spots next to the North Platte River. A camper observed, "This tiny dispersed site is on the North Platte River with boat access and a few weedy, private sites spread out in this area tucked inside private property."
Wildlife sounds: Children may enjoy the natural sounds at riverside camping areas. One camper at Foote Public Access mentioned, "It is next to a farm, which meant various wild and farm animal noises all night which kept me on my toes."
Low-cost options: Families on a budget can find affordable options throughout the area. One camper reported that Saratoga Lake Campground offers sites at "$10/night without hookups and $15 for electric sites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds present challenges for leveling RVs. A visitor to Hog Park Campground found their reserved site was "very narrow & steep (definitely not level) and filled with large rocks that would have made leveling very difficult."
Hookup availability: For RVers needing full services, Lazy Acres Campground and Motel offers complete amenities. A camper noted it has "excellent small campground. Everything from full hookups to grassy tent spots. Bathroom with showers. Laundry facilities."
Limited cell service: Many camping areas around Encampment have poor connectivity. A visitor to Lazy Acres Campground reported "virtually no cell service with Verizon. The campground provided WiFi was decent."
