Guernsey State Park sits at about 4,600 feet elevation in southeast Wyoming, characterized by red sandstone formations and coniferous forests surrounding the reservoir. Campers visiting Hartville, Wyoming experience temperature swings typical of high plains environments, with summer days reaching the 90s and dropping to the 50s at night. Winter yurt camping near Hartville offers sheltered accommodation when temperatures can plunge below freezing.
What to do
Water recreation during silt run: At Guernsey State Park Campground, the mid-July silt run creates a unique experience when water levels drop significantly. "The best time we had here was during the silt run, which is in mid-July each year. Water being released from Glendo Reservoir will flow through Guernsey Reservoir flushing silt from Guernsey Reservoir into the canals of downstream irrigators," explains one camper.
Hiking to viewpoints: Multiple trails wind through the park leading to scenic overlooks. "I highly recommend a bike ride/hike/drive up to Brimmer's Point, which provides a lot of the views you'll see from the photos," states a visitor.
Historical site exploration: Located near the Oregon Trail ruts, the area provides access to frontier history sites. "Interesting history/museum. Some short trails. Bring bug spray," notes one camper about the educational opportunities at Guernsey.
Boating and swimming: Sandy Beach Dune and Willow at Glendo State Park offers good water access despite fluctuating water levels. "The lake was beautiful! Definitely recommend not camping straight on the beach unless you don't mind ants and buggy critters," warns one camper about shoreline conditions.
What campers like
Multiple camping loops with different environments: Guernsey State Park features several distinct camping areas that cater to different preferences. "Campsites are spread out so you can find what you need," mentions one camper about the variety of settings.
Lake views and shoreline access: Waterfront sites provide direct reservoir access. "Easy access and views of the lake. Forested; private sites available," reports one Guernsey visitor. Sandy Beach offers "a great two mile long beach to relax and play on."
Affordable yurt options: Year-round yurt camping at Douglas KOA, approximately 50 miles from Hartville, offers an alternative to Guernsey's yurts. "It has putt putt golf for $2, activities, a tennis court, basketball and swimming. Also something extra is a s'more shack and coffee cabin," notes a camper about the additional amenities.
Privacy in certain loops: Several camping areas offer more secluded options. "I elected for a small, 3 plot only place called Davis Bay to get some solitude," shares one Guernsey camper who found a quieter experience.
What you should know
Seasonal facilities operation: Bathroom and shower availability varies by season. "My only complaint is that the showerhouse is closed! I wish it had stated that on the website, it said it was open as of April 15th but they haven't turned the water on yet," notes a camper at City Slickers RV Park.
Train noise at some campgrounds: Railroad proximity affects several camping areas. "From the grumpy lady at the gate to the trashed campsite this could have been a bad experience but I didn't let that get to me. Cleaned it all up and set my sites on a great weekend. Then the train came... and another one... all night long," reports a Guernsey State Park visitor.
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels change dramatically throughout the season. "While I imagine this place is fantastic for everything from water skiing and fishing to party boating along the river (with various launch points) it is highly dependent on the water level," explains a camper.
Weather considerations: Wyoming's high plains experience significant temperature variations and wind. The Douglas KOA sees "Not much shade AT ALL, and the wind whips through a lot. I was informed though that's a Wyoming thing anyway."
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping for comfort: Yurts provide a family-friendly option with solid shelter and basic amenities. "It was absolutely beautiful. Calm and quiet. We had a wonderful time!" reports a visitor to Guernsey State Park's yurt accommodations.
Beach activities with preparation: Mountain View Park provides a convenient stopover for families. "Nice white box with hook ups for water and for power and a nice laundry room close by an offer less than 50 bucks," notes a camper about the basic but functional facilities.
Recreation beyond water sports: Some campgrounds offer additional activities for kids. Douglas KOA features "putt putt golf for $2, activities, a tennis court, basketball and swimming" which can entertain children during non-water recreation times.
Site selection for shade: Limited tree cover means strategic site selection is crucial for summer family camping. "Sites were nicely spread out for a major CG. Most near water had trees. Ones in middle not much shade," notes a camper about Guernsey's layout.
Tips from RVers
Utility availability varies by loop: Not all campgrounds or camping loops offer the same hookups. "Skyline View campgrounds was the one with the potable water," notes a Guernsey visitor, highlighting the importance of checking utility locations.
Site dimensions and parking: Chuck Wagon RV Park in Fort Laramie, about 15 minutes from Hartville, provides basic accommodations. "It is a small park with 16 Full hook up sites. Each site has a picnic table but no fire ring (which we are finding normal for this area)," explains one RVer.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as not all areas have dump stations. "Although it was affordable for our 25 foot 5er, we barely fit in our assigned spot length wise. We parked the truck beside the camper which took up most of the outdoor space," warns a Douglas KOA visitor about space constraints.
Reservation planning: During peak season, securing reservations is essential. "We had booked the sites several months ahead and were under the impression that we had paid for two cars at each of the sites," notes one camper about potential confusion with vehicle fees.
