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Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

545 Reviews

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland cover a large area with many camping choices. Encampment River Campground works well for campers who want to fish or kayak, with sites close to the water. Each spot comes with a picnic table and fire ring, but you'll need to bring your own water since none is available on-site. Ryan Park Campground, not far away, has vault toilets and connects to hiking trails throughout the Snowy Range. Many campers come to this area to see the mountains and wildlife, which make good photo subjects if you're patient. Most people camp here during summer when temperatures stay comfortable and you can use all the trails. Weather can change quickly in these mountains though, so pack extra layers and rain gear. The area works for both quiet camping and more active trips depending on what you're looking for.

Map showing campgrounds near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, WyomingExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG (158)

    1. Sugarloaf Campground

    9 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "Lots of hikes and lakes in walking distance"

    2. Brooklyn Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here. There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig."

    "I tent camped tucked into the forest a bit. The birch was dripping sap all night and I think I would have put my tent in the open if I had known. Some nice little fire pits."

    4. Forest Road 318

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles

    "Fortunately, I just had to go to opposite side of the highway for a good secluded campsite. About 3 other campers were here, but I was able to find a a secluded campsite behind some trees."

    "Location was a plus - this is within 15 minutes of lots of hikes in the Snowy Range."

    5. North Fork Campground (WY)

    5 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

    "Great spot super close to the river. Lots of dispersed camping just outside this established campground."

    "There a a lot of dispersed options close by that I would utilize in the future but happy to support the campground."

    6. Deep Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 326-5258

    $10 / night

    "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."

    7. Forest Service Road 330C

    2 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    6 miles

    "We found a great spot right next to the river on forest road 330C near North Fork Campground. The area was fairly busy on Labor Day weekend but we were basically isolated in this spot."

    "Had a great time with my dog, very close to medicine bow, and awesome views of the river. Heard no cars throughout the night, there were three other campers I believe ."

    8. FS RD 103 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "I saw a handful of campers on the main fire road, but then as I drove further down, I saw offshoot that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could get to which is where I went."

    9. Libby Creek Pine Campground

    2 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $14 / night

    "Close to creek, Mirror lake, nice toilet and trash. $14 a night."

    10. Libby Creek Willow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Centennial, WY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    $20 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

178 Photos of 158 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

545 Reviews of 158 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Laramie RV Resort

    Okay notngreat

    Its in town so close to alot of stuff. Full hook ups. They also have premium sites with a nice table and chair with a BBQ smoker. They have mailboxes and a little campground store. Its location is nothing special just a gravel lot with paved roads. You are packed in like.sardines and alot of people living here long term. If you got something to do in the area and are only sleeping here, it could work as a base camp. 2-3 bars verizon 5g

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Libby Creek Willow Campground

    More expensive

    Within 2 miles you have a free site, a cheaper site $14/7 then this site $20 or $10 per night with america the beautiful pass. The only advantage to this site is a small creek that helps drown out the noise. 0-1 bar verizon. Skip this place stay down the road

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Libby Creek Pine Campground

    Standard campground

    America the beautiful pass gets you this place for only $7 per night. Paved road all rhe way to and through. Pit toilet and dumpster in common area. The sites are small open and close together. Picnic table fire pit and park grill at the sites. Stay limmit is 14 days it is currently closed maybe seasonal.but maybe gov shutdown. Check dates if you come in the fall

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    Amazing views

    The reading getting up here is bumpy and a little washed out but nothing to worry about you can get to the first area with just a normal car no issues. 4 bars verizon cell. No bathrooms or amenities. The views are amazing up here you can see all the way into colorado. If yiu go down the hill like 3 minutes you come into a little town had gas, a bar and some food options. Up the hill takes you to some amazing mountain lakes. This is a great spot to adventure and then come back to camp for some rest

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Saratoga Lake Campground

    Electric hook ups and a view

    This place is very close to town. There are a bunch of spaces all facing the lake. The back half of the loop is elevated so even they get a view. The sites have electric hookup but no water or sewer however there is a vault toilet. Most of the sites have picnic tables but some dont. The place is pretty empty off season. Probally because it gets so cold at night here. 3 bars lte verizon. No issues with road and big rig friendly.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    East Allen Lake Public Access

    Not much here

    Beware of the road getting here at the cattle guard it is a mud pit you will sink. Go around it to the left unless you have 4x4. The road in general is a mess if its anybit wet out. Was also pretty rutted. When you get to the access spot its VERY underwhelming. Its honestly just a gravel cul-de-sac with an outhouse in the middle. There are some super muddy and rough roads that branch off but unless uou know what you are doing id avoid that. The wind is absolutely headache enducing. The lake is large with some beautiful views great verizon 5g signal.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Meeboer Lake

    Best cell signal

    Of the 3 or 4 spots out here this has by far the best cell over by the boat ramp I get 4 bars of 5g on verizon. This is similar to all the other spots in the area. Gravel area. Some picnic tables and a vault toilet seems to be the standard load out in this area. This one does have a large pull through spot where a guy had a very large pull behind and a truck so if you have a bigger rig check thus one out. Not as many waterfront spots here tho

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Gelatt Lake Park

    Smallest of the area

    This is the smallest of the lakes in the 5 mile radius. Its also closest to town. It seems like maybe a couple people are staying long term here but seem to keep to themselves. Had a vault toilet like the othet spots and a little better verizon signal 2 -3 bars. The gravel lot and turn around area is alot smaller and not as big rig friendly. Their is a small pier to fish off of and a small picnic area. None of the " spot" seem to have a fire ring or table. Maybe skip this spot and go down the road to one of the bigger spots

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Lake Hattie Public Access Area

    Not a campground

    On dyrt this is green icon as if it were a campground. It really isnt. There are only a few spots and they are really just random picnic tables in a field. No designated spots or numbers, just kind of a gravel lot with some places thrown around. Their is a vault toilet and 2 bars verizon cell. The little lake has a boat ramp but in october it is currently snowing and the water appears very shallow. This place will work but is not a destination. A few bad apples in close proximity could make this a really annoying place

Guide to Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, Wyoming, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers in the area are great for fishing. One camper mentioned, "We enjoyed our drives to and fro the site," while fishing at Brooklyn Lake Campground and noted the fun they had catching small fish.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for hiking. A visitor at Sugarloaf Campground said, "Lovely hikes nearby and super clean toilets!" making it a great spot for those who love to explore.
  • Boating: If you have a boat, Saratoga Lake Campground is a fantastic choice. One reviewer shared, "For those with a boat or want water access this is a pretty great site!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. A review from Deep Creek Campground highlights, "We really enjoyed our stay...lots of trees, polite campers, and signs of moose!"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at Foote Public Access Area said, "When nobody is here it’s wonderful - right next to a creek, dogs can run around, and it is so very quiet and secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the sites. One camper at Sugarloaf Campground noted, "The toilets were clean and had hand sanitizer."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Encampment River Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper mentioned, "There are pit toilets throughout the campground that appeared to be very well maintained."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the evenings. A visitor at Brooklyn Lake Campground warned, "The other reviews about mosquitoes are correct...they are relentless in the evening and mornings."
  • Cash Only: Some campgrounds operate on a cash-only basis. A camper at Saratoga Lake Campground mentioned, "Cash only. No dump station, but there’s one located just across the highway."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Saratoga Lake Campground has a playground, making it a hit for families.
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray to keep the little ones comfortable. A camper at Sugarloaf Campground suggested, "Bring white sage bundles! Only thing that really helped with the mosquitoes."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A family at Brooklyn Lake Campground advised, "We didn’t get a site about 1pm on a Thursday but came back first thing Friday morning and got a spot for the weekend."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Sugarloaf Campground noted, "No 4x4 or high clearance necessary, we watched a few cars make the trip in/out."
  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: If you're in a larger RV, choose campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. Deer Haven RV Park is noted for being big rig friendly.
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Many campgrounds don’t sell firewood or other supplies. A camper at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, "There’s some firewood, but bring an axe to break it down."

Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, Wyoming, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Medicine Bow National Forest?

Medicine Bow National Forest offers several exceptional camping areas. Vedauwoo Tent Campground is highly rated for its stunning rock formations and both developed campsites and abundant dispersed options nearby. For those seeking dispersed camping, Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping provides well-spaced sites where you'll feel completely secluded despite being relatively accessible. Other excellent options include North Fork Campground near Centennial with reservable sites and amenities, Nash Fork Campground which accommodates larger vehicles, and Forest Service Road 700 for more private dispersed camping experiences surrounded by beautiful scenery. The forest offers a mix of developed campgrounds with basic facilities and dispersed areas for those seeking more solitude.

What amenities are available at Brooklyn Lake Campground?

Brooklyn Lake Campground is a remote but popular camping destination in a beautiful alpine setting. The campground features clean, well-maintained facilities despite its remote location. While the campground is officially seasonal, visitors note that when closed, the area effectively becomes dispersed camping (though gates may be down requiring equipment to be carried in). The campground sits directly above a lovely lake with nearby hiking trails. Basic amenities include fire rings and primitive camping spots. The area experiences significant elevation, so campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions even in summer. During peak season, the campground can be busy, and forest management activities like beetle kill removal have occurred in the area.

What campgrounds are available in Routt National Forest?

Routt National Forest offers several camping options across its diverse landscape. Big Creek Lakes Campground sits near the Wyoming border at over 9,000 feet elevation and is only open during summer months (June-August). This high-elevation campground requires visitors to be prepared for possible snow even in summer, as well as wildlife like bears and mountain lions. Comanche Peak View Campground offers primitive dispersed sites with fire pits and flat tent spots, accessible with high-clearance vehicles. It's an excellent option for those seeking to avoid crowds. Other options in the forest include developed campgrounds with basic amenities like vault toilets and designated fire rings, plus numerous dispersed camping areas along forest service roads.

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