Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, WY

Join the fun near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, WY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG (153)

    1. Sugarloaf Campground

    8 Reviews
    32 Photos
    309 Saves
    Centennial, Wyoming

    Overview

    At an elevation of 10,800 feet, Sugarloaf is the highest elevation campground that the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest has to offer and it is one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the United States. The sites at this location offer a breathtaking panorama of the Snowy Range which peaks out at 12,000 feet. There is little or no shade in the campground due to elevation, the pine beetle infestation, and the removal of hazard trees. This campground will have a mix of reservation sites and first-come, first-served sites for the 2024 season. If you are not reserving your site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by cash or check once you are at the campground.

    Recreation

    Sugarloaf Campground is near a variety of hiking trails and two crystal clear snow-melt lakes: Libby and Lewis Lakes. Non-motorized craft can be used on these lakes but you must carry your boat to the water's edge. Both Libby and Lewis lakes contain brook trout and splake (a hybrid of a male brook trout and female lake trout). Lewis Lake is annually stocked by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). Use of live-bait fish is prohibited in lakes and streams within the Forest. Three popular trailheads originate in this area that range in difficulty level to accomadate visitor's interests. Savage Run Wilderness and Platte River Wilderness are nearby to the south for visitors that desire a more remote setting.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits on a spruce and fir-lined hillside in the midst of a fisherman's paradise of 102 recreational lakes. This is a rustic, picturesque campground where every site has delightful views of the Snowy Range. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, marmots, moose, mule deer, and pikas are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

    Nearby Attractions

    The campground is 1.5 miles from the Libby Flats Observation Area. Visitors can find many more outdoor opportunities in the surrounding Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, and winter sports.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 / night

    2. Vedauwoo Campground

    49 Reviews
    226 Photos
    354 Saves
    Buford, Wyoming

    Please check website for actual open/close dates. It is weather dependent.

    The campground is composed of two loops, winding around the boulders, slabs and cliffs of the Vedauwoo rock formation which comprises 10 square miles of weathered Sherman granite. There are 28 campsites with tables, fire rings, trash pick up and vault toilets. This area is constructed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The vegetation is a variety of Limber pine, Engleman spruce, Douglas fir and Aspen. The general area was once used as a hideout for outlaws. Native Americans thought playful spirits piled up the boulders. All the tent sites are walk-ins and some of them are so secluded, one might feel the "outlaw's spirit." There is access to rock climbing and a nature trail through the rocks. It is located in the Pole Mountain area and is managed by the Laramie Ranger District.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 / night

    3. Brooklyn Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    35 Photos
    235 Saves
    Centennial, Wyoming

    Overview

    Adventurers love sleeping under the towering trees and night sky of the secluded Brooklyn Lake Campground in the mountains of southeastern Wyoming. Located eight miles northwest of Centennial, Wyoming, the facility is situated along a small, picturesque lake at an elevation of 10,500 feet. This campground will have a mix of reservation sites and first-come, first-served sites for the 2024 season. If you are not reserving your site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by cash or check once you are at the campground.

    Recreation

    Popular activities include hiking, fishing and non-motorized boating. The 36-acre lake is a nice canoeing spot with calm water. Non-motorized boats are allowed on Brooklyn Lake with carry-down access for small recreational watercrafts. There is no boat ramp and trailered vessels cannot be used at this location.Fishing is good for brook trout. From the campground, hikers can access the Sheep Lake and Lost Lake Trails. Sheep Lake Trail also allows horseback riding.

    Natural Features

    The scenery at Brooklyn Lake can't be beat. Pine forests and grasslands surround the lake, and the snow-capped Browns Peak protrudes into the crisp, blue summer sky. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors can find many more outdoor opportunities in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 / night

    4. Saratoga Lake Campground

    22 Reviews
    66 Photos
    109 Saves
    Saratoga, Wyoming
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    5. Deep Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    83 Saves
    Centennial, Wyoming

    Deep Creek Campground is located near Sand Lake at an elevation just over 10,000 feet. The summers are cool and autumn is brief. Winter comes early and stays late. Campground facilities include 12 small campsites, one pull through site, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, fire rings. This is a pack-it-in-pack-it-out campsite. No trash service in the area. For hiking, the Rock Creek Trail and Sheep Lake Trail are nearby. Crater Lake Trail provides a short hike to a beautiful lake. Boats must be carried a short distance to reach the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $10 / night

    6. North Fork Campground (WY)

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    152 Saves
    Centennial, Wyoming

    Overview

    This is a large, RV-friendly campground. The sound of the North Fork of the Little Laramie River can be heard throughout most of the campground. The facility is popular for RV camping, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.

    Recreation

    Mountain bikers and hikers have the ease of accessing the scenic, well-known North Fork Trail #390 from the campground. Visitors who would like a more leisurely experience can drive the scenic Highway 130 or take in the view at the North Fork Overlook nearby. Anglers can fish for trout in the clear mountain waters of the North Fork of the Little Laramie.

    Natural Features

    Located at an elevation of 9,200 feet, the campground sits in a thick forest of lodgepole pine and spruce. The sound of the Little Laramie River can be heard from most campsites.The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors can find many more outdoor opportunities in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 - $34 / night

    7. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    133 Saves
    Centennial, Wyoming

    Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in most places. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story. Across the forests, opportunities range from dispersed camping miles into wilderness or just off a forest road in designated dispersed areas. Make sure to bring everything you need when dispersed camping, as water, restrooms, and fire rings may not be available nearby, and always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.

    Use the links below to explore the wide range of dispersed opportunities the forests and grasslands have to offer. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district office in the area you plan to visit.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    • Alcohol

    8. Twin Buttes Reservoir

    6 Reviews
    17 Photos
    104 Saves
    Laramie, Wyoming
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    9. Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    145 Photos
    533 Saves
    Buford, Wyoming
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets

    10. Ryan Park

    5 Reviews
    32 Photos
    25 Saves
    Encampment, Wyoming

    Overview

    Ryan Park Campground is located at 8,009 ft elevation on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway near Saratoga, Wyoming. The campground is next to Barrett Creek in the Medicine Bow National Forest and features 49 campsites (13 RV pull-through sites) and 1 group campsite. Sites feature picnic tables and fire grates, and toilets, potable water, and trash services are accessible during the summer season. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 ft at all times. In addition to exploring the historic sites, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking (also available at nearby Mirror Lake), horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The Civilian Conservation Corps used this site as a prisoner of war camp in the 1930s. Although little remains, visitors can learn more from the historic interpretive signs at the campground.

    Recreation

    The Snowy Range area in the Medicine Bow National Forest is located in southeast Wyoming. The Laramie Ranger District, Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District, and Parks Ranger District manage portions of the Snowy Range. Year-round recreation uses include hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, OHV riding, camping, and biking. Primary access across the Snowy Range is by Highway 130, known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. Mountain Biking Areas for Mountain Biking at Snowy Range Area Bow River Campground Deep Creek Campground French Creek Campground French Creek Canyon Trail Keystone Cabins Lake Owen Trailhead Little Brooklyn Guard Station Little Laramie Trailhead North Fork Campground Pinkham Mountain Trailhead Rock Creek Trailhead Sheep Lake Trailhead Snow Survey Cabin Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tie Hack Lower Trailhead Tie Hack Upper Trailhead Tipple Trail Trailhead Mountain Climbing Areas for Mountain Climbing at Snowy Range Area Lewis Lake Picnic Site Libby Lake Picnic Site Day Hiking Areas for Day Hiking at Snowy Range Area Brooklyn Lake Campground Brush Creek Trails Chimney Park Trailhead Corner Mountain Trailhead Crater Lake Trailhead Deep Creek Campground Deep Lake Trail Dipper Lake Trail French Creek Campground French Creek Canyon Trail Green Rock Parking Lot Green Rock Picnic Site Keystone Cabins Lake Owen Trailhead Lakes Trailhead Lewis Lake Picnic Site Libby Lake Picnic Site Little Brooklyn Guard Station Little Laramie Trailhead Meadow Falls Trailhead Miner's Cabin Trailhead North Fork Campground Platte River Wilderness Quealy Lake Trailhead Rock Creek Trailhead Routt Access Trailhead Ryan Park Campground Savage Run Wilderness Sheep Lake Trailhead Silver Lake Campground Silver Lake Trailhead Six Mile Trailhead Snow Survey Cabin South Brush Creek Campground Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Sugarloaf Campground Tie Hack Lower Trailhead Tie Hack Upper Trailhead Tipple Trail Trailhead West Lake Marie Backpacking Areas for Backpacking at Snowy Range Area Crater Lake Trailhead Deep Lake Trail Dipper Lake Trail Lakes Trailhead Lewis Lake Picnic Site Libby Lake Picnic Site Platte River Wilderness Quealy Lake Trailhead Rock Creek Trailhead Savage Run Wilderness Sheep Lake Trailhead Six Mile Trailhead Viewing Wildlife Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Snowy Range Area Brooklyn Lake Campground Keystone Cabins Libby Flats Observation Site Little Brooklyn Guard Station Snow Survey Cabin Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tipple Trail Trailhead

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated in a mountainous area along Barrett Creek in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The surrounding forest consists of evergreen trees and aspen that turn golden in fall. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

    Nearby Attractions

    The historic Brush Creek Visitor Center is located 2.5 miles west of the campground and provides information on various outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports. Please Call Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District for Visitor Center Hours. 2171 Highway 130 PO Box 249 Saratoga, WY 82331 Phone: (307) 326-5258 Fax: (307) 326-5250 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 - $125 / night

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

474 Reviews of 153 Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG Campgrounds



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

  • What camping is available near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG and 54 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG is Sugarloaf Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG.

  • What parks are near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.