Camping sites near Rock River, Wyoming occupy elevations between 6,700 to 9,200 feet in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The summer season typically runs June through September with temperatures ranging 40-80°F daily. Most dispersed camping areas remain open until heavy snowfall closes forest roads, though established campgrounds maintain fixed operating schedules regardless of conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Deep Creek Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly for moose. "Woke up to a frosty alpine meadow, complete with mom and calf moose grazing. A wonderful gamble on a chance evening in the area," notes one visitor. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing times.
Fishing access: Bow River Campground sits alongside the Medicine Bow River with direct water access. "The area and campground are nice. Right on the River and the sites are relatively level," states one camper. Trout fishing requires a Wyoming fishing license, available online or at sporting goods stores in Laramie.
Hiking trails: North Fork Campground provides access to multiple trailheads. "Great spot super close to the river. Lots of dispersed camping just outside this established campground," reports one hiker. The nearby Crater Lake Trail offers moderate terrain with alpine lake views, typically clear of snow by mid-July.
Stargazing: Lake Hattie Public Access Area delivers open-sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Beautiful Mountain View, swimming and fishing. No cell phone service with Verizon," writes a visitor. The area permits 5-day maximum stays with several picnic tables available for nighttime sky observation.
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," mentions a camper. Moose frequent the campground's meadow areas during morning and evening hours.
Alpine lakes: Sugarloaf Campground serves as a gateway to high-altitude water features. "Amazing location. Good trails. Water and clean toilets. First come first serve. Got there around 1 pm and around 6 out of the 16 spots still available," states one visitor. The campground sits at 10,000+ feet with nearby lakes accessible via short hiking trails.
Riverside camping: North Fork Campground offers sites along the Laramie River. "Very nice campground. As best I could tell, about 70 spots, but don't quote me on that. All of the sites are very clean with picnic tables and fire pits," notes a camper. The constant sound of running water provides natural white noise for sleeping.
Dispersed options: Laramie Overlook Dispersed Camping provides free alternatives to established campgrounds. "Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you're here," writes one camper. The area offers several loops with varying levels of privacy and terrain.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: High-elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature changes. "Got below 30 degrees at night so come prepared," warns a Sugarloaf Campground visitor. Summer afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently with potential for hail and lightning.
Insect pressure: Mosquitoes become problematic in early summer, particularly near water. "A truly scenic spot where I saw that people were able to pull up an RV. 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," mentions a camper at Laramie Overlook.
Limited services: Most campgrounds operate with minimal amenities. "We went through a couple of sites to clean up trash and fire pits. But that aside, it is a beautiful spot," reports a Deep Creek visitor. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as pumps can be unreliable.
Road conditions: Access routes vary significantly in quality. "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," explains a camper at Laramie Overlook Dispersed Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Safety planning: Lake Hattie Public Access Area offers swimming opportunities but requires supervision. "Gorgeous lake with tons of other lakes in the area. This one was a little too busy for our taste," notes one camper. The shoreline features gradual entry points suitable for children, though no lifeguards monitor the area.
Wildlife education: Deep Creek Campground provides natural learning opportunities. "We saw 4 moose as well," shares a visitor, making morning wildlife viewing a potential family activity. Keep children at least 100 yards from all moose sightings.
Weather preparation: Temperatures drop significantly after sunset regardless of season. "At the time of this writing (6/29/23), there was still snow in a lot of places. The melting snow had a lot of the camp sites pretty wet," reports a Deep Creek camper. Families should pack extra layers even for summer camping trips.
Activity planning: Sugarloaf Campground offers accessible hiking for various skill levels. "Sugarloaf campground is small (16 sites) with no amenities other than a hand pump for water, and its high elevation means it doesn't open til quite late in the summer," writes a visitor. The wildflower display peaks in late July through mid-August.
Tips from RVers
Size constraints: Deer Haven RV Park accommodates larger vehicles but requires advance planning. "We are a 40 ft with a tow. The campground was easy access to get to. Site is right on the river with beautiful views," mentions one RVer. The park requires self-contained units as no bathrooms or showers exist on-site.
Hookup availability: Options for RV camping near Rock River, Wyoming remain limited with most forest service campgrounds offering no connections. "This is a great spot. Very well shaded and the camp sites are spacious," notes a Deep Creek visitor. Generators remain permitted at most locations during daytime hours.
Weather considerations: Wind poses a particular challenge for RVs in this region. "Lovely location with secluded spots. The stars and view were awesome and the wind blew just right all night," reports a visitor to Laramie Overlook. RVers should secure awnings and outdoor items before leaving camp.
Cell connectivity: Service varies dramatically by location and provider. "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," explains a camper at Laramie Overlook. Laramie Overlook and Phillips RV Resort typically maintain the strongest signals for remote workers.
