Camping options near Saratoga, Wyoming range from forested mountain sites at 10,000+ feet elevation to riverside camping in the high desert plains. Summer temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night, with July highs averaging 83°F but dropping to the mid-40s after sunset. Most campgrounds in the Medicine Bow National Forest operate seasonally from June through September due to snow conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Bow River Campground offers direct access to Medicine Bow River for trout fishing. "The area and campground are nice. Right on the River and the sites are relatively level," notes one camper, though they warn about intense mosquito activity during certain seasons.
Stargazing: Dugway Recreation Site provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Great star gazing with a fantastic view of the Milky Way, and it wasn't too cold in early October," shares one visitor who enjoyed the clear Wyoming skies.
Wildlife viewing: Look for moose at Deep Creek Campground, especially in early morning hours. "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," reports a camper who visited in late June.
Alpine hiking: Numerous trails connect to camping areas in the Snowy Range. One visitor to Sugarloaf Campground mentioned, "Lots of lakes and very peaceful. Only open a short window of the year due to being high altitude and road closes in the winter."
What campers like
Hot springs proximity: Many campers appreciate the location of Deer Haven RV Park near Saratoga's hot springs. "It's also only 4 minutes away from hobo Hot springs. And there is a wonderful ice cream shop downtown that makes their own ice cream it's delightful," notes one satisfied visitor who stayed for a month.
River access: Multiple campgrounds offer riverside sites. At Deer Haven RV Park, "It is RIGHT on the north Platte river, so you don't have to go far for fishing or paddle boarding," according to a five-star review.
Mountain views: Sugarloaf Campground sits at higher elevation with panoramic vistas. A camper describes: "Some of the sites were a bit close together but wow, they all had great views! Lovely hikes nearby and super clean toilets!"
Clean facilities: Despite being more rustic, several campgrounds maintain good standards. A visitor to Red Desert Rose Campground commented, "The bathrooms are absolutely spotless, beautiful, and actually inviting. The laundry is perfectly clean with all the niceties of home."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "This seems like an area where you may need to worry about snakes during the day," reports a camper at Dugway Recreation Site, highlighting how conditions change seasonally.
Weather extremes: High winds and dramatic temperature changes are common. "The wind was consistently 25mph+ the whole weekend, but the hiking and alpine lakes just off the campground were great," notes a Sugarloaf Campground visitor.
Bug activity: Prepare for mosquitoes, especially near water. A camper at Bow River Campground warns: "But damn there were a lot of mosquitoes. I don't mean like a few dozen or hundreds… I mean millions. It was like a horror movie with them covering the windows of our RV."
Water availability: Some campgrounds have unreliable water sources. Recent visitors to Bow River reported: "We also quickly discovered that no water could be collected from the handpump. Thankfully, we brought some water with us."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several RV parks near Saratoga, Wyoming offer kid-friendly amenities. "Loved this place. We got in late and they had a Super easy check in system with available sites clearly marked. Showers were Clean. The grounds were nicely kept. Putt-putt is free to guest as well as a nice sized playground," mentions a visitor to Red Desert Rose Campground.
Lake proximity: Multiple alpine lakes provide child-friendly exploration. "From any site, there are terrific views of the Snowy Range, and numerous trails in the area offer great hiking to lots of pretty little lakes. There are so many wildflowers and little cascades that even a short stroll with children is rewarding," notes a Sugarloaf camper.
Safety considerations: Be aware of local wildlife. "We saw four moose as well," reports a camper at Deep Creek Campground, while another at Dugway Recreation Site warns: "Hawks spotted of you have small dogs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs visiting Saratoga, Wyoming campgrounds, research sites carefully. "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," notes a Deer Haven RV Park visitor.
Water management: Many rv parks near Saratoga require self-sufficiency. "There are no bathrooms or showers on site so your rig must be fully self-contained, which wasn't a problem for us but thought it was worth mentioning," advises a Deer Haven camper.
Weather preparation: Rawlins KOA provides a convenient overnight option for those traveling through the area. "Good overnight stop. Right off the interstate so you have that noise. Sites are pull through and gravel. It gets windy here so be prepared," warns an RVer, highlighting the need to secure awnings and outdoor items in this high-wind region.
