Map showing campground location near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Wyoming

Camper submitted image from Pickaroon Campground

Pickaroon Campground

Anglers and hikers use Pickaroon Campground as a base for accessing Douglas Creek Trail and nearby fishing spots along the creek. This US Forest Service campground sits at the end of a forest road in Medicine Bow National Forest, requiring four-wheel drive in wet conditions due to tight switchbacks on the final descent.

The campground features fire rings and picnic tables, though both show significant wear. An outhouse provides basic facilities, but campers should bring toilet paper as maintenance is irregular. Sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, though anything over 20 feet will struggle with road access. Day-use fishing traffic creates pressure on the creek, and weekend occupancy runs high with some RVs left vacant during weekdays. Wildlife sightings include marmots and bighorn sheep, while mosquitoes can be problematic in early summer.

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Location

Public Campground

Pickaroon Campground is located in Wyoming

Coordinates

41.12632826 N
106.43078082 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

2 hrs 18 min from Cheyenne, WY
2 hrs 39 min from Fort Collins, CO
3 hrs 4 min from Greeley, CO
3 hrs 27 min from Boulder, CO

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the beautiful creek-side wilderness setting with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Some feedback indicated challenges with muddy access roads for RVs and aging facilities requiring maintenance.

Jerry C.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Camped in Area

I camped in the immediate vicinity but not at the campground. Other reviews are very descriptive and accurate. It needs to be mentioned you CANNOT access the area from Hwy 230. The A-Bar-A ranch has to be crossed and they have gated the road. I tried to ask for permission but had no response. There are routes through HWY 130 but I am not familiar and the GPS route from Ryan Park area directed me back through A-Bar-A property (that's a NO). Also do not trust GPS routes from Albany, it plotted roads that I did not know had been vacated. Get a good current paper map.

Dispersed camping from the gate of the A-Bar-A FR 512Y to the Pickaroon and Pike Pole to the trailhead is very nice. Well spaced with metal fire rings. Toilet at Pickaroon and the trailhead if required. Posts on other sites say the Forest Service has stopped maintaining the campgrounds-carry toilet paper with you.

Kyle M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2019

Nice - primitive

Pickaroon is ideal for the tent and small rugged RVs but is used mostly for day use fishing. Tight switchbacks on the final decent into the campground will be a challenge for anything 20+. 4 wheel drive a must if it’s wet.

Most traffic is day use fishermen and is the end of the forest road. Fishing can be good, but the volume of traffic means lots of pressure. The outhouse is old and in need of significant repair (doors won’t close fully) and is under serviced (bring your own tp). No water. Fire rings are old and picnic tables are well used and could use repair.

This seems like an awesome, off the beaten path location to get away - but it seems everyone agrees. I’ve been twice mid week in 2019 and on weekends. All campgrounds were occupied each time. Also, lots of RVs are brought down and left vacant during the week, and the owners just go down on the weekends. Lots of abuse (left for more than 14 days and vacant for more than 24 hours) of Forest service rules by those who frequent Pickaroon.

Ryan D.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2019

Primitive Sites Right Next to Douglas Creek

Great sites, right by the creek. There's a trailhead nearby for Douglas Creek Trail. This is a Wilderness and it is wild. We saw Marmots, Big Horn Sheep, and other wildlife. The mosquitoes were pretty bad everywhere we went in early July. The creeks, mountains, and trees were magnificent. There are fire-rings, but not much dry firewood available. Glad there are a couple outhouses because I thought we might have to dig latrine holes instead. You can bring RVs or Fifth Wheels, but RVs might have some trouble in the mud.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can I do near Pickaroon Campground?

Pickaroon Campground offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Fishing is the primary activity, with the campground serving as a popular spot for day-use anglers. Hiking is available via the nearby Douglas Creek Trail trailhead. Wildlife viewing is exceptional in this wilderness area, with opportunities to spot marmots, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. The surrounding area features magnificent creeks, mountains, and forests to explore. Be prepared for mosquitoes, particularly in early July, when they can be quite prevalent throughout the region.

Do I need reservations for Pickaroon Campground?

Reservations are not required for Pickaroon Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is primarily used for day-use fishing, so overnight spots may be available even during busier periods. For the most up-to-date information on reservation policies, it's always best to check with the forest service or managing agency before your trip.

What amenities are available at Pickaroon Campground?

Pickaroon Campground offers basic amenities suitable for primitive camping. The sites are situated near a creek, providing a natural water source (though treatment is necessary). The campground is rustic with limited facilities, making it ideal for those seeking a more natural camping experience. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, especially in wet conditions. The campground caters primarily to tent campers and those with small, rugged RVs due to the challenging access road.

Where is Pickaroon Campground located in Wyoming?

Pickaroon Campground is nestled in Wyoming's wilderness area, located along a creek in a scenic mountain setting. The campground sits at the end of a forest road in the Douglas Creek area. It's important to note that access is not possible from Highway 230 as the route crosses the A-Bar-A ranch property which has gated the road. Visitors should confirm current access routes before traveling to the campground.

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