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Established Camping

Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025.

Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, featuring forested terrain with mountainous surroundings. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Vedauwoo Recreation Area, offering opportunities for hiking and rock climbing.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Overview

Perched atop a forested mountain, Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers visitors a unique lodging experience in Medicine Bow National Forest in southcentral Wyoming. The original fire lookout was constructed during the summer of 1938 by workers employed through the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). After thirty years of use, it was replaced with a taller, more structurally sound tower. The new 55-foot tall tower was used as a fire lookout until the 1990s when it was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1997.The lookout is typically open from June through September. Guests can drive directly to the lookout most of the season. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay.__Please be aware during the month of June snow drifts may prevent you from driving directly to the tower and you may need to pack items in from a longer distance. For more information on conditions please call the Laramie Ranger District Office prior to arivial at 307-745-2300

Recreation

The area around the lookout offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. The lookout is also ideal for guests who simply want to relax and enjoy picnics, campfires and stargazing at night. Rob Roy Reservoir is a six mile drive from the lookout, offering opportunities for fishing, boating and water skiing. Gold panning is a popular activity in Douglas Creek, which is connected to the reservoir.

Natural Features

The lookout offers panoramic views that include Medicine Bow Peak, Rob Roy Reservoir, Jelm Mountain and the southern end of the Snowy Range. Snowdrifts melt in June, welcoming the arrival of wildflowers that splash color on the rocky, timbered hillsides. Wildlife species such as elk, deer, black bears, cougars, squirrels, foxes and bats are supported by the area's diverse forest habitats. At an elevation of 10,003 feet, guests should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees fahrenheit, but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms.

Charges & Cancellations

Refunds for cancellations may be processed on a case-by-case basis. There are no refunds for reservation processing fees. Please be aware of changes in weather and road conditions prior to arrival and plan accordingly.

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Location

Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located in Wyoming

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Laramie, Wyoming, take Highway 130 west toward Centennial, Wyoming. Turn south on Highway 11 through Albany, Wyoming. Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located 7 miles west of Albany on Forest Service Road 500, High clearance vehicles are advised for accessing the Tower.The road (Forest Service Road 500) to this lookout may have logging operations during daylight hours during your stay. Please read and respect the signs posted at the entrance road for further instructions upon entering this site. If you have questions, call the Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie District Office during the week at (307) 745-2300.

Coordinates

41.2030556 N
106.2166667 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
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  • WiFi
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Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower?

    Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower?

    There are 1 campsites at Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts