Reaching Friend Park requires navigating dirt and gravel roads, and campers arriving from the south on unpaved routes should have a 4WD vehicle. The road is bumpy in sections and takes longer than expected. The campground sits within Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, with pine trees and open sightlines toward Laramie Peak. Ten sites are available, and bears have been spotted in the area. No bear boxes are on-site, so food storage in a locked vehicle is necessary. A pump spigot provides water, though running it well before use and boiling it afterward is advisable. At $20 per night with reservations available, this small camp rewards those willing to make the drive.
Description
Overview
Situated at the base of Laramie Peak, the Friend Park Campground has 11 sites surrounded by firs, pines, and aspens with beautiful Friend Park to the southwest. A favorite of both tent and trailer campers, it is another great location for recreating within the Laramie Peak Unit of the Douglas Ranger District. The campground is popular for OHV riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, or just getting away to relax.
Recreation
The Laramie Peak area in the Medicine Bow National Forest is located in Central Wyoming. The Douglas Ranger District manages the Laramie Peak and Thunder basin National Grasslands areas. Year-round recreation uses include hiking, fishing, hunting, OHV riding, camping, biking, horseback trail riding, and rock climbing. Primary access across the district is by I-25 and Highway 59. The Laramie Peak Connector Trail leaves the campground and leads to the Friend Park Trail and Laramie Peak Trail. Hiking access to the Roaring Fork Trail is located along the nearby FSRD 661.A. There are many fishing opportunities just below the campground in Friend Creek and the beaver ponds along the Connector Trial.__Other fishing areas are along the Upper Horseshoe Creek on National Forest System lands and WY State Trust land. Mountain Biking Upper Roaring Fork Trail Friend Park Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Laramie Peak Trail Sunset Ridge Trail Lost Creek Trail Arapaho Trail Albany Peak Trails Black Mountain Look out Mountain Climbing Curtis Gulch Trail Upper Roaring Fork Trai Day Hiking Upper Roaring Fork Trail Friend Park Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Laramie Peak Trail Sunset Ridge Trail Lost Creek Trail Albany Peak Trails Black Mountain Look out Backpacking Upper Roaring Fork Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Lost Creek Trail Albany Peak Trails Horseback riding Upper Roaring Fork Trail Friend Park Trail Arapaho Trail North Laramie River Trail Harris Park Trail Laramie Peak Trail Sunset Ridge Trail Lost Creek Trail Black Mountain Look out OHV Riding Arapaho Trail FSRD633 Trails Sunset Ridge Trail North Laramie River Trail Laramie Peak Trail Albany Peak trails Black Mountain Look out
Facilities
There are 11 campsites in a lightly wooded, rocky area with picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, vault toilets, trash collection, and potable water. Most campsites have abundant shade and several of the walk-in sites are spaced far enough apart to have a dispersed feel. Potable water is typically available in this campground from early June to late November. These dates may vary due to weather. Potable water availability may vary due to well and/or pump maintenance, and water testing requirements. As such, we encourage you to bring your own drinking water or call ahead.
Natural Features
The campground is at an elevation of 7,572 feet within a mature stand of ponderosa pine, along with aspen and firs. Several of the walk-in sites have a great view of Laramie Peak. The general area is intermixed with timber, meadows and large rock formations. The highest peak in the Laramie Range at 10,200 feet, Laramie Peak was once a welcome sign to pioneers on the Oregon and Mormon trails, as well as the first real' mountain most had ever seen.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can find many outdoor opportunities in the surrounding area including OHV riding, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, rock climbing, photography, and horseback riding. Fishing opportunities nearby in Friend Creek and Upper Horseshoe Creek. Sunday services available nearby at the historic Esterbrook Community Church (non-denominational).
Fee Info
$20 - single site per night
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFriend Park Campground is located in Wyoming near Glendo
Directions
DIRECTIONS: Campground is approximately 47 miles South of Douglas, WY. Take Hwy 94 (Esterbrook Road) south from Douglas for 17 miles. Continue south on CR 5 for 11 miles, then southwest 15 miles on CR5, turn left (SE) on FSRD 671 for 2 miles to FSRD 661 then 1 mile to the campground. From Rock River (59 miles) Take Hwy 287 North, turn right onto Fetterman Road (CR 61) travel 33.6 miles (gravel road after 10.5 mile), turn Right on CR74 Garrett Rd, in 6.7 miles this will turn into CR77 Bear Creek Rd, then FSRD 671, after 14 miles turn right onto FSRD 661, Friend Park Road for 1 mile to the CG.
Coordinates
42.25614116 N
105.4848078 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Casper, WY
- 2 hrs 30 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 3 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 3 hrs 3 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 3 hrs 39 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 3 hrs 39 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 3 hrs 53 min from Greeley, CO
- 3 hrs 53 min from Greeley, CO
