Lake Owen Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding draw campers to Lake Owen, a mountain lake in Medicine Bow National Forest that stays uncrowded even on holiday weekends. Wind is common, so flat-water paddling is weather-dependent. The campground sits close to the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, a low-grade former railroad corridor good for walking or biking, and campers can circle the entire lake on foot, passing an old train caboose along the way. Sites accommodate RVs up to 24 feet, though the access road runs dusty and washboard in spots. Navigation apps matter here: reviewers flag that Google Maps routes through private property, so Waze is the recommended option for a first visit.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsLake Owen Campground is located in Wyoming near Jelm

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Laramie, take WY 130 west 21.7 to WY 11. Turn left onto WY 11 and continue onto Albany, 10.9 miles. Continue on NFSR 500,  past the forest boundary for 2.2 mi to NFSR 513. Turn left onto NFSR 513 and continue for 2.5 miles to NFSR 517. Turn left onto NFSR 517 and continue for 1.5 miles to NFSR 540. Turn right onto NFSR 540 and continue 2.8 miles to campground.

Coordinates

41.14444433 N
106.10127136 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Lake Owen Campground

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2023

Lake Owen

This campground seems a bit run down in that the picnic tables were warped and in need of painting. The campsites were a bit over grown. The road into Lake Owen was dusty and a bit wash boardy There was quite a lot of ATV activity in the area, but the campground was not full even though it was Labor Day weekend. The campground is near the Medicine Bow Rail Trail which was great bike riding for my grandsons who are 8 and 6.

Site33
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Perfect get away

A lot of trees have been cleared near the lake, but there are plenty of Aspen's and new babies growing. Everytime we have gone there there is always room to camp, even on 4th of July. It is a nice calm lake at the to of a mountain perfect for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding... As long as it's not windy... Which is pretty common. GO IN THE FALL, with all the Aspen's it is beautiful and an old railroad trail to walk along is a very easy 'hike'. You can also walk all around the lake, where there is an old train caboose. If you are going to the campground for the first time use WAZE for directions, NOT GOOGLE MAPS, that will take you through rivate property.

  • Review photo of Lake Owen Campground by Bayley W., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Owen Campground by Bayley W., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Owen Campground by Bayley W., July 10, 2019
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and features are available at Lake Owen Campground in Wyoming?

Lake Owen Campground offers rustic camping facilities in a scenic mountain setting. The campground features picnic tables at each site, though some may be in need of maintenance. The sites are surrounded by aspen trees, providing natural beauty and some shade. The campground sits at the top of a mountain adjacent to Lake Owen itself, which is perfect for water activities. While the campground has basic amenities, it appears to be somewhat rustic with sites that may be slightly overgrown. The area is popular for ATV enthusiasts, with considerable off-road activity nearby, though the campground itself often has availability even during holiday weekends.

What fishing opportunities are available at Lake Owen in Wyoming?

Lake Owen offers excellent fishing opportunities in a peaceful mountain setting. The calm waters of this mountain-top lake create ideal conditions for fishing, with the lake being a popular destination for anglers. The setting is particularly conducive to relaxed fishing experiences, as motorized boats that might disturb the water are less common. In addition to fishing, the lake is well-suited for kayaking and paddle boarding, allowing anglers to access different parts of the water. While some trees near the lake have been cleared, the natural surroundings still provide a scenic backdrop for a day of fishing.

How do I get to Lake Owen Campground in Wyoming?

Lake Owen Campground is accessible via a dirt road that leads to the top of the mountain where the lake is situated. The access road can be dusty and somewhat rough with washboard conditions in places. Visitors should be prepared for mountain driving and possibly uneven road surfaces. The campground's mountain-top location provides a serene setting once you arrive, making the journey worthwhile despite the rugged access. For specific directions, it's advisable to check with the U.S. Forest Service who manages the area.