Granite formations rise out of forested terrain at Vedauwoo Campground, a US Forest Service site in Medicine Bow National Forest that sits close enough to I-80 to be a convenient overnight stop but far enough back that the upper loop largely muffles highway noise. The lower walk-in loop, tucked further from the road, runs quieter still and tends to stay less crowded even when the upper area fills. Wind is a consistent factor here, with gusts that can pick up sharply in the mornings, and fire bans are common during late summer due to regional wildfire conditions.
The campground's two loops accommodate tents and large RVs, with water hookups and vault toilets on site. Reviewers consistently flag the water situation as worth planning around: in recent seasons the main faucets have been unreliable, and the available pump produces noticeably discolored water. Bringing sufficient drinking water from Laramie or another nearby town is the practical move. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Dumpsters with locking lids keep wildlife from raiding trash overnight. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout.
Trails are the main draw. A 3.5-mile loop around Turtle Rock gives hikers a solid read on the terrain, which mixes open granite slabs with aspen groves and beaver ponds fed by swift creeks. The area is well known for off-width crack climbing and bouldering on its distinctive granite formations. As Carrie C. notes, "the granite can flake off so use established routes." Mountain biking trails in the area are open to hikers and equestrians as well. Moose and pronghorn have been spotted at campsites by multiple visitors.
Reservations are available, and the campground runs from May through October. Weekends draw crowds, particularly during summer, and the upper loop fills with cross-country RV travelers. Campers who want more separation from neighbors can look at Vedauwoo Tent Campground nearby, or the dispersed options along the access road. Nightly fees run $20, and the campground's proximity to campgrounds near Medicine Bow National Forest makes it a useful base for exploring the broader region. Light sleepers and those without their own water supply should plan accordingly.
Description
Overview
Vedauwoo Campground is composed of two loops with 29 campsites of standard nonelectric sites and walk-in tent sites. All sites have tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets. The water spigots in the campground are deactivated; however, water may be available inside the main campground. Look for the water handpump in the main campground's northern loop(sites 19-29) or down the Box Canyon Trail.__There is access to rock climbing and a nature trail through the rocks. Vedauwoo Campground is at 8,300ft.The Vedauwoo Campground will have a mix of reservation sites and first-come, first-served sites for the 2026 season. If you are not reserving your site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by cash or check once you are at the campground.Modifications on reservations are not allowed for this site. This is due to limited capacity to update reservation placards when concerning last minute modifications as well as limited functionality with the modifications feature in recreation.gov which has only an ON or OFF toggle for site managers and no feature allowing modifications up until a certain time frame.
Recreation
The rock formations at Vedauwoo provide oppotrunity for all types of rock climbing. Sightseeing and wildflower viewing begin within a short walk or drive from any campsite. Turtle Rock trail leaves from the campground and winds its way between multiple rock formations while passing meadows, streams, beaver ponds and forested areas. Box Canyon trail leaves from the picnic area, contains great views along a short distance and is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Facilities
Vedauwoo Campground has sites that accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and pedestal grills. The campground also offers vault toilets, trash receptacles, and a water handpump. No electrical hook-ups, water hook-ups, or black water hook-ups are available. Handpump water may be available in the main campground from July to September. These dates may vary due to weather, well and/or pump maintenance, and water testing requirements. As such, we encourage you to bring your own water or call ahead.
Natural Features
The campground winds around the boulders, slabs and cliffs of the Vedauwoo rock formation. The formation is made up of 10 square miles of weathered Sherman granite, providing lots of space to explore. The vegetation is a variety of Limber pine, Engleman spruce, Douglas fir, and Aspen. The general area was once used as a hideout for outlaws. Native Americans thought playful spirits piled up the boulders.
Nearby Attractions
Popular attractions near this campground include Turtle Rock Trail, Box Canyon Trail, and the Tie City trail system.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications on reservations are not allowed for this site. This is due to limited capacity to update reservation placards when concerning last minute modifications as well as limited functionality with the modifications feature in recreation.gov which has only an ON or OFF toggle for site managers and no feature allowing modifications up until a certain time frame.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsVedauwoo Campground is located in Wyoming near Buford
Public CampgroundDirections
From Laramie, WY, take Interstate 80 east 15.8 miles to Vedauwoo Road/ exit 329. Exit and go to stop sign; turn left onto Vedauwoo Rd. and go 1.2 miles. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.
Coordinates
41.156813 N
105.376926 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 28 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 3 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 17 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 40 min from Boulder, CO
