Campbell Creek Campground

Campbell Creek Campground, nestled within the picturesque Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland in Wyoming, is a quintessential destination within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category. This remote yet popular Forest Service campground offers a serene and immersive outdoor experience, providing a vital recreational access point on the west side of the North Laramie Range. Situated approximately 7,920 feet above sea level, Campbell Creek Campground serves as an ideal base for anglers, hikers, OHV riders, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature amidst abundant wildlife.

The environment at Campbell Creek Campground is characterized by its tranquil setting and rich natural beauty. Campbell Creek itself flows gracefully through the middle of the campground, creating a soothing natural soundtrack for campers. The sites are shaded by a wide variety of mature pine trees, offering privacy and a cool, inviting atmosphere, especially during warmer months. The forest canopy provides a thick cover, enhancing the feeling of seclusion and immersion in nature. The surrounding landscape, part of the remote Laramie Mountains, is pristine and offers stunning vistas of the western range. The road leading into the area passes through the scenic LaPrele Canyon, crossing the LaPrele Creek multiple times, adding to the picturesque journey to the campground. This area is teeming with wildlife, and visitors can expect to see a diverse array of animals, including deer, elk, marmots, beaver, owls, and bats, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing and photography. The high elevation contributes to a crisp, clean air quality and generally comfortable summer temperatures, though visitors should be prepared for cooler evenings. The dense woodland and flowing creek create a vibrant ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna, making every visit a discovery.

As a key offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Campbell Creek Campground provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. The campground consists of 6 well-spaced sites, designed to offer a dispersed feel for enhanced privacy. There are 5 single campsites and 1 double campsite (Site #1), which can accommodate larger groups. Each site is equipped with fundamental amenities for outdoor living, including a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking and enjoying traditional campfires, provided fire restrictions are not in place. Crucially, potable drinking water is available at the campground through a pump water well. This amenity is generally available from mid-May to late November, though availability may vary due to well and/or pump maintenance or water testing requirements, so it's always advisable to call ahead or bring your own water as a backup. Restroom facilities are provided in the form of vault toilets, which are maintained for cleanliness. Trash bins are also available for waste disposal, encouraging responsible waste management. While the campground can accommodate recreational vehicles, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups, meaning RV campers should be prepared for self-contained camping. Dogs are permitted within the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and wildlife. The services at Campbell Creek Campground are designed to offer a comfortable and functional base for exploring the surrounding natural areas.

The features and recreational opportunities at Campbell Creek Campground are abundant and cater to a wide range of outdoor interests. The presence of Campbell Creek running through the campground makes stream fishing a popular activity for anglers. The broader Laramie Peak area within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers extensive opportunities for hiking, with popular day hikes and backpacking trails like the Twin Peaks Trail, Deer Creek Trail, and Elkhorn Trail. Mountain biking is also a favored activity on designated trails. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) riding is a significant draw, with numerous OHV trails available. Wyoming State OHV stickers are required for driving any Forest Service OHV trails, and visitors should verify specific trail regulations. The remote nature of the campground and its surroundings makes it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of deer, elk, and smaller mammals and birds. Opportunities for outdoor science and learning are also present, given the rich natural environment. Nearby attractions include the historic LaPrele Guard Station and Little Medicine Falls, offering additional points of interest for explorers. The overall feature set emphasizes a balance of active recreation and tranquil immersion in nature, making it appealing to both adventure seekers and those desiring a peaceful retreat.

For promotional information and practical considerations, Campbell Creek Campground typically operates seasonally, with the open season generally running from mid-May through early November, though specific dates can be weather-dependent. Normal services, including potable water, are provided during this period. The campground is open year-round, but services are reduced outside of the main season, meaning potable water may not be available. The fee for overnight use is approximately $20.00 per night for a single site and $40.00 per night for the double site (#1). Picnicking at the campground has a separate fee of $10.00 per site. All sites generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some sources mention possible reservations through Recreation.gov, so it is best to verify current policies. Due to its popularity and limited number of sites, early arrival is advisable, especially during peak season and weekends. Visitors should always check for current alerts and warnings, such as fire restrictions (which are common in forest environments), and road conditions, as the area is remote. The Douglas Ranger District manages the Laramie Peak and Thunder Basin National Grasslands areas, and they would be the primary contact for the most up-to-date information regarding the campground's status and any specific regulations. There are no horses or pack animals allowed at this site. Campbell Creek Campground offers a rustic yet comfortable camping experience in a stunning natural setting, providing a true taste of Wyoming's wilderness for local users seeking both relaxation and adventure within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category.