Camp Here Since Casper Mountain Will Be Under Construction
Summer camping is a family tradition for many. Casper Mountain will be under construction this summer, and camping will be limited, so where will you camp?
I know you're thinking that there are many places to go, but you'd be surprised by the number of people who haven't ventured much outside of Casper when it comes to outdoor spending time. With the price of taking a vacation rising, many families are new to camping and may need help finding places to go.
Living in Wyoming, we all know driving will be involved if you're trying to get out of town, but some pretty cool camping options are within two hours of the Casper area. I love a good adventure, so hitting the road to explore isn't new to me, and Wyoming has lots of adventure just waiting.
A quick Google search will give you plenty of camping options, from just a few minutes from Casper to a couple of hours away, but I will highlight a few that I've been to and enjoyed. I enjoy camping in the National Forests, BLM, and Wyoming State Parks, so I will focus on these.
Friend Park at Laramie Peak -
93.3 miles - 2 hours 7 minutes from Casper
At 7400 feet in elevation, the campground has 11 campsites, including 3 with walk-in access/tent use only and two vault toilets.
For non-motorized users, the campground has trail access to the Laramie Peak Trail and Friend Park Trail.
Motorized users of the Laramie Peak Trail will find the trailhead just 1/4 mile from the campground. Please be aware that Friend Park Trail is NOT open to motorized use. Fishing is available in the adjacent Friend Creek and surrounding beaver ponds.
Since this park is in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Dispersed camping is also available at least 1/4 mile from the campground. US National Forest
Campbell Creek Campground
78 miles - 1 hour 36 minutes from Casper
The campground has six sites, with Campbell Creek running through the middle and a wide variety of trees for privacy and shade. This campground provides some of the only Forest Service land available for recreating on the west side of the North Laramie Range. Expect to see wildlife, including deer, elk, marmots, beavers, owls, and bats.
Again, dispersed camping is available. US National Forest
Esterbrook Campground - Esterbrook, WY
78 miles - 1 hour 38 minutes
Nestled within a pine forest along a broad ridge north of Laramie Peak, Esterbrook Campground is a terrific jumping-off point for recreating in the Laramie Peak Unit of the Douglas Ranger District. There are 12 widely separated campsites in a lightly wooded, rocky area, along with two vault toilets and potable water. Along with the many trails open to all vehicles in the Esterbrook area are the Black Mountain Lookout Tower (OHV or walking recommended) and the Harris Park Trail, located south of FSRD 633.
Outlaw Cave Campground
91.4 miles - 1 hour 46 minutes
The Outlaw Cave Campground is located in the Middle Fork Powder River Recreation Area. This remote country, with its red wall and deep canyons, was a favorite hiding place of Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch. The area includes two caves and a corral the robbers use to store their loot.
The Middle Fork of the Powder River, a 12-mile long, blue-ribbon trout stretch of the Powder River, also flows through the site.
The campground is a no-fee site and is first come, first served. It includes 12 rustic camping spaces and one vault toilet. There is no water or trash collection; please pack all garbage.
Boysen State Park Camping
113 miles - 1 hour 46 minutes
Just like on Casper Mountain, the camping sites are available by reservation. You can make a reservation on the Wyoparks.wyo.gov website.
Not only do you have access to campsites, but the Boysen Reservoir, Wind River, and Bighorn River all offer great opportunities for the entire family.
Fishing, boating, floating, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing make up many options available. Thermopolis and the hot springs are a quick drive.
Have a great summer, and don't let any opportunity to get outdoors slip by you.