Friend Park Campground

Star4.22
24 reviews
Friend Park Campground

Quick Facts

7,572 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Douglas Ranger District, Medicine Bow National Forest (U.S. Forest Service) site

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Friend Park Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 24 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanhiking

"Reviewers overwhelmingly describe Friend Park Campground as a quiet, remote, and scenic spot with basic amenities. Most appreciate its seclusion, cleanliness, and access to hiking, especially Laramie Peak. One recent negative review notes increased ATV noise and a poorly maintained bathroom, suggesting the experience can vary over time or by visit."

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Best Time to Camp at Friend Park Campground

The campground welcomes adventurers year-round, with the Laramie Peak area offering distinct seasonal experiences from snow-dusted winter trails to wildflower-filled summer meadows. Potable water flows from early June through late November, though Mother Nature and necessary maintenance can occasionally affect availability—it's always wise to bring backup water, especially during shoulder seasons.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Friend Park Campground

    Tucked at the base of historic Laramie Peak, Friend Park Campground offers an intimate escape among towering ponderosa pines, aspens, and firs. This 11-site gem serves as your basecamp for exploring the Laramie Peak wilderness, whether you're seeking challenging trails, thrilling OHV adventures, or peaceful fishing spots in one of Wyoming's most storied mountain ranges.
    Small campground suitable for tent and trailer camping with walk-in sites.
    Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel at 10,200 feet, Laramie Peak has watched over travelers for centuries. For thousands of pioneers trudging westward along the Oregon and Mormon Trails in the 1800s, this towering landmark represented their first glimpse of the true Rocky Mountains—a moment of awe and trepidation that marked their passage from prairie to high country. Today, that same peak beckons modern adventurers to experience the landscape that shaped American westward expansion.
    Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes adventurers year-round, with the Laramie Peak area offering distinct seasonal experiences from snow-dusted winter trails to wildflower-filled summer meadows. Potable water flows from early June through late November, though Mother Nature and necessary maintenance can occasionally affect availability—it's always wise to bring backup water, especially during shoulder seasons.
    ElevationPerched at 7,572 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air remains crisp and refreshing without venturing into extreme alpine territory. This elevation supports a thriving ecosystem of mature ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, and fragrant fir—a diverse forest community that provides dappled shade in summer and a spectacular color show when autumn arrives.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds like a carefully composed landscape painting, where dense stands of ponderosa pine and aspen give way to sun-drenched meadows and dramatic rock outcroppings that tell stories of ancient geological forces. Friend Park spreads out to the southwest, while lucky campers in the walk-in sites are rewarded with unobstructed views of Laramie Peak itself—a vista that connects you directly to the same mountain that guided pioneers across the frontier. The interplay of forest, meadow, and stone creates an ever-changing backdrop as light shifts throughout the day.
    Geological RegionLaramie Peak Unit, Laramie Range, Medicine Bow National Forest (Douglas Ranger District)
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    Campsite details

    Sites Size11 campsites in a lightly wooded, rocky area; includes several walk-in sites.
    Sites PrivacyMost campsites have abundant shade and several walk-in sites are spaced far enough apart to have a dispersed feel.
    Total Campsites11 campsites
    Recommended CampsitesBring your own drinking water if visiting outside the typical June–November potable water period or if concerned about well/pump maintenance. Choose walk-in sites for more separation and views of Laramie Peak.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed
    Site layoutEleven campsites in a lightly wooded, rocky area with picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, vault toilets, trash collection, and potable water (seasonal). Most campsites have abundant shade; several walk-in sites are spaced for a dispersed feel.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    A wide range of outdoor recreation is available including hiking, fishing, OHV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, camping, and rock/mountain climbing, with numerous trails accessible from or near the campground.
    Hiking
    The Laramie Peak Connector Trail leaves the campground and leads to the Friend Park Trail and Laramie Peak Trail; access to the Roaring Fork Trail is along nearby FSRD 661.A. Numerous day-hiking and backpacking routes are listed (Upper Roaring Fork, Friend Park, North Laramie River, Harris Park, Laramie Peak, Sunset Ridge, Lost Creek, Albany Peak, Black Mountain lookout).
    Climbing
    Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
    Fishing
    Fishing opportunities nearby include Friend Creek, beaver ponds along the Connector Trail, and areas along Upper Horseshoe Creek on National Forest and State Trust lands.
    Biking
    Mountain biking is popular with many nearby trails noted (Upper Roaring Fork, Friend Park, North Laramie River, Harris Park, Laramie Peak, Sunset Ridge, Lost Creek, Arapaho, Albany Peak, Black Mountain lookout).
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Campsites include fire rings and pedestal grills.

    Hazards

    General hazardsThe campground is located in a lightly wooded, rocky area; potable water availability can be variable—visitors are encouraged to bring drinking water or call ahead.

    Weather at Friend Park Campground

    38
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Partly cloudy
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 72%
    Wind: 27.4 mph
    Partly cloudy
    Weather History
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided.
    Proximity to water featuresFishing opportunities nearby in Friend Creek and beaver ponds below the campground; additional fishing on Upper Horseshoe Creek on National Forest System and WY State Trust lands.

    Campground Map

    Friend Park Campground
    Driving directionsCampground 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 miles), 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 campground.
    Primary access across the district is by I-25 and Highway 59; local access via Hwy 94 (Esterbrook Road), county roads (CR5, CR61/CR74/CR77) and Forest Service Roads FSRD 671 and FSRD 661.
    Nearby places
    Douglas, WY — approximately 47 miles
    Rock River, WY — approximately 59 miles

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.2
    24 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Friend Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly describe Friend Park Campground as a quiet, remote, and scenic spot with basic amenities. Most appreciate its seclusion, cleanliness, and access to hiking, especially Laramie Peak. One recent negative review notes increased ATV noise and a poorly maintained bathroom, suggesting the experience can vary over time or by visit.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 24 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers love the peace and quiet, remote setting, and beautiful mountain and open-range views. The campground is described as clean but rustic, with nice tent spots, well-maintained grounds, and...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Complaints are limited but notable: one reviewer reports that the campground has become a “loud, busy ATV playground,” indicating potential noise and traffic from off-road vehicles. The same review...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Expect a rustic experience with no electricity or Wi‑Fi, making it best suited for those wanting to unplug. Several reviewers mention that access involves long stretches of gravel or dirt roads, with...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Peace and quiet. Water and toilets are there but nothing else. Just the mountains and the trees.” “This is a very nice camp ground. The forest service staff maintains it well… Bathrooms are...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Access is repeatedly described as remote and via long gravel or dirt roads, including a “2 hrs on a gravel road with beautiful views” and a note that “it is best to drive using an AWD vehicle.” This...
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    Based on 24 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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