Bow River Campground (Wy)

Star4.20
31 reviews

Quick Facts

8,609 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bow River Campground (Wy)
$10.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $14 per site during the peak season when reserved through Recreation.gov. First-come, first-served sites are $10 per night and...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
307-326-5258
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

Some mention

mosquitoesreservation

"Reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, tranquility, and access to the Bow River. However, issues like poor water pump functionality, mosquito presence, and inconsistent bathroom cleanliness are recurring themes."

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Campground Map

Bow River Campground (Wy)

41.5133, -106.3708

Driving directionsFrom Saratoga, WY take the Snowy Range Highway east 20 miles to Forest Road 100. Turn onto Forest Road 100 and drive approximately 20 miles to the Bow River campground. This is a slow drive. From Elk Mountain, WY take Carbon County Road 101 south to the National Forest boundary. Continue on Road 101 to Forest Road 100, approximately 2 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 100 and watch for the campground in less than .5 mile.
The roads to the campground are unpaved and may be challenging. One user review notes, 'All dirt roads to get there.' Another review mentions that the route is slow and suggests following USFS directions instead of Google Maps.
Nearby places
Saratoga, WY (20 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Elk Mountain, WY (2.5 miles to the Forest boundary, approximately 5 minutes, then additional travel required to reach the campground)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping gear, can likely be found in Saratoga, WY, the nearest town.

Best Time to Camp at Bow River Campground (Wy)

Experience the crisp mountain air and ever-changing moods of high-altitude weather at Bow River. While summer days bring mild, dry conditions perfect for hiking and exploring, temperatures can surprise visitors with recorded highs hovering around 36°F and nighttime lows dipping to 18°F. These cooler temperatures reflect the campground's significant elevation, where weather patterns can shift quickly and dramatically, creating an authentic mountain adventure that keeps campers connected to nature's rhythms.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Jul 1–Sep 7; summer offers mild days, hiking, fishing and excellent stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground reservations run Jul 1–Sep 7; effectively closed in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Reservations window begins July 1; spring season is outside regular open period.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed for reservations outside summer; winter access/operations limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 - September 7. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from July 1 to September 7, annually.

About Bow River Campground (Wy)

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Bow River Campground, where 13 intimate campsites await beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines and whispering spruce trees. This hidden gem along the upper Medicine Bow River offers a true back-to-nature experience, where young aspens dance in the mountain breeze and the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water. As a 'pack-in, pack-out' facility, this remote sanctuary preserves its untouched beauty by asking visitors to carry out what they bring in, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same unspoiled wilderness.
Bow River Campground offers sites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs. It does not have group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping facilities.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for various outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter sports. Adjacent to Bow River, it also provides access to popular hiking trails like Rock Creek, Sheep Lake, and Crater Lake. OHVs can explore the Campbell Lake Loop starting July 1.
HikingNearby trails include Rock Creek, Sheep Lake, and Crater Lake. Trails within the Snowy Range offer options for both day hikes and backcountry trips.
FishingThe nearby Bow River and over 100 lakes in the Snowy Range provide fishing opportunities. Fish types or success rates are not specified.
BikingThe area supports mountain biking, though specific trails for biking are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to deer, elk, moose, bear, and mountain lions. Wildlife sightings are common due to the natural setting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and mountain lions. Visitors are advised to practice bear safety, including proper food storage.

Weather at Bow River Campground (Wy)

Reviews

4.2
31 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bow River Campground (Wy) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, tranquility, and access to the Bow River. However, issues like poor water pump functionality, mosquito presence, and inconsistent bathroom cleanliness are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the "beautiful area," "nicely spaced sites," and "dark skies for stargazing." The serene setting and proximity to the river were also appreciated.
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito issues in June, inconsistent water pump functionality ("water is not clean"), and poor bathroom maintenance were frequent complaints.
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring your own water" is a common recommendation due to pump issues. Arrive early to secure a spot and follow USFS directions rather than Google Maps for better navigation.
Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquito activity is heightened in early summer, while fewer campers visit early or late in the season. Stargazing is noted as a highlight during clear nights.
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bow River Campground is a great campground. We had the place to ourselves," noted a user in June 2024. "The stars made it all worth it." Another warned, "Be ready to defend against the hoards of...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 received specific mentions for its "gorgeous" view but was better suited for smaller campers. Some issues with reserved sites not being properly marked caused frustration.
Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet owners mentioned issues with other dogs barking excessively, which detracted from the tranquil environment.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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