How much does camping cost at Friend Park Campground?

Camping fees at Friend Park Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Friend Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Friend Park Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Friend Park Campground before I book?

Yes! Friend Park Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Friend Park Campground?

Friend Park Campground is open May 21 to November 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Friend Park Campground?

Friend Park Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Friend Park Campground have?

Friend Park Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Friend Park Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Friend Park Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Friend Park Campground?

Friend Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Friend Park Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Friend Park Campground?

Fire policies at Friend Park Campground: Need to Know RECREATION EVENT - The Laramie Peak Endurance Challenge will be held out of the Friend Park CG on July 10-12, 2026. * Single Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site and must fit on the gravel spur. ** A vehicle is anything with wheels and an axle that takes up space on a camp spur. This includes but is not limited to motorhomes, camper trailers, box trailers, utility trailers, trucks, cars, SUV's, ATV's, UTV's, side by sides, etc. The only vehicles allowed to park . Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.19

27 reviews

Friend Park Campground

Great Hiking

Featured in:Fishing Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,572 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Douglas Ranger District, Medicine Bow National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,572 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Douglas Ranger District, Medicine Bow National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Friend Park Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Friend Park Campground

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Campground Map

Friend Park Campground

42.2561, -105.4848

Nearby places

Douglas, WY — approximately 47 miles

Rock River, WY — approximately 59 miles

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.

Weather at Friend Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Friend Park Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (≈18–24°C) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (≈0–9°C). Trails are snow-free, meadows are at peak wildflower display, and streams and high-country lakes fish well after ice-out; mountain biking and long ridge hikes are at their best. Weekends in July–August can be busy (Friend Park has only 11 sites), so plan midweek visits for solitude; potable water is typically available Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is the reliable window: trails snow-free, wildflowers peak, fishing good after ice-out.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to November 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Friend Park Campground

Friend Park Campground sits at 7,572 feet in the Laramie Range, a quiet 11-site spot surrounded by ponderosa pine, aspen, and fir. It's the closest developed camp to the Laramie Peak trailhead and feels genuinely remote. Long gravel access roads and no electricity keep crowds thin, especially midweek.

Small campground suitable for tent and trailer camping with walk-in sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (≈18–24°C) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (≈0–9°C). Trails are snow-free, meadows are at peak wildflower display, and streams and high-country lakes fish well after ice-out; mountain biking and long ridge hikes are at their best. Weekends in July–August can be busy (Friend Park has only 11 sites), so plan midweek visits for solitude; potable water is typically available Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7572 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a lightly wooded, rocky bench southwest of Laramie Peak. Ponderosa pine and aspen shade most sites, with open meadows and rock outcroppings breaking up the forest. Walk-in sites at the edge of the camp have clear views of Laramie Peak's summit. Elevation here means cooler air and a mix of montane forest and open range. The scenery shifts with the light: morning sun on the peak, afternoon shadows stretching across the meadow, evening alpenglow on the ridges.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site Size11 campsites in a lightly wooded, rocky area; includes several walk-in 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 SitesBring 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 CampsitesWalk-in sites at the edge of the campground have the best Laramie Peak views and enough spacing to feel like dispersed camping. One recent reviewer noted the tent spots are well-chosen and quiet.

Amenities available

Potable water is typically available in this campground from early June to late November. These dates may vary due to weather. Potable water availability may vary due to well and/or pump maintenance, and water testing requirements. As such, we encourage you to bring your own drinking water or call ahead.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyNeed to Know RECREATION EVENT - The Laramie Peak Endurance Challenge will be held out of the Friend Park CG on July 10-12, 2026. * Single Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site and must fit on the gravel spur. ** A vehicle is anything with wheels and an axle that takes up space on a camp spur. This includes but is not limited to motorhomes, camper trailers, box trailers, utility trailers, trucks, cars, SUV's, ATV's, UTV's, side by sides, etc. The only vehicles allowed to park

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 8:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

27 reviews

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 27 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...

Based on 27 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...

Based on 27 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...

Based on 27 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...

Based on 27 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...

Based on 27 reviews

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Go if

Hikers targeting Laramie Peak will find the Connector Trail leaving right from camp, with walk-in sites spaced far enough apart for real solitude. Midweek summer visits are the sweet spot before July and August weekends fill all 11 spots.

Skip if

ATV traffic has turned at least some weekends noisy according to recent reviews, and the vault toilets can run out of supplies. Bring your own TP, call ahead on water status, and AWD is strongly recommended for the long gravel approach.

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Campgrounds

Friend Park Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Friend Park Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

***There will be construction on Bear Creek Road from Esterbrook Road to the Bear Creek Crossing, starting on 7/17/24 for at least 30 days. Expect heavy truck and equipment traffic.***Friend Park is set at the base of Laramie Peak, which is the tallest peak in the North Laramie Range and was a waypoint for Oregon Trail immigrants. At 7400 feet in elevation, there are 11 campsites, including 3 that are walk-in access/tent use only, and 2 vault toilets. The campground has trail access to both the Laramie Peak Trail and Friend Park Trail for non-motorized users.Motorized users of the Laramie Peak Trail will find the trailhead just 1/4 mile from the campground and please be aware Friend Park Trail is NOT open to motorized use. Fishing is available in the adjacent Friend Creek and surrounding beaver ponds.<div class="usa-alert usa-alert--info usa-alert--slim"><div class="usa-alert__body">This site was approved for a fee change - <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/fire/?cid=FSEPRD1092198">Click here for more information</a></div></div>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,400 ft. The campground is located above Friend Creek at the base of Laramie and Friend Peaks. Laramie Peak, at 10,200 ft., is the highest peak in the Laramie Range and was a landmark for pioneers using the Morman and Oregon Trails. The campground is delightful for tents and small RVs (pop-up and slide-in styles). There are several nice rock climbing formations nearby. Sites are fairly close together and shaded by firs and pines. The campground is a good location for wildlife viewing - wild turkey and bighorn sheep.

Seasons & access

Open June 1 through Labor Day

Facilities

The water spigot is a hand pump.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel. Travel trailers are not recommended; there is no turnaround.

Directions

In Douglas, WY, take State Rt. 94 (from Exit 140 of Interstate 25) 16.4 miles to a "Y" intersection (County Rt. 5/Esterbrook Rd.). Bear left onto County Rt. 5/Esterbrook Rd. (dirt) and go 10.8 miles to the Esterbrook Work Center at a "Y" intersection. Bear right, staying on County Rt. 5, and go 15.3 miles to still another intersection (Forest Rt. 671/Bear Creek Rd.). Bear left onto Forest Rt. 671/Bear Creek Rd. (steep with single-lane sections) and go 2.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 1 mile to campground. NOTE: County Rt. 5 becomes rather rough and rocky. At 3.6 miles on Rt. 5, an unmarked "Y" intersection appears. Bearing either left or right takes the driver to the same place on Rt. 5.

National Forest: Bow National Forest
Ranger District: Douglas
Elevation: 7400
Rate: $5 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: June – October

About Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Context for the broader area surrounding Friend Park Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Welcome to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland! Visitor opportunities abound on almost 2.9 million acres of National Forest System lands. The Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests provide year-round recreation opportunities for you. These activities include hiking, biking, camping, horseriding, OHV riding, fishing and hunting, just to name a few. Beautiful vistas await sightseers and photographers. The topography varies greatly within the national forests. Elevation ranges from 5,500 to 12,940 feet. The climate ranges from semi-arid at low elevations to colder and less arid in the high country. Frost may occur at any time, and visitors to the higher elevations should be prepared for harsh weather, including snow and high winds, even during the summer months. The Thunder Basin National Grassland provides unique opportunities for recreation, including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, and fishing. There are no developed campgrounds; however, dispersed camping is allowed. Elevation on the national grassland ranges from 3,600 to 5,200 feet, and the climate is semi-arid. The following recreation conditions report includes a sampling of our recreation sites. For information on specific sites or areas, use the link to the right or search by activity in the lefthand search bar.