Lake Owen Campground

Star4.18
14 reviews
Lake Owen Campground, Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District, Wyoming
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open June 1 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District site

Official Website
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Lake Owen Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites are available for $20 per night. A fee change has been approved for this site as per the official webpage.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakesites

"Reviews are mixed for Lake Owen Campground, with some users praising the natural beauty and well-maintained environment, while others criticize the lack of upkeep in certain areas and disturbances caused by other campers using generators."

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Campground Map

Lake Owen Campground, Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District, Wyoming

Lake Owen Campground

Lake Owen Campground, Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District, Wyoming

Driving directionsFrom Laramie, take WY 130 west 21.7 miles to WY 11. Turn left onto WY 11 and continue onto Albany, 10.9 miles. Continue on NFSR 500 past the forest boundary for 2.2 miles to NFSR 513. Turn left onto NFSR 513 and continue for 2.5 miles to NFSR 517. Turn left onto NFSR 517 and continue for 1.5 miles to NFSR 540. Turn right onto NFSR 540 and continue 2.8 miles to the campground.
The route includes paved roads (WY 130 and WY 11) transitioning to unpaved dirt roads (NFSR 500, NFSR 513, NFSR 517, and NFSR 540). Single-lane sections with few turnouts may pose challenges for large vehicles.
Nearby places
Albany (approx. 10.9 miles), Laramie (approx. 32.6 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Albany, Wyoming (approximately 10.9 miles away), including groceries and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Owen Campground

Lake Owen awakens from its winter slumber typically in June, welcoming campers through mid-September as weather permits. Summer days bring brilliant sunshine and cool mountain breezes, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly with dramatic winds that remind visitors of nature's power. As autumn approaches, crisp nights hint at the frigid winter ahead, when deep snow blankets the landscape and the campground rests until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and popular in summer with boating/fishing, but crowded, noisy and subject to high winds.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter, more serene visits and aspen color; reviews note better solitude then.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site typically not open until June; spring camping not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed/seasonal in winter; typically opens in June.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 7 to September 15 is the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 1 through October 15, but is weather dependent and typically available from June 7 to September 15.

About Lake Owen Campground

Nestled beneath a cathedral of towering Lodgepole pines and whispering Aspens, Lake Owen Campground offers 35 thoughtfully spaced sites across two scenic loops. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and access to vault toilets and regular trash service. The soft, grassy understory creates natural privacy barriers between sites, while many spots reward early arrivals with stunning views of Lake Owen's pristine waters and the majestic Snowy Range beyond. Whether you're seeking solitude under the pine canopy or a front-row seat to mountain vistas, this well-maintained campground delivers the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort.
Lake Owen Campground caters exclusively to traditional camping experiences, with 35 available sites suitable for tents and small trailers (up to 22 feet). RV camping is limited by the lack of hookups and the dirt parking aprons.
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Stay Limit
There is a 14-day stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Owen Campground offers several recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing and boating are the primary activities centered around Lake Owen, which spans 55 acres and is home to Splake and Cutthroat trout. While there are no hiking trails within the campground, the scenic views of the Snowy Range add to the outdoor experience.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity at Lake Owen. Anglers can catch Splake and Cutthroat trout. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required to fish in the lake.
BoatingBoating is allowed on Lake Owen, with access supported by a boat ramp. Both power boating and non-motorized boating options are available, and carry-down access is provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight treacherous winds and storms that topple trees. Campers should secure tents and gear. Avoid camping near dead trees.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lake Owen Campground

Reviews

4.2
14 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lake Owen Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed for Lake Owen Campground, with some users praising the natural beauty and well-maintained environment, while others criticize the lack of upkeep in certain areas and disturbances caused by other campers using generators.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the scenic views of the lake and Snowy Range, the well-separated campsites, and the natural setting under Lodgepole pines and Aspen trees.
Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the frequent high winds, limited maintenance of some campsites, and the noise from campers running generators.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers highlight the importance of securing tents and equipment due to frequent high winds and sudden storms. They also recommend camping after September 1st to avoid crowds and generator noise.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is more crowded and noisy during peak summer months, while it offers a quieter and more serene experience in the fall. High winds are a recurring issue throughout...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"So this campground and the lake it is on its a true gem. However there is a need for a really clear understanding that the winds here can be treacherous, without exaggeration, and the storms can...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific issues were noted in some campsites, with one user stating, 'Don't camp in sites they're poorly maintained and not worth a penny.' However, no particular site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility appears to be limited, as restrooms are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or features are available.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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