Bow River Ranger Station
05 reviews2171 S. Highway 130, P.O. Box 249, Saratoga, Wyoming, 82331, United States
Quick Facts
Price
$135/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$135/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsBow River Ranger Station
$135.00 - $135.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rate for cabin rental is $135 during the peak season (June 14 to October 24). Pricing excludes discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider307-326-5258
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
Most mentioned
friendly
Some mention
bugs
"Reviews indicate a mix of positive and negative experiences, with users appreciating the cabin's rustic charm and wildlife sightings but mentioning cleanliness issues."
Fees & Passes at Bow River Ranger Station
$135/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum of 13 nights per visit.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee a...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Bow River Ranger Station
Summer in the Snowy Range brings nature's perfect balance. From June through October, when the station welcomes guests, you'll discover why this region captivates visitors year after year. Moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for both adventure and relaxation, while the area's reputation for clear skies and minimal rainfall means more opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness. Pack layers for cool mountain mornings that warm into pleasant afternoons, and prepare for those magical Wyoming evenings when the temperature drops just enough to make the fire ring the perfect gathering spot.
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
- Peak Season: June 14 to October 24, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 14 to October 24, 2025.
About Bow River Ranger Station
Step into a piece of Forest Service history at the Bow River Ranger Station, where modern comfort meets rustic charm. This beautifully preserved 1960s cabin once served as home to the forest rangers who protected these wild lands. Today, it welcomes visitors with thoughtful amenities including a fully equipped kitchen and complete bathroom, making it perfect for those who want to experience the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Gather around the outdoor fire ring as evening falls, share stories at the picnic tables, and enjoy the simple pleasure of fair cell phone coverage that keeps you connected while still feeling worlds away. A friendly on-site host ensures your stay runs smoothly from June through October.
The Bow River Ranger Station offers a unique cabin accommodation for up to 10 guests and does not feature traditional tent or RV sites.
Historical SignificanceThis isn't just a place to stay—it's a window into the legacy of America's forest guardians. Constructed in the 1960s, the Bow River Ranger Station stands as a testament to the dedicated men and women who called this remote outpost home while managing the vast northern wilderness of the Snowy Range. These rangers lived here year-round, monitoring wildlife, preventing forest fires, and maintaining the delicate balance between human use and natural preservation. When you stay here, you're literally walking in their footsteps, experiencing the same views they saw each morning and the same starlit skies that ended their days.
Weather and SeasonsSummer in the Snowy Range brings nature's perfect balance. From June through October, when the station welcomes guests, you'll discover why this region captivates visitors year after year. Moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for both adventure and relaxation, while the area's reputation for clear skies and minimal rainfall means more opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness. Pack layers for cool mountain mornings that warm into pleasant afternoons, and prepare for those magical Wyoming evenings when the temperature drops just enough to make the fire ring the perfect gathering spot.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation in the Medicine Bow National Forest, the station offers that perfect mountain atmosphere without extreme altitude challenges.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine standing at nature's crossroads, where two distinct worlds meet in perfect harmony. The Bow River Ranger Station sits precisely where the golden expanses of Wyoming sagebrush country embrace the deep green embrace of mountain forest. This remarkable transition zone offers visitors the best of both ecosystems—watch pronghorn antelope graze in the open meadows while listening to the wind whisper through towering pines. Morning light transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream, while evening brings a symphony of wildlife sounds from both habitats. It's a front-row seat to one of nature's most beautiful conversations.
Geological RegionPerched at the ecological frontier of the northern Snowy Range within Medicine Bow National Forest, the station occupies one of Wyoming's most fascinating geological transitions. Here, the ancient sagebrush steppe—formed over millennia of wind, weather, and time—meets the younger coniferous forests that cloak the mountain slopes. This unique positioning within the Medicine Bow National Forest means you're exploring a landscape shaped by both prairie and mountain forces, where granite peaks rise from rolling hills and where every trail promises a new perspective on Wyoming's diverse natural heritage.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe facility is handicap accessible, including a ramp leading to the front door.
Sites SizeThe cabin offers spacious, enclosed indoor accommodations suitable for up to 10 guests.
Sites PrivacyAs this is a single cabin rental, privacy is excellent. The cabin is located in a meadow near the national forest boundary, enhancing the sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests seeking views and privacy will enjoy the exclusive setup of the cabin. Ensure to bring bottled water for consumption and additional cleaning supplies.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 13 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 10 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin is standalone and not part of a loop or cluster.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from June 14 to October 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability specified; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with a potential loss of the first night's fee for cancellations within 14 days of the scheduled arrival. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee for modifications outside the original dates.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Bow River Ranger Station offers several recreational opportunities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to nearby natural attractions like the Medicine Bow River and Turpin Reservoir.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Upper Medicine Bow River, which flows behind the cabin.Wildlife viewing
The area offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities. User reviews mention sightings of moose and foxes near the cabin.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Outdoor fire pit and grill provided; follow all fire safety guidelines and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving.
Hazards
General hazardsGuests are advised to bring bottled water for consumption as the potable water may sometimes appear discolored.
Weather at Bow River Ranger Station
27
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 14.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services and hospitals are likely located in Saratoga or Elk Mountain, although exact information is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 14 to October 24, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is provided. Guests must pack out all trash generated during their stay.
Proximity to water featuresThe site is adjacent to the Medicine Bow River; Turpin Reservoir and Sand Lake are also nearby.
Common complaintsCleanliness issues have been reported by some guests; one review mentioned 'dead bugs on the stove hood,' while another stated, 'could use more silverware and upgraded pans.' However, several guests praised the accommodations.
HostA host is available on-site to assist guests.
Campground Map
2171 S. Highway 130, P.O. Box 249, Saratoga, Wyoming, 82331, United States
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 80: Take exit 255 south to the town of Elk Mountain. From Elk Mountain, continue south on Carbon County Road 101 for 13 miles to the Forest Boundary. This cabin rests in a meadow at the Forest boundary and can be seen from the road. Alternatively, from Saratoga, take Highway 130 to Forest Service Road 100 for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 101 for 2 miles. You will find the destination on the left-hand side. From Centennial: Take Highway 130 to Forest Service Road 101 for 28 miles and you will arrive at your destination on the left-hand side.
The site is accessible via maintained gravel roads. No significant navigation challenges reported.Nearby places
Elk Mountain (13 miles south), Saratoga (approximately 18 miles west), Centennial (approximately 28 miles east).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies and resources may be available in Saratoga or Elk Mountain, which are the nearest towns.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Bow River Ranger Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews indicate a mix of positive and negative experiences, with users appreciating the cabin's rustic charm and wildlife sightings but mentioning cleanliness issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the wildlife sightings near the cabin, including moose and foxes, as well as the cabin's overall comfort. Quotes include: 'The accommodations were fantastic and the hosts were...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Cleanliness was a recurring issue mentioned by reviewers, with one user stating, 'The cabin was not as clean as we would like. It also could use more silverware and upgraded pans.' (Lee C). Another...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra silverware and pans. Some suggest being prepared for the pack-in/pack-out trash policy.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide specific details about seasonal differences, but wildlife sightings such as moose were mentioned both in summer and winter months.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The moose hung out by the ranger station every morning and evening.' (Rachel H) 2. 'Super cute little cabin, nicer than expected, but could DEFINITELY benefit from a very thorough deep clean.'...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews pertain to the single cabin available (site 001), with mentions of both positives (e.g., wildlife, comfort) and negatives (e.g., cleanliness).
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features, including a ramp for the front door, were appreciated, but no specific user reviews addressed accessibility in detail.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed inside the cabin and must be leashed outside. No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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