Bow River Ranger Station

Star4.55
6 reviews
2171 S. Highway 130, P.O. Box 249, Saratoga, Wyoming, 82331, United States

Quick Facts

8,294 ft

Price

$135/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
307-326-5258
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 6 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2171 S. Highway 130, P.O. Box 249, Saratoga, Wyoming, 82331, United States

Bow River Ranger Station

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 14–Oct 24; summer is peak season with mild weather and active wildlife viewing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into October; fall colors and quieter conditions possible but access window is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Reservations begin June 14; spring access is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed outside June 14–Oct 24; winter stays not supported.

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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 13 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations

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.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby Upper Medicine Bow River, which flows behind the cabin.
Wildlife viewingThe area offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities. User reviews mention sightings of moose and foxes near the cabin.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGuests are advised to bring bottled water for consumption as the potable water may sometimes appear discolored.

Weather at Bow River Ranger Station

Reviews

4.6
6 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bow River Ranger Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 6 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...
Show more
Based on 6 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra silverware and pans. Some suggest being prepared for the pack-in/pack-out trash policy.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal 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 6 reviews

Camper 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.'...
Show more
Based on 6 reviews

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 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features, including a ramp for the front door, were appreciated, but no specific user reviews addressed accessibility in detail.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin and must be leashed outside. No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Bow River Ranger Station? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Wyoming

Campgrounds
Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG
Bow River Ranger Station