How much does camping cost at Silver Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Silver Lake Campground are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Silver Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Silver Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Silver Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake Campground?

Silver Lake Campground is open July 04 to September 07. 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 Silver Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Silver Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Silver Lake Campground: Fires are only allowed in USFS approved metal fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Silver Lake Campground have?

Silver Lake Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Silver Lake Campground?

Silver Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Silver Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Silver Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

3.92

57 reviews

2171 Highway 130, PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY, 82331

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

10,500 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Opens in late June o...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,500 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Opens in late June o...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(307) 326-5258

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2171 Highway 130, PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY, 82331

Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

2171 Highway 130, PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY, 82331

Nearby places

Centennial, WY (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Saratoga, WY (32 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

Current alerts(11)

Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Check the elements -What is in the skies? Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes.
Check-in time is after 2:00 p.m. on the first day of the reservation.
Check-out time is 1:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most reliable weather at this 10,500 ft alpine lake — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F with nights often near or below freezing. Trails to nearby cirques and ridges are snow-free (typically July–August), wildflowers are at their peak in mid-July, and Silver Lake fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent. Crowds are present but limited by the campground’s 17 sites, so plan and reserve early; be prepared for strong sun, sudden afternoon thunderstorms Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: open late June/July–early Sept; wildflowers peak mid-July and trails are accessible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 04 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens in late June or early July depending on snow depth; closes in early September.

About Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

Silver Lake Campground sits at 10,500 feet in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, a short walk from its namesake alpine lake. Operated by the USDA Forest Service, this small seasonal campground serves as a trailhead for cirque hikes and ridge routes, with wildflower displays peaking in mid-July. Campers fish the lake, watch for wildlife, and tolerate tight spacing and basic vault facilities in exchange for high-country access.

The campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV camping. While there are no glamping or cabin options, the site offers standard campsites, including a few pull-through options for RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most reliable weather at this 10,500 ft alpine lake — expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F with nights often near or below freezing. Trails to nearby cirques and ridges are snow-free (typically July–August), wildflowers are at their peak in mid-July, and Silver Lake fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent. Crowds are present but limited by the campground’s 17 sites, so plan and reserve early; be prepared for strong sun, sudden afternoon thunderstorms Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation10500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 17-acre glacial lake reflects the surrounding Medicine Bow Mountains, with quartzite cliffs and weathered granite ridges forming the skyline. Dense alpine forest transitions to wildflower meadows in summer. Indian paintbrush, alpine forget-me-nots, and similar species peak in mid-July. Cirque lakes and knife-edge ridges mark the glacially carved terrain. Wildlife sightings are common. The scenery is dramatic, but recent timber removal means the campground itself feels more open than it used to.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available in the campground. Accommodations are limited to campsites for tents and RVs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or contact center.

Site SizeThe campground features 17 sites, including 3 RV pull-through sites for trailers under 32 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the removal of beetle-killed trees, leading to an open campsite layout. 'Extensive timber removal has left most campsites exposed,' said one camper.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and a quieter experience, choose sites 12 or 13. Site #1 provides excellent views of Silver Lake but may lack privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 1 has lake views but no privacy. Sites 12 and 13 sit near a meadow and offer more seclusion than the rest of the loop. Arrive early if you want a pick. Reviewers say the better sites go fast.

Need help booking Silver Lake Campground (Wy)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no hookup services.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Silver Lake Campground (Wy)

Silver Lake Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is also popular for winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing. The proximity to Silver Lake and other attractions such as Lake Marie and Medicine Bow Peak enhances the recreational value.

Hiking4.0/5

Serves as trailhead for Medicine Bow Peak, French Creek and cirque/ridge routes; primary hiking access.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Deer and birds commonly observed; wildflower meadows (Indian paintbrush, forget-me-nots) peak mid-July.

Water Sports2.0/5

Small lake could accommodate personal kayaks but no rentals or facilities are noted.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Reflective glacial lake, quartzite cliffs, wildflowers and dark skies provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.9

57 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Silver Lake Campground (Wy) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Silver Lake Campground earns mixed reviews. While praised for its scenic location and proximity to hiking trails, complaints focus on the lack of privacy, outdated facilities, and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 57 reviews.

Site #1Loved
Site #1 is noted for its scenic lake view but suffers from frequent passersby.
Site #6Loved
Site #6 is described as spacious but not very level.

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic surroundings, the proximity to Silver Lake and various trails, and the abundance of wildlife. 'A great place to camp... the camping is wonderful,' one reviewer wrote.

Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include exposed campsites due to tree removal, poorly maintained toilets, and lack of privacy. 'Bathrooms smelled terrible and neither had toilet paper,' noted a user.

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and toilet paper, and arrive early to secure a good site. 'Make sure you bring water and dress in layers. The nights are cold,' suggested one camper.

Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most favorable season due to accessible trails and milder weather. Campground fills up quickly during this period. Winter activities like snowshoeing are available, but extreme cold can...

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Spots 12 and 13 seemed most secluded backing to meadow,' observed a reviewer. 'Beetle kill has decimated the tree population...it’s your only option during the summer,' mentioned another.

Based on 57 reviews