Baldwin Lodge

For those of us in Wyoming seeking a distinctive outdoor experience beyond a typical tent campsite, Baldwin Lodge, nestled on Scout Road near Laramie, offers a unique opportunity to connect with the wilderness. As part of the larger Chimney Park Scout Camp within the Medicine Bow National Forest, this isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a lodge designed for group accommodations, providing a rustic yet comfortable base for exploring our state's incredible natural beauty. It's a testament to the diverse ways we can enjoy Wyoming's great outdoors.

Baldwin Lodge provides a more structured camping experience, ideal for groups, families, or educational outings. It offers a solid roof over your head and a communal space, making it perfect for those who want to be immersed in nature but prefer a step up from traditional tent camping, especially during cooler months. Reviews highlight its beautiful setting, with one enthusiast stating, "Love this camp," emphasizing the positive connection visitors feel with the location.

While the lodge itself offers bunk beds and a heated common area, visitors should be aware of the natural challenges in the surrounding forest. The presence of "a lot of dead trees due to beetle kill and fire" is a common reality in many Western forests, and a crucial safety reminder: "Don't tent in the trees for safety." This awareness underscores the wild, authentic nature of the area, reminding us to always be prepared and respectful of our environment. For Wyoming locals, Baldwin Lodge represents a practical and inviting option for group adventures, blending the comforts of a lodge with direct access to the rugged beauty of the Medicine Bow National Forest.

Baldwin Lodge is situated on Scout Road, Laramie, WY 82070, USA. This places it within the Medicine Bow National Forest, a vast and popular area for outdoor recreation in southeastern Wyoming. While the address is Laramie, the lodge is part of Chimney Park Scout Camp, which is located in a more secluded, forested area west of Laramie.

Access to Baldwin Lodge generally involves navigating forest roads. These roads are typically well-maintained but can be unpaved, adding to the sense of getting away from it all. It is important to note that access may vary by season, especially during winter months when snow can make some forest roads impassable. Visitors are advised to check current road conditions with the Forest Service or the camp administration before heading out.

A key consideration for accessibility, particularly for visitors to Chimney Park Scout Camp and Baldwin Lodge, is the heavy use of the surrounding Medicine Bow National Forest by hunters during the fall months. As per camp regulations, "During the fall months Chimney Park Scout Camp is not recommended for use because of the heavy Medicine Bow National Forest use by hunters. Hunters make their camps in and around Chimney Park, they tramp the forest in search of prey, and quite often shots can be heard in the distance." This specific detail is crucial for planning visits, as units venturing during hunting season need to "keep close to Baldwin Lodge, and not wander into the forest" and be aware of Wyoming hunting season dates. This information highlights the truly wild nature of the area and the need for preparedness and caution, making it an authentic, though sometimes challenging, wilderness experience.

Services Offered:

• Group Accommodations: The lodge can accommodate up to 24 campers on mattress-covered bunk beds, with a private room at the back for 4.
• Heating: Heated by a wood-fired stove (guests are expected to replenish wood used).
• Water Supply: An adjacent water well provides a year-round supply of water.
• Kitchen Facilities: While not explicitly detailed, lodges typically include areas for food preparation for groups.
• Latrines: Conveniently located latrines (vault toilets) are available on each side of the lake within Chimney Park Scout Camp.
• Fire Pits/Picnic Tables: Tent sites around the lodge and lake likely have fire rings and picnic tables for outdoor use.
• Service Project Opportunities: Guests (especially Scout groups) can contribute service hours for camp maintenance (e.g., cleaning latrines, shoveling snow, removing ashes).
• No Cell Service: Visitors should expect limited to no cell phone reception, encouraging a true disconnection from technology.

Baldwin Lodge emphasizes a rustic, self-sufficient experience. While it offers a comfortable indoor space with heating and bunk beds, guests are responsible for managing the wood stove and ensuring the water pump's circuit breaker is on to prevent freezing. The "adjacent water well provides a year-round supply of water," a significant amenity for a remote lodge.

The mention of "latrines are conveniently located on each side of the lake" suggests that basic toilet facilities are readily accessible. The requirement for groups to engage in "service projects" like picking up trash or cleaning latrines highlights the communal aspect of maintaining the camp, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the natural environment. This type of self-reliance and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with the values of many Wyoming outdoor enthusiasts.

Features / Highlights:

• Rustic Lodge Accommodations: Offers bunk beds and a heated common area, providing a more comfortable group camping experience than traditional tents.
• Overlooks a Lake: The lodge's position provides scenic views of the adjacent lake.
• Part of Chimney Park Scout Camp: Integrates into a larger outdoor education and recreation area.
• Year-Round Water Supply: Reliable water from an adjacent well, a valuable amenity in a remote setting.
• Direct Access to Medicine Bow National Forest: Provides immediate access to extensive public lands for hiking, exploration, and nature observation.
• Abundant Wildlife: The surrounding forest is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for viewing.
• Secluded Setting: Offers a peaceful escape from urban noise and crowds.
• Opportunity for Service Projects: Engages visitors in maintaining the camp, fostering environmental responsibility.
• Not Recommended During Hunting Season: A crucial safety highlight emphasizing awareness of heavy hunter use in the surrounding forest during fall.
• Nearby Tent Sites: Tent sites exist on the north side of the lodge and south side of the lake, with fire rings.

The most distinctive feature of Baldwin Lodge is its role as a "lodge" within a "Scout Camp," setting it apart from typical individual campgrounds. The capacity to accommodate "up to 24 campers on mattress-covered bunk beds" makes it an ideal spot for larger groups, whether they are scout troops, family reunions, or other organized gatherings. The presence of a "wood-fired stove" for heat adds to the rustic charm, offering a cozy retreat after a day in the Wyoming wilderness.

The caution about "a lot of dead trees due to beetle kill and fire" and the advice "Dont tent in the trees for safety" from a reviewer is a critical piece of information, demonstrating the raw, untamed nature of this forest environment. This level of transparency helps visitors prepare for a truly authentic, albeit rugged, outdoor experience. The view overlooking the lake also contributes significantly to the lodge's appeal, providing a picturesque backdrop for any stay.

Contact Information:

Address: Scout Rd, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

Phone: (307) 745-5425 (West Laramie Fly Store - Key Pickup)

Council Office: (970) 584-2202 (Adventure West Council - for reservations/cancellations)

For inquiries and reservations related to Baldwin Lodge at Chimney Park Scout Camp, it is best to contact the Adventure West Council office. They handle the primary bookings and any general regulations for the camp. The West Laramie Fly Store is specifically mentioned as the location for picking up and returning the lodge keys, indicating a localized process for access. This hands-on approach reflects the more traditional, community-based management often found in such wilderness facilities. It is always advisable to call ahead to confirm availability, especially given the group-oriented nature of the lodge and specific recommendations regarding hunting season.

Baldwin Lodge is an exceptional choice for locals in Wyoming, particularly those who lead or participate in group outdoor activities. For Scout troops, youth groups, or large families, it offers a fantastic and unique base for wilderness adventures that go beyond typical camping. The lodge provides a degree of comfort and shelter, especially valuable during Wyoming's unpredictable weather, while still ensuring a genuine outdoor immersion.

The emphasis on self-sufficiency, like maintaining the wood stove and cleaning latrines, resonates with the independent spirit often found in Wyomingites. It teaches responsibility and appreciation for our shared natural spaces. While the presence of dead trees and active hunting seasons requires awareness and safety precautions, these aspects are part of the authentic Wyoming wilderness experience. For those who understand and embrace these conditions, Baldwin Lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to foster community, education, and a deep connection with the beautiful Medicine Bow National Forest right in our own backyard.

Baldwin Lodge

Scout Rd, Laramie, WY 82070, USA