Brooklyn Lake Campground: High-Altitude Serenity in Centennial, WY

Brooklyn Lake Introduce

Greetings, fellow Wyoming outdoor enthusiasts! For those of us who call this magnificent state home, the allure of the high country and the crystal-clear waters of a mountain lake is often irresistible. If you're searching for a camping destination that truly captures the essence of Wyoming's alpine beauty, look no further than Brooklyn Lake Campground. Nestled within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest near Centennial, this campground offers a breathtaking escape into a world of towering pines, pristine waters, and rugged mountain vistas. As locals, we understand the desire for genuine wilderness experiences combined with practical amenities, and Brooklyn Lake Campground delivers just that. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what makes Brooklyn Lake an exceptional choice for your next outdoor adventure, covering its unique location, the services it provides, and the standout features that make it a cherished spot among Wyomingites.

Imagine waking up to the cool, crisp air at over 10,000 feet, with sunlight dappling through the trees and a spectacular view of a serene lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks. Brooklyn Lake Campground offers this idyllic setting, providing an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with the raw, untamed beauty of our state. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch a native trout, a hiker eager to explore high-alpine trails, or a family simply looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, Brooklyn Lake caters to a wide range of outdoor interests. While customer reviews are not extensively detailed, the public information available paints a clear picture of a stunning, well-maintained, and popular destination. We’ll delve into its accessibility from Centennial, the amenities that ensure a comfortable stay, and the incredible recreational opportunities that await, solidifying why Brooklyn Lake Campground is a must-visit for any Wyoming local.

Brooklyn Lake Campground is spectacularly situated at 191 Brooklyn Lake Rd, Centennial, WY 82055, USA, within the higher elevations of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. This location places it at an impressive elevation of approximately 10,500 to 10,526 feet, offering true alpine scenery and a refreshing escape from lower altitudes. The drive to Brooklyn Lake typically involves navigating a gravel road, Forest Road 317, off Highway 130 (the Snowy Range Scenic Byway) from Centennial. While the road may be "slightly rough" in places, as indicated by past visitors, it is generally considered "easy to find/navigate, and any decent car can make it," making it accessible to most standard vehicles, including those pulling smaller trailers (up to a maximum length of 22 feet is recommended for RVs).

Its high-altitude setting means that access is seasonal, generally from mid-July (weather-dependent, as snow can persist late into summer) through early October. This seasonal opening ensures that visitors experience the campground during its most beautiful and accessible period. The campground’s placement offers immediate access to Brooklyn Lake itself, a 36-acre lake with a maximum depth of 38 feet, providing stunning views from nearly every campsite. This combination of accessible mountain terrain and a pristine lake makes it a unique and desirable destination for those seeking genuine high-country experiences within a reasonable driving distance from Laramie and other parts of southeastern Wyoming. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, winding through picturesque landscapes that prepare you for the beauty awaiting at the lake.

Brooklyn Lake Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, while maintaining a rustic and natural camping experience. These amenities are well-suited for traditional camping within a national forest setting.

Campsites: The campground offers 19-29 single-family campsites, accommodating both tents and smaller RVs/trailers (maximum 22 feet). Each site is designed to provide a sense of privacy and space.
Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and outdoor gatherings.
Fire Rings: Individual fire rings, often with a grill grate, are provided at each site for safe and contained campfires. These are perfect for cooking, warmth, and enjoying the traditional campfire ambiance, always adhering to current fire restrictions.
Vault Toilets: The campground provides access to vault toilets, which are regularly maintained. While not flush toilets, they offer a clean and essential facility for campers.
Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via hand pumps or spigots. However, it's always wise to bring your own water supply as a backup, especially given the high elevation and potential for unexpected conditions.
Trash Collection: Designated trash receptacles are typically available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Camp Host: During the operational season, a camp host is often on-site. The host provides assistance, collects fees, and helps ensure a smooth experience for visitors, contributing to a well-managed environment.
Firewood for Sale: Firewood is sometimes available for sale from the camp host, offering a convenient option for those who don't bring their own.

Brooklyn Lake Campground is rich in features and highlights that make it a compelling and memorable destination for Wyoming residents seeking an authentic outdoor adventure.

Spectacular Lake Views from Every Campsite: A standout feature of Brooklyn Lake Campground is that nearly "every site has a view of the lake ranging from great to spectacular." This ensures that campers are consistently immersed in the stunning natural beauty, with the pristine lake as a constant backdrop.
High-Altitude Alpine Setting: Located at over 10,500 feet, the campground offers a unique high-alpine experience. Surrounded by towering pine forests and often with views of snow-capped Browns Peak, it provides a dramatic and refreshing mountain environment.
Excellent for Non-Motorized Water Activities: Brooklyn Lake is ideal for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. "Internal-combustion motors are prohibited on the lake," ensuring a peaceful and quiet paddling experience. There is carry-down access for boats.
Superb Fishing Opportunities: The lake is well-known for its fishing, with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department stocking brook trout, cutthroat trout, and Splake. This makes it a prime spot for anglers looking for a productive and scenic fishing excursion.
Access to Premier Hiking Trails: The campground serves as a gateway to some incredible hiking in the Snowy Range. Direct access to trails like the Sheep Lake Trail and Glacier Lakes Trail (and potentially the Lost Lake Trail) allows for exploration of breathtaking glacial lakes and high-country scenery.
Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem surrounding Brooklyn Lake makes it an excellent location for wildlife viewing. Expect to see various bird species, and keep an eye out for larger animals such as moose, elk, and deer. Proper food storage is essential in this environment.
Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground often feels less crowded than larger, more developed sites. The prohibition of motorized boats on the lake also contributes to a serene and quiet ambiance, perfect for relaxation.
Stargazing: Given its high elevation and distance from major light pollution, Brooklyn Lake offers spectacular opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to marvel at the clear night sky.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information regarding Brooklyn Lake Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 191 Brooklyn Lake Rd, Centennial, WY 82055, USA

Phone: (307) 745-2300

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-2300

This phone number typically connects to the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, which manages the campground. It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially for information regarding opening and closing dates (which are weather-dependent), current conditions, fire restrictions, and reservation availability, as some sites may be first-come, first-served while others can be reserved via Recreation.gov. Given the high elevation, cell service may be spotty or unavailable in the immediate campground area, so planning ahead is crucial.

In conclusion, for us Wyoming locals, Brooklyn Lake Campground stands as a premier destination for experiencing the unparalleled beauty of our state's high country. Its location near Centennial, with relatively accessible roads for most vehicles, means that this alpine paradise is within reach for a weekend getaway or a longer wilderness immersion. The consistent offering of stunning lake views from nearly every campsite ensures a picturesque setting for your entire stay, a feature truly valued by those who appreciate our state’s natural grandeur. While the basic amenities like vault toilets and drinking water provide essential comforts, it's the rich array of activities—from peaceful non-motorized boating and productive trout fishing to exhilarating hikes leading to glacial lakes—that truly makes Brooklyn Lake ideal for locals. We cherish these opportunities to connect with nature, observe abundant wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of a high-altitude retreat. Brooklyn Lake Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to embrace the serene, wild spirit of Wyoming right in our own backyard, making it a perfect choice for your next unforgettable outdoor adventure.