Brush Creek Work Center

For those of us fortunate enough to call Wyoming home, the vast, wild landscapes are not just scenery – they’re our backyard, our playground, and our sanctuary. We understand the unique allure of the Cowboy State, from its majestic mountains to its sweeping plains. When the call of the wild becomes too strong to resist, finding the perfect basecamp is key to a truly authentic Wyoming experience. While many think of traditional tent or RV sites, the Brush Creek Work Center offers a distinct and often overlooked opportunity for a comfortable, year-round escape into the heart of the Medicine Bow National Forest.

The Brush Creek Work Center, specifically its Barrack Cabin, provides a different kind of camping experience. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Wyoming while enjoying the convenience of a sturdy, warm shelter. Whether you're an avid winter enthusiast looking for a snowmobiling hub, a summer hiker seeking a comfortable night's rest, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, this unique Forest Service rental promises an unforgettable adventure from a local's perspective.

The Brush Creek Work Center is located within the expansive Medicine Bow National Forest, just outside the charming town of Saratoga, Wyoming. You’ll find this historic site at Saratoga, WY 82331, USA. To reach the Barrack, travel south on Highway 130 from Saratoga for approximately 8 miles to the junction of Highway 130 and Highway 230. From there, turn east on Highway 130 and continue for about 12 miles until you reach the Brush Creek Work Center. Once you turn into the work center, the Barrack is the third building on the right, a bi-level house, with its parking area regularly plowed even in winter.

Situated in the beautiful Snowy Range, the Work Center is at an elevation of 8,280 feet, providing stunning mountain vistas and crisp, clean air. While it feels wonderfully secluded, its relative proximity to Saratoga means you can easily access local amenities if needed. It's important for locals to note that Highway 130 (the Snowy Range Scenic Byway) is closed seasonally in winter at the higher elevations, but access to the Brush Creek Work Center is typically maintained, making it a true year-round destination.

The Brush Creek Work Center Barrack is a unique offering from the Forest Service, providing a more structured lodging option than a traditional campsite. While not a typical tent or RV campground with individual sites, it offers a comfortable base for larger groups or families. Here are the services and amenities you can expect:

• Accommodation Type: The Barrack is an all-electric, bi-level house built in 1981, primarily used for temporary employees but available for public rental.
• Bedrooms: It features four bedrooms, each equipped with two twin beds, providing ample sleeping arrangements for up to eight people.
• Living Space: There is a small living room for relaxation and gathering.
• Kitchen and Dining: A large, modern kitchen and dining area are available, complete with a refrigerator, stove, and microwave. Basic kitchen utensils are also provided for your convenience.
• Bathrooms: The Barrack includes two bathrooms with showers, a significant comfort when venturing into the outdoors.
• Heating: As an all-electric unit, it offers reliable heating, making it suitable for colder months.
• Parking: A plowed parking area ensures accessibility, especially during the snowy winter season.
• Winter Access: Its primary advantage is year-round accessibility, making it a prime spot for winter recreation.

The Brush Creek Work Center Barrack stands out for its unique blend of rustic charm and practical amenities, making it a highly desirable destination for Wyoming locals:

• Historic Significance: The Brush Creek Work Center itself is a historic ranger station built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during 1937-1941 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the Barrack itself is a more modern addition, the surrounding complex carries a rich history.
• Year-Round Recreation Hub: Unlike many traditional campgrounds that close seasonally, the Barrack provides an ideal winter playground. It offers direct access to a snowy landscape perfect for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, particularly on the Brush Creek Cross-Country Ski Trails, which wind through aspen and lodgepole pine stands.
• Accessibility to Trails: The Brush Creek Cross-Country Ski Trails are not just for winter; they are popular for day hikes during the summer months, offering scenic loop trails right behind the visitor center.
• Proximity to Outdoor Activities: The Medicine Bow National Forest and the surrounding Snowy Range are a haven for outdoor activities. From the Barrack, you have excellent access to hiking, fishing (with opportunities for trout in nearby streams and lakes), hunting, and wildlife viewing. Common wildlife in the area includes elk, deer, moose, black bear, bobcat, and coyote.
• Group Accommodation: The four-bedroom layout with a full kitchen and two bathrooms makes it perfectly suited for families or groups of friends looking to share a memorable outdoor experience without the hassle of multiple tents or RVs.
• Comfort in the Wild: Having a heated, fully equipped cabin with running water and modern kitchen facilities allows for a more comfortable and less strenuous outdoor experience, especially appealing during extended stays or in less favorable weather conditions.
• Base for Exploration: It serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, including the famous Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130) when it's open, and other nearby recreational areas.

While the Brush Creek Work Center Barrack is a rental property managed by the Forest Service, direct phone contact for the Barrack itself is not widely provided. For reservations and inquiries regarding the Brush Creek Work Center Barrack Cabin, it is best to utilize the Recreation.gov platform. For general inquiries about the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District, which oversees this area, you can use the following:

Address: Saratoga, WY 82331, USA (Physical address of the Barrack is within the Work Center at 12700 Poudre Canyon Rd, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA - though listed under Saratoga, WY 82331, USA. *Correction from provided info - Google Maps lists it closer to Saratoga on Hwy 130.)

For inquiries regarding the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District Office (closest administrative office):

Mailing Address: 2171 Highway 130, PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY 82331

Office Phone: (307) 326-5258

Reservations for the Barrack are typically made through the Recreation.gov website, searching for "Brush Creek Work Center Barrack."

For those of us who live in Wyoming, the Brush Creek Work Center Barrack isn't just a destination for tourists; it's a valuable resource for experiencing our state's incredible wilderness with a unique level of comfort and convenience. We understand the nuances of Wyoming's weather and the vastness of its landscapes, and the Barrack directly addresses these. Its year-round accessibility, a significant advantage in a state known for harsh winters, means that our outdoor pursuits don't have to cease when the snow flies. Locals can fully embrace winter activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, knowing they have a warm, well-equipped cabin to return to.

The Barrack offers a practical solution for families or groups of friends who want to share an authentic Wyoming experience without the commitment of setting up multiple tents or RVs, especially appealing when dealing with changeable mountain weather. The provided kitchen, bathrooms, and heating transform a potentially rugged camping trip into a comfortable mountain retreat, making it accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned adventurers to those seeking a more relaxed escape. Its location within the Medicine Bow National Forest means we’re deeply immersed in the natural environment we cherish, with immediate access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing that defines the Wyoming experience. By utilizing the Brush Creek Work Center Barrack, Wyoming locals can truly maximize their enjoyment of our state's natural treasures, making it a perfect spot for creating lasting memories right in our own backyard.

Brush Creek Work Center

Saratoga, WY 82331, USA