Deep Creek Campground

For adventurous Wyomingites seeking a truly wild and secluded camping experience, Deep Creek Campground near Arlington offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourselves in the rugged beauty of our state's high country. This is not a manicured RV park but a genuine wilderness campground, located at a breathtaking elevation of just over 10,000 feet within the vast Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. While the journey to Deep Creek Campground can be challenging, involving narrow mountain roads and requiring careful attention to weather conditions, the reward is an untouched natural setting that promises profound tranquility, incredible views, and direct access to pristine alpine environments. It's a destination for those who are prepared for an authentic outdoor adventure and value solitude above all else.

Deep Creek Campground caters to a specific type of camper: those who cherish isolation and are equipped for a more rustic experience. Past visitors highlight that while the road can be a "long and winding trek" with "sheer drop-offs," the destination itself is a "nice stop off for WY road trips." It’s crucial to heed warnings about attempting this journey only in the best weather, as the mountain roads can quickly become impassable. Despite potential encounters with "unfriendly" fellow campers who prefer their space (a humorous reminder of the desire for solitude that this campground attracts), the overall sentiment underscores its beauty and the rich opportunities for connection with nature. For locals who understand and appreciate Wyoming's raw, untamed landscapes, Deep Creek Campground represents a fantastic opportunity to truly "become more dispersed" and find that coveted peace and privacy.

Deep Creek Campground is nestled in a remote, high-elevation area near Arlington, Wyoming, within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The address provided, Arlington, WY 82083, USA, serves as a general geographic marker, but direct navigation requires specific forest road information due to its secluded nature. It's located just over 10,000 feet in elevation, making it a high-altitude destination with cool summers and brief autumns, and long winters.

Accessibility to Deep Creek Campground is renowned for being challenging and requires careful planning. From Saratoga, Wyoming, visitors typically take Snowy Range Highway (WY-130) east for about 20 miles to North Brush Creek Road (Forest Road 100). Turn left onto Forest Road 100 (which is dirt) and continue for approximately 20 miles to a "Y" intersection with Forest Road 101. Bear right onto Forest Road 101 (also dirt) and proceed for about 9.8 to 10 miles to reach the campground. Alternatively, from Elk Mountain, take Carbon County Road 101 south to the Forest Boundary, then continue on Forest Road 101 for roughly 10 miles to the campground. It's important to note that Forest Roads 100 and 101 can be intermittent narrow two-lane or single-lane roads with turnouts. Reviewers strongly advise against attempting this journey in anything but the best weather due to potential impassable sections and sheer drop-offs. While some report "well maintained" gravel roads, conditions can vary greatly, and it's essential to confirm current road status with the Forest Service before departing. Cell service is often spotty or non-existent in the campground area, emphasizing the need for prior preparation and self-reliance.

Deep Creek Campground offers basic, rustic services designed for a self-sufficient camping experience in a wilderness setting. Campers should be prepared for minimal amenities and plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay.

• 11 to 12 small campsites, including at least one pull-through site, suitable for tents and small RVs.
• Picnic tables provided at each campsite for outdoor dining.
• Metal fire rings for campfires and cooking (check for current fire restrictions before lighting fires).
• Vault toilets available, typically well-maintained, for essential restroom needs.
• Drinking water is available, often via a hand pump well, though availability can be seasonal. It is always recommended to bring extra water.
• "Pack-it-in, pack-it-out" policy; there is no trash service in the area, so campers must remove all waste.
• Limited or no cell phone reception, encouraging a true digital detox.
• Reservations may be possible for some sites (e.g., 5 out of 12 sites on recreation.gov), while others might be first-come, first-served.
• Seasonally closed during winter months due to high elevation and heavy snowfall; typically open from June through October, weather permitting.

Deep Creek Campground, despite its remote nature, boasts several features and highlights that draw in those seeking a true Wyoming wilderness experience. Its appeal lies in its pristine environment and the opportunities it offers for authentic outdoor adventure.

• High-Altitude Wilderness: Located at over 10,000 feet, the campground offers a unique alpine environment with cool summers, crisp air, and stunning mountain scenery, providing a distinct experience from lower elevation sites.
• Access to Alpine Lakes: Deep Creek Campground is in close proximity to Sand Lake (92 acres, stocked with brook trout, rainbow trout, and splake) and other alpine lakes in the Snowy Range, offering excellent fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities (boats must be carried a short distance).
• Extensive Trail Access: Adjacent to popular trailheads for the Rock Creek Trail and Sheep Lake Trail, and a short hike to Crater Lake Trail, providing numerous options for day hiking and backcountry trips. The Snowy Range offers a vast network of hiking trails.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is rich in wildlife; visitors have reported seeing moose (including cows with tiny babies), elk, and other high-country animals, often directly from their campsites.
• Seclusion and Solitude: Its remote location and challenging access contribute to a light usage, ensuring a peaceful and isolated camping experience, perfect for those seeking to escape crowds.
• Scenic Drives: The journey to the campground, though challenging, offers incredibly scenic mountain drives with breathtaking views of the Snowy Range.
• Forest Camping: Deep Creek offers a true forest camping experience, with well-shaded and spacious campsites amidst natural wooded areas, providing a sense of immersion in the wilderness.
• Dispersed Camping Nearby: For those who find the campground full or prefer even greater solitude, dispersed camping is often allowed on parts of nearby Forest Service roads (like FS111), offering additional options for self-sufficient campers.

For reservations, current conditions, or more specific information about Deep Creek Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Arlington, WY 82083, USA (within Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests)

Phone: (800) 832-1355 (This is a general reservation line, likely for Recreation.gov)

Mobile Phone: +1 800-832-1355 (General reservation line)

For direct inquiries about the campground's specific conditions, accessibility, or local information, it is highly recommended to contact the managing ranger district:

Brush Creek Hayden Ranger District

2171 S. HWY 130, Saratoga, WY 82331

Phone: (307) 326-5258

Deep Creek Campground is an ideal destination for Wyoming locals who are true wilderness enthusiasts and seek an authentic, high-altitude mountain escape. Its challenging access roads are a testament to the remote and undisturbed nature of the area, ensuring that those who make the journey are rewarded with profound solitude and breathtaking natural beauty. Perfect for anglers, hikers, and wildlife observers, the campground offers unparalleled access to alpine lakes, an extensive trail system, and opportunities to spot iconic Wyoming wildlife. While requiring self-sufficiency and careful planning due to its rustic amenities and isolated location, Deep Creek provides an unparalleled chance to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the raw, untamed heart of the Snowy Range. For Wyomingites ready to embrace the challenge and the rewards of a genuine backcountry experience, Deep Creek Campground is a cherished local secret waiting to be explored.

Deep Creek Campground

Arlington, WY 82083, USA