Hog Park Campground

For Wyoming locals seeking an authentic and serene outdoor escape, Hog Park Campground offers an exceptional experience nestled within the vast Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Situated on the picturesque southeast shore of Hog Park Reservoir, this campground provides a perfect blend of tranquil natural beauty and accessible recreation, making it an ideal destination for families, anglers, hikers, and anyone yearning for the peaceful solitude of the Wyoming wilderness. This article is tailored for residents across our great state, offering a comprehensive look at what makes Hog Park Campground a hidden gem – from its stunning lakeside setting and well-kept facilities to the myriad of activities that await you. Prepare to discover a truly amazing and affordable camping spot where the call of the wild is balanced with comfortable amenities, inviting you to create lasting memories in Wyoming's cherished outdoor spaces.

Hog Park Campground is conveniently located at Forest Rd 496, Encampment, WY 82325, USA. While the address points to Encampment, it’s important for locals to be aware of the best routes to access this beautiful spot. As some visitors have noted, following certain GPS directions might lead you astray, particularly if they suggest off-road routes. The safest and most recommended approach is to head back to Highway 70 (Battle Pass Scenic Byway) and look for clear signs directing you to the campground from there. The campground sits at a high elevation of about 8,400 feet, which ensures pleasant, cooler temperatures during the summer months and offers expansive views of the reservoir, the majestic Continental Divide, and the surrounding mountains.

Access to Hog Park Campground involves driving on forest service roads, which are generally gravel. While often navigable by 2-wheel drive vehicles, it's always wise to check current road conditions, especially after heavy rain or during the early and late parts of the camping season, as a high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle might be beneficial at times. The campground is typically open from mid-June through September, depending on snowmelt and seasonal closures. Its location offers a sense of being truly away from it all, yet it remains relatively accessible from nearby towns like Encampment, striking an ideal balance for Wyomingites seeking both wilderness immersion and convenience. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, leading to a rewarding destination where the beauty of the national forest truly unfolds.

Hog Park Campground offers a thoughtful selection of services and facilities, designed to provide a comfortable and traditional forest camping experience for all visitors.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground features 50 campsites, including 27 reservable sites and 22 non-reservable, first-come, first-served sites primarily on the back loop. These sites are known for being well-spaced, offering a good degree of privacy, and are suitable for both tents and camper trailers (up to 30 feet in length). Reviewers often highlight the ample space at each site, comfortably accommodating multiple tents and vehicles.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining, games, and gathering.
• Fire Grates: Each site includes a fire grate, allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Clean Vault Toilets: The campground maintains clean and well-kept vaulted toilet facilities, ensuring a more comfortable experience compared to less developed sites.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at designated points within the campground, a crucial amenity for campers.
• Trash Services: While some older information might suggest otherwise, current details indicate trash services are available at the campground, making waste disposal convenient for campers.
• Boat Ramp: A dedicated boat ramp near the campground provides easy access to Hog Park Reservoir for various water activities.
• Affordable Fees: Camping at Hog Park is noted for being very affordable, with fees typically around $20 per site per night, and an additional $5 per vehicle for tent campers.

Hog Park Campground is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that truly make it a special place for Wyoming locals to explore.

• Serene Lakeside Setting: Its location directly on the southeast shore of Hog Park Reservoir is a major draw. The reservoir is often described as a "calmest lake," perfect for peaceful boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Hog Park Reservoir is renowned for its excellent fishing, stocked with brook, rainbow, and Splake trout by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. This makes it a prime destination for anglers.
• Stunning Scenic Views: The campground offers broad, open views of the reservoir, the majestic Continental Divide, and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains. The area has been logged to remove beetle-killed trees, creating a sunny environment with expansive vistas and magnificent night skies.
• Access to Extensive Trail Systems: Campers have direct access to various hiking opportunities, including sections of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Nearby wilderness areas like Huston Park, Encampment River, and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area (just across the border in Colorado but easily accessible) provide numerous day hiking and backpacking options.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding national forest is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, and various bird species, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a popular spot, visitors consistently describe the campground as quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for relaxation and escaping the hustle and bustle.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of activities like fishing, boating, and proximity to trails, along with spacious sites, makes it a great spot for families.
• Affordability: Its reasonable pricing makes it an accessible option for many Wyoming residents looking for quality outdoor recreation.

For inquiries, reservations, or general information about Hog Park Campground, please use the following contact details. Remember that it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

• Address: Forest Rd 496, Encampment, WY 82325, USA
• Phone: (877) 444-6777 (National Recreation Reservation Service)
• Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (National Recreation Reservation Service)

For specific local information, current conditions, or alerts (such as fire restrictions), it is advisable to contact the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District Office of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests at (307) 326-5258. Reservations for Hog Park Campground can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service. Walk-in sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in the non-reservable loops.

Hog Park Campground is an exceptional choice for Wyoming locals, perfectly embodying the spirit of outdoor adventure that defines our state. Its stunning location on the serene Hog Park Reservoir, coupled with the affordability and well-maintained facilities, makes it an accessible and highly desirable escape for residents across Wyoming. For those living in the region, the opportunity to fish for brook and rainbow trout in a tranquil setting, or launch a canoe onto the calm waters, is a quintessential Wyoming experience. The ease of access to extensive trail systems, including portions of the iconic Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, caters directly to our state’s passion for hiking, backpacking, and exploring vast wilderness areas.

The fact that it provides spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, and drinking water, all while remaining incredibly affordable, demonstrates its commitment to providing a high-quality yet approachable outdoor experience. While navigation to the campground might require careful attention to signs over strict reliance on GPS (as advised by fellow campers), the reward of reaching this peaceful haven is well worth it. Hog Park Campground offers a genuine opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with Wyoming's magnificent natural landscapes. It’s a place where families can bond under starry skies, anglers can find their perfect catch, and hikers can embark on memorable journeys, all within the breathtaking beauty of our own backyard. For any Wyomingite seeking a peaceful, affordable, and activity-rich camping adventure, Hog Park Campground truly delivers.

You can see a video review of Hog Park Reservoir and its campground here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q72WuvFsWRE).

Hog Park Campground

Forest Rd 496, Encampment, WY 82325, USA