Lake Owen Campground

For those of us who live in Wyoming and truly cherish our wild, open spaces, Lake Owen Campground offers an authentic and accessible high-country escape. Nestled within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, this campground provides a picturesque setting adjacent to the beautiful Lake Owen, making it a popular choice for local anglers, boaters, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Snowy Range. It's a place where the air is crisp, the views are stunning, and the true spirit of Wyoming's outdoors comes alive.

Lake Owen Campground is known for being a "Nice, well maintained campground," a testament to the care put into preserving this natural gem. It features two distinct loops, both offering sites with beautiful views, some overlooking the lake itself, and others providing panoramic glimpses of the majestic Snowy Range. While some visitors have noted "Too many people running their generators though," this is a common challenge in popular campgrounds, and many agree it's "Probably better after September 1st" when the peak season begins to wane, allowing for an even more peaceful experience.

Despite the occasional generator noise, the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities are undeniable. Reviewers consistently highlight the "Beautiful" surroundings and "great fishing" in Lake Owen, which is regularly stocked with trout by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The presence of "plenty of beetle kill wood lying around for wood for the fire pits" is a practical benefit, allowing campers to easily gather firewood, while also acknowledging a natural process occurring in our forests. For Wyoming locals, Lake Owen Campground offers a quintessential mountain camping experience, blending ease of access with genuine wilderness appeal.

Lake Owen Campground is located on Lake Owen Road, Laramie, WY 82070, USA. This places it within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet. The campground's location is a significant part of its appeal, offering cooler temperatures during the summer months and stunning views of the surrounding high-country landscape.

Accessing Lake Owen Campground requires a scenic drive from Laramie. From Laramie, you typically take Wyoming Highway 130 west for about 21.7 miles to Wyoming Highway 11. You then turn left onto WY 11 and continue for approximately 10.5 miles until you see a sign for Lake Owen. A left turn onto Fox Creek Road for 1.7 miles leads to another Lake Owen sign. Continuing straight on Forest Route 517 for 2.5 miles brings you to yet another Lake Owen sign, after which a left turn onto Forest Route 540 for 2.8 miles will lead you directly to the campground. This network of forest roads contributes to the secluded feel of the campground, though they are generally well-maintained.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This characteristic makes it a flexible option for spontaneous weekend trips for locals, though it also means it can fill up quickly during peak season. The camp is typically open from mid-June to early November, weather permitting, making it a seasonal destination perfect for enjoying Wyoming's short but glorious mountain summers and colorful autumns.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: 35 single-family campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Individual fire rings with pedestal grills are provided for campfires and cooking.
• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground.
• Trash Collection: Trash pick-up services are provided, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that "No potable water" is available, so campers must bring their own drinking water.
• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or black water hookups for RVs.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp is available for easy access to Lake Owen for fishing and boating (note: no dock).

Lake Owen Campground provides essential amenities for a comfortable, yet primitive, camping experience. The 35 widely spaced campsites ensure a degree of privacy, a feature often appreciated by those seeking a true outdoor escape. While there is "no potable water" available, this is a common feature of many rustic campgrounds in the national forests, and experienced Wyoming campers are usually prepared to bring their own water supply.

The inclusion of picnic tables and fire rings at each site makes it easy for families and groups to set up their camp and enjoy outdoor meals and evening campfires. The presence of vault toilets and trash collection services contributes to a cleaner and more pleasant environment for all visitors. The 14-day stay limit ensures that more people have the opportunity to enjoy this popular destination throughout the season.

Features / Highlights:

• Adjacent to Lake Owen: Direct access to a beautiful 55-acre lake, perfect for water activities.
• Excellent Fishing: Renowned for "great fishing" for brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout, often stocked by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• Boating Opportunities: Ideal for motor boating and canoeing, with a convenient boat ramp (though no dock).
• Scenic Views: Many campsites offer picturesque views of Lake Owen and the majestic Snowy Range.
• Lodgepole Pine and Aspen Forest: The campground is nestled under a dense stand of Lodgepole pines and aspens, providing natural shade and a classic mountain atmosphere.
• Abundant Firewood: "Plenty of Beatle kill wood lying around for wood for the fire pits," offering a convenient and natural fuel source.
• High Elevation: Located at 9,000 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures and a refreshing escape from heat.
• Proximity to Trails: Offers access to hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Lake Owen Trail, which connects to the Medicine Bow Rail Trail.
• First-Come, First-Served: No reservations needed, allowing for spontaneous trips (though popular).
• Well-Maintained: Described as "Nice, well maintained campground" by visitors.

The most appealing feature of Lake Owen Campground is undoubtedly its direct adjacency to Lake Owen itself. This "beautiful" 55-acre lake is a hub for recreation, offering "great fishing" for trout species like brook, cutthroat, and rainbow, which are regularly stocked. The availability of a boat ramp means that motorboats and canoes can easily access the water, adding another dimension to the outdoor experience.

The "scenic views of the Snowy Range" from many campsites provide a breathtaking backdrop to any stay, truly encapsulating the beauty of Wyoming's mountains. While the review mentions it can be "Very windy; too windy to canoe" at times, this is typical of high-altitude Wyoming, and savvy locals often plan their water activities around calmer periods, perhaps opting for fishing from shore or simply enjoying the view. The abundance of "beetle kill wood" for campfires, while a sign of forest health challenges, is a practical benefit for campers seeking an authentic, self-sufficient experience.

Contact Information:

Address: Lake Owen Rd, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

Phone: (307) 745-2300 (Laramie Ranger District, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests)

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-2300

For the most current information regarding Lake Owen Campground, including opening and closing dates (which are weather-dependent, typically June 15 to early November), current conditions, or any fire restrictions, it is best to contact the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. While the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, knowing seasonal changes and any alerts (like high wind warnings or fire bans) is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip. Their office can provide invaluable local insights to ensure your visit is well-prepared.

Lake Owen Campground is an excellent choice for locals in Wyoming because it epitomizes the authentic mountain camping experience our state is known for. Its setting in the high country of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat and delivers those sweeping, picturesque views of the Snowy Range that we cherish. For Wyomingites, the promise of "great fishing" and the ease of accessing Lake Owen for boating makes it a highly desirable destination for weekend trips or longer stays.

While the mention of "too many people running their generators" indicates its popularity, many locals understand that patience or timing a visit "after September 1st" can lead to a more serene experience. The challenge of wind, also noted by a reviewer, is simply part of recreating in our beautiful, rugged landscape, and a true Wyomingite knows how to adapt. With its well-maintained sites, readily available firewood, and proximity to Laramie, Lake Owen Campground stands as a prime example of accessible, high-quality outdoor recreation right in our own backyard, making it a perfect spot for our community to connect with nature.

Lake Owen Campground

Lake Owen Rd, Laramie, WY 82070, USA