Little Brooklyn Lake Guard

For Wyoming locals who truly appreciate a rugged, authentic mountain experience, the Little Brooklyn Guard Station offers a unique and memorable retreat in the heart of the Medicine Bow National Forest. This historic guard station, originally built in 1931 to house Forest Service employees, now provides a distinctive year-round lodging opportunity for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in southeastern Wyoming's stunning Snowy Range. It's not your typical campground, but rather a rustic cabin rental that allows for an immersive "indoor camping" adventure.

Little Brooklyn Guard Station stands as a testament to the simplicity and grandeur of the Wyoming wilderness. It's a place where modern conveniences are intentionally minimal, encouraging visitors to disconnect and embrace the tranquility of their surroundings. With its wood stove providing warmth and its remote setting offering unparalleled seclusion, it's an ideal choice for those who crave a genuine backcountry feel while still having a sturdy shelter over their heads. Whether you're planning a summer hiking excursion or a winter snowmobiling adventure, this guard station serves as a unique basecamp.

Little Brooklyn Guard Station is located in the Medicine Bow National Forest, approximately nine miles west of Centennial, Wyoming, just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130). Its address is generally associated with the Laramie Ranger District office at 2468 W Jackson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA, which serves as the administrative contact.

Situated at an elevation of 10,340 feet, the guard station offers a true high-alpine experience. Accessibility varies significantly by season. During the dry, summer months (typically mid-June until early November, weather permitting), guests can drive directly to the cabin via Brooklyn Lake Road (Forest Service Road 317) and then Forest Service Road 317B, approximately one mile from the Highway 130 intersection. However, during the snowy months, "access is limited to snowmobiles, skis or snowshoes." Guests should be prepared to travel "about three miles from the parking lot at Green Rock Recreation Area" to reach the cabin when the Snowy Range Scenic Byway is closed three miles east of the cabin. "Access is limited during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when snow isn't deep enough to snowmobile on, but too deep to drive in," requiring careful planning and consultation with the Forest Service. This variable accessibility means guests must be prepared for a backcountry journey, especially in winter, adding to the adventurous nature of the stay.

• Rustic Cabin Rental: The primary service is the rental of a historic, rustic cabin. It is a three-room cabin measuring 28 feet by 22 feet, designed for a more primitive lodging experience.

• Sleeping Accommodations: The cabin can accommodate up to seven people, with two sets of bunk beds, one single bed, and a double sofa bed. (Note: One review mentioned a broken bed, so managing expectations on condition is wise.)

• Heating: Heated by a wood stove, with a maul and axe provided for splitting logs. "The wood stove does a great job of heating the cabin." Firewood is supplied by the Forest Service, though guests may need to split it and are encouraged to leave split wood for the next visitors.

• Lighting: Equipped with propane lights. However, one review noted difficulty lighting these, so "bring your own flashlights/lanterns." Propane is supplied.

• Cooking Facilities: Features a propane cook stove, along with cookware and utensils for eating and cooking. The propane is supplied by the Forest Service.

• No Running Water Inside: "No running water is available inside the cabin."

• Outdoor Water Pump (Seasonal): Potable water is available from a hand pump located outside the cabin, but it "may only be operable from July through September" and can freeze during winter months. "Guests must bring their own supply of water or melt snow for drinking, cooking and cleaning during this time."

• Vault Toilet: A vault-type toilet is located outside the cabin.

• No Electricity: There is no electricity at the cabin, reinforcing its rustic nature.

• No Pets Allowed Inside: Pets are generally not allowed inside the cabin, but may be kept in the meadow north of the guard station if bringing saddle or pack stock (at a rate of $1.00/night per head, with certified weed-free hay).

• No Additional Camping: Tents, motor homes, or trailers are not allowed at the guard station site.

• Reservations Required: Available by reservation only through Recreation.gov; no first-come, first-served stays. The door lock combination is provided in the confirmation letter.

• Year-Round Unique Lodging: Offers a distinct lodging experience throughout all four seasons, from summer hiking trips to winter snowmobiling adventures. "This is a unique year-round lodging experience."

• Secluded & Peaceful Winter Retreat: In winter, the cabin is "secluded and peaceful," offering a quiet escape, though you might "hear snowmobiles going by if the weather is decent."

• Historical Significance: Built in 1931, the guard station provides a glimpse into early Forest Service operations.

• Proximity to Alpine Lakes: Within walking distance of Little Brooklyn Lake, and close to Brooklyn Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

• Extensive Trail Access: "A vast hiking trail system that accesses the highest elevations of the Snowy Range is available within 2 miles of the cabin." This includes opportunities to summit Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 feet) and explore trails like Sheep Lakes Trail and Glacier Lakes Trails.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, migratory birds, squirrels, and occasional black bears, as noted in the natural features description.

• Winter Sports Hub: When snow is deep, it's an excellent base for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, with access to miles of trails.

• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by "alpine lakes and a mixed forest of spruce, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and aspen," with wildflowers in summer and pristine snow in winter.

Little Brooklyn Guard Station is managed by the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland. For reservations, specific cabin conditions, accessibility updates (especially in winter or shoulder seasons), or any other inquiries, it is crucial to contact the Ranger District directly.

Address: 2468 W Jackson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA (Administrative office for Laramie Ranger District)

Phone: (307) 745-2300

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-2300 (Likely the same main line)

Reservations: Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular dates.

It is strongly advised to "Contact the Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit." Also, be aware that "The Forest Service office is not open evenings, weekends, or holidays."

For Wyoming locals who truly embody the spirit of the outdoors and seek a unique, self-reliant adventure, Little Brooklyn Guard Station is an exceptional choice. This historic cabin offers a distinct "indoor camping" experience that appeals to those who appreciate rugged charm over luxury. The reviews perfectly capture this essence, noting the cabin is "rough as some other reviews indicate" and "do not expect this to be like a nice Airbnb or VRBO rental." However, for many Wyomingites, this rustic authenticity is precisely the draw. The promise of a "gorgeous location" that is "secluded and peaceful" is a significant incentive, providing a true escape from everyday life.

The practical aspects of heating with a "wood stove does a great job" and the abundance of provided firewood (even if splitting is required) resonate with local self-sufficiency. Being prepared to "bring your own flashlights/lanterns" and especially "bring a tight box or something to secure your food in" due to mice, are familiar considerations for experienced outdoors enthusiasts in Wyoming. The variable accessibility, requiring snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes in winter, adds an adventurous layer that many locals are well-equipped to handle, allowing for deep winter solitude that few other places offer.

Moreover, the station's proximity to a "vast hiking trail system that accesses the highest elevations of the Snowy Range," including Medicine Bow Peak, and opportunities for winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, makes it an ideal base for year-round recreation. While not a conventional campground, Little Brooklyn Guard Station provides a profound connection to Wyoming's wilderness, perfect for locals who value privacy, self-reliance, and an authentic, no-frills mountain experience. It's a chance to step back in time and truly immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of your home state.

Little Brooklyn Lake Guard

2468 W Jackson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA