Lost Creek Campground

For those of us who live in Wyoming and truly appreciate the untouched beauty of our natural landscapes, Lost Creek Campground offers an authentic and rewarding outdoor experience. Located within the vast Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, this campground provides a serene escape from the everyday, making it a favored spot for locals seeking a genuine connection with the wilderness. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the opportunities for wildlife viewing are abundant, truly embodying the spirit of our Cowboy State.

Lost Creek Campground is renowned for its primitive charm and its fantastic opportunities to observe Wyoming's diverse wildlife. Visitors often rave about seeing "plenty of birds, moose, mule deer, black bears etc.," highlighting the rich biodiversity of the area. While there's a note about "considerable beetle damage," a common sight in some of our forests, it doesn't detract from the overall appeal of this secluded spot. In fact, it often contributes to the natural cycle of the forest, creating new habitats.

This campground isn't for those seeking full hookups or resort-style amenities. Instead, it appeals to campers who value tranquility and a raw outdoor experience. The benefit of "no crowds" and "good water" are consistently praised by those who visit, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable stay. Its location also serves as an excellent base for hiking, biking, hunting (in season), and fishing, making it a versatile destination for any Wyomingite looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. It's a testament to the fact that some of the best experiences are found where nature is left largely undisturbed.

Lost Creek Campground is located at 2468 W Jackson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA. This address places it within the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, situated west of Encampment on Wyoming Highway 70. While the physical address might show Laramie, its access point is specifically tied to Highway 70, which is known for its scenic beauty, particularly in the summer and autumn months.

Access to the campground itself is generally good, with roads and parking spurs that are often paved within the campground loops, making it relatively easy to navigate for most vehicles. However, it's worth noting that its placement within a national forest means that some surrounding roads could be unpaved, adding to the adventurous feel of reaching this secluded spot. For those traveling from Laramie, the drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, setting the tone for the natural immersion that Lost Creek offers.

Despite being accessible, the campground maintains a sense of remoteness, which is a key part of its appeal. The potential for "bit of road noise" mentioned by a reviewer suggests its proximity to a main road (Highway 70), but this is typically a minor issue given the overall tranquility of the forested setting. The balance of relative ease of access with a distinctly wild atmosphere makes Lost Creek Campground a practical choice for a weekend getaway for many Wyoming residents.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: 13 single-family campsites are available, suitable for trailers under 22 feet.
• Picnic Tables: Each site comes with a picnic table for outdoor meals.
• Campfire Rings/Grates: Fire rings with grates are provided for campfires and cooking.
• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained vault toilets are available for camper use.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is provided at the campground, with a water filling station often located at the entrance.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are typically available, encouraging a "pack it in, pack it out" approach.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is generally available for purchase from the camp host, where present.

Lost Creek Campground offers a solid set of basic amenities that cater to a traditional camping experience. The presence of picnic tables, fire rings, and reliable vault toilets means campers have the essentials for a comfortable stay. The availability of drinking water is a significant plus, especially for longer stays, and the option to purchase firewood from a host adds convenience.

While the campground is not equipped with electrical or water hookups for RVs, this aligns with its primitive character, attracting those who prefer a more rustic setting. Campers are advised to arrive with their RV water tanks pre-filled if needed, as hooking up to spigots is not permitted. The general emphasis here is on simplicity and connecting with nature, with the provided services supporting this ethos.

Features / Highlights:

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Known for frequent sightings of birds, moose, mule deer, and black bears, offering exceptional opportunities for nature photography and observation.
• Secluded and Uncrowded: Provides a peaceful camping experience with fewer crowds compared to more popular or developed sites.
• Good Water Source: Reliable access to drinking water, a key amenity for primitive camping.
• Direct Access to Wilderness: Serves as a great base for accessing the Huston Park Wilderness via the Baby Lakes Trail across Highway 70.
• OHV Riding Opportunities: Forest Road 811 provides ATV riding along the Huston Park Wilderness area boundary.
• Scenic Drive: Located on Highway 70, which is an "ideal scenic drive in summer and autumn."
• Natural Shade: A dense forest of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine covers the campground, providing ample shade.
• Cool Summer Temperatures: Higher elevation contributes to cooler temperatures, offering a pleasant escape from summer heat.
• Paved Roads and Parking Spurs: Within the campground, roads and parking are paved, improving accessibility.

The most compelling highlight of Lost Creek Campground, as evidenced by visitor reviews, is its incredible potential for "wildlife" viewing. Seeing "plenty of birds, moose, mule deer, black bears etc." is a major draw for anyone hoping to experience Wyoming's natural inhabitants up close. The fact that there are "no crowds" further enhances this experience, allowing for quieter observation and a deeper connection with the environment.

Despite the mention of "beetle damage," which is a natural part of forest ecosystems, the campground still offers "ample shade" from its dense forest of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. The nearby "Baby Lakes Trail" provides direct access to the Huston Park Wilderness, opening up extensive hiking opportunities for the adventurous. This combination of rich wildlife, peaceful surroundings, and access to trails makes Lost Creek Campground a truly special place for those who appreciate the wild heart of Wyoming.

Contact Information:

Address: 2468 W Jackson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA (Note: Actual access is off WY-70 near Encampment)

Phone: (307) 745-2300 (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland Supervisor's Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-2300

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Lost Creek Campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, or any operational changes (like opening and closing dates, which are typically mid-June through September/October depending on weather), it is best to contact the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland Supervisor's Office directly. While the given address is a Laramie office, the phone number connects you to the relevant forest service information. This is especially important for primitive campgrounds where conditions can change rapidly.

Lost Creek Campground is an ideal destination for locals in Wyoming for several compelling reasons. Its prime location within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, accessible via the scenic Highway 70, makes it a convenient and desirable escape for many residents. For those who prioritize peace and quiet over extensive amenities, the "no crowds" atmosphere is a significant advantage, allowing for a truly undisturbed natural experience that defines the Wyoming outdoor ethos.

The exceptional opportunities for "wildlife" viewing, including moose, deer, and bears, are a major draw for Wyomingites who cherish our state's rich fauna. This campground offers a chance to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, a core part of the Wyoming lifestyle. Furthermore, its role as a base for exploring the Huston Park Wilderness via trails like Baby Lakes, and opportunities for ATV riding, align perfectly with the diverse recreational interests of our local community. Lost Creek Campground truly offers a classic Wyoming camping experience: rustic, rich in wildlife, and surrounded by the stunning landscapes that we call home. For any Wyoming resident seeking an authentic, peaceful, and wildlife-rich outdoor adventure, Lost Creek Campground is an outstanding choice.

Lost Creek Campground

2468 W Jackson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA