Northside Camping Area

For those of us who call Wyoming home, the call of the wild is a familiar and comforting sound. We appreciate wide-open spaces, a clear night sky, and the opportunity to truly disconnect. If this resonates with you, then Northside Camping Area in Medicine Bow, Wyoming, might just be your next favorite escape. This isn't your average amenity-rich campground; instead, it offers a refreshing return to the basics, providing a quiet, unadorned experience that many Wyoming locals cherish. Our aim with this article is to guide you through what makes Northside Camping Area a fantastic, no-frills option for your next outdoor adventure in the Cowboy State, from a local's perspective.

Northside Camping Area is a well-regarded alternative to more developed camping spots, particularly for those who prioritize solitude and a more rugged experience. As one past visitor aptly put it, "This area is a good alternative to the main south camping area. It features one vault toilet in the middle of the turnaround area." This review highlights its simplicity and the intentional lack of extensive facilities, which for many, is precisely the appeal. If you're someone who seeks to be "left alone" while still having convenient amenities like "outhouses," this spot is tailored for you. It’s a place where the focus is firmly on the natural surroundings and the peace they provide, rather than on creature comforts.

Camping here means embracing a truly natural setting. The sites are described as "rougher and not defined," offering a more authentic dispersed camping feel within a designated area. This allows for flexibility in setting up your camp and truly immersing yourself in the landscape. The availability of water from the lake, combined with the vault toilet, ensures that essential needs are met without detracting from the rustic charm. It's an ideal choice for Wyomingites who understand and appreciate the ethos of "pack it in, pack it out" and who are eager to experience the state's wilderness in its purest form, far from crowded campgrounds and bustling amenities.

Northside Camping Area is nestled in Medicine Bow, WY 82329, USA. This location places it within the vast and stunning landscapes characteristic of Wyoming, specifically within or adjacent to the Medicine Bow National Forest. For locals, this means relatively easy access to a truly wild and scenic environment without having to travel excessively far from major routes or towns in the region.

Accessibility to Northside Camping Area is straightforward for most vehicles, though some areas may feature unpaved roads typical of forest service lands. The reviews mention that it is "legal to camp after the cattleguard and the lake," indicating a clear entry point and proximity to a natural water feature. The "turnaround area" suggests sufficient space for maneuvering vehicles, including those with trailers, though campers should be prepared for undefined sites as noted. Being within the Medicine Bow region means it’s part of an expansive area known for its recreational opportunities, and while Northside itself is more primitive, the broader area offers a spectrum of outdoor activities. For Wyoming locals familiar with navigating forest roads and seeking out less-developed camping, the location offers a perfect balance of seclusion and manageable access for a refreshing getaway.

Northside Camping Area offers a minimal yet functional set of services, designed for those who appreciate primitive camping with a few key conveniences. The focus here is on providing essential facilities while maintaining the natural feel of the area.

• Vault Toilet: A singular "vault toilet in the middle of the turnaround area" is available, offering a basic, non-flush restroom option. This is a crucial amenity for extended stays in undeveloped areas.
• Water Access: "Water from the lake" is noted as an available resource. It is important to remember that lake water is typically non-potable and should be treated or filtered before consumption. Campers should plan to bring their own potable water or methods for purification.
• Undefined Sites: The camping sites themselves are "rougher and not defined," meaning there are no designated, numbered spots. This allows for a more flexible and dispersed camping experience, where campers can choose their preferred setup location within the designated area.
• Turnaround Area Camping: Camping is also explicitly "possible in the turnaround area," providing another option for those who might prefer easier access or a more open setting.
• Peace and Quiet: While not a tangible service, the prevailing atmosphere of being "left alone" is a significant benefit, offering an undisturbed natural environment.

The true appeal of Northside Camping Area lies in its distinctive features and highlights, which cater specifically to those seeking a raw, authentic Wyoming outdoor experience.

• Authentic Dispersed Camping Feel: Unlike many developed campgrounds with paved pads and strict site boundaries, Northside offers "rougher and not defined" sites, providing a true dispersed camping experience within a managed area. This allows for greater freedom and a more intimate connection with nature.
• Seclusion and Solitude: A primary highlight is the sense of being "left alone." For those craving peace and quiet away from crowds, Northside Camping Area delivers. It’s an ideal spot for reflection, nature observation, and escaping the noise of modern life.
• Lake Proximity: The presence of a lake provides a scenic backdrop and potential opportunities for water-based activities like fishing (check local regulations) or simply enjoying the views. Access to water, even if non-potable, is a valuable resource in primitive settings.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Given its remote location and minimal light pollution, Northside Camping Area likely offers magnificent night skies, perfect for stargazing and appreciating Wyoming's unblemished celestial canvas.
• Minimal Amenities, Maximum Nature: The limited amenities (primarily a vault toilet and lake water) mean less distraction and more focus on the natural environment. This appeals to campers who prefer to be self-sufficient and value the ruggedness of the wilderness.
• Good Alternative to Main Areas: As highlighted in reviews, it serves as an excellent alternative to more crowded or developed "main south camping areas," providing a different, often more desirable, kind of experience for those in the know.
• Easy Access to Wilderness: Its location in Medicine Bow provides relatively easy access to the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding national forest, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the unique Wyoming landscape.

For general inquiries or to seek more specific information about Northside Camping Area, please use the following contact details. While it is a more primitive site, these contacts can often provide insights into current conditions, regulations, and any seasonal changes.

Address: Medicine Bow, WY 82329, USA

Phone: (307) 745-4046

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-4046

Northside Camping Area is an especially suitable destination for locals in Wyoming precisely because it embodies the spirit of the state’s outdoor culture. We Wyomingites appreciate authenticity, self-reliance, and the vast, unblemished landscapes that define our home. This camping area offers a pure, uncommercialized experience that resonates deeply with those values. It’s a place where you can truly "be left alone," enjoying the profound quiet and spectacular natural beauty that sets Wyoming apart.

For those who prefer their camping experiences to be less about manicured sites and more about raw nature, Northside Camping Area is ideal. The "rougher and not defined" sites provide the flexibility and freedom often sought by seasoned campers or those looking to escape the bustle of more crowded spots. The presence of a vault toilet and lake access ensures basic necessities are met, allowing campers to focus on the tranquility, the magnificent night sky, and the simple joy of being immersed in the Wyoming wilderness. It serves as a reminder of what true outdoor living in the state is all about – an opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and revel in the vast, untamed beauty that is our backyard. For any Wyoming resident seeking a genuine, peaceful, and self-sufficient camping adventure, Northside Camping Area offers an experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding.

Northside Camping Area

Medicine Bow, WY 82329, USA