Pelton Creek Campground

For those of us in Wyoming who cherish the call of the wild and seek out authentic outdoor experiences, Pelton Creek Campground, located near Centennial, is a name that often comes up. Nestled in a secluded location that promises amazing views and a true escape from the everyday, this campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural beauty that defines our great state. While it's known for its primitive charm, it's also a gateway to some truly spectacular recreational opportunities.

Pelton Creek Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it's a destination for anglers, hikers, and anyone looking for peace and quiet in a breathtaking setting. It's renowned for its excellent fishing in both Douglas Creek and Pelton Creek, making it a favorite among local fishermen. Beyond the serene fishing spots, the campground also serves as a crucial trailhead, offering access to expansive wilderness areas. This blend of tranquility and adventure is what makes Pelton Creek a highly valued spot for Wyoming residents seeking to embrace their outdoor passions.

It’s important for locals to be aware of the campground's operational status, as conditions can change. Recent years have seen closures due to safety concerns from events like the Mullen Fire, leading to tree fall hazards. However, the trailhead often remains open, ensuring that the spirit of exploration can continue even when camping isn't permitted. This adaptability allows residents to still enjoy the area's natural beauty, whether for a day hike or a fishing excursion, demonstrating the resilience and enduring appeal of this cherished Wyoming locale.

Pelton Creek Campground is situated in Centennial, WY 82055, USA, placing it within the vast and beautiful Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. This location makes it a prime destination for residents across southeastern Wyoming, offering a relatively accessible wilderness experience. The journey to the campground itself is part of the adventure, as the road leading there is described as gravel and dirt for its entire length. This requires careful driving and may be more comfortable for vehicles designed for unpaved roads, adding to the sense of a true wilderness excursion.

Its proximity to Centennial means that while you're deep in nature, you're not entirely cut off from basic services should you need them. However, the intent of a visit to Pelton Creek is undoubtedly to disconnect. The remote feel of the area, combined with the slightly rugged access, enhances the feeling of stepping away from civilization and into the heart of Wyoming's unspoiled landscapes. Being at the eastern edge of the Platte River Wilderness further emphasizes its wild character and its role as a launching point for deeper explorations.

This strategic location within the national forest, alongside its specific characteristics of access, makes Pelton Creek Campground a particularly attractive option for Wyoming residents. It's close enough for a weekend trip but remote enough to feel truly removed from the everyday. The experience of driving on the gravel road to reach the campground sets the tone for the primitive and authentic adventure that awaits, reinforcing why it’s a treasured spot for those who call Wyoming home.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Offers primitive campsites designed for tent and trailer camping; no hookups are available.
• Water Availability: Potable water is generally available via a hand pump, though it's always advisable to bring your own or confirm availability.
• Restrooms: Vault or pit toilets are provided for camper use.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table.
• Campfire Rings/Grates: Designated areas for campfires are usually present, often with grills.
• Trailhead Access: The campground serves as a direct trailhead for the Douglas Creek Trail and Platte Ridge Trail, offering extensive hiking opportunities.

It's important to reiterate that Pelton Creek Campground provides a primitive camping experience. This means campers should be prepared for rustic facilities, focusing on self-sufficiency. While water and basic restrooms are available, there are no modern hookups for RVs. Trash cans are typically not provided, reinforcing the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos essential for maintaining the pristine environment.

The availability of water, even if via a hand pump, is a significant amenity for a primitive site, as is the presence of toilets. These basic services enhance comfort while still preserving the natural feel of the campground. The primary draw of the services here is their simplicity, facilitating a true immersion in the wilderness.

Features / Highlights:

• Secluded Location: Offers a quiet and private camping experience away from more crowded areas.
• Amazing Views of Douglas Creek: Provides picturesque scenery and a tranquil ambiance along the creek.
• Excellent Fishing: Renowned for superb fishing opportunities in both Douglas Creek and Pelton Creek, attracting local anglers.
• Direct Trailhead Access: Serves as a vital access point to wilderness trails like the Douglas Creek Trail and Platte Ridge Trail.
• Proximity to Platte River Wilderness: Located at the eastern edge, offering extensive opportunities for exploration within the wilderness area.
• Tall Pine Trees: The campground retains many tall pine trees, providing excellent shade and a classic forest ambiance despite past fire activity.
• Moose Viewing Opportunities: The meandering creeks and tall brush can attract moose, offering unique wildlife viewing chances.
• First-Come, First-Served: Many sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips (always check current status).

The "nice, secluded location with amazing views of Douglas Creek" consistently stands out in visitor feedback, indicating a key draw for those seeking natural beauty and solitude. The campground's identity as a "trailhead" is also a significant highlight, emphasizing its appeal to hikers and backpackers eager to explore the surrounding wilderness. The promise of "wonderful fishing on the Douglas and Pelton creeks" further solidifies its reputation as an angler's paradise.

The resilience of the campground, having been "spared" from the Mullen Fire in 2020 and retaining "tall pine trees," is a testament to its enduring natural appeal. While the "update" about continued closures in 2021 due to falling trees highlights the dynamic nature of wilderness areas and the importance of safety, the fact that the trailhead remains open allows for continued enjoyment of the area's core features. The potential for moose sightings adds an exciting element of wildlife observation to the Pelton Creek experience.

Contact Information:

Address: Centennial, WY 82055, USA

Phone: (307) 745-2300

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-2300

Before planning your trip, especially given past closures, it's highly recommended to use the provided contact numbers to check the most current status of Pelton Creek Campground. Conditions in wilderness areas can change rapidly due to weather, fire activity, or other environmental factors. Confirming accessibility and any restrictions will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. The U.S. Forest Service office for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests can also provide valuable real-time information.

Pelton Creek Campground is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Wyoming, embodying the spirit of our state's outdoor heritage. Its primitive nature and secluded location offer a genuine escape from urban life, appealing to those who seek tranquility and a deeper connection with nature. The "gravel/dirt road" access, while noted by some as challenging, is often seen by Wyomingites as a natural filter, ensuring that those who make the journey are truly dedicated to the wilderness experience.

The combination of "wonderful fishing" on two local creeks and its function as a "trailhead" makes it a perfect base for popular Wyoming pastimes. Whether you're casting a line into the clear waters of Douglas Creek or embarking on an invigorating hike into the Platte River Wilderness, Pelton Creek provides the ideal setting. The insights from local users, noting the "amazing views" and their desire to "definitely be back," speak volumes about its local appeal and recurring value. Even with past closures due to fire effects, the community's understanding that the "trailhead is open" demonstrates a shared appreciation for the area's core offerings. For anyone in Wyoming yearning for an authentic, peaceful, and adventurous outdoor experience, Pelton Creek Campground remains a cherished and suitable destination, right in our own backyard.

Pelton Creek Campground

Centennial, WY 82055, USA