Six Mile Campground

For Wyoming locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure that combines rugged natural beauty with accessible recreational opportunities, Six Mile Campground in Encampment offers an ideal retreat. Situated within the vast expanse of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, this campground provides a genuine taste of Wyoming's wilderness, catering to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts looking for a more traditional, less-developed experience. It's a place where the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains meets the high-desert landscape, creating a unique and captivating environment.

Six Mile Campground is a favorite among those who appreciate simplicity and direct access to outdoor pursuits. Unlike larger, amenity-rich campgrounds, Six Mile embraces its primitive nature, encouraging visitors to connect with their surroundings. Here, you can fall asleep to the sounds of nature, wake up to crisp mountain air, and spend your days exploring a landscape rich in opportunities for hiking, fishing, and river activities. It's a perfect basecamp for anglers eager to test their skills on the North Platte River, or for hikers ready to explore the scenic trails of the Platte River Wilderness Area.

While the campground maintains a rustic feel, it provides essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. It’s a destination for those who understand that the most memorable adventures often come with a bit of self-reliance and a deep appreciation for the natural world. If you're a Wyomingite looking for a genuine wilderness experience that's both rewarding and refreshingly unpretentious, Six Mile Campground near Encampment is waiting to be explored.

Six Mile Campground is located at 5291 Co Rd 76, Parlin, CO 81239, USA; however, this address seems incorrect for Six Mile Campground in Wyoming, which is located near Encampment, WY 82325. Public information consistently places Six Mile Campground in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, approximately 2 miles off Highway 230, providing access to the North Platte River and the Platte River Wilderness Area. This means its true location is best described by its proximity to these landmarks, rather than a typical street address.

To reach Six Mile Campground from Encampment, you would typically travel southeast on Highway 230 for approximately 27 miles to Forest Road #492 (also known as Six Mile Road). Turning left onto Forest Road #492, you would then travel approximately two miles to reach the campground. This route ensures that while the campground offers a sense of seclusion, it remains relatively accessible via well-maintained forest roads from the main highway.

The campground's elevation is approximately 7,600 to 7,800 feet, placing it in a high-desert setting that transitions into more forested areas. Its location in a saddle above the North Platte River makes it a convenient launching point for various water-based activities. While the exact driving time will vary depending on your starting point in Wyoming, the journey itself is scenic, traversing the beautiful landscapes of Carbon County and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Visitors should always check current road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), as weather can impact accessibility.

Six Mile Campground provides essential services for a comfortable yet rustic camping experience, emphasizing convenience within a primitive setting. It's designed for campers who are prepared for a traditional outdoor stay but appreciate fundamental facilities:

• Campsites: The campground offers 9 campsites in total. This includes a mix of standard sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, with 3 of these being pull-through sites for easier maneuvering. Six of the sites are reservable, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a metal fire ring with a grate, allowing for contained campfires and cooking. Visitors should always check for fire restrictions or bans before lighting a fire.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available at the campground, offering basic restroom facilities. As noted in reviews, it's wise for campers to bring their own toilet paper as supplies can sometimes run out.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, typically from a hand pump or spigot. While convenient, some visitors note that the water source might require a short walk and can be somewhat challenging to operate, so bringing extra containers is advisable.
• Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite is equipped with a food storage locker (bear canister) to help protect food and scented items from wildlife, promoting bear safety.
• Trash Service: While some older information might suggest no trash service, current information from the Forest Service and other sources indicates that trash service is available during the summer months, though a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality is always encouraged for remote camping.
• Boat Trailer Lot and River Access Ramp: For those looking to enjoy the North Platte River, a dedicated boat trailer lot and a river access ramp are available, making it convenient to launch rafts, kayaks, or canoes.
• Poor Cell Service: Visitors should anticipate poor to no cell phone service at the campground, enhancing the feeling of being truly disconnected and in the wilderness.

Six Mile Campground is celebrated for several unique features and highlights that draw outdoor enthusiasts from across Wyoming and beyond. These aspects contribute to its appeal as a prime destination for adventure and relaxation:

• Direct North Platte River Access: The campground offers immediate and convenient access to the North Platte River, a renowned blue-ribbon trout stream. This is a significant highlight for anglers, with opportunities for fly fishing (though wading may be required due to steep banks, as noted by visitors) and general fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: Six Mile Campground serves as a popular trailhead for accessing the Platte River Trail and the surrounding Platte River Wilderness Area. Visitors rave about the fantastic hiking, with scenic trails that lead through beautiful canyons and offer diverse terrain.
• River Floating and Boating: With a dedicated boat trailer lot and river access ramp, the campground is an ideal launching point for floating, rafting, and kayaking on the North Platte River, making it a favorite among river enthusiasts.
• Beautiful Canyon Scenery: The campground is nestled in a steep, beautiful canyon, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape. Despite some areas showing signs of past fire damage, the overall beauty of the area remains a major draw.
• Shaded Tent Areas: While the general elevation is high-desert, parts of the campground, particularly tent areas, are shaded by trees, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment, as highlighted by satisfied campers.
• Proximity to Platte River Wilderness Area: Being close to a designated wilderness area means opportunities for more rugged backcountry exploration and wildlife viewing in a less impacted environment.
• Stargazing Potential: Away from urban light pollution, the night skies over Six Mile Campground offer exceptional opportunities for stargazing, providing a dazzling display of stars.
• High Elevation Experience: Located at approximately 7,600-7,800 feet, the campground provides a true high-country camping experience with cooler temperatures and a unique ecosystem.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Despite its primitive nature, the campground's accessible activities like fishing and hiking make it a beloved spot for families, as evidenced by positive reviews.

For inquiries and reservations related to Six Mile Campground, the primary contact point is the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland. While there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself, the relevant Ranger District office can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on conditions, availability, and regulations.

For Campground Inquiries and Information (Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District):

Phone: (307) 326-5258

Address (Supervisor's Office for the entire forest, which can direct inquiries):

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland Supervisor's Office

3838 Cherrywood East Loop

Laramie, WY 82070, USA

For Reservations: Six of the nine campsites at Six Mile Campground are reservable through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season, to secure a spot. The Recreation.gov website will also have the most current information regarding operational hours, fees, and any alerts (e.g., fire bans, closures).

Website: You can find detailed information and make reservations by searching for "Six Mile Campground, WY" on Recreation.gov or by visiting the official U.S. Forest Service website for Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland (fs.usda.gov/mbr) and navigating to their recreation section.

It is always advisable for visitors to contact the Ranger District or check Recreation.gov prior to their trip to confirm current conditions, particularly regarding water availability, fire restrictions, and any potential closures due to weather or natural events.

For locals in Wyoming, Six Mile Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a true outdoor escape. Its location in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, near Encampment, offers convenient access from many parts of the state, allowing for easy weekend trips or longer, immersive vacations without extensive travel.

The campground's blend of primitive camping with essential amenities (like vault toilets and potable water) strikes a perfect balance for Wyomingites who appreciate roughing it slightly while still having basic comforts. Its direct access to the North Platte River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, is a significant draw for local anglers, offering world-class fishing opportunities right at their doorstep. Furthermore, the fantastic hiking trails, including access to the Platte River Wilderness, cater to adventurers seeking to explore the diverse and dramatic landscapes of their home state.

Six Mile Campground embodies the spirit of Wyoming – rugged, beautiful, and wild. It provides an ideal setting for families and individuals to disconnect from the digital world, reconnect with nature, and engage in classic outdoor pursuits. The opportunity to camp under a vast, star-filled sky, fish renowned waters, and hike through stunning canyons makes Six Mile Campground a quintessential Wyoming experience, fostering a deep appreciation for the state's natural heritage and creating lasting memories for its residents.

Six Mile Campground

Encampment, WY 82325, USA