Tie City Campground

For Wyoming locals eager to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of their state, Tie City Campground near Laramie offers a compelling and easily accessible retreat. Nestled within the expansive Medicine Bow National Forest at an elevation exceeding 8,600 feet, this campground provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, an avid mountain biker, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape into the wilderness, Tie City Campground serves as an excellent basecamp.

What truly sets Tie City Campground apart is its seamless integration with the renowned Happy Jack trail system. Reviewers consistently highlight the "quick access to trails," making it a dream destination for those who love to explore on foot or two wheels. The campground is praised for its "beautiful" scenery, with sites often "surrounded in Aspen & Mountains" and "lots of trees around each spot," offering a sense of seclusion and natural beauty.

Privacy is a key feature here, as many sites are "well placed and nice," providing a feeling of being tucked away in the woods. While some visitors have noted a faint "highway noise" in the background, it's generally described as "not super noticeable" and for many, it doesn't detract from the overall peacefulness. The affordability, with rates as low as "$5 a night" for those with a senior pass, makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious campers looking to maximize their time in Wyoming's outdoors.

Tie City Campground comprises 17 campsites laid out in a single tear-drop loop, with a mix of sites nestled in dense groves of aspen, fir, and spruce, and others in grassy meadows. This variety allows campers to choose a spot that best suits their preferences, whether they seek deep forest cover or more open skies for stargazing. While it's a popular spot, particularly the adjacent trailhead, the campground itself often has available spots, especially the first-come, first-served sites. This blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities makes Tie City Campground a truly "sweet" spot for local Wyoming adventurers.

Tie City Campground is conveniently located on Forest Rd 723, near Laramie, WY 82070, USA. This places it within the Medicine Bow National Forest, a vast and diverse public land area in southeastern Wyoming, renowned for its forests, mountains, and recreational opportunities. The campground is just a short drive from the city of Laramie, a major hub in the region, making it highly accessible for locals and visitors alike.

From Laramie, accessing Tie City Campground is straightforward. Travelers can take Interstate 80 East for approximately 9.5 miles to Exit 323 (WY 210, also known as Happy Jack Road). From there, a short drive on WY 210 leads to the Happy Jack Recreation Area sign and the turn-off for the campground. This close proximity to I-80 is a significant advantage, providing easy access even for those on a quick overnight stop. However, despite being relatively close to the highway, many sites still offer a sense of seclusion within the forested environment.

The interior roads within the campground loop are described as "narrow and rough in places," with "large channels that water has cut through." This suggests that while generally navigable, larger RVs (exceeding 32 feet) might find maneuvering challenging. However, most sites are well-suited for smaller RVs, travel trailers (up to around 30 feet), and certainly for tent camping. The campground's elevation above 8,000 feet means visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night, and potentially sudden weather changes, even in summer.

Parking is available at each campsite, and the campground's design provides a good amount of space between most lots, enhancing privacy. The quick access to the Happy Jack trail system directly from the campground makes it an ideal starting point for hiking and mountain biking adventures without needing to drive further. This combination of convenient road access and immediate trail access reinforces Tie City's appeal as a prime outdoor destination for Wyoming residents.

Tie City Campground, a U.S. Forest Service site, provides essential amenities designed to offer a comfortable yet rustic camping experience. While it doesn't boast full hookups or extensive facilities, it covers the core needs for an enjoyable stay in the Medicine Bow National Forest.

• Campsites: 17 designated campsites are available, accommodating both tents and RVs (maximum recommended length around 32 feet). Sites feature flat areas suitable for setting up tents or parking vehicles.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for dining and food preparation.

• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring, often with a grill, for safe campfires and outdoor cooking. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are available for sanitation. While one review mentions them being "a bit far from most of the sites" due to a "weird design" of paths, they are nevertheless provided for convenience.

• Potable Water: Hand pumps for drinking water are typically available at the campground, though it's always wise to bring extra water or purification methods as a backup.

• Trash Collection: Facilities for garbage collection are provided, though campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out what they pack in when possible.

• Reservable Sites: While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis (e.g., 6 sites as of June 2024), many are reservable, especially during peak seasons, through recreation.gov.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed, typically on a leash, in the campground.

• Quick Access to Trails: A significant highlight is the immediate and easy access to the extensive Happy Jack trail system, making it perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.

• Beautiful Scenery: The campground boasts a "beautiful campground" setting, surrounded by towering trees (aspen, fir, spruce) and offering great views of the surrounding mountains.

• Privacy of Sites: Most sites are well-spaced and offer a good degree of privacy, allowing campers to enjoy a secluded experience.

• Affordable Camping: Offers an excellent value, with a nightly rate of $10, and a 50% discount for America the Beautiful Senior Pass holders (making it $5 a night), a significant benefit for eligible campers.

• High Elevation: Situated above 8,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures, especially at night, and a distinct high-altitude forest environment.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The natural setting offers chances to observe local wildlife, though campers should always store food properly and observe from a distance.

• Starry Nights: Due to its elevation and relatively low light pollution, the campground likely provides excellent opportunities for stargazing.

• Winter Recreation Access: In winter, the adjacent Tie City Trailhead is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making the area a year-round recreational hub.

• Proximity to Lincoln Memorial: The iconic Lincoln Memorial, located along I-80, is about a mile from the campground and is a recommended worthwhile stop for visitors.

Address: Forest Rd 723, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

Phone: (307) 745-2300

Mobile Phone: +1 307-745-2300

For the most current information on site availability, reservations, fire restrictions, and trail conditions, it is best to contact the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland. Reservations for some sites can also be made through ReserveAmerica or recreation.gov.

For Wyoming residents, Tie City Campground represents an ideal local getaway that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of outdoor adventure and tranquility that defines the state. Its combination of convenient access, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities makes it a prime choice for a quick escape or an extended stay without venturing far from home.

Firstly, its strategic location just off I-80, a short drive from Laramie, is a significant advantage. This accessibility means that a spontaneous weekend camping trip or a post-work bike ride on the Happy Jack trails is entirely feasible. For locals, minimizing travel time allows for more quality time spent outdoors, a valuable commodity in busy lives.

Secondly, the campground directly caters to the active Wyoming lifestyle. With immediate access to an extensive network of challenging mountain bike and hiking trails, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a vigorous workout on the trails or a leisurely nature walk, the opportunities are abundant right from your campsite. This built-in recreational value is a key draw for local residents who appreciate direct access to their favorite activities.

The affordability, especially for senior pass holders, makes Tie City an incredibly budget-friendly option. In a state with vast natural resources, finding a well-maintained campground at such a reasonable price is a considerable benefit for locals looking to enjoy the outdoors frequently without breaking the bank. The privacy offered by most sites, despite the campground's popularity, ensures a peaceful retreat where one can truly unwind and reconnect with nature.

While the faint highway noise is a minor consideration, it is often outweighed by the overall serene atmosphere, the beauty of the forested sites, and the sheer convenience. For many Wyomingites, the ability to quickly access such a beautiful and activity-rich environment, with clean basic amenities and a friendly atmosphere, makes Tie City Campground a reliable and cherished destination for experiencing the best of their home state’s natural wonders.

Tie City Campground

Forest Rd 723, Laramie, WY 82070, USA