Upper North Platte Wilderness Area- Campground Road-6 Mile Gap

For Wyoming locals who cherish the state's raw, untamed beauty and world-class outdoor recreation, Six Mile Campground, serving as a primary access point to the Upper North Platte Wilderness Area via Campground Road, is an essential destination. This campground offers a strategic entry into a region renowned for its blue-ribbon trout fishing, thrilling river floats, and expansive wilderness hiking. It's a place where the wild heart of Wyoming beats strong, inviting adventurers to disconnect from the everyday and immerse themselves in a landscape of rugged peaks, flowing rivers, and abundant wildlife. If your ideal escape involves the sounds of a rushing river, the challenge of a pristine fishing stream, or the solitude of a wilderness trail, Six Mile Campground provides the perfect basecamp for your next Wyoming adventure. This article will provide a detailed overview, from its location and accessibility to its services and unique features, demonstrating why it's a prime spot for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Six Mile Campground is located approximately 2 miles off Highway 230, in a saddle overlooking the North Platte River. While the provided address is simply "Wyoming, USA," specific information places it near Saratoga, WY, and Encampment, WY, within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland. More precisely, you can find it by traveling south on Highway 230 for about 26 miles from Encampment, then turning left onto National Forest System Road 492 and continuing for two miles. For Wyoming locals, this means relatively straightforward access via well-maintained highways, before transitioning to a Forest Service road that leads directly to the campground.

The accessibility of Six Mile Campground is a significant factor in its popularity, particularly for those looking to access the North Platte River and the Platte River Wilderness Area. Highway 230 is generally well-suited for all vehicle types, including RVs and trailers (though maximum trailer length at the campground is often around 30 feet). The short drive on Forest Road 492 is also typically manageable. This ease of access, combined with its proximity to the renowned Upper North Platte River, makes it a convenient launch point for anglers, floaters, and hikers alike. While it offers a sense of being deep in the wilderness, the towns of Saratoga and Encampment are within a reasonable driving distance, providing essential services, gas, and supplies. This balance of being immersed in nature while having nearby conveniences is highly appealing. The campground's elevation is around 7,600 feet, nestled in a high-desert setting that transitions into spruce-fir forests at higher elevations, offering unique and diverse scenery.

Services Offered

• Campsites for Tents, Trailers, and RVs: Six Mile Campground offers 9 campsites in total, including 6 standard sites and 3 pull-through sites, accommodating various camping setups. Maximum trailer length is typically 30 feet.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient area for outdoor dining and activities.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Individual fire rings with grates are available at each site, perfect for campfires and cooking (always check with the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger Station for current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilets are available for essential restroom facilities.
• Potable Drinking Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at the campground during the open season (typically June-September).
• Trash Service: Trash disposal services are provided, making it easier for campers to maintain a clean site.
• Bear Canisters/Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite often includes a bear canister or food storage locker, crucial for safely storing food and scented items to prevent wildlife encounters.
• Boat Ramp/River Access: While there isn't a direct boat ramp at the campsites themselves for backing a vehicle, there is access to the North Platte River via a trail, and a separate parking area for hikers and river floaters is available.
• First-Come, First-Served / Reservable Sites: Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for planning.
• Fees: A nightly fee (e.g., $20 per site) applies, with potential additional fees for extra vehicles.
• No Camp Host On-Site: It's important to note that a camp host is typically not on-site at Six Mile Campground.

Features / Highlights

• Premier Fishing Destination: The North Platte River, accessible from the campground, is classified as a "blue-ribbon trout stream" by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, offering exceptional fly fishing opportunities for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
• Direct Access to Platte River Wilderness Area: The campground serves as a gateway to the Platte River Wilderness Area, providing extensive opportunities for backpacking, hiking (including the Platte River Trail), and true wilderness exploration.
• Popular for River Floating: Six Mile Gap is a well-known access point for floating the North Platte River, catering to canoeists, kayakers, and rafters seeking a variety of experiences from leisurely drifts to whitewater sections.
• Tastefully Developed, Minimalist Approach: Reviews describe the campground as "tastefully developed," providing essential amenities without over-commercialization, maintaining a rustic charm.
• Secluded and Peaceful: Despite its popularity, the campground offers a quiet and peaceful setting, allowing for genuine relaxation and immersion in nature.
• Stunning Scenery: Located in a saddle above the river, the campground offers great views of mountains and plains, with the Snowy Range rising in the distance. The high-desert setting with sagebrush and lodgepole pine forests provides a unique visual appeal.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including pronghorns, deer, and various bird species, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Away from significant light pollution, the night skies are typically clear and dark, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the vastness of the Wyoming cosmos.
• Proximity to Other Outdoor Activities: Beyond the river, the broader Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers opportunities for a wide range of activities, including additional hiking trails (like the Douglas Creek Trail), and exploring the broader Snowy Range.
• Seasonal Access: The campground is open seasonally, typically from June to September, ensuring optimal conditions for recreation.

Contact Information

Address: Wyoming, USA (Specific location: 2 miles off Highway 230 via National Forest System Road 492, near Saratoga/Encampment, WY)

Phone: (307) 326-5258 (This number is for the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland, which manages Six Mile Campground and the surrounding area. This is the primary contact for current conditions, fire restrictions, and general inquiries.)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Six Mile Campground, including site availability, current fees, fire bans, and road conditions, Wyoming locals should directly contact the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District. While some sites can be reserved via Recreation.gov, calling the Ranger District provides a direct line to local expertise. Checking their official website (fs.usda.gov, specifically for Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland) is also highly recommended before planning your trip, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.

Conclusion: Why Six Mile Campground is Suitable for Locals

For Wyoming locals, Six Mile Campground truly embodies the spirit of our state's outdoor heritage. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled access to the Upper North Platte River, a "blue-ribbon trout stream" that’s a source of immense pride and recreation for anglers. This isn't a crowded resort; it's a genuine basecamp for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The presence of potable water, vault toilets, and crucial bear canisters signifies a thoughtful approach to essential amenities in a wild setting. What makes it particularly suitable for us is the direct entry it provides into the Platte River Wilderness Area for hiking and the ease of launching a river float. As the gateway to such revered natural resources, Six Mile Campground allows locals to fully immerse themselves in the activities they love – from casting a line in pristine waters to navigating scenic river stretches or exploring vast wilderness trails. It offers that coveted blend of convenience and ruggedness, making it easy to access while still providing the true, untamed Wyoming experience. For those seeking solitude, exceptional fishing, and a deep connection to the land, Six Mile Campground is a premier choice for your next adventure in the Cowboy State. It’s a testament to the enduring beauty and accessibility of Wyoming's natural treasures.

Upper North Platte Wilderness Area- Campground Road-6 Mile Gap

Wyoming, USA