Deep Creek Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt

Star4.10
9 reviews
Deep Creek Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, WY
Deep Creek Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground charges $20 per night per site during peak season (July 1–September 7). Self-service fee area; cash and checks only. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
307-326-5258

About this campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness at over 10,000 feet, Deep Creek Campground offers an authentic high-altitude camping experience near the sparkling waters of Sand Lake. This intimate retreat features 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites, including one convenient pull-through option, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring. Here, you'll find the essentials—clean drinking water and well-maintained facilities—while embracing a true back-to-nature ethos with pack-it-in, pack-it-out practices. As crisp mountain air fills your lungs and pine-scented breezes whisper through the trees, you'll discover why this hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and connection with the wild.
Deep Creek Campground offers primitive and standard non-electric campsites suitable for tent and RV camping.
Weather and SeasonsAt Deep Creek, Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer arrives as a gentle friend, offering refreshingly cool days averaging 58°F—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat—while nights dip to a cozy 36°F, ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Autumn makes only a brief appearance, painting the landscape in fleeting golds before winter stakes its long claim on the land. Throughout the year, you might witness nature's varied moods, from delicate snowflakes dancing in July to sudden afternoon rain showers that leave everything glistening and fresh.
ElevationPerched at 10,000 feet where the air grows thin and the sky seems closer, Deep Creek Campground offers a true alpine experience. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer temperatures remain delightfully cool, autumn passes in the blink of an eye, and winter arrives early to blanket the landscape in pristine snow. The altitude adds an element of adventure to every breath, reminding visitors they've entered a realm where mountain peaks scrape the sky.
Natural Features and SceneryDeep Creek Campground sits cradled within a cathedral of towering pines, their evergreen canopy providing natural shelter and serenity. Just a short walk away, the 92-acre Sand Lake mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks, its crystal-clear waters teeming with brook trout, rainbow trout, and Splake that tempt anglers at dawn and dusk. Beyond the forest, the majestic Snowy Range mountains rise like ancient sentinels, their peaks often dusted with snow even in summer, creating postcard-perfect vistas that change with every shift of light and weather.
Geological RegionNestled within the legendary Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Deep Creek Campground occupies a special corner of Wyoming's high country. This remarkable landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, showcases nature's artistry through dense pine forests that stretch toward dramatic peaks. At just over 10,000 feet, the campground sits in a transition zone where subalpine meadows meet coniferous forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports everything from delicate wildflowers to hardy mountain wildlife. The geological forces that shaped this region have created a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a sanctuary for those seeking refuge in untamed wilderness.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as small, with one pull-through site available. Some reviewers note that the length of certain sites may not accommodate longer rigs, advising campers to check site dimensions beforehand.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers good privacy due to heavy tree cover, as noted by one reviewer: "The heavy tree cover gives most of the camp sites a good degree of privacy."
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConfirm the length of your rig, as some sites are short. Site 8 is close to the trailhead and offers privacy due to heavy tree cover.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight site 8 as particularly quiet, clean, and close to the trailhead. Site 6 was noted for its easy-to-operate water pump and less favorable for frequent outhouse issues.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites are limited to 8 people per site.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities were mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layout12 small campsites, including one pull-through site, are distributed across the campground. Heavy tree cover provides privacy for most sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations July 1–September 7.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability; reservations may be required in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's fee from refunds. Changes to reservations carry a $10 fee if new dates are entirely different from original ones. Additions or removals of nights do not incur extra fees.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Deep Creek Campground provides access to numerous outdoor activities in the Snowy Range area, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and skiing are also available.
Hiking
The campground is near several hiking trails such as the Rock Creek Trail, Sheep Lake Trail, and Crater Lake Trail. The Crater Lake Trail offers a short hike to a picturesque lake. "The Snowy Range contains a network of hiking trails suitable for day hiking and for extended, backcountry trips," according to the authoritative description.
Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant near the campground, particularly at Sand Lake, a 92-acre lake stocked with brook trout, rainbow trout, and splake. The use of live-bait fish is prohibited.
Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity in the Snowy Range area, with Deep Creek Campground serving as a starting point for nearby trails such as the French Creek Canyon Trail and Sheep Lake Trail.
Boating
Boating is allowed on nearby Sand Lake, but boats must be carried a short distance to access the water.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful, with one reviewer mentioning sightings of moose.
Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing and skiing are available in the area.
Water Sports
Non-motorized activities like paddle boating and canoeing are mentioned as available in the Snowy Range area.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Fires allowed only in USFS-approved metal rings. Restrictions may apply during certain times; check with the local ranger station.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include sheer drop-offs along access roads, mosquitoes, and bears. Wildlife like moose has been sighted, and reviewers cautioned about high mosquito activity during summer months.

Weather forecast

17
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 44%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 22.6 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are likely available in Saratoga or Elk Mountain.

Good to know

Peak season datesJuly 1 to September 7.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, meaning there is no trash service. Campers must take their trash with them and are responsible for proper disposal.
Proximity to water featuresSand Lake, a 92-acre lake, is nearby and supports brook trout, rainbow trout, and Splake. Boats must be carried a short distance to access the lake.
Common complaintsMosquito swarms are frequently mentioned during summer months. Reviewers also note that "outhouses were dirty, out of toilet paper, and very rank," and campsite fire pits were "heaped with ashes and charcoal."

Campground Map

Deep Creek Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, WY
Driving directionsFrom Saratoga take the Snowy Range Highway 20 miles, turn onto Forest Road 100 and continue 20 more miles to Forest Road 101. Turn onto Forest Road 101 for 10 miles to campground. From Elk Mountain take Carbon County Road 101 south to the Forest Boundary. Continue on Road 101 for approximately 10 miles to the campground.
Road access to Deep Creek Campground is challenging. "A long and winding trek from Snowy Range Road on a narrow mountain road just below the top of the mountain range with sheer drop-offs for drivers not paying attention. Do not attempt this in anything but the best weather." (User Review by Patrick Sheehy). Additionally, "wash board roads, unclear signage, rather confusing directions" were noted by another reviewer (Lisa Hooker). Roads are not paved and conditions may vary seasonally.
Nearby places
Saratoga (approximately 40 miles), Elk Mountain (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Saratoga or Elk Mountain, which are 40 and 30 miles away respectively.

Camper Reviews

4.1
9 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Deep Creek Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that the campground is a secluded location ideal for those looking to disconnect. Cleanliness of facilities and the abundance of mosquitoes have been mentioned as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the campground's seclusion, privacy, and natural beauty. "Amazing. Up on the mountain in the middle of nowhere," was one highlight. The ample opportunity for activities like...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the poor condition of vault toilets, lack of clear signage, and high mosquito presence. "Mosquitos were bad last year; they were insufferable this year," one user lamented.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and be ready for mosquitos. Arrive early to secure a spot and ensure daylight for setup. Bring all necessary supplies as there is no camp store. Be prepared for a long drive over...
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Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews note that mosquitoes are a significant problem during the summer months, especially around July. Winter weather conditions make accessibility challenging.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great camp ground nice bathrooms. Must pack out all trash. Saw some moose." (Charlie Cucco, 2023-07-23) "Campground was in a nice place, enjoyed the wide spacing between sites etc. But outhouses...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 006: Easier-to-operate water pump mentioned. (Camilla D, 2023-08-23) Site 008: Described as quiet, clean, and close to a trailhead. (Glenn M, 2023-08-23)
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility issues or features.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mentioned experiences with pets, though general rules indicate that dogs must be leashed.
Based on 9 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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