Nash Fork

Star4.63
7 reviews
Nash Fork
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate is $20 for standard sites during peak season. Rates include $10 for first-come-first-served sites mentioned in reviews.
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

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
307-745-2300

About this campground

Rising from the ashes of a decade-long closure, Nash Fork Campground has emerged as a phoenix in the Medicine Bow National Forest. This thoughtfully renovated sanctuary offers 24 pristine campsites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables, warming fire rings, and modern vault toilets. While the pine beetle epidemic claimed the canopy that once shaded these grounds, nature has compensated with breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of the majestic Snowy Range that stretch endlessly across the horizon.
Nash Fork Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tents, travel trailers, and motorhomes. It operates on a mix of first-come, first-served and reservation-based systems, depending on the season.
Historical SignificanceFor a decade, Nash Fork lay dormant, a casualty of the devastating pine beetle infestation that swept through these ancient forests. But in 2021, through the dedicated partnership of Common Outdoor Ground and the Forest Service, this beloved campground began its remarkable transformation. The 2023 accessibility renovations marked the final chapter in its rebirth story, ensuring that adventurers of all abilities can now experience the raw beauty of this high-altitude haven.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently at Nash Fork, bringing crisp mountain days where temperatures dance around a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius, while evenings cool to a refreshing 3 degrees, perfect for campfire gatherings under star-studded skies. As autumn yields to winter, the campground transforms into a serene wonderland, dusted with light snow that sparkles in the thin mountain air, creating a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in nature's quieter season.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,200 feet above sea level, Nash Fork exists in that rarified realm where the air grows thin and the sky seems close enough to touch. This lofty elevation demands respect—visitors are encouraged to spend time acclimating to the altitude, allowing their bodies to adjust to this alpine environment where every breath connects you more deeply to the mountain wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic whispers of Nash Fork Creek provide a constant soundtrack to your camping experience, its crystal-clear waters tumbling past your campsite toward the pristine Brooklyn Lake nearby. An extensive network of trails beckons hikers to explore this untamed landscape, where encounters with magnificent moose, graceful mule deer, playful chipmunks, elusive bobcats, and majestic elk remind visitors that they are merely guests in this thriving mountain ecosystem.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Nash Fork occupies a unique ecological crossroads where diverse mountain ecosystems converge. The campground's namesake creek has carved its path through millennia of geological history, creating a riparian corridor that serves as a lifeline for the surrounding wilderness and a natural gathering place for both wildlife and wonder-seekers alike.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility ramps and improved pathways have been implemented at some sites to enhance access. Picnic tables with wheelchair access are available, though they are not bolted down and may have shifted.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious and include platforms large enough for tents, travel trailers, and motor homes.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are dispersed, offering privacy between campers, although some highway noise may be noticeable.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended sites near Nash Fork Creek for proximity to water features and scenic views; higher elevation sites for stargazing opportunities.
Best CampsitesSites next to the stream offer desirable spots, as noted by user reviews.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights per visit, applicable year-round.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are well spaced with picnic tables and fire rings. "One reviewer noted the campground is dispersed, so you are not on top of each other."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 9, 2025; reservations begin July 3, 2025; closes September 13, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov, including Scan & Pay mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during first-come-first-served season, from June 9 - July 2, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations will lose the first night's fee in addition to the cancellation fee.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Nash Fork Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The campground's proximity to Nash Fork Creek and multiple recreational lakes, as well as an extensive trail network, makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Nearby attractions include Brooklyn Lake and the Libby Flats Observation Area.
Hiking
The area features extensive hiking trails, including access points along Forest Service Road 317 and trails leading to Brooklyn Lake, located 3 miles from the campground. These trails offer opportunities for exploring the scenic landscape and connecting with nature.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with 102 recreational lakes in the vicinity. Brooklyn Lake, just 3 miles away, is a popular fishing destination.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of moose, mule deer, chipmunks, and marmots noted by multiple reviewers. Black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and elk are also known to inhabit the area.
Winter Activities
Nearby Medicine Bow National Forest provides opportunities for winter sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other seasonal activities.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing may be possible in nearby lakes, though not specifically mentioned for Nash Fork.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires allowed in USFS-approved fire rings; firewood must be sourced locally to prevent pests.
  • Quiet hours enforced from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsHigh elevation (10,200 ft) may require acclimatization. Wildlife sightings, including black bears and moose, warrant caution.

Weather forecast

16
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 45%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 28.9 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services are located in Laramie, Wyoming—hospital, sheriff, and ranger station as primary contacts.

Good to know

Peak season datesJuly 3 - September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site, including dumpsters for campers' convenience. Recycling options are not specified.
Proximity to water featuresNear Nash Fork Creek; Brooklyn Lake 3 miles north by trails or Forest Route 317.
Common complaintsLimited shade due to deforestation; occasional highway noise; water accessibility issues noted by reviews.
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Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Laramie, travel west 25 miles to Centennial on WY 130; Nash Fork is west 7.8 miles from Centennial to Brooklyn Lake Rd/ Forest Route 317. Turn right onto FR 317 and go 0.1 miles then turn left into campground.
Campground is accessible via paved roads until Centennial; brief travel on Forest Route 317 may be unpaved but manageable.
Nearby places
Laramie (25 miles, approx. 30 min), Centennial (7.8 miles, approx. 10 min)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including water, groceries, and camping essentials can be found in Centennial, Wyoming, approximately 7.8 miles away. Additional water access available at Brooklyn Lake Campground 3 miles north.

Camper Reviews

4.6
7 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Nash Fork is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic views, though some note the lack of trees due to past beetle infestations. Wildlife sightings, including moose, are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, scenic views, abundant wildlife, proximity to hiking trails and lakes for fishing.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of on-site water, limited availability of hand sanitizer and toilet paper in vault toilets, highway noise, and reduced tree cover.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and hand sanitizer. Arrive early to secure a site during the first-come, first-served season. Be prepared for high elevation conditions, including cooler temperatures and...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the accessibility improvements and wildlife sightings. Winter activities are not directly mentioned but are available in the...
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Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites are beautifully constructed with spacious platforms, indestructible picnic tables, and wonderful views." - John Rummel. "Vault toilets, and a dumpster for your trash." - Mick Shea....
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific information is limited, though some reviewers note proximity to the creek and trails as a highlight.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Recent renovations have improved accessibility, including picnic tables with wheelchair access and graded pathways.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must remain on a leash. No specific pet-related issues or praises were mentioned.
Based on 7 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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