Esterbrook Campground
4.256 reviewsEsterbrook Campground, Douglas Ranger District, Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
Esterbrook Campground
$10.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$65.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges $10 per vehicle for day use picnicking, $20 per night for single campsites, $40 per night for campsite #8 (double), and $65 per night for campsite #1 (group site).
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About this campground
Tucked away in a pristine pine forest along a sweeping ridge north of the majestic Laramie Peak, Esterbrook Campground offers an intimate escape into Wyoming's untamed wilderness. This charming, small-scale campground beckons those who yearn for authentic rustic camping, where the only sounds are wind through the pines and distant wildlife. As your perfect basecamp for exploring the Douglas Ranger District's hidden treasures, Esterbrook provides just enough amenities to be comfortable while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the landscape.
Esterbrook Campground is designed for tent and small to medium-sized RV camping. The campground includes single, double, and group sites.
Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel over the surrounding wilderness, the historic Black Mountain Lookout Tower serves as a testament to the area's rich forestry heritage. This iconic structure, along with the network of trails that spider-web through the region, tells the story of generations who have protected and cherished these lands. The nearby trails don't just offer recreation—they follow paths carved by early settlers, forest rangers, and wildlife, connecting modern adventurers to the enduring legacy of the American West.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps campers on their toes at Esterbrook, where mountain weather writes its own rules. Summer afternoons often bring dramatic thunderstorms that roll across the ridgeline, painting the sky with dark clouds before giving way to brilliant sunshine. Seasoned visitors have learned to pack for all seasons—you might start your morning hike in shorts and a t-shirt, only to reach for your fleece jacket when afternoon clouds sweep in. This delightful unpredictability is part of the mountain magic, reminding visitors they're truly in the wild heart of Wyoming.
ElevationPerched at 6,100 feet above sea level, Esterbrook Campground offers a refreshing retreat from summer's heat. This sweet-spot elevation creates an ideal mountain climate where crisp mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons, and evening brings a welcomed coolness that makes campfire gatherings all the more enjoyable. The thin mountain air adds a crispness to every breath, while the elevation provides stunning vantage points across the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Natural Features and SceneryEsterbrook's landscape reads like a love letter to the Rocky Mountains. Towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor inviting quiet contemplation. Between the trees, fascinating rock formations emerge from the earth like ancient sculptures, their weathered surfaces telling geological stories millions of years in the making. The grassy understory waves gently in mountain breezes, creating perfect spots for wildlife watching as deer, elk, and countless bird species make their daily rounds through this diverse ecosystem.
Geological RegionThe campground sits within a remarkable geological tapestry where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of contrasts. Along the ridge north of Laramie Peak, the terrain transitions between dense Ponderosa pine groves and open rocky outcroppings, each revealing different chapters of the earth's history. The nearby Black Mountain Lookout Tower crowns one of the area's prominent peaks, while the Harris Park Trail winds through valleys and meadows carved by time and weather. This dynamic landscape offers endless exploration opportunities, from scrambling over unique rock formations to discovering hidden groves where the forest reveals its secrets.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilet available at site #5.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and designed for small to medium-sized campers. Larger campers may face difficulties.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are widely spaced, providing good privacy. The campground is heavily wooded, offering additional natural seclusion.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites higher on the hill near rock formations offer great views and space. Smaller campers are easier to maneuver compared to larger RVs.
Best CampsitesPremium campsite #1 for groups and campsite #8 designed for double occupancy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights are permitted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site vary based on site type.
Groups
One group site is available (#1), accommodating larger groups at a rate of $65 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 12 widely separated campsites spread over a lightly wooded rocky area, with a grassy understory.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from mid-May to early November.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; sites are first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is the only option, with sites being first-come-first-served and reportedly easy to secure according to user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted, so cancellations do not apply.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Esterbrook Campground include hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and OHV trail riding. Swimming is mentioned in user reviews but not in authoritative sources. Fishing opportunities are available nearby, 2 miles south at Horseshoe Creek.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, including the Sunset Ridge Trail #680, which is a 2-mile multi-use trail. Additional trails such as the Harris Park Trail and the trail to Black Mountain Lookout are accessible within a short distance.Fishing
Trout fishing is available approximately 2 miles south of the campground in Horseshoe Creek, located on state land.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as a recreational activity, but no specific species or viewing areas are mentioned.Winter Activities
The campground is only open seasonally (May to Labor Day), so winter activities are not applicable.Water Sports
Not applicable as no water-related sports facilities are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWater availability may be unreliable due to reported issues with the water pump.
Active alertsContinual improvements to campsites may result in construction disturbances.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Douglas, Wyoming, approximately 30 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through October.
Trash and recyclingNo information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresHorseshoe Creek, offering trout fishing, is located 2 miles south of the campground.
Common complaints"BRING YOUR OWN WATER!" Several users report issues with potable water availability due to the pump being wired shut. Others cite the long drive to reach the campground as a drawback.
HostCampground host is available on-site.
Campground Map
Esterbrook Campground, Douglas Ranger District, Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
Driving directionsFrom Douglas, take WY 94 16.4 miles to a "Y" intersection with County Road 5/Esterbrook Rd. Bear left onto Esterbrook Rd. and go 10.8 miles to the Esterbrook Work Center at a "Y" intersection with Forest Route 633. Continue on FR 633 and go 0.2 miles through a small community to another "Y" intersection. Bear left, staying on FR 633; go 3 miles to campground.
Road access includes paved sections and well-maintained gravel roads. The final stretch involves dirt roads and small intersections requiring careful navigation. Seasonal access is noted, with closures outside mid-May to early November.Nearby places
Douglas (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
For groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, the closest options are in Douglas, Wyoming, approximately 30 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Esterbrook Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet and scenic nature, along with its spacious, well-separated sites. Visitors appreciate the nearby trails and rock formations. However, there are complaints about the lack of potable water, as the hand pump is non-functional.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
"Quiet and scenic," "spaced-out sites," "cool rock formations," and "good ATV trails."
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Water pump is non-functional," "hard to access," and "limited facilities for roughing it."
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water due to the unreliable water pump. The campground is better suited for small to medium RVs or tent campers.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summers are quiet, but the weather can be unpredictable with quick thunderstorms. The campground is open mid-May to early November, with July weather varying between warm and cool during storms.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'BRING YOUR OWN WATER!!! Forestry Service website says there is potable water at the campground; however, the water pump handle has been removed and it is wired shut.' - Rhonda Watters
2. 'Nice...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific mentions include site #5, which has a wheelchair-accessible vault toilet, and site #1, the group site available for $65/night.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
One vault toilet is wheelchair-friendly, located at site #5. No additional information on accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. No specific facilities or areas for pets are mentioned.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025