French Creek Campground (Wy)

Star3.83
6 reviews
2171 S. HWY 130, Saratoga, WY 82331
French Creek Campground (Wy)
$10.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$14 per night during peak season (June 1 - September 7). $10 per night off-season. Payments are accepted in cash or checks (USDA Forest Service).
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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$14.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
307-326-5258

About this campground

Tucked away in the serene Snowy Range, French Creek Campground offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude among the aspens. This intimate campground features 11 well-spaced sites that welcome tents and small trailers up to 32 feet, making it perfect for couples and small families looking to escape the crowds. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. Fresh mountain water is available from a hand pump through mid-September, while vault toilets provide necessary facilities. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out destination without trash service, French Creek attracts mindful campers who appreciate pristine wilderness and leave no trace.
French Creek Campground primarily supports tent and small RV camping, with no advanced facilities like hookups.
Historical SignificanceWhile French Creek Campground itself remains a quiet natural sanctuary, the surrounding Snowy Range tells fascinating stories of the Old West through its historic mining trails. Adventurous campers can explore nearby paths that once bustled with prospectors seeking fortune in these rugged mountains, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your wilderness experience.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms French Creek into an outdoor paradise, with pleasantly warm days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. The dry mountain air and moderate temperatures create comfortable conditions for all your favorite warm-weather activities. When winter blankets the Snowy Range in deep powder, the campground area becomes a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts, though traditional camping gives way to these cold-weather pursuits as temperatures plummet and snow depths rise.
ElevationHigh in the Medicine Bow Mountains, French Creek Campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, though specific elevation details await your discovery upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryA canopy of quaking aspens creates a natural cathedral above French Creek Campground, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and painting the landscape gold each autumn. The gentle murmur of French Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while the greater Snowy Range unfolds around you in a spectacular display of alpine grandeur. With over 100 pristine lakes dotting the landscape and countless creeks threading through meadows and forests, this corner of Wyoming offers endless opportunities for scenic exploration and quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionFrench Creek Campground sits within the magnificent Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, where the Snowy Range creates a dramatic backdrop of peaks and valleys. This alpine ecosystem showcases nature's diversity, from dense aspen groves that shimmer in the sunlight to crystal-clear creeks carving their ancient paths through the landscape. The campground's creekside location places you at the heart of this geological wonderland, where every trail leads to new discoveries in one of Wyoming's most beautiful mountain environments.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets and accessible sites are noted.
Sites SizeSites are small and suitable for small trailers up to 32 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as being well situated to offer privacy, set in the middle of an Aspen Grove and near French Creek.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near overgrown areas if seeking better maintenance. Dispersed camping along Forest Road 206 may offer improved conditions.
Best CampsitesSite 005 ('Loop A') noted but reviewed poorly.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are mostly in an Aspen grove with private spacing.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 1 - September 7 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability possible but may be limited. No detailed information on fill patterns.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date for a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (from midnight one day prior) will also forfeit the first night's use fee. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

French Creek Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The Snowy Range offers extensive hiking trails for day hikes and backcountry trips, as well as streams and over 100 lakes for fishing. Specific attractions include the Lower Tie Hack Trailhead (0.25 miles east), Silver Lake, Lake Marie Falls, Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow Peak Trail, and French Creek Canyon Trail.
Hiking
The campground is part of the Snowy Range trail network, which offers day hiking and extended backcountry routes. The nearby Lower Tie Hack Trailhead is just 0.25 miles east of the campground.
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 is available in both the North and South French Creeks. The Snowy Range area also features over 100 lakes and various streams, offering diverse fishing opportunities.
Biking
The Snowy Range area, including French Creek Campground, offers designated mountain biking trails such as the French Creek Canyon Trail and nearby trailheads like Lake Owen and Tie Hack.
Wildlife viewing
The area is known for its wildlife, with reviewers noting the pleasant experience of listening to the nearby river and observing local fauna.
Winter Activities
The Snowy Range area supports winter activities such as snowshoeing and skiing.
Water Sports
No details on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are provided.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires only allowed in USFS-approved fire rings. Firewood must be local or collected deadwood.
  • Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsFree-range cattle may enter the campground due to open gates. Bears are present; food must be stored appropriately. Weather hazards include sudden storms and cold conditions.
Active alertsTrash service and water unavailable after mid-September.

Weather forecast

28
Β°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 31%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 16.6 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services include a hospital and police station in Saratoga, WY, approximately 15 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 1 - September 7
Trash and recyclingTrash service is not provided at the campground. Visitors must pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresFishing available in North and South French Creeks. Nearby lakes include Silver Lake and Mirror Lake.
Common complaintsReviews highlight lack of trash service, poorly maintained bathrooms, small and overgrown sites, and occasional cattle intrusion.
HostNo information provided on campground host.

Campground Map

2171 S. HWY 130, Saratoga, WY 82331
Driving directionsFrom Riverside, WY take Hwy 230 east 4 miles to County Road 660. Take County Road 660 approximately 14 miles to the Forest boundary and continue to campground on Forest Road 206 for approximately one mile.
The campground is accessed via Forest Road 206, which is described as rural and less frequented. Roads are unpaved but navigable, with possible seasonal closures after mid-September due to lack of water and trash services.
Nearby places
Saratoga, WY (approx. 15 miles)
Riverside, WY (approx. 4 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest locations for supplies include grocery stores, dining options, and gas stations in Saratoga, WY, about 15 miles away.

Camper Reviews

3.8
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
French Creek Campground (Wy) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed but lean positive, highlighting the serene atmosphere, privacy, and convenient location near hiking and fishing spots. However, there are some complaints about maintenance and the presence of free-range cattle.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its privacy ('well-situated to create more privacy'), scenic location ('set in the middle of an Aspen Grove'), and peaceful surroundings ('river was nice to sit and...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of maintenance ('pretty rough'), presence of free-range cattle ('had cows camping with us'), and small, overgrown campsites ('sites are very small and overgrown').
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend checking the weather and arriving early to avoid hazards. Some suggest opting for dispersed camping nearby if campground conditions aren’t satisfactory.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campground usage is light, with some reviewers noting a lack of crowds even during peak times like Memorial Day weekend. Seasonal issues include the unavailability of water and trash services after...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great spot, lightly used. 11 spots set in the middle of an Aspen Grove with French Creek running by on the outskirts.' – Jill 2. 'Good if you don't mind showering cattle that jail break...without...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are noted to be small and some are overgrown. Site 005 in Loop A was specifically reviewed as being poorly maintained.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible pit toilets and sites are available, but no specific user reviews address accessibility experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews mention pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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