Friend Park Campground
4.598 reviewsFriend Park Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Wyoming
Friend Park Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$10/vehicle day-use fee for picnicking; $20/night for camping.
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About this campground
Nestled at the foot of majestic Laramie Peak, Friend Park Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. This charming rustic retreat features 11 thoughtfully placed campsites, including 3 secluded walk-in tent sites perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. Whether you're casting a line in the pristine waters, exploring winding hiking trails, or quietly observing the abundant wildlife that calls this forest home, Friend Park provides an authentic mountain camping experience away from the crowds.
Friend Park Campground offers primitive and tent camping. RV camping is limited due to a lack of amenities such as electricity, water, and sewer hookups. Three combined sites are walk-in access/tent-use only.
Historical SignificanceStand where history was made at the base of Laramie Peak, once a beacon of hope for weary Oregon Trail pioneers navigating the vast American frontier. This towering landmark guided countless immigrant families westward toward their dreams, serving as both a navigational waypoint and a symbol of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in the untamed West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high country at Friend Park. Summer brings gloriously mild days under crystal-clear Wyoming skies, with refreshing mountain breezes and the occasional afternoon shower to cool the landscape. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in golden hues before winter's heavy snows blanket the area, closing access roads from November through mid-May and transforming the campground into a pristine winter wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
ElevationPerched at 7,400 feet above sea level, Friend Park Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clean, though noticeably thinner. This elevation provides a natural respite from summer heat, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below, creating perfect conditions for comfortable camping and outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryA canopy of towering fir and pine trees creates a natural cathedral above Friend Park, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. The melodic sounds of Friend Creek provide a constant soundtrack as it tumbles past the campground, while dramatic views of Laramie Peak dominate the skyline. Adventure seekers will discover challenging rock climbing formations nearby, their ancient faces telling geological stories millions of years in the making.
Geological RegionFriend Park Campground rests in the shadow of Laramie Peak, the crown jewel of the North Laramie Range and the highest point for miles around. This spectacular forested ecosystem, dominated by fragrant fir and pine, harbors hidden treasures including serene beaver ponds that reflect the surrounding peaks like mirrors. Friend Creek carves its way through the landscape, creating a riparian corridor that supports diverse wildlife and adds the soothing sound of flowing water to your camping experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly; other accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for tents and small RVs, such as pop-up and slide-in styles.
Sites PrivacySites are fairly close together and shaded by firs and pines, offering moderate privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 11 sites, including 3 walk-in tent sites. Sites are relatively close together.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is June through October, with full access between June 1 and Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Friend Park Campground provides various recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and viewing scenery. The adjacent Friend Creek and nearby beaver ponds offer fishing for brook trout.
Hiking
Trail access to Laramie Peak Trail #602 (5 miles) and Friend Peak Trail (4 miles) is available directly from the campground. A spur trail (#602A) connects to the main trails. These trails are multi-use but restricted to non-motorized users.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
Brook trout fishing is available in Friend Creek and surrounding beaver ponds.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on multi-use trails accessible from the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as wild turkey and bighorn sheep can be viewed in the area.Winter Activities
Rock climbing is available; winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits/grills at campsites.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as wild turkeys and bighorn sheep may be encountered. Roads leading to the campground can be steep, narrow, and difficult to navigate.
Active alertsRoad construction on Bear Creek Road is scheduled from July 17, 2024, for at least 30 days, with heavy truck traffic expected.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Douglas, Wyoming, approximately 1.5 hours away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresFriend Creek and adjacent beaver ponds are nearby, offering fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints focus on the challenging road access and lack of amenities such as electricity and showers.
Campground Map
Friend Park Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Wyoming
Driving directionsFrom Douglas, take WY 94 17 miles south continuing onto Esterbrook Road (County Road 5) 11 miles south to Esterbrook. Turn right on Esterbrook Road (County Road 5) southwest for another 15 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 671 for 2 miles, then left onto Forest Road 661 for 1 mile to the campground. Transit time approximately 1.5 hours. From Rock River, take US 30/US 287 north 3 miles, turn right on Fetterman Road (County Road 61) for 33.6 miles. Turn right on Garrett Road (County Road 713) for 6.7 miles, then left on Bear Creek Road (County Road 77) for 7.8 miles. Continue on Forest Road 671 for 6 miles and turn right on Friend Park Road for 1 mile to the campground. Transit time approximately 2 hours.
County Road 5 becomes rough and rocky in some sections. Bear Creek Road is single lane and steep in areas. Roads are not maintained from November 1 through May 1, making the site inaccessible by vehicle during this period.Nearby places
Douglas: 47 miles (approximately 1.5 hours), Rock River: approximately 2 hours.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Douglas or Esterbrook, Wyoming, with Douglas being the larger supply center approximately 47 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
8 reviews
Friend Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground's isolation, natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking trails. Some emphasize the rugged drive and lack of amenities as part of its charm.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews consistently mention the campground's quiet and secluded location, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking trails like Laramie Peak Trail. The maintenance by forest service staff is also...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users point out the rough dirt roads leading to the campground and the lack of electricity or Wi-Fi as potential downsides for campers seeking more convenience.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Use AWD vehicles for the rugged dirt roads leading to the campground. Visitors are encouraged to respect the forest service staff's maintenance work.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are favored for camping due to more accessible roads and favorable weather. Winter or rainy seasons make the campground difficult to access due to unmaintained roads.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
Quotes from user reviews include: 'Nice quiet little campground nestled at the foot of Laramie peak' - Kenn Rohlff. 'The drive in was what made it the best. 2 hrs on a gravel road with beautiful...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not reviewed; however, tent sites are noted for being nice and clean.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available; other accessibility features are not mentioned.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed, as specified in the rules. Users have not commented extensively on pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025