Hog Park Campground
4.1140 reviewsP.O. BOX 249, SOUTH HWY 130, SARATOGA, WY 82331, USA
Hog 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
The campground charges $20 per night per site during its peak season, with $5 per additional vehicle per day. Non-reservable sites operate on a self-service basis. Payments can be made via cash or checks, made out to USDA Forest Service.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Hog Park Reservoir, this mountain sanctuary beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters and tranquil forest setting. Here, 50 thoughtfully arranged campsites across three distinct loops create intimate neighborhoods beneath towering pines, where families gather around crackling fire grates and anglers share tales of the day's catch. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, clean drinking water, and essential amenities including vault toilets and regular trash service, ensuring your wilderness escape remains comfortable and carefree.
Hog Park Campground offers a range of camping experiences. There are reservable sites, non-reservable sites, and specific areas for tent and small camper setups.
Historical SignificanceThis corner of the Sierra Madre Range whispers stories of the Old West, where the historic Battle Pass Scenic Byway winds through landscapes that witnessed the dramatic 1841 battle that gave it its name. Ancient trails once traced by Native American peoples and rugged fur trappers still crisscross these mountains, inviting modern explorers to walk in the footsteps of history. Every vista and valley holds echoes of the past, from indigenous hunting grounds to the routes of mountain men who first mapped these wild territories.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at a breathtaking 8,400 feet, Hog Park transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Summer unveils the campground's full glory from June through September, when crisp mountain air and sun-dappled days create perfect conditions for adventure. As autumn approaches, cool evenings invite cozy campfires, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, turning the forest into a wonderland. The high elevation ensures refreshingly cool temperatures even during peak summer, offering sweet relief from the heat of the valleys below.
ElevationAt 8,400 feet above sea level, Hog Park Campground offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and summer temperatures rarely climb above comfortable. This lofty perch provides natural air conditioning and stunning panoramic views, though visitors ascending from sea level should plan a gradual approach, allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinner air. The reward for this gentle climb is a camping experience that literally takes your breath away—in the best possible way.
Natural Features and SceneryDramatically positioned within the Sierra Madre Range of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the campground frames postcard-perfect views of Hog Park Reservoir's shimmering waters against rugged peaks. Recent forest management has transformed potential tragedy into opportunity—where pine beetles once threatened, selective logging has opened spectacular vistas previously hidden by dense forest. Now, young trees stretch skyward between mature giants, creating a dynamic landscape where mountain meadows meet forest edges and wildlife thrives in the diverse habitat.
Geological RegionDeep in the heart of Medicine Bow National Forest, Hog Park Campground serves as your gateway to the untamed Sierra Madre Range, where the Rocky Mountains reveal their wild soul. Surrounded by the pristine Huston Park and Encampment River Wilderness areas, this geological wonderland showcases ancient rock formations, alpine meadows, and the dramatic landscapes carved by millennia of wind, water, and ice. The historic Battle Pass Scenic Byway threads through this magnificent terrain, connecting modern adventurers with both natural wonders and the storied past of the American frontier.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in either official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground features 50 campsites spread over three loops, with 27 reservable sites and 22 smaller non-reservable sites. The back loop has a tight turning radius, suitable for tents and small campers.
Sites PrivacySome user reviews highlight the proximity of campsites to one another, creating less privacy in certain areas of the campground.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites on the back loop are recommended for tents and small campers due to tight turning radii. Larger vehicles should avoid these sites.
Best CampsitesSites near the reservoir are highly praised for their views and access. "Beautiful location with spacious sites" (user review by Cory B).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Limit 1 tent per site
- further restrictions may apply.
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops: two with reservable sites (1-16, 18-19, 31-32, 44-50) and one non-reservable loop recommended for smaller setups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from June 19 to September 7, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling the National Recreation Service at 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reserved sites are available on a walk-in basis. In total, 22 first-come, first-served sites are located on the back loop, recommended for tents and small campers.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight, 1 day before check-in) incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's fee. Modifications and refunds are detailed on Recreation.gov.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campground visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating. These activities are supported by the scenic location near Hog Park Reservoir and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Visitors commented on the beautiful surroundings, although trail details such as difficulty and length are not specified.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant at Hog Park Reservoir, which is described in user reviews as excellent for shore fishing and boating. Types of fish available were not detailed.Swimming
Swimming is possible in Hog Park Reservoir, as mentioned in user reviews. The reservoir is noted as fun and safe for families to enjoy.Boating
Boating is supported by the campground’s boat ramp. User reviews highlight water sports and boating as key attractions.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with user reviews mentioning deer and other animals frequently seen.Winter Activities
The area supports winter activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, as mentioned in authoritative sources.Water Sports
User reviews and authoritative sources describe opportunities for water sports such as boating and swimming, supported by the reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Strict fire safety rules. Fires must be within designated fire rings, and only dead and down wood may be collected. "Check at the local ranger station for current fire restrictions" (official source).
- Quiet hours enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough access roads, wildlife encounters (especially bears), and remote location lacking cell service. "The road is long and very dusty but easily navigable" (user review by Diane B).
Active alertsSome users reported issues such as no water service, locked trash receptacles, and absent campground hosts during certain visits.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District Office for ranger assistance. For medical emergencies, nearest hospital is in Saratoga, approximately 35 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 19, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available, but some user reviews noted that trash receptacles were locked during their stay, requiring a 'pack in, pack out' approach.
Proximity to water featuresLocated by Hog Park Reservoir, with a nearby boat ramp providing easy access for water activities. "Loads of beach areas for shore fishing" (user review by Daniel B).
Common complaintsKey complaints include rough roads leading to the campground, absence of water and trash services during certain periods, and issues with site reservations ("Someone took our reserved campsite and refused to leave", user review by Jess Barone).
HostCampground host availability varies, with reports of absence during busy weekends leading to unresolved issues with reservations and facilities.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 249, SOUTH HWY 130, SARATOGA, WY 82331, USA
Driving directionsFrom Encampment, Wyoming, travel west on Highway 70 approximately 6 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 550 and travel south about 16 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 550 and 496. Stay left and travel 3 miles. The campground is south of the dam.
While the initial part of the route from Highway 70 onto Forest Road 550 is manageable and marked as gravel, the user reviews highlight challenges such as washboard roads and rough terrain, particularly for non-4WD vehicles. Some travelers reported damage to their vehicles and advised exercising caution.Nearby places
Encampment (approximately 25 miles, around a 1-hour drive)
Saratoga (approximately 35 miles, around 1.5-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Saratoga (about 35 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials. No supplies are available directly at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.1
40 reviews
Hog Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews demonstrate mixed experiences, with frequent praise for the scenic beauty and outdoor activities, but common complaints about maintenance, cell service, and site arrangements.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the reservoir for fishing, boating, and swimming. The scenic views and clean vault toilets also received positive remarks, along with the campground's spacious setup and...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback focuses on poor road conditions leading into the campground, lack of water and trash services during certain visits, and issues with campsite reservations not being enforced by...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing drinking water due to unreliable water services and being prepared for rough roads. Many suggest avoiding GPS navigation to the site and using the marked road instead....
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews during summer months highlight the beauty of the reservoir, clear skies, and opportunities for fishing and boating. Winter activities are mentioned in authoritative sources but not detailed...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Definitely don’t follow the GPS unless you have 4WD/off-road vehicle...keep driving on the gravel road about 40 mins to the campground." - Jess Barone
"The reservoir is fun to swim/boat in...Beware,...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Review by RACHEL A: The site had no picnic table but all others did. Campers occupied reserved spots with no host present to enforce the rules.
Review by RICHARD A: Spectacular lake and marvelous...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not detailed in user feedback, and specific features for those with disabilities are not mentioned.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
"Great place to take the dogs as they are allowed on leash." - River Driver
Based on 40 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025