Spruce Mtn Fire Lookout Tower
4.509 reviews2468 JACKSON STREET, LARAMIE, WY 82070, USA
Spruce Mtn Fire Lookout Tower
$80.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 nightly rate for this facility is $80 during peak season from June 13 to September 27, 2025. Reservation fees vary between $3 and $9 depending on booking method. Additional fees apply for late cancellations or modifications.
About this campground
Perched atop a 55-foot historic fire tower, Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower transforms camping into an extraordinary sky-high adventure. From this eagle's nest perspective, watch the sun paint Medicine Bow Peak in alpenglow while Rob Roy Reservoir sparkles like a sapphire below. By day, scan the horizon for wildlife through the tower's windows; by night, count shooting stars from your private observatory as the Milky Way unfolds in the pristine mountain darkness.
Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers a mix of accommodation styles including cabin lodging and additional rocky camping. The site is reservable only.
Historical SignificanceThis sentinel of the forest tells a story spanning generations. Born in 1938 from the sweat and determination of Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the New Deal era, the tower stood watch over these peaks for decades. In 1997, careful restoration breathed new life into this historic structure, transforming it from a forgotten relic into an unforgettable overnight destination where guests become temporary forest guardians.
Weather and SeasonsAt 10,003 feet, this mountain sanctuary lives by its own weather rules. Summer days bask in crisp 70°F sunshine perfect for hiking, while nights plunge to a brisk 30°F—ideal for snuggling into sleeping bags with hot cocoa. Early season adventurers should note that June's lingering snow drifts can guard the access road like sleeping giants, adding an element of timing to your tower quest.
ElevationTwo miles above sea level at 10,003 feet, this lofty perch delivers the refreshing embrace of true mountain air. Here, summer feels like spring, with sun-warmed days perfect for exploration giving way to evenings that demand wool sweaters and remind you why mountain folk treasure their fireplaces.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's amphitheater surrounds you with a 360-degree spectacle of rocky timbered hillsides and emerald forest canopy. Medicine Bow Peak commands the western horizon while Jelm Mountain rises to the east, and Rob Roy Reservoir mirrors the sky below. This wild stage hosts daily performances by its resident cast: majestic elk browsing meadows at dawn, deer picking their way through timber, black bears foraging in distant clearings, elusive cougars padding through shadows, foxes hunting at twilight, and bats swooping through the darkness in their nightly aerial ballet.
Geological RegionRising from the heart of Medicine Bow National Forest, Spruce Mountain stands as a testament to ancient geological forces that sculpted this landscape. The rocky timbered hillsides tell stories written in stone, while dense forests blanket the slopes in a living tapestry. From this vantage point, the dramatic profiles of Medicine Bow Peak and the snow-capped Snowy Range create a panoramic masterpiece that changes with every shift of light and season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGuests must climb steep stairs to access the tower. The site may require walking in early June due to snowdrifts blocking direct vehicle access. A hoist system assists in transporting gear to the cabin.
Sites SizeThe lookout cabin accommodates two guests; additional camping on-site allows for up to 10 occupants.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight privacy concerns due to visitors encroaching onto reserved areas and trying to access the tower.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should be mindful of potential visitor encroachment, bring water for drinking and cleaning, and prepare for mosquitoes during summer.
Best CampsitesOnly one site available—Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is after 2:00 p.m.
Check-out
Check-out time is 1:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 3 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 2 guests allowed in tower cabin, with up to 10 total occupants for site including extra camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle historic fire lookout tower available for occupancy, with rocky terrain for additional camping on-site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June through September. Snow drifts in June may affect accessibility.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, available online or via the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFacility is available by reservation only; no first-come, first-served stays allowed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees include a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled less than 14 days prior to the arrival date for cabins/lookouts. Late cancellations incur additional penalties.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The area offers a mix of recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing at nearby Rob Roy Reservoir, boating, and stargazing. Picnics and campfires are complemented by panoramic views of Medicine Bow Peak and the Snowy Range.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound with trails nearby. Guests have praised the area for hikes such as Medicine Bow Peak.Fishing
Rob Roy Reservoir, located six miles away, offers fishing opportunities alongside boating and water skiing.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available around the lookout area.Boating
Boating and water skiing are possible at Rob Roy Reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes elk, deer, black bears, cougars, squirrels, and foxes. "Great 360-degree views" add to the enjoyment of spotting wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter snow conditions can block direct access, requiring guests to walk a distance to reach the lookout.Water Sports
Water skiing and boating are available at Rob Roy Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed at the base of the tower in the designated ring. Firewood is provided.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high-altitude sickness, wildlife such as black bears and cougars, and rocky terrain.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest emergency services are available in Laramie, WY, approximately 38 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13 - September 27, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all trash and food waste. Garbage bags are essential for cleanup.
Proximity to water featuresRob Roy Reservoir is 6 miles away, offering fishing, boating, and water skiing.
Common complaintsIssues with visitors encroaching on the reserved site due to lack of signage, mosquitoes during certain seasons, and the refrigerator not functioning.
Campground Map
2468 JACKSON STREET, LARAMIE, WY 82070, USA
Driving directionsFrom Laramie, Wyoming, take Highway 130 west toward Centennial, Wyoming. Turn south on Highway 11 through Albany, Wyoming. Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is located 7 miles west of Albany on Forest Service Road 500, High clearance vehicles are advised for accessing the Tower. The road (Forest Service Road 500) to this lookout may have logging operations during daylight hours during your stay. Please read and respect the signs posted at the entrance road for further instructions upon entering this site.
High clearance vehicles are advised for accessing the Tower due to rocky and uneven roads. Logging operations may occur during daylight hours, requiring visitors to follow posted signs.Nearby places
Albany, WY: approximately 7 miles and Laramie, WY: approximately 38 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as water, food, and camping gear must be brought in by guests. The nearest town with potential services is Albany, WY, located 7 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
Spruce Mtn Fire Lookout Tower is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user sentiment is positive with an average rating of 4.45. Guests praise the views, hiking opportunities, and uniqueness of the site, though several complaints about encroachment and signage were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great views," "Always the highlight of our camping season," and "Impossible to book but worth it" are recurring praises emphasizing the site's panoramic scenery and memorable camping experiences.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include encroachment from visitors due to lack of signage, issues with the refrigerator not working, and having to deal with mosquitos during specific seasons.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend hiking Medicine Bow Peak, bringing protective gear against mosquitos, and ensuring adequate signage to prevent encroachment.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate snowdrifts in early June may block vehicle access, requiring additional walking effort. Guests during summer praised the pleasant views and stargazing opportunities. Mosquito...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The tower itself is wonderful. Great 360-degree views and perfect for watching the sunset." "Of the lookout towers that we've visited, this one exceeded expectations." "Take time to explore WY 130...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 001, Loop SPRUCE received consistent praise in reviews for its views, cleanliness, and facilities.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is challenging due to steep stairs and seasonal snowdrifts blocking vehicular access.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025