Can You Camp Anywhere in Medicine Bow National Forest?

Medicine Bow National Forest is a protected area of over 1.8 million acres across southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado. It is the second largest national forest in the Rocky Mountain region, and it provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors.

One popular activity is camping, and Medicine Bow National Forest offers both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas that are free to use.

Developed campgrounds provide amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, and sometimes running water. There are over 100 developed campgrounds in Medicine Bow National Forest alone, so there are plenty of options to choose from. The fees for these campgrounds range from $5 – $20 per night depending on the type of campsite and your length of stay.

If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, dispersed camping may be the right option for you. This type of camping involves setting up camp in undeveloped areas outside of established campgrounds—often away from other people. Dispersed camping is allowed on most public lands in the United States, including Medicine Bow National Forest.

In order to disperse camp legally in Medicine Bow National Forest, you must follow certain regulations set by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). These include not staying longer than 14 days at any one location; not leaving any trace or damage behind; not having any open fires (unless permitted); and properly disposing of human waste.

Can You Camp Anywhere in Medicine Bow National Forest?

Yes, you can camp anywhere in Medicine Bow National Forest as long as you follow the USFS regulations mentioned above. While developed campgrounds offer amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, dispersed camping offers a more secluded experience away from other people and requires less planning ahead of time. No matter what type of camping experience you’re looking for, Medicine Bow National Forest has something to offer everyone!

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Jennifer Watson