Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Show on map {}r2_mbr_vis@fs.fed.us

Welcome to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland! Visitor opportunities abound on almost 2.9 million acres of National Forest System lands.

The Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests provide year-round recreation opportunities for you. These activities include hiking, biking, camping, horseriding, OHV riding, fishing and hunting, just to name a few. Beautiful vistas await sightseers and photographers.

The topography varies greatly within the national forests. Elevation ranges from 5,500 to 12,940 feet. The climate ranges from semi-arid at low elevations to colder and less arid in the high country. Frost may occur at any time, and visitors to the higher elevations should be prepared for harsh weather, including snow and high winds, even during the summer months.

The Thunder Basin National Grassland provides unique opportunities for recreation, including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, and fishing. There are no developed campgrounds; however, dispersed camping is allowed. Elevation on the national grassland ranges from 3,600 to 5,200 feet, and the climate is semi-arid.

The following recreation conditions report includes a sampling of our recreation sites. For information on specific sites or areas, use the link to the right or search by activity in the lefthand search bar.

Reviews

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland campgrounds are praised for their beautiful, peaceful natural settings with abundant wildlife and excellent hiking, fishing, and outdoor opportunities. Facilities are generally clean with well-maintained restrooms and helpful camp hosts. However, visitors frequently encounter challenges such as limited or no potable water availability, inconsistent campground maintenance, operational issues with reservations and enforcement, rough access roads, and occasional disturbances from insects, wildlife, or noisy neighbors. Many sites suit tent camping better than large RVs, and cell service is often limited, enhancing the rustic experience but requiring preparation.

Beautiful natural scenery and abundant wildlife

Quiet and peaceful atmosphere

Helpful and friendly camp hosts

Clean and well-maintained restrooms and campsites

Access to hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities

Limited or no potable water availability at many sites

Inconsistent maintenance and cleanliness

Reservation system and enforcement issues

Rough or dusty access roads, some requiring 4WD

Presence of insects, wildlife, and noise disturbances

1,027 reviews

5 stars

561

4 stars

251

3 stars

105

2 stars

1 stars

Joan L

Campground:Friend Park Campground

Loop:Main

Site:

Reviewed 11 days ago

Beautiful. Rugged climb

stephen w

Campground:Curtis Gulch Campground

Loop:Main

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

Great time!

stephen w

Campground:Curtis Gulch Campground

Loop:Main

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

Great time!

Deneen P

Campground:Campbell Creek Campground

Loop:Main

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

This was a beautiful spot! It's isolated and the long, gravel road up there wasn't as bad as others made it. We were in a 24ft class c and had no difficulty backing into site 6. We will definitely be back.

Allison D

Campground:Dumont Campground

Loop:Dumont

Site:

Reviewed 17 days ago

Beautiful fall foliage views. Nice level site with plenty of room to spread out. Enjoyed the sound of the Delores River behind my site. Some might find it too loud.

Keith I

Campground:Hahns Peak Lake Campground - Medicine-Bow Routt NF (CO)

Loop:Lake

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

Outstanding visit. Clean campsite and restrooms. Beautiful location. Met interesting people.

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 19% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 5 years of reservations.