Wyoming / Albany County / Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Friend Park Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground is typically inaccessible by vehicle mid-October through mid-May due to snow. County roads are not maintained November 1 through May 1. The campground typically reopens in late May or early June when roads are passable.

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Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 3:50PM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY

3:50 PM — 5:00 PM

At 348 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking showers, and brief isolated thunder, along a line extending from near Campbell Creek Campground to Table Mountain Ranches. Movement was northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail. Brief gusts around 60 mph possible. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Brief strong gusty winds may result in travel difficulties. Locations impacted include... Cheyenne, Laramie, Douglas, Wheatland, Guernsey, West Laramie, Happy Valley, Chugwater, Glendo, Federal, Table Mountain Ranches, Antelope Buttes, Rocking Star Ranch, Willadsen Estates, Hartville, Orin, Silver Sage Estates, Rogers Canyon, Granite Canon, and Chugcreek. This includes the following highways... Interstate 25 in Wyoming between mile markers 13 and 159. Interstate 80 in Wyoming between mile markers 309 and 311, and between mile markers 313 and 346.

Red Flag Warning issued April 11 at 11:01AM MDT until April 13 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY

11:01 AM — April 12th, 6:15 AM

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon Sunday to 8 PM MDT Monday. The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded. * WIND...West to southwest 15 to 20 mph. Gusts 25 to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...8 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor humidity recoveries are expected Sunday night.

About

Friend Park Campground is situated at the base of Laramie Peak, the highest peak in the Laramie Range at 10,200 feet and a historic waypoint for Oregon Trail pioneers. The campground sits at 7,572 feet elevation within a mature stand of ponderosa pine, aspen, and firs, with several walk-in sites offering views of Laramie Peak. The area is characterized by mixed timber, meadows, and large rock formations. With 11 campsites, including 3 walk-in tent sites, the campground accommodates both tent and trailer campers. The Laramie Peak Connector Trail departs directly from the campground, providing access to the Friend Park Trail (non-motorized) and the Laramie Peak Trail. Motorized users will find the Laramie Peak Trail trailhead just a quarter-mile from the campground. Fishing opportunities abound in Friend Creek below the campground and in beaver ponds along the Connector Trail, as well as in Upper Horseshoe Creek on nearby National Forest and state lands. The Laramie Peak area offers extensive recreation including OHV riding on designated trails like Arapaho Trail and Sunset Ridge Trail, mountain biking, backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, and rock climbing. The campground's remote location provides a peaceful escape while offering abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Medicine Bow National Forest.

Directions

From Douglas (47 miles): Take Highway 94 south 17 miles. Continue south on County Road 5 for 11 miles, then southwest 15 miles on CR5. Turn left on Forest Road 671 for 2 miles, then left on Forest Road 661 for 1 mile to the campground. From Rock River (59 miles): Take Highway 287 north, turn right on Fetterman Road (CR 61) for 33.6 miles (becomes gravel after 10.5 miles). Turn right on Garrett Road (CR 74) for 6.7 miles, which becomes Bear Creek Road (CR 77), then Forest Road 671. After 14 miles on FR 671, turn right on FR 661 for 1 mile to the campground.