Hidden Valley Picnic
The site opens May 22, 2026 for the season. Operates Memorial Day through September, weather dependent. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Gate code provided in confirmation email. High elevation site; contact Laramie Ranger District at +1 (307) 745-2300 for current fire or road closure information before arrival.
Freeze Warning issued May 21 at 1:58PM MDT until May 22 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees expected. * WHERE...Central Carbon County, Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains, North Snowy Range Foothills, Shirley Basin, Southwest Carbon County, Upper North Platte River Basin, Laramie Valley, and South Laramie Range. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM MDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
About
Hidden Valley Group Picnic Site offers a large open space surrounded by scenic lodgepole pine and aspen forests in the Pole Mountain Area of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The site accommodates groups of up to 300 people and 50 vehicles, making it well-suited for family reunions, weddings, youth group outings, and large outdoor sporting events like volleyball and kickball. The facility provides basic amenities including one vault toilet, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings (USFS-approved metal rings only). Hand pump water may be available from May through September depending on weather and maintenance conditions, but campers should be prepared to bring their own water. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. The site operates seasonally from Memorial Day through September, weather dependent. Check-in is after 2:00 p.m. and check-out is at 1:00 p.m. A gate code is provided in the reservation confirmation email and must be used for access. Maximum stay is 14 days. Due to the high elevation of 8,636 feet, visitors arriving from lower elevations should use caution and acclimate gradually.
Directions
From Laramie, Wyoming, take I-80 east to exit 323 at Happy Jack Road. Turn left onto Happy Jack Road and follow it past the Summit Visitor Center. Take Forest Road 705 for about one mile southeast to the picnic area.
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 745-2300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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