Tie City Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from May through October, weather permitting. Handpump water usually available July through September when open.

Notify on Availability Reserve

High Wind Warning issued December 30 at 12:48AM MST until December 30 at 1:00PM MST by NWS Cheyenne WY

12:48 AM — 1:00 PM

* WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...South Laramie Range including the Interstate 80 Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie, and North Snowy Range Foothills including Arlington and Elk Mountain along Interstate 80. * WHEN...Until 1 PM MST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition, patchy blowing and drifting snow could lead to reduced visibility and slick roads.

About

Tie City Campground sits at 8,600 feet elevation on Pole Mountain in the Medicine Bow National Forest, comprised of 17 campsites arranged in a single tear-drop loop. Sites are divided between those nestled in dense groves of aspen, fir, and spruce trees, and others situated in grassy meadows. The interior road is narrow and rough in places, requiring careful navigation. The campground serves as a gateway to the Tie City and Happy Jack trail system, featuring a network of challenging mountain bike trails that are also used for cross-country skiing in winter. The South Fork of Lodgepole Creek runs near the campground, offering good brook trout fishing. Tie City was named for the railroad men who cut ties for the Union Pacific Railroad from this forest in the late 1800s. The campground offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided, and a hand pump may provide water from July to September, though availability varies due to weather and maintenance. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with some walk-to tent sites available. The nearby Vedauwoo Recreation Area features spectacular granite rock formations popular with rock climbers and hikers.

Directions

From Laramie, take Interstate 80 east 9.5 miles to WY 210 (Exit 323). Turn left at the stop sign onto WY 210/Happy Jack Road, then 0.1 miles to Happy Jack Recreation Area sign. Turn left at sign (staying on WY 210) and go 1 mile to campground sign, then turn right.