U.S. Forest Service · Medicine Bow National Forest · WY

Silver Lake Campground (WY)

ReservableOut of season, no booking; January 4 opens July 4.
Book on recreation.govWe make nothing when you book
Right now
Closed for the seasonOut of the season the agency publishes
A night
$20From, per site
Sites
17All of them booked ahead
Season
July 1 – September 30Open July 1 through September 30
10,480 ftElevation
715 ftWater · an unnamed lake
24 miSE of Saratoga, WY
0%Tree cover
Bortle 2Night sky · 96th darkest of 248 in WY
Open July 1 through September 30Today

The place

the agency’s own description · what’s there · 13 notices

In the agency’s own words

At just under 10,500 feet Silver Lake Campground is the highest elevation campground on the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District. It opens in late June or early July depending on snow depth. The campground is beside the Snowy Range Scenic Byway on Silver Lake. This facility provides easy access to exploring the trails, lakes, streams, and glacial landscapes of the area. Facilities include 17 campsites with 3 RV pull-throughs (trailers under 32'), picnic tables, toilets, water, fire grates, and trash receptacles with a 14 day stay limit. There are two trailheads at the campground. Popular attractions near this campground include Silver Lake, Lake Marie Falls, Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow Peak Trail, French Creek CanyonTrail and Miners Cabin Trail. Keep reading

Recreation

The Snowy Range offers endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Specifically, the Snowy Range contains a network of hiking trails suitable for day hiking and for extended, backcountry trips. Additionally, Streams and over 100 lakes in the area provide a variety of challenging recreational-fishing opportunities in the area. Popular attractions near this campground include Silver Lake, Lake Marie Falls, Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow Peak Trail, French Creek Canyon Trail and Miners Cabin Trail. Winter activities in the area include snowshoeing and skiing. Mountain Biking Areas for Mountain Biking at Snowy Range Area Bow River Campground Deep Creek Campground French Creek Campground French Creek Canyon Trail Keystone Cabins Lake Owen Trailhead Little Brooklyn Guard Station Little Laramie Trailhead North Fork Campground Pinkham Mountain Trailhead Rock Creek Trailhead Sheep Lake Trailhead Snow Survey Cabin Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tie Hack Lower Trailhead Tie Hack Upper Trailhead Tipple Trail Trailhead Mountain Climbing Areas for Mountain Climbing at Snowy Range Area Lewis Lake Picnic Site Libby Lake Picnic Site Day Hiking Areas for Day Hiking at Snowy Range Area Brooklyn Lake Campground Brush Creek Trails Chimney Park Trailhead Corner Mountain Trailhead Crater Lake Trailhead Deep Creek Campground Deep Lake Trail Dipper Lake Trail French Creek Campground French Creek Canyon Trail Green Rock Parking Lot Green Rock Picnic Site Keystone Cabins Lake Owen Trailhead Lakes Trailhead Lewis Lake Picnic Site Libby Lake Picnic Site Little Brooklyn Guard Station Little Laramie Trailhead Meadow Falls Trailhead Miner's Cabin Trailhead North Fork Campground Platte River Wilderness Quealy Lake Trailhead Rock Creek Trailhead Routt Access Trailhead Ryan Park Campground Savage Run Wilderness Sheep Lake Trailhead Silver Lake Campground Silver Lake Trailhead Six Mile Trailhead Snow Survey Cabin South Brush Creek Campground Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Sugarloaf Campground Tie Hack Lower Trailhead Tie Hack Upper Trailhead Tipple Trail Trailhead West Lake Marie Backpacking Areas for Backpacking at Snowy Range Area Crater Lake Trailhead Deep Lake Trail Dipper Lake Trail Lakes Trailhead Lewis Lake Picnic Site Libby Lake Picnic Site Platte River Wilderness Quealy Lake Trailhead Rock Creek Trailhead Savage Run Wilderness Sheep Lake Trailhead Six Mile Trailhead Viewing Wildlife Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Snowy Range Area Brooklyn Lake Campground Keystone Cabins Libby Flats Observation Site Little Brooklyn Guard Station Snow Survey Cabin Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tipple Trail Trailhead Facilities Silver Lake Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. The campground also offers vault toilets, trash receptacles, and potable water.

Natural Features

The Snowy Range rises from sagebrush and lodgepole pine forests in lower elevations to spruce-fir forests and alpine areas in the high country. The area offers views of rugged peaks over 12,000 feet, gorgeous snow-melt lakes and stunning displays of native wildflowers.

Nearby Attractions

Popular attractions near this campground include Silver Lake, Lake Marie Falls, Mirror Lake, Medicine Bow Peak Trail, French Creek Canyon Trail and Miners Cabin Trail. Silver Lake can be acessed using the Silver Lake Trail that surrounds the lake. The lake is 17 acres in size with a maximum water depth of 25 feet. Brook trout reside in the lake. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is a 29-mile stretch of paved road crosses through spectacular alpine habitats.

What the agency tells you

Rule

Check-in time is after 2:00 p.m. on the first day of the reservation.

Rule

Check-out time is 1:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation.

Rule

If the reservation holder doesn't show up on the first day of the reservation, the campsite is released at check-in time (2 pm) the next day.

Everything else this campground posts · 10
Rule

There are no hookup services.

Rule

Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Rule

Fires are only allowed in USFS approved metal fire rings.

Rule

Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.

Rule

Only 1 RV/trailer per RV campsite.

Rule

No RVs or camper trailers can park in parking spaces for walk-in tent campsites. These campsites and associated parking are for tent camping only.

Rule

Dogs must be on leash.

Rule

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Rule

You are responsible for reading the site descriptions and booking a site that will accommodate your equipment.

Rule

Check the elements -What is in the skies? Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear dry at all times. -Are there forest or grassland alerts? Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on Twitter. The latest fire information may be found on InciWeb. Survey your surroundings -Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and safely set up camp. -Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain. -Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble spots due to rain or snow. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem. -Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. A site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts. -Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of flame-retardant fabric, and keep it a safe distance away from campfires. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving. -Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Check to know whether there are fire restrictions in place before starting a campfire. You could be fined if you start a fire in a restricted area. Be fire safe -Keep fires small and bring firewood purchased in the local area. Firewood brought from another area could also bring invasive pests. -If you have to collect firewood at your campsite, collect dead and down wood only. -Check at the local ranger station for current fire restrictions, which can change on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. -Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter and any other burnable material within a 10-foot-diameter surrounding the ring. -Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring. Do not feed a large log into the fire ring. -Have a shovel, axe, and bucket of water available before lighting your campfire. -Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a few minutes or even if there are no flames present. Many wildfires start because of abandoned fires or because someone thought a fire was out. -Put out a campfire by slowly pouring water onto the fire and stirring with a shovel. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool to touch. -Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite. Be bear aware Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Many people never encounter a bear. But if you do, here's some simple advice: DO NOT RUN. *Remain calm. *Group together and pick up small children. *Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human. *If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises. *Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear. Food Storage Bears are always searching for food. Bears are curious, intelligent animals that have great memories. Their eyesight is similar to humans and their sense of smell is seven times more powerful than a blood hound’s, enabling them to smell food from miles away. Those are the very traits that can sometimes get them – and us – into trouble. Most bears are wary of humans and try to avoid them. However, bears can learn to associate people with food and be tenacious in their pursuit of something to eat. Even if humans are around. Everyone in bear country must do our part to store food and other attractants in bear-resistant containers at all times, and dispose of trash in bear-resistant dumpsters.

Read them on the agency’s own page →

Tents and rigs

Sites
17
Hookups
None
Accessible sites
1
Pets
Allowed
Campfires
Allowed, barring fire bans
Source: Recreation.gov campsite records · Aug 23, 2026

Facilities

Toilets
Vault Toilets
“…rings. The campground also offers vault toilets, trash receptacles, and potable water. Natural…”
Drinking water
Yes
“…vault toilets, trash receptacles, and potable water. Natural Features The Snowy Range rises from…”

Around the campground

On the water
Lake, River, Creek, Meadow
Fishing
Hiking
Wildlife viewing
Source: Recreation.gov activity records · Aug 23, 2026

Nothing on the booking system for the next 30 nightsread 15:27 UTC

Every site here is reservable, and the record lists none held back for anyone who drives up.

Every one of the next thirty nights is in recreation.gov’s record and not one site is being offered on any of them. That’s a campground closed or not yet released for booking, not a sold-out one.

Booking windowOut of seasonOut of season, no booking. On January 4, 2027 at 10 AM ET, availability opens through July 4, 2027.recreation.govAdd to calendar (.ics)
A night$20plus $8 to reserve, once per bookingthe agency’s rate schedule
A weekend$48DerivedFriday and Saturday, everything includedours, from the lines above
If plans change$10 to cancel$10 to change a reservationrecreation.gov’s schedule
Runs itU.S. Forest ServiceBooked through recreation.govthe agency’s record
Watch for a cancellation

Full? Watch it.

One email when a night opens, plus More Than Just Parks dispatches. Unsubscribe any time.

We read recreation.gov once an hour, at 40 minutes past, and write the first time a site in your window is free for the nights you asked for.

Scanners that check every few minutes exist, and most of them charge. This one is free, it reads the same calendar, and it won’t always be first.

Free forever, no booking kickbacks.
Tell me when the season opens

Watch for the season to open

One email when the season goes on sale, plus More Than Just Parks dispatches. Unsubscribe any time.

We check once an hour, at 40 minutes past, and write the first time the agency has that season on sale.

Scanners that check every few minutes exist, and most of them charge. This one is free, it reads the same calendar, and it won’t always be first.

We’ll write once, when the season that starts Sun, Jul 4 2027 is open for booking.

Free forever, no booking kickbacks.
Book on recreation.gov

We make nothing when you book. The link goes straight to the government.

Every line of the receipt · 15

What you actually pay

The sign priceU.S. Forest Service
A night$20
Standard Nonelectric$20
Rates for the season the campground is in now, Sep 10, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026.
Night per site .$20
Self Services Fee area.
Cash & Checks only Please make Checks out To: (USDA Forest Service)
The booking feerecreation.gov
Reservation fee, booked online$8
One fee per reservation, however many nights you book, and it’s non-refundable. $9 if you book by phone, $3 in person.
Pass discounts only apply to the recreation (or use) fee for the facility. Other charges such as electricity or water hookups, reservation or other fees are not eligible for a discount.
What a stay costs
One nightDerived$28
A weekend, Friday and SaturdayDerived$48

Derived by CAMPANAC: the agency’s published rate for this season, $20 a night, plus one $8 recreation.gov reservation fee for the booking. A weekend here means Friday and Saturday night, booked once. Optional charges (an extra vehicle, a second tent, a dump-station fee) are listed separately and aren’t in this total.

If your plans changerecreation.gov
Change fee, moving to dates outside your booking$10
Cancellation fee$10
Cancelling the day before, or the day of$10 + your first night
No-show$20 + your first night

Who keeps the booking fee

The agency’s own policy text says the reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee are “retained by the reservation service contractor”, and that a campground concessionaire will decline to refund them because “they did not receive these fees”. Recreation.gov is run under contract by Booz Allen Hamilton. What share of your booking fee the contractor keeps isn’t published in any federal dataset we can read, so we print no number for it. Our reporting on the contract →

How we know this receipt · 5

recreation.gov availability, read 15:27 UTC · rules read Sep 9, 2026 · rates Sep 10, 2026 · How we know all this

Seen something wrong here? Tell us.

The sites

17 sites

All 17 sites

SleepsTakes aUp to

The price is derived by CAMPANAC, not published per site: the per-night rate this campground publishes for each site’s own site type. 17 of the 17 sites listed carry one, and a site whose type has no published rate sits out of the price rather than being called free.

Silver Lake001standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake002standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake003standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake004standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake005standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake006standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake007standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake008standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake009standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake010standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake011standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake012standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake013standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake014standard nonelectricyes$20
Silver Lake015standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake016standard nonelectric$20
Silver Lake017standard nonelectric$20

Getting there

the map and the coordinate · the agency’s directions · the phone number
Coordinate41.31127, -106.36011
The agency’s pageOfficial page ↗

Where it is

Getting there

From Saratoga travel south on Highway 130 for 8 miles to the 130/230 intersection. Turn left and travel 24 miles up Highway 130 to Silver Lake Campground. From Centennial stay on Highway130 for 18 miles to reach Silver Lake Campground.

The weather

the next four days

Next four days, and the thirty-year normal

Forecast

Overnight31°Clear
Saturday51°Sunny
Saturday Night32°Mostly Clear
Sunday50°Sunny

NWS forecast for Ryan Park, WY

The land, and who answers for it

what threatens it · who answers for it

Roadless country, and what’s coming for it

Roadless
French Creek5,928 acres · 2 mi · inventoried roadless area
Roadless
Snowy Range29,660 acres · 5 mi · inventoried roadless area
Roadless
Libby Flats11,107 acres · 6 mi · inventoried roadless area

You’re camping on ground somebody wants. We track the threats and the comment deadlines.

Who answers for this land

Harriet Hageman, official portrait

Silver Lake Campground (WY) is in Wyoming’s at-large congressional district. Its representative, Harriet Hageman (R), votes on the laws that decide what happens to this land. Public-lands grade so far: F. See every public-lands vote →

Seen something wrong here? Tell us.

How we know

every fact on this page, and where it came from
Right now: The agency lists it out of season. The season it publishes is the bar below.
Cell signal: the Forest Service’s own campground description, read as text by CAMPANAC. None of this is a measurement. It’s what the land manager published about the place, and phones, carriers and weather all disagree with each other; treat it as a warning, not a promise.
Nearest place of any size: Ryan Park, WY, 6 mi E (a census designated place). Straight line.