After a REALLY late start yesterday afternoon (2PM), we hit the road heading towards our initial destination of the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. Our home is in SW Nebraska, and the heat has been over 100 everyday for a month, so we decided it's time for the natural air conditioning of high altitude.
Though we've never camped in the Medicine Bow National Forest in eastern Wyoming, last night we changed that. Our route has us heading west out of Nebraska into Wyoming on I-80. After as bit of research, we decided that we would try and stay in a US Forest Service campground near the Interstate.
We pulled off the freeway and a short distance from the ramp was the campground entrance. We pulled in as the campground host was placing the "Full" sign in front of the fee tube. I stopped and verified that dispersed camping was allowed per the MVUM (motor vehicle use map) for a nearby road, and was told enthusiastically that "YES", there was great dispersed camping withing a mile of the nearest intersection.
Well, I wouldn't call it a great dispersed campsite, but it ain't bad, and as far as we're concerned, better than a space in the campground by a long shot and the price is $10 cheaper... free. This spot is a little too close to the freeway for our liking, but it's level, no traffic of any kind while we've been here, and the view isn't too bad either.
So how do you get here? Well on I-80 east or west bound, take exit 329 and follow the signs toward the USFS recreation area. Less than a mile from the exit ramp, you will see the entrance for the USFS recreation area and the Vedauwoo campground, but the road heading south directly across from the entrance station is your destination. There is a sign that states "No Parking Next 1/4 Mile". Just over the hill is a good wide spot suitable for most RVs. I don't suppose I'd like being here in a big 5er or anything pulling a toad as turnaround space is limited.
Here is our overnight campsite...
* This post was
edited 07/22/12 09:47am by Off Pavement *
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Brian & Margie www.rv-camping.org
'10 Sunseeker Class C - Gozer II
'13 Jeep JKU (Wrangler) - Billie
14 days stay max. It's a great overnight spot, but I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time. Too close to the freeway. True, adventurous souls would have no trouble in this area with larger rigs, but I like to err on the cautious side for folks that are not so inclined.
Your story illustrates two things I have found over and over again: A good campground hosts are a wealth of information and knows lots of stuff; and, dispersed camping *rocks*. Hope you try more of the Medicine Bow NF's campgrounds. There are some really "nice" ones.
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