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Medicine Bow-Routt/Bottle Creek
Overview
Nestled deep within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Bottle Creek Campground offers a quintessential high-altitude escape near Encampment, Wyoming. This destination is less of a commercial resort and more of a sanctuary for travelers who appreciate the raw beauty of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,800 feet, the air is crisp, the nights are cool, and the surrounding lodgepole pine forest provides a dense canopy for privacy and shade. It is a place where the sounds of the wind through the trees replace the noise of highway traffic.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is located off the scenic Battle Highway, a route known for its dramatic climbs and sweeping vistas of southern Wyoming. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged ridges, alpine meadows, and small creek beds that feed into the larger Encampment River system. Because of its remote setting, visitors often experience significant wildlife sightings, including elk, deer, and various mountain bird species. The park serves as a cool retreat during the peak of summer, offering a refreshing mountain climate compared to the lower valleys.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional National Forest site, Bottle Creek provides rustic amenities tailored for self-contained RVers. Visitors will find level parking spurs, sturdy picnic tables, and heavy-duty fire rings at each site. While there are no electric or water hookups, the campground does provide access to potable water via hand pumps and well-maintained vault toilets. The layout is best suited for smaller RVs and trailers, as the narrow forest roads and tight turns can be challenging for the largest motorhomes. It is a true dry-camping experience for those who come prepared.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for those staying at Bottle Creek. Hikers have easy access to the Battle Creek Trail and can connect to segments of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail for more strenuous adventures. Anglers can explore nearby mountain streams or drive a short distance to the Encampment River for blue-ribbon trout fishing. For a touch of local history, the Grand Encampment Museum in the nearby town offers a fascinating look at the region’s copper mining and timber heritage, featuring original historic structures.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an ideal match for adventurous boondockers and van-lifers who prefer serenity over modern conveniences. It is perfect for travelers who want to disconnect from digital life and immerse themselves in the Wyoming wilderness. Those with truck campers, small travel trailers, or off-road rigs will find the sites most accommodating. If you are a traveler who values dark night skies for stargazing and a quiet home base for exploring the backcountry, Bottle Creek provides the perfect rugged setting for your next journey.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lisa F
Really pretty Campground. Easy to get to. Not crowded this time of year.
Ciji Bauer
This is a BEAUTIFUL area❤️will be going again. Is there running water? Idk I brought my own. Do they only supply 1 ply TP? Yes but I brought my own nice TP. There’s and fire pit, picnic table, and a grill. We were right next to a bathroom. My hubby and I’s first time camping alone together and it was beautiful in this little spot. Amazing hike close by. Please leave no trace! Respect this area and all nature areas please and pack out what you pack in 💯 TIA
Jody LeSage
Myself and four friends camped here in August 2022. The vault toilets were open and stocked with single ply toilet paper. The potable water pump was functional, but you had to pump it pretty quickly and the water was a bit murky. Check the USDA website for water and toilet status before you visit. This location is designed for RVs, towable campers, pop-ups, and people sleeping in their cars. We did manage to fit four tents of varying sizes into our site along with two cars. However, the sites are a mix of rocks and loose dirt, which makes it very difficult to drive stakes into the ground. There is a cattle grid that you cross when entering this campground, but when we visited, there were cows on both sides of the barrier. There is likely a gap in the surrounding fence somewhere. As such, there were cow pies in some of the campsites. There are PTFE tables and benches at all campsites. These plastic fixtures are in good condition and will last for many years. There was plenty of tinder and dry wood in the vicinity to make a campfire in the provided metal ring. For convenience, you will likely want a sharp hatchet or a hand-powered saw. From the campground, we drove 10 minutes south in low-clearance cars, and hiked to Green Mountain Falls from the dirt road. It was a beautiful and relatively easy hike to a lovely destination for a picnic lunch.
Aric Bechtel
Solid little campground with pit toilet 10$ fee half with interagency pass...the memorial overlook behind site #2 has a view that cannot be matched..half hour to Saratoga...elevation is close to 9000'
Taylor Smith
Great little hideaway. If camping in the spring bring enough water for your whole trip. They test the well every year and do not attach the pump handle till the test comes back. They installed the pump handle this year on June 21st. We ended up having to go find water in encampment.