Pelton Creek

Overview The campground is at the eastern edge of the Platte River Wilderness, and has 14 sites. It is a single loop with one side running parallel to Pelton Creek among Lodgepole pines. Some sites overlook the creek and a meadow. The understory is grass and the sites are fairly close together providing minimal privacy. 

A trailhead provides wilderness access via the Douglas Creek Trail or the Platte Ridge Trail. 14 day stay limit. Stock unloading facility near campground, however no stock are allowed in the campground. Picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, and campfire rings. Fishing is available in Douglas Creek. 

This campground will be first-come, first-served for the 2026 season.

Recreation In addition to the camping and fishing provided by this campground, the Platte Ridge and Douglas Creek Trails take off from the north end of the campground and go deep into the heart of the Platte River Wilderness

Facilities Pelton Creek Campground has 14 campsites, 4 of which can accomadate longer or trailered setups in a pull-through site. Sites are equiped with campfire rings and picnic tables. 

All sites have access to a water handpump near site 1, two vault toilets, and trash collection. No electrical hook-ups, water hook-ups, or black water hook-ups are available.

Handpump water is typically available in this campground from July to September. These dates may vary due to weather, well and/or pump maintenance, and water testing requirements. As such, we encourage you to bring your own water or call ahead.

Natural Features Pelton Creek Campground lies at the convergence of Douglas Creek and Pelton Creek, just outside of the Platte River Wilderness. Although the Mullen Fire went through this area in 2020, the campground was spared and it remains as a remote oasis for developed recreation.

The campground itself still retains tall pine trees that provide excellent shade and ambiance for a summer camping destination. The meandering creeks and tall brush can attract moose so be sure to know what's around you if you venture down to the water's edge.

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (307) 745-2300. Nearby Attractions Platte River Wilderness mainly lies within the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming, but also includes a small portion within the Routt National Forest in Colorado. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located on the Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and Parks Ranger Districts. Average elevation is 7,700 feet.

The United States Congress designated the Platte River Wilderness in 1984 and it has a total of 23,492 acres. Colorado contains approximately 743 acres. Wyoming contains approximately 22,749 acres.

The North Platte River features blue-ribbon trout fishing, as well as rafting and kayaking. North Gate Canyon is a popular white-water rafting section of water. Douglas Creek is also noted for its' excellent trout fishing opportunities. Hiking, backpacking and hunting are other popular activities.

The Douglas Creek Trail follows the creek for 9.5 miles through an open canyon with trailheads at both ends. You can hike a loop from the Pelton Creek Trailhead by exiting the Douglas Creek Trail to return via the Platte River Trail.

Charges & Cancellations Modifications on reservations are not allowed for this site. This is due to limited capacity to update reservation placards when concerning last minute modifications as well as limited functionality with the modifications feature in recreation.gov which has only an ON or OFF toggle for site managers and no feature allowing modifications up until a certain time frame.

From Laramie, take WY 230 west for 40.6 miles to National Forest Recreation Area sign on Forest Route 898. Turn right onto FR 898 and go 8.7 miles to campground.