The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior. Its purpose, dating back to 1946, is to oversee and protect public lands. The BLM also maintains various campgrounds that cater to individuals seeking outdoor recreational experiences. Developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offer amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets. They charge a small fee to maintain the facilities. You can also camp on public land for free in dispersed camping areas, but no services are offered in these locations. To find BLM camping options during your RV trip, search "BLM camping near me" online. There is a 14-day stay limit at most BLM camping sites in Wyoming. In addition, if you choose dispersed camping, the agency asks that you use preexisting camping spots to minimize your disturbance to the area. Prior Flat Campground is in south-central Wyoming, at the foot of the Shirley Mountains. It is in a region characterized by a temperate climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters, making it an attractive destination throughout the year. Medicine Bow National Forest is a popular attraction in the area and is an excellent hiking and wildlife-viewing destination. Near Alcova, north of the BLM site, there are several reservoirs where you can fish, boat, or enjoy a day at the beach. If you are headed to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is 241 miles to the south.
This trail meanders around Lewis Lake before climbing uphill, offering hikers exceptional views.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail offers a leisurely hike during the warmer months and is ideal for snowshoeing during the winter.
Length: 2.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in Medicine Bow National Forest, this trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding scenery.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
A great choice for experienced hikers, this trail provides gorgeous views and is excellent for spotting wildlife.
Length: 9.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This beautiful, pet-friendly trail meanders through the forest and is a good choice for bird-watching.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Alcova Dinosaur Trail is less than 30 miles north of Prior Flat. This route features signage explaining the region's geological history as well as some dinosaur fossils discovered in recent years and still in their natural setting. Lenght: 0.7 miles Intensity: Easy
Several streams near Prior Flat Campground, including Sage Creek and Cave Creek, are popular for fly fishing. Alternatively, Alcova Reservoir offers various fishing and boating options for visitors seeking outdoor water activities. Anglers can try their luck catching trout, salmon, and walleye. Kayakers and canoers can take in views of the surrounding canyons as they paddle the reservoir's calm and clear waters. If you do not have one with you, you can rent a boat from the marina.
Pathfinder Marina Climbing Area has 14 climbing routes near the west side of Pathfinder Reservoir, 34 miles north of Prior Flat Campground. The area offers top-rope and sports climbing opportunities for beginner and veteran climbers. Don's Crack is a challenging top-rope route up the middle of a crag, while Chain Reaction is an easier bolted sports climbing route on a slab.
Prior Flat Campground offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with various spots that attract a diverse range of wild animals. One notable location for wildlife observation is along the shores of nearby Alcova Reservoir and Gray Reef Reservoir. You might spot various waterfowl species, including ducks, geese, and maybe even a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead. These reservoirs also attract other wildlife, such as deer, moose, and occasionally even bears, especially at dawn and dusk when wild animals are more active. Additionally, exploring the trails in the region can offer glimpses of elks, mule deer, and various bird species, including songbirds and raptors.
Prior Flat Campground features 15 tent campsites with picnic tables where visitors can rest as they enjoy their favorite meals and drinks. The campground also offers fire rings, grills, and parking spots.
During the winter, many of the trails in the area are ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Most easy or moderate trails are perfect for winter recreation, but you can check each trail’s suitability before heading out.
Prior Flat Campground can be used as a staging area to access a 31-mile loop ride toward the Shirley Mountains. The mixed gravel and two-track road starts in the sagebrush flats and ascends into pine, fir, and aspen-lined logging roads. The trek is suitable for dirt bikes, ATVs, and high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Some private land is in the area, so the BLM asks that you get permission before riding off public roads.
BLM RV camping is available at the Prior Flat Campground. It has 15 campsites, one of which is pull-through. There are also fire rings and grills. Another affordable RV camping option near Prior Flat Campground is Fremont Canyon Campground. It is on the shores of Alcova Reservoir, with sites that overlook the lake and canyon area. The campground has two restrooms and a boat launch. Nearby, Diabase, Sage, and Weiss campgrounds are on the northwest tip of Pathfinder Reservoir and offer similar amenities. If you want more services, Windy Waters at Eagle Creek near Alcova has full hookups, laundry facilities, and a bathhouse.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at dispersed camping areas around the Prior Flat Campground. You can also find dispersed camping in Medicine Bow National Forest.
The road into Prior Flat Campground can get washed out after heavy rainstorms, so you should keep your eye on weather conditions as your arrival time approaches. In addition, given the relative remoteness of the campground, it is advisable to pack emergency supplies and ample food. Finally, informing someone of your travel plans, including your destination and return schedule, is always a prudent precaution. BLM campsites in this area of Wyoming offer a budget-friendly way to camp close to exhilarating outdoor recreation opportunities. However, planning your trip so that your stay is comfortable can be time-consuming and stressful. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM regulations require that you take care of the land you visit and leave it in the same or better condition. In order to achieve this, your campsite should be 100 feet away from water sources, trails, and other campsites. Also, when leaving your site, take the time to clean up. This includes taking all trash and food scraps with you and disposing of them properly.
To arrive at Prior Flat Campground from Medicine Bow, travel north on WY-487 for approximately 21 miles. Afterward, turn left onto WY-77 and continue for about 9 miles. From there, take County Road 102 and head west for 9 miles until you reach Shirley Mountain Loop Road (BLM Road 3115). Prior Flat Campground is only a short distance up the hill, approximately 0.25 miles away. GPS Coordinates: 42.241836, -106.584421 Ready to visit Prior Flat Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll also have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
