The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) occupies 1,000 acres of federally owned land close to the Wyoming-California border. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency, is responsible for overseeing and preserving many acres of US land. Camping is generally available in two forms. Traditional campgrounds offer all the amenities of modern life. Primitive and dispersed BLM camping at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is offered free of charge without the amenities found in RV parks.
The Prospect Mountain WSA provides hunting and fishing opportunities along the banks of the North Platte River. Located between the Medicine Bow Mountains and the Sierra Madre Range, Prospect Mountain is about an hour and 50 minutes southwest of Laramie. The two nearest national parks are Rocky Mountain National Park, which is in Colorado two hours and 44 minutes southeast of the Prospect Mountain WSA, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, also in Colorado five hours and 56 minutes to the southwest.
The trailhead of Medicine Bow Peak Trail is found at Lake Lewis approximately an hour and 47 minutes northeast of the Prospect Mountain WSA. The trail is the shortest to the top of Medicine Bow Peak and climbs quickly beyond the banks of Lake Lewis. The trail is rocky and ascends 1,240 feet to a summit offering picturesque views across Wyoming. Medicine Bow Peak stands 12,013 feet with its summit of the out-and-back trail.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This short and easy trail is an hour and 23 minutes northeast of Prospect Mountain in California's Routt National Forest. The trail is a loop, taking less than two hours to complete. The hiking and trail running paths are best used from spring to fall when snow is not a problem.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Anglers can enjoy the blue-ribbon fishing opportunities along the North Platte River. Prospect Mountain WSA runs along the banks of the river with excellent Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities available. North Platte River is estimated to offer 4,000 catchable fish per mile, including rainbow trout. The North Platte River is a popular spot for small boats and tubing.
The Prospect Mountain WSA occupies an area at the edge of Medicine Bow Mountains. RV drivers can make the short drive to the Alpine peak of Medicine Bow Mountains. Climbing is varied and generally takes place on the east side of the mountains. Trees line the mountains to 10,000 feet, where sheer cliffs climb toward the sky.
The position of the Prospect Mountain WSA in the foothills of the Medicine Bow Mountains makes it possible to view black bears, beavers and coyotes. The tree-lined slopes of Prospect Mountain are also home to raptors.
The Prospect Mountain WSA does not have dedicated picnicking areas. At Six Mile Campground, 54 minutes to the south, and French Creek Campground, an hour and 20 minutes to the north, picnic tables are available.
The Prospect Mountain WSA allows hunting with the proper license. Hunting for mule deer and elk is permitted during the designated seasons.
If RV camping with amenities appeals to you more than primitive camping, you can stay at the Laramie RV Resort. About an hour and 48 minutes northeast of the Prospect Mountain WSA, it offers all the amenities an RV driver could want, including an on-site dump station and electrical hookups. You could also drive an hour and 14 minutes to the northwest to reach Deer Haven RV Park. Every RV space comes with full hookups, and free Fi-Wi is also available.
Rustic camping at the Prospect Mountain WSA is available for RVs and tents. The modern options of showers and dump stations are not available. If you look for "BLM camping near me," you will find the Pike/Pole Pickaroon and Northgate Canyon Campgrounds. Pike/Pole Pickaroon Campground, which is right next to the Prospect Mountain WSA, provides vault toilets and access to water. Northgate Canyon Campground, which is roughly in the same area, provides vault toilets but no water.
Visitors to the Prospect Mountain WSA need to be aware of the changeable weather conditions in Southern Wyoming. From summer to fall, the temperatures can be hot and humid. You will need bug spray and plenty of water. The Wyoming winters can be harsh with ice climbing highlighting the freezing temperatures often present.
The city of Laramie is the nearest settlement offering access to pharmacies and grocery stores. Before spending time at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, it is important to stock up on food, medicine, and warm clothing. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Bureau of Land Management aims to protect the beauty of wild areas around the US. Millions of visitors pass through the lands operated by the BLM each year, meaning areas like the Prospect Mountain WSA could be affected by the impact of humans. The Leave No Trace policy requires all visitors to remove their trash and limit their impact on the environment. Limiting human impact has become a way of protecting BLM-controlled areas from long-term harm.
The Prospect Mountain WSA can be found along State Highway 230E from the city of Riverside. Turn left at Prospect Peak Road, and the WSA will be five miles down the road.
Ready to visit Prospect Mountain? 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 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.
