Twin Buttes Reservoir

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Twin Buttes Reservoir

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a government agency that was created by the Truman Administration in 1946, and its mission is to sustain and preserve the health of public lands. It oversees one out of every 10 acres of land in the U.S., many of which are open to Bureau of Land Management free camping, also known as dispersed camping. This means you will be camping in areas that may not have any services or amenities. If you want to try this primitive type of camping, Twin Buttes Reservoir in Wyoming, approximately 25 minutes southwest of Laramie, is an amazing location. Twin Buttes Lake is a popular 250-acre lake known for its fishing. You can also enjoy boating, hunting, and windsurfing at Twin Buttes Reservoir or take advantage of the climbing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities within a few miles. If you feel like taking a bit of a road trip, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is approximately two and a half hours south of Twin Buttes Reservoir. You can enjoy BLM RV camping at the lake with visitors allowed to disperse camp in easement areas around the water marked by signs. Camping at the lake is limited to five days.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Medicine Bow Peak Trail

Fifty-five minutes northwest of Twin Buttes Reservoir, Medicine Bow Peak Trail is an out-and-back pathway that has an elevation gain of 1,272 feet. It is popular with birders and hikers because it is the shortest of three routes to the peak. Length: 3.4 miles Intensity: Moderate

Turtle Rock Loop Trail

Located near Buford, 40 minutes southeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir, the Turtle Rock Loop Trail offers views of interesting rock formations and a 321-foot elevation change during your hike. It is a popular area, so expect others on a bike or foot. You can bring your leashed four-legged friend too. Length: 2.9 miles Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Twin Buttes Lake has a boat ramp, staging area and launch on the south side. The reservoir produces quality brown and rainbow trout between 12 and 25-plus inches. Laramie and the surrounding area are known for windy conditions, so you will find it a popular spot for windsurfing. The 250-acre lake is accessible from well-marked easement areas.

Climbing

One of the more popular climbing opportunities is the Nautilus, which is located 35 minutes southeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir. Popular routes here include Cornelius (5.5), Lower Progressive (5.9+) and Max Factor (5.11c). The Vedauwoo Climbing Area is in the same region, and Walt's Wall offers popular routes like Ed's Crack (5.7) and three beginner-level trad climbing on Walt's Wall (5.4).

Wildlife Viewing

Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 25 minutes southeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir, is a popular birding location with 220 potential species, including cackling geese, sandhill cranes, great egrets, and golden eagles. The lands surrounding nearby Jelm Mountain offer a chance to see bears, mule deer, elk, moose, and mountain lions.

Hunting

The lands in and around Twin Buttes Reservoir have received designations by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as Antelope Area 45, Deer Area 76, and Elk Area 10, among others. These areas are general season designations with elevations ranging from 7,100 to 11,600 feet. The terrain can be challenging because it has lots of short grass prairie and contains areas with private property that one must navigate around.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The on-site easement locations open to the public at Twin Buttes Reservoir do not provide Bureau of Land Management campgrounds with RV amenities. If you are looking for a nearby RV-friendly location, try Laramie RV Resort by Rjourney, a mere 20 minutes northeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir. You'll find full RV hookups, a dump station, and gravel site pads with pull-through access starting at $32.58 per night. You can find RV camping facilities an hour and a half northwest of Twin Buttes Reservoir at Western Hills Campground in Rawlins. There are full hookups, showers, cell reception, and Wi-Fi in a pet-friendly environment.

Free Camping

A search for "BLM camping near me by Twin Buttes Lake" will reveal additional free primitive camping space just about five minutes to the east at the Gelatt Lake Public Use Area. Here, camping is limited to five days in areas that have signs designating them as land of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. You can also stay at the U.S. Forest Service-managed Miller Lake Dispersed Campground, located just a half-hour southwest of Twin Buttes Reservoir. You can camp here for up to 16 days.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Twin Buttes Reservoir BLM trip

As Twin Buttes Reservoir is one of the windier locations in the state, wind can be problematic for motorhome driving and Bureau of Land Management camping. The lake sits at 7,247 feet, so it will take longer to boil water here than at sea level, and it might take your body a day to adjust to the thinner air. Popular times of year to visit are June through August as the days are warm, and the wind is at a minimum. Finding space to accommodate motorhomes won't be a problem, but there are no hookups. Cooking here will require packing propane for your grill as no open fires are allowed. There can be a fair number of insects near dusk, so don't forget the bug spray if you are near the water. Also, use sunscreens rated 50 SPF because of the higher elevation. Nearby Laramie has nearly 33,000 residents, so it is big enough for you to find gas, food and other supplies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Pristine settings are one of the big draws for Bureau of Land Management camping, so it is always best to practice the policy of "Leave No Trace" so that other visitors can enjoy these managed resources. The BLM works toward keeping the areas it oversees clean and sustainable for future generations. You can do your part by following all regulations enforced by the Bureau or other agencies. Clean your campsite area and other places you explore, including packing out extra trash and properly disposing of waste. Practice a policy of not disturbing natural objects as well.

Twin Buttes Reservoir Location

The closest city to Twin Buttes Reservoir is Laramie, WY along I-80 between Cheyenne to the east and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest to the west. From Laramie, drive southwest on Wyoming State Highway 230 for approximately eight miles. Turn right at County Line Road 422 (Pahlow Lane), and head west for roughly 5.5 miles before turning right at County Line Road 44 (Big Hollow Road). Twin Buttes Lake will be off to your left as you head north on Big Hollow Road. Ready to visit Twin Buttes Reservoir? 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.