About BOW RIVER RANGER STATION
Overview The Bow River Ranger Station (sleeps 10) is an all electric cabin featuring one full bath equipped with one shower, a double sink and toilet, and a 1/2 bath with a toilet and sink. The cabin boasts a large kitchen equipped with basic pots, pans, dishes and silverware, a small living room, and two bedrooms. The first bedroom provides two bunk beds, and the second bedroom offers two bunkbeds and two twin beds. Outside you will find a vault toilet and an outdoor seating area complete with a fire ring and picnic tables. The facility is handicap accessible including a ramp for entrance to the front door. Guests are expected to clean the facility before leaving. No trash service. Please practice pack in and pack out your trash. Cell phone coverage is fair depending on you carrier. Host is located on site. Recreation The Upper Medicine Bow River flows past the back yard and provides fishing and wildlife viewing. Facilities The Bow River Ranger Station (sleeps 10) is an all electric cabin featuring one full bath equipped with one shower, a double sink and toilet, and a 1/2 bath with a toilet and sink. The cabin boasts a large kitchen equipped with basic pots, pans, dishes and silverware, a small living room, and two bedrooms. The first bedroom provides two bunk beds, and the second bedroom offers two bunkbeds and two twin beds. Outside you will find a vault toilet and an outdoor seating area complete with a fire ring and picnic tables. The facility is handicap accessible including a ramp for entrance to the front door. Guests are expected to clean the facility before leaving. No trash service. Please pack in and pack out your trash. Cell phone coverage is fair depending on you carrier. Host is located on site Natural Features The house sits on the national forest boundary where sagebrush meets the forest. Nearby Attractions Medicine Bow River, Turpin Reservoir, Sand Lake and Bow River Campground are all nearby.
How to Get There
From Interstate 80: Take exit 255 south to the town of Elk Mountain. From Elk Mountain continue south on Carbon County Road 101 for 13 miles to the Forest Boundary. This cabin rests in a meadow at the Forest boundary and can be seen from the road. From Saratoga: Take Highway 130 to Forest Service Road 100 for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 101 for 2 miles and you will arrive at your destination on the lefthand side. From Centennial: Take Highway 130 to Forest Service Road 101 for 28 miles. You will arrive at your destination on the lefthand side.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BOW RIVER RANGER STATION
Heading to BOW RIVER RANGER STATION? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BOW RIVER RANGER STATION?
No central reservation system listed for BOW RIVER RANGER STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/118990) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BOW RIVER RANGER STATION?
From Interstate 80: Take exit 255 south to the town of Elk Mountain. From Elk Mountain continue south on Carbon County Road 101 for 13 miles to the Forest Boundary. This cabin rests in a meadow at the Forest boundary and can be seen from the road. From Saratoga: Take Highway 130 to Forest Service Road 100 for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 101 for 2 miles and you will arrive at your destination o…
How do I contact BOW RIVER RANGER STATION?
You can reach the park at phone: 307-326-5258.
References & Official Resources
