About Prior Flat Campground
The Prior Flat Campground has 15 campsites and a vault toilet on about 9 acres. It has one pull-through, picnic tables, fire rings/grills and parking spurs. Typical use season is from June 1st through November 15th because the roads become impassable after heavy rain and snow melt. No horses allowed in campground.The campground is located at the foot of the Shirley Mountains, a remote range in a large basin between the Medicine Bow and the Ferris Mountains.Visitors will enjoy the aspen, limber pine, lodgepole pine, big sagebrush and can view pronghorn, mule deer, elk, coyotes, grouse and golden eagles.
How to Get There
From Medicine Bow, take Wyo 487 north approximately 21 miles and turn left onto Wyo 77. Follow Wyo 77 about 9 miles and take County Road 102 west for about 9 miles to the Shirley Mountain Loop Road (BLM Road 3115). Campground is just up the hill about 1/4 mile.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 Prior Flat Campground
Heading to Prior Flat Campground? 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 Prior Flat Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Prior Flat Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/14713) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Prior Flat Campground?
From Medicine Bow, take Wyo 487 north approximately 21 miles and turn left onto Wyo 77. Follow Wyo 77 about 9 miles and take County Road 102 west for about 9 miles to the Shirley Mountain Loop Road (BLM Road 3115). Campground is just up the hill about 1/4 mile.
How do I contact Prior Flat Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 307-328-4200 or email: Rawlins_WYMail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
