Granite Springs Reservoir Campgrounds

Curt Gowdy State Park is located midway between Laramie and Cheyenne and makes a great getaway from either city or a base camp to visit this part of Wyoming. The park is built around three small lakes, and most of the camping is located in 13 campgrounds scattered around Granite Springs Reservoir, the largest of the lakes. As a destination, Curt Gowdy is terrific for water sports (boating, jet skis, fishing) and for mountain biking. The park has been designated an Epic Destination by the American Mountain Biking Association, and its 38 miles of trails are incredibly well-designed and offer something for all abilities. Hiking on the trails can be a bit challenging due to the amount of bike traffic on the trails. There are also a few equestrian trails that don't allow bikes and an extensive archery field course that spans nearly 2 miles of trails.

The various campgrounds offer a variety of terrain and amenities. Several are on small, steep loop roads and are most appropriate for tents or small trailers. Others are very large and spacious, and one, Tumbleweeds, has electric and water hookups at most sites. Some of the loops on the south side of the lake have mostly small sites with a few very large ones right on the water. Some sites, including most of Happy Jack loop, have mini-group sites that cost the same as normal sites but have room for two or three trailers or several cars and tents. One area, Aspen Grove, has parking for horse trailers and free horse corrals. Most of the sites are first-come, first-served, but 35 are reserveable. This is one campground where it would be useful to call the park office (307.632.7946) and discuss what you are looking for to determine the best area to camp. There is a large boat ramp, and you'll find a small snack trailer near the campground entrance that also sells fishing licenses.

The only downside to this scenic and spacious waterfront camping area is the occasional noise from boats and watercrafts and the relative scarcity of restrooms, making for a long walk from some sites. There is no swimming allowed (but people do water ski and tube). All-in-all this is a beautiful place to camp, particularly for lovers of water views from their campsites.