Platte River Wilderness

About this campground

Platte River Wilderness mainly lies within the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming, but also includes a small portion within the Routt National Forest in Colorado. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located on the Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and Parks Ranger Districts. Average elevation is 7,700 feet. The United States Congress designated the Platte River Wilderness in 1984 and it has a total of 23,492 acres. Colorado contains approximately 743 acres. Wyoming contains approximately 22,749 acres. The North Platte River features blue-ribbon trout fishing, as well as rafting and kayaking. North Gate Canyon is a popular white-water rafting section of water. Douglas Creek is also noted for its' excellent trout fishing opportunities. Hiking, backpacking and hunting are other popular activities. Dispersed camping opportunities are widespread or several developed campgrounds are nearby, such as Six Mile Gap Campground and Pelton Creek Campground. The Douglas Creek Trail follows the creek for 9.5 miles through an open canyon with trailheads at both ends. You can hike a loop from the Pelton Creek Trailhead by exiting the Douglas Creek Trail to return via the Platte River Trail. Elk and deer find excellent winter habitat in this Wilderness area. Wilderness.net page for Platte River Wilderness Trails/Trailheads that access the Platte River Wilderness include: Douglas Creek Trail Pelton Creek Trailhead Pike Pole Trailhead Platte River Trail Routt Access Trailhead Six Mile Trailhead Select 'Hiking' on the Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and/or Parks Ranger Districts' Recreation pages for a complete list of trails.