Overview

Ryan Park Campground lies along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in the Medicine Bow National Forest, at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

The site is intriguing for history buffs; it was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and was used as a prisoner of war camp for Italians and Germans during World War II.

Natural Features:

The campground is situated in a mountainous area along Barrett Creek in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The surrounding forest consists of evergreen trees and aspen that turn golden in fall.

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.

Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

Recreation:

Visitors can access nearby road cycling routes, stream fishing and day hiking. Scenery abounds in the Snowy Range high country, including the Mirror Lake picnic area, which campers can reach via a paved road from the campground.

Although little remains of either of the two historical camps, visitors can learn more from interpretive signs on the facility grounds.

Facilities:

Ryan Park boasts 42 campsites and one group campsite that can host up to 140 people at a time. Campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings with grates.

Nearby Attractions:

The historic Brush Creek Visitor Center is located 2.5 miles west of the campground and provides information on various outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.