RV travel is a convenient way to see incredible sights with the freedom to stop and park anytime you need to recharge. The communities around Carbon County are an ideal home base for RV road-trippers exploring the state. With wide-open landscapes, enchanting night skies, and an array of locations to post up for a day (or more!), Carbon County is one of the best places to park an RV in the country. Read on for RV camping tips to enhance your next trip.
Table of Contents:
Carbon County: Best Places to Park & RV Travel
The Best Way to RV Travel to Carbon County: The 2-2-2 Rule vs. the 3-3-3 Rule
Best Time to RV Travel in Carbon County
Popular Places to Go RV Camping Around Carbon County
Best Lodging for RV Parking Around Carbon County
Discover Carbon County: One of the Best Places to RV Travel
Carbon County: Best Places to Park & RV Travel
There is no shortage of things to do in southern Wyoming. When you’re stationed at one of the best RV parks in Carbon County, you have outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, wildlife-watching opportunities, and more at your fingertips—all you have to do is put it in drive and set out for adventure. While in the area, don’t miss hiking in Medicine Bow National Forest, fishing in the North Platte River, and soaking in mineral hot springs, all while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Before you embark on your journey, check in with your chosen campground or park to confirm that it can accommodate your RV. Class C RVs and Campervans are usually suitable for most hookups, although there may be exceptions at certain locations.
The Best Way to RV Travel to Carbon County: The 2-2-2 Rule vs. the 3-3-3 Rule
Although RV travel is convenient and customizable to your needs, it is easy to make the mistake of traveling for too long, planning too many activities, or driving in the dark—especially in Wyoming, with so much to see spread across hundreds of miles. By employing the 2-2-2 or 3-3-3 rules, you can make sure your trip is safe and successful.
2-2-2 RV Travel Rule
To experience as much of Carbon County as you can while maintaining a relaxing and rewarding experience, the 2-2-2 RV travel rule recommends you limit your travel to 200 miles per day, check in at your campground or lodging around 2 p.m., and then stay for two days. This divides your travel time into manageable segments, making it easier to make the most of your time.
3-3-3 RV Travel Rule
For road-trippers looking to see more of what Wyoming has to offer, the 3-3-3 RV travel rule may be a better fit. This guideline suggests you travel for no more than 300 miles per day, check in at 3 p.m., and then park and enjoy the area for three days. Consider following this guidance for popular locations that you want to fully immerse yourself in, such as Saratoga Hot Springs.
Best Time to RV Travel in Carbon County
Although RV travel can be a year-round activity, the best time to RV travel in Carbon County is in late spring and throughout the summer when the weather is mild. If you plan to travel in the fall or winter, be aware that many camps and destinations close due to cold weather and hazardous road conditions, so plan accordingly.
Popular Places to Go RV Camping Around Carbon County
Visitors looking for the best RV park in Carbon County are in luck—there are many locations with amenities for all types of travelers, so there is bound to be an option that will take your trip to the next level.
While most of these RV parks provide full hookups, consider bringing along a generator in case you decide to go off-grid or a hookup isn’t available.
1. No BS RV Park, LLC, Elk Mountain
Embrace the outdoors with a stay at Elk Mountain Campground, offering full hookups along the mighty Medicine Bow River. Keep in mind that this Carbon County RV park does not have amenities such as bathrooms or laundry facilities, so plan accordingly.
2. Lazy Acres Campground, Motel & RV Park, Riverside
Get up close and personal with the Encampment River at Lazy Acres Campground. Shady parking spots, wildlife sightings and amenities such as Wi-Fi and on-site laundry make this one of the best RV parks in Carbon County.
3. KOA Campground, Rawlins
KOA Campground gives RV travelers all the basic amenities, plus special touches that take a trip to the next level, like hot tubs, a giant checkers board, a snack bar, and a covered kitchen with sinks, stoves, and picnic tables.
4. Red Desert Rose Campground, Rawlins
With more than 100 camping sites, including many full hookup spots, Red Desert Rose Campground prides itself on impeccably kept grounds. Stop here for convenient access to Interstate 80 and a dog park for your four-legged family members.
5. Western Hills Campground, Rawlins
Pull into the wide-open spaces at Western Hills Campground and expect well-maintained bathroom and laundry facilities, a pet-friendly area, and even a miniature golf course for a bit of friendly competition.
6. Deer Haven RV Park, Saratoga
Bask in the beauty of the North Platte River at Deer Haven RV Park, one of the area’s best RV parks due to its private trout fishing opportunities. Take note that this location does not have restrooms or laundry services, so make sure to plan ahead.
7. Saratoga Lake Campground & RV Park
Soak up serene lake and mountain views at Saratoga Lake Campground & RV Park, one of the best RV parks for travelers who love water activities. Take advantage of the boat ramp for lake access as well as prime spots for fishing and swimming.
8. Happy Camper RV Park, Baggs
Open year-round with plenty of full hookups and clean facilities, Happy Camper RV Park also features grassy areas, a playground, a community fire pit, a small pond, cornhole, and an outdoor theater.
Best Lodging for RV Parking Around Carbon County
1. Riviera Motor Lodge, Saratoga
Boasting easy access to downtown Saratoga and the North Platte River, with a nearby outfitter offering guided fishing and rafting trips, the newly renovated Riviera Motor Lodge is a perfect place to spend time surrounded by nature during your RV trip. Plus, if you are traveling with your furry friend, look no further—it has an on-site dog park and is a pet-friendly place to stay in Carbon County.
2. Hampton Inn, Rawlins
The well-appointed Hampton Inn is an ideal place to stay for RV travelers, thanks to its convenient location between Salt Lake City and Cheyenne. It serves as a base camp to access nearby adventures like the Fort Steele Historic Site and the Uplift rock formation. This pet-friendly hotel also includes a free hot breakfast to fuel you for your RV journey.
3. Econo Lodge, Rawlins
A stay at the Econo Lodge is a solid choice for RV travelers due to its proximity to historical attractions such as the Old Union Pacific Train Depot and Old Frontier Prison. With a complimentary breakfast and a variety of restaurants in the vicinity, it provides everything you need to rest up for the next stop on your RV road trip.
4. First Choice Inn, Rawlins
1st Choice Inn is the right choice for lodging during your RV trip if you are looking for a guaranteed best rate, ample parking, and a free continental breakfast, all within walking distance of seven restaurants and plenty of shopping. Look into the weekly rate deals if you’re planning a longer stay.
More Tips for Lodging with RV Parking
RV Camping Tip: RV Parking for Saratoga Hot Springs Resort
Saratoga Hot Springs, famous for its natural mineral pools, does not currently feature on-site RV parking. However, guests looking to experience these relaxing hot springs can park their RV at the nearby Saratoga Lake Campground & RV Park.
Discover Carbon County: One of the Best Places to RV Travel
Exploring Wyoming from the freedom of an RV means adventure is around every corner. Whether you plan to park and stay at a hotel or pull into a campground, the top RV camping tip is to reach out to where you’re planning to stay ahead of time to ensure that they can accommodate your setup.
As you prepare for your road trip, check out the variety of things to do in Carbon County, including scenic drives, wildlife watching, and more.
