La Prele Guard Station
La Prele Guard Station is located south of Douglas, Wyoming in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. It was originally built as a remote ranger station in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was converted into a work center when the La Prele Ranger District was discontinued in 1956. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Today, it provides a unique lodging experience and delightful spot for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in south central Wyoming. The guard station is open from late May or early June through late October each year and is accessible by car except after snow events at the beginning and end of the season.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Pull-through | Gravel | No / – | 6 / 4 | Yes | Preferred |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Max vehicle length | 20 ft |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | $100/night |
The historic log structure has two bedrooms equipped with beds and mattresses that can accommodate up to six people. The kitchen offers a refrigerator, stove, table with chairs, basic cooking and eating utensils, and cookware. The cabin has indoor plumbing which gives guests access to running water, a shower, and a flush toilet. A propane water heater provides hot water. The cabin now has electricity. The fireplace is usually adequate for heating the guard station during the summer season. No other flame producing sources are allowed inside the cabin, including candles. A campfire ring and picnic table are just outside. Guests need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, dish and bath soap, matches, and first aid kit. It is recommended that you bring drinking water. Battery operated lanterns are provided. Please limit food waste, and take all large items with you at check out. For larger parties, Campbell Creek Campground, about 1/2 mile east of the La Prele Guard Station, has six campsites that can accommodate tents, campers and trailers up to 22 feet.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Douglas (37 miles). From I25 Exit 140, turn right onto S Riverbend Dr. Turn right onto WY-94 (Esterbrook Road) and right on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). In 3 miles, turn left on WY-91 (Cold Springs Road). Continue on CR 24 (Cold Springs Road) for 33.8 miles. From I25 Exit 146, East on WY-96.
| Nearest town | Douglas, Wyoming |
| Coordinates | 42.4528° N, 105.8339° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Please note that due to the historic nature of the facility, pets, candles or other flame producing items are not permitted in the cabin.
Fire nearby
- WildfireChalk Mountain
34 mi from the campground · 124 acres · 91% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Sportsman's Warehouse ↗ | 35.4 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 36.2 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 2.2 miTwin Peaks Trail3.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 3.8 miElkhorn Creek Trail3.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trailheads within three miles
- 2.6 miTwin Peaks Trailhead ↗Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Natural features
The guard station sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by a mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Mountains define the landscape and La Prele Creek flows nearby. Wildlife viewing is abundant near the cabin, including elk and deer. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear or moose find habitat in the forest as well.
Recreation
Opportunities for hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hunting can be found within the vicinity. OHV riders can access trails in the area as well. The trailhead for the Twin Peaks OHV trail is three miles north of La Prele Guard Station and provides great access for elk and deer hunters. The trail meanders through public land to the base of Twin Peaks. From the top of the peaks, views of the Laramie Mountains dominate the landscape. Anglers will enjoy fly fishing for a variety of trout in La Prele Creek and its many beaver ponds, some within walking distance from the cabin. Please respect the private land mixed in with public lands along the road and creek.
Nearby
Twin Peaks Trail Little Medicine Falls Upper Deer Creek Trail Fishing and Hunting Rock Climbing on State Trust Land
Guidebooks for Wyoming
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at La Prele Guard Station?
Sites at La Prele Guard Station are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at La Prele Guard Station?
$100/night
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at La Prele Guard Station?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does La Prele Guard Station have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at La Prele Guard Station?
The longest site here provides 20 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at La Prele Guard Station?
The cabin has indoor plumbing which gives guests access to running water, a shower, and a flush toilet.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at La Prele Guard Station?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at La Prele Guard Station?
Opportunities for hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hunting can be found within the vicinity. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to La Prele Guard Station?
Douglas, Wyoming. Twin Peaks Trail Little Medicine Falls Upper Deer Creek Trail Fishing and Hunting Rock Climbing on State Trust Land
Source: Getting there
What if La Prele Guard Station is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Campbell Creek Campground (0.2 mi), Curtis Gulch Campground (11.2 mi), and Friend Park Campground (22.4 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby