Camping can be so many things for different people. Some people are looking for a getaway to unwind and relax. An open sky near the water with a good book or a day spent fishing regardless of the catch is all that’s needed. Others crave something more adventurous.
Camping might conjure up images of flying down mountain bike trails or snowmobiling across a snow-covered valley. Some destinations cater to one camping style or another. But what if you didn’t need to choose?
No matter your camping style, Glendo State Park has exactly what you need. This huge, diverse, and natural landscape has a little something for everyone. Read on for everything you need to know in this ultimate guide to RV camping in Glendo State Park!
Glendo State Park Facts
It seems like there’s no end to the wonders to discover at this sprawling park. Get the basics down first with these Glendo State Park facts!
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Glendo State Park’s grounds are set around a huge reservoir stretching about 2,092 feet across and 190 feet down.
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This reservoir is where visitors can swim, fish, and do water sports in the park.
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The park is absolutely humongous, spanning over 22,000 acres of land and water. That gives this destination a wide variety of activities to enjoy.
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Tribes like the Cheyenne, Arapahoe, Oglala, and Brule Sioux once settled the park’s lands.
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From these early settlers, tipi rings and other kinds of Native American relics of old remain undiscovered throughout the park.
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Glendo is heaven for mountain bikers! Ride the hills to your heart’s content with over 45 miles of biking trails.
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The park is home to a rich ecosystem of local wildlife. You may spot coyotes, deer, antelope, wild turkey, and dozens of bird species during your visit.
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Over 500 campsites divided between 21 separate campgrounds make RV camping at Glendo State Park a camper’s dream!
Best Glendo State Park Camping Options
There are so many options for RV campgrounds in Glendo State Park that it can be tough to choose your home base. We’ve rounded up the best of the best below to help guide your plans.
Glendo Lakeside RV Park
Amenities: Is fishing as much as possible your goal this trip? Then this RV campground in Glendo State Park is just for you. This spot has some of the most convenient and quickest access to the reservoir. The campground here is essentially a huge gravel field with plenty of room to bring your boat along. Full hookups at all sites, along with bath/laundry service, fishing supplies, and even a full bar, are on-site for a comfortable stay.
Capacity: 44 sites
More information: Glendo Lakeside RV Park
Two Moon Campground
Amenities: Two Moon East is nestled on the eastern border of the park. If you’re looking for one of the more secluded RV campgrounds in Glendo State Park, this is it. The sites here sit perched far above the water amid shaded trees for a distant and private feeling. The view here is really something. The morning sun shining rays through the treeline offers a rejuvenating way to start each day. There are some hookups, restrooms, and a dump station available. But this is a primitive campsite otherwise.
Capacity: 67 sites
More information: Two Moon Campground
Sandy Beach Willow
Amenities: This RV campground in Glendo State Park is another great spot to connect with nature. This light-traffic, primitive-style campground has just the basics: toilets and some picnic tables. Walk along the sea first thing in the morning or before you retire for the night. The space’s bare, spartan feel combined with the beach right at your fingertips is the ultimate way to unplug and unwind.
Capacity: 71 sites
More information: Sandy Beach Willow Campground
Whiskey Gulch Campground
Amenities: Whiskey Gulch is a great choice for fishers and boaters alike. When the water levels of Glendo rise, the resident cottonwood fields flood and form a wonderful spot for kayaking and canoeing. Whiskey Gulch offers convenient lake access to get in on the action in two locations. Cast off at your leisure! Amenities are limited to restrooms and drinking water for another way to camp rugged.
Capacity: 30 sites
More information: Whiskey Gulch Campground
Custer Cove Campground
Custer Cove is popular for Glendo State Park camping because it offers extensive beach access for visitors. This campground features 20 mostly shaded sites perfect for smaller RVs or campers. This campground also offers vault toilets.
Capacity: 20 sites
More information: Custer Cove Campground
Bennett Hill Campground
Bennet Hill Campground in Glendo State Park features 44 campsites — some with electric hookups — and a seasonal boat dock. This spacious campground is family-friendly and offers beautiful views both day and night. RV sites are gravel pads and are partly shaded.
Capacity: 44 sites
More information: Bennett Hill Campground
Best Time To Visit Glendo State Park
Wyoming has four distinct seasons, so you can have a completely different trip depending on when you go. Our seasonal guide here will point you to the best time to visit Glendo State Park.
Winter
Winter RV camping in Glendo State Park can be harsh. Expect sub-freezing nights from as early as October, lasting well into April. Highs in the winter season hit around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, if you can brave the cold, there are some unique activities only possible this season. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are just some of the ways to have fun, only possible in the colder months.
Spring
Brisk weather lingers from March through April in Wyoming. Nights dip below freezing until late May. And daytime slowly warms from around 50 to 60 degrees during this season. If you’re looking for something milder than winter and aren’t interested in snow activities, spring RV camping in Glendo State Park can be a nice choice. You’ll be able to avoid the high season of summer while still doing what you like in relative comfort.
Summer
June to August is when the park starts filling up with families and their children who are out of school. Summer also brings the most pleasant weather in Wyoming, drawing even denser crowds. July is the hottest month and also the most popular time. Temperatures top out at just under 90 degrees during the day with refreshingly cool nights. It’s the perfect season to do just about anything you’d like at Glendo. But you’d better expect company!
Fall
Fall RV camping in Glendo State Park is another great alternative to the high season. Crowds thin as the weather cools while the leaves begin to change colors. Wyoming has some of the most gorgeous autumn scenery, so fall is an excellent time for picturesque views as far as the eye can see. Aim for early October if you’d like to visit in the autumn. This is the best moment for peak fall foliage while avoiding the bitter winter nights.
Things To Do in Glendo State Park
The variety of things to do in Glendo State Park means your days are guaranteed to be filled with activity. Get an idea of where to start with our handy list below!
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Fire away at the 3D archery range. For a truly unique take on hiking, try the park’s 3D Archery Trail. This is a 1.1-mile trail with 20 scattered targets made to simulate bow hunting in the wild. Hunt down and practice your aim on 3D facsimiles of wildlife (including a sasquatch!). The best part? It’s completely free.
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Go fishing in the reservoir. The Glendo Reservoir is an amazing spot to try catching some fish. The water here is home to perch, bass, crappie, and catfish. Lucky anglers have caught lake monsters over 30 pounds in the past. Will you be next?
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Ride the mountains. Glendo State Park is home to over 45 miles of biking trails. Bring your mountain bike along for exhilarating runs across all kinds of terrain. Trails mostly land in the intermediate difficulty, but there are a couple of black diamonds and two beginner courses.
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Hit the trails. Besides biking, the park has a network of trails for hiking too. They lead through scenic terrain with stunning observation points overlooking the reservoir. Try the Slide Hill Loop for a fast, easy trail or the Two Moon, Broken Bow, and Buffalo Run Loop for something a bit more challenging.
Best Hikes in Glendo State Park
Glendo State Park in Wyoming offers some beautiful hiking opportunities with scenic views of Glendo Reservoir and the surrounding landscapes. Here are some of the best hikes you can explore in the park:
Park Headquarters Trail: This short, easy trail is great for a quick walk or for beginners. It starts at the park headquarters and takes you through some lovely wooded areas along the reservoir.
Cottonwood Campground Trail: This is another relatively easy trail that begins at the Cottonwood Campground and offers nice views of the reservoir and opportunities for birdwatching.
Muddy Bay Trail: This moderate trail runs along Muddy Bay and provides some beautiful views of the water. It's a great place for birdwatching, and you might spot some waterfowl.
Red Hills Trail: This trail offers a more challenging hike with some steep sections and rocky terrain. It provides fantastic views of the reservoir and the Red Hills area. It's a loop trail that's approximately 3 miles long.
Barnes Canyon Trail: This is a more strenuous trail that leads you into Barnes Canyon. It's about 4.5 miles round trip and provides some excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the rugged terrain.
Rochelle Ranch Golf Course Trail: This trail offers a unique experience as it takes you through the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course and along the reservoir. It's a relatively easy hike and provides scenic views.
Terry's Backbone Trail: For a longer and more challenging hike, try the Terry's Backbone Trail. It's around 10 miles long and offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscapes. It's named after Terry Bison Ranch, which is nearby.
Glendo Dam Trail: This short trail near the Glendo Dam is a good place to stretch your legs and enjoy views of the dam and the water below.
Remember to check with the park's visitor center for trail conditions and any potential closures or restrictions before setting out on your hike. Additionally, be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, appropriate footwear, and clothing, especially if you plan to tackle the longer and more strenuous trails. Enjoy your hiking adventure in Glendo State Park!
Wildlife In Glendo State Park
Glendo State Park in Wyoming is home to a variety of wildlife species due to its diverse habitats, which include reservoirs, woodlands, and grasslands. While the presence of wildlife can vary by season and location within the park, here are some of the common wildlife species you might encounter when visiting Glendo State Park:
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Mule Deer
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White-Tailed Deer
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Pronghorn Antelope
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Raccoons
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Coyotes
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Red Foxes
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Cottontail Rabbits
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Migratory Birds
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Bald Eagles
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Hawks
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Owls
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Waterfowl
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Squirrels
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And more!
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance and avoid feeding them, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and diets. Wildlife viewing can be a rewarding part of your visit to Glendo State Park, so keep your eyes peeled and bring binoculars and a camera to capture these moments responsibly.
Tips On Visiting Glendo State Park
Check out these final tips on visiting Glendo State Park to make your adventure as good as it can be.
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Water levels in the park fluctuate a lot and can even affect accessibility to certain areas. Check the water levels before your trip.
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Cell phone service is spotty at best through the park, so plan accordingly.
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It’s possible to come across artifacts left by Native Americans of ages past. Be respectful and know that tampering or removing any artifacts in the wild is illegal.
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Care packages, including high-quality binoculars, a backpack, and park guidebooks, are available at the park headquarters for rent. Call ahead on the day before making the trek there.
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If you’re looking to get in some bird-watching, head to the Wetlands. It’s the best place to spot an array of interesting species.
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Temperatures shift dramatically in the day and night by about 30 degrees. Make sure to bring easily layered clothes regardless of the season.
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Download the Glendo State Park Geo PDF free for a handy trail and facilities map.
Cruise America Is Your Go-To Guide for Glendo State Park
That wraps up our ultimate guide to this exciting and flexible destination. This Wyoming gem is truly an amazing place to experience primitive-style camping, thanks to all the bare park campgrounds. But if you’re looking to connect to nature with all the creature comforts of home, you can’t do better than a Glendo State Park RV rental.
Showers, water toilets, a kitchen with a stovetop, and a spacious living area make any campground as comfortable as a home. Check out Cruise America’s line of RVs for the perfect vehicle to get you there and keep you cozy in any campground.
Reserve a Glendo State Park RV rental today!