Forest Road 318 Dispersed Camping

We stayed here in our 35ft 5th wheel in early October 2023 when all of the campgrounds were closed for the season. Forest Road 318 is right off of the main road and is easy to find. The forest road is rough and our 4wd came in handy, but you can make it without 4wd just go slow. There are about 5 spots that we could see, but we didn't explore the entire area. We chose a spot on top of a hill and we had an amazing view of the mountains. Be prepared to level the camper out!! We wanted to stay longer but we had to leave early due to an expected snow storm. If you come in October be prepared for winter weather and no trash or water nearby.

Great free spots close to Medicine Bow peak. Most already had fire rings set up. Pretty flat/level ground. Sites are just minutes from the main highway through the forest (130). Seemed 2WD accessible for the most part, but was happy to have 4WD/ decent clearance for a few of the dicier sections of the road. Saw a 2WD VW sedan at an adjacent site so it's doable.

Arrived at 8pm the night before July 4th, and there were several available sites. Leads me to believe that sites are available most nights. The road is just around 10,500' elevation so expect chillier nights even in the middle of summer.

Two updates:
1) The first review mentioned not coming until August most years. This was my first time here but on July 3rd there was no snow on the road or in the camp area. Might just be a down year for snow, and it is surely a good warning/information piece, but don't let that dissuade you completely.
2) I counted at least 8 tent campsites (that could accommodate multiple tents per site) and believe there were more further down the road. There might only be 1 or 2 suitable sites for RVs though right up front/seen from hwy 130.

There is plenty of boondocking in the snowy range area, and the views can't be beat. This site is the best in the area, although a little difficult to reach if you have a big rig.

There are 4-5 sites big enough for a decent size trailer, but the road in is pretty rocky. I had no problem getting in with my trailer, and there was a 25' airstream in there as well, just take it slow and you'll be fine.

There is no cell signal even with a booster, if you drive up to snowy range pass, you should get Verizon LTE at the Libby flats observation area.

Don't plan on visiting this area until August, there is often snow blocking the side roads until then, you may get lucky on a dry year going in early July, but not often.

There's plenty of great hikes in the area along with decent fishing.