Recreational Water Use: Campgrounds and other Water-Related Recreation

Recreational uses of water are varied, most are not easily quantified, and most are non-consumptive. The perceived aesthetic value of an area is often directly related to the presence of a stream or lake. Camping is prevalent throughout the Basin, with the most extensive camping opportunities located on national forest land in the Snowy Range, the east slope of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the Laramie Range.

Grayrock Reservoir is an important water-based recreation area in the Lower Laramie subbasin. Grayrocks Reservoir is located on the Laramie River about 11 miles east of the Laramie River electrical power generating station.áThe reservoir lies at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet in Platte County.áThe reservoir is about eight miles long, has an adjudicated storage capacity of 104,109.60 acre-feet, and includes recreational facilities.áThe reservoir, which is owned by the Basin Electric Power Cooperative, is the primary source of steam production and cooling water for the power station.áIn addition, the reservoir and surrounding areas are managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGF) as a wildlife habitat management area.áWGF stocks the reservoir with several species of game fish, and the reservoir contains largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger muskie, channel catfish, crappie, pumpkinseed, and bluegill.á

To view a map of major recreation sites in the Lower Laramie subbasin click here. The following table provides a summary of camping and recreational facilities at larger reservoirs located within the Platte River Basin. The facilities located within the Upper Laramie subbasin are highlighted.

Public recreational use facilities at major reservoirs and sites in the Platte River Basin