A story about RV Travel, RV life, Active Recuperation and Saratoga Lake Campground
July Update
Thanks to all the well-wishers and those who wrote and called after reading the story about my recent heart attack. I can now say it occurred “last month.” Yesterday was my most active day yet, after a morning soak in 110F water (yeah, Saratoga’s hot springs are great, and FREE!) I headed to Rawlins aquatic center, swam 300 yards and walked 20 mins. in their lazy river (against the current.) Later in the day, I did about another mile of walking in Saratoga Campground. Speaking of which…
Saratoga Lake Campground
$25 per night (electric only), there’s a dump about a mile away, and you’ll need to bring your water or find a place to get it in town. No reservations, but if you arrive anytime other than Friday evening or Saturday, you’re likely to find space. Lately, its only during a national holiday when the park should fill up – and (update from Independence Day weekend) – the campground NEVER filled up!
Note: There is also a NON-electric option in the front row (to the lake) for $15. nightly. Generators are generally tolerated well as campers are NOT often “on top of” each other.
There are about 45 electric spaces and at least 8 remained unoccupied all weekend! My analysis? I believe fewer rv’ers are traveling due to the cost of travel and the overall condition of the economy. I’m seeing the same thing with my Concierge RV Buying Clients. I recently negotiated on a 2025 NEW Newmar London Aire, offering them $80,000 below their asking price… and the dealer took it! You can learn more about my Concierge RV Services here.
In town, in addition to the (world famous) hotsprings (about 2 miles from the campground), you’ll find a couple of coffee shops, and a very complete grocery store. They in fact feature a great meat department (and competitive prices.)
Rawlins (about 40 minutes northwest) has a City Market (very substandard) and a Walmart (pretty good actually with even some organic produce!) OR, you can cross the Snowy’s and travel east to Laramie. The Big Hollow Co-op there is great. It has lots of fresh produce, organic meats and more. The Wild Bison Flea Market and Farm Stand is literally a 2 minute walk from Big Hollow. It has local ranchers (frozen) meats and more.
Saratoga Wyoming on Independence Day
For the Nation’s 250th, Saratoga went all out! After an early morning soak, I strolled through a car show and checked out an art show in the Community Center. The car show was followed by a parade. In advance of which I grabbed a latte (yeah, I’m still allowed those!)
While enjoying my morning coffee, I noticed a rare site – young patriots from Colorado! (Yeah, Colorado!) I spoke with them, two brothers, Austin and Tristan from just south of the border. The Wyoming border that is! They told me the entire vibe was different here in Saratoga than on their side of the border in Colorado – and they wanted to celebrate our nations 250th with fellow patriots.
The afternoon (for a change) got quite hot, so, I retreated to my camper (and its excellent insulation and air conditioning) to keep cool and relax. Hey, I’m still recovering from my heart attack. On July 4th, I was just 4 weeks since the event. I did catch a street performance later in the day (before my evening soak) and ran into “the patriots” (Austin and Tristan) again.
A quick update on me…
I’m eating a (heavily) red meat diet (had a great ribeye tonight) along with some natural chicken and wild caught Salmon. And, as I mentioned in my previous post and video, I’m intermittent fasting, eating within a 6-7 hour window each day. The reason? To reduce insulin resistance and all that comes with it. I just had blood drawn yesterday (7/13) and expect to have results by the end of this week.
As I write this, its been 6 weeks since the heart attack. I continue to feel fine. I am riding my bike daily. Today I’ve reached 7.5 miles in a sunrise ride. I’m now in Idaho Falls, I left Saratoga on the 6th and its HOT here! The peak of the recent (and brief) heatwave was on Sunday when it reached about 105 by late afternoon. Fortunately, there is NO humidity!
Kayaking Options in and around Saratoga
Saratoga Lake – the largest of the three I’m going to share. Saratoga’s own lake is actually a unique wetlands. There are even several pelicans flying around as you paddle the lake! Saratoga Lake is very convenient to access, BUT, as of early July there are growing algae blooms and the lake has a history of harmful algal blooms. Humans can typically paddle the lake even with an HAB present, but be careful to keep pets OUT of the lake when present!
Two other lakes offer far more scenic and pristine environments…
Mirror Lake – at the top of the Snowy’s, elevation 10,100 ft about 40 minutes east of Saratoga Lake Campground. Easy paved road access and accessed right along Wyoming 130 on the way to Laramie. The lake can be fun to paddle, but will take less than 30 minutes (for most) to complete a loop.
IF you opt to travel to Mirror Lake, please consider its about 3000 ft. higher elevation than Saratoga. The temperature and winds may differ from where you are! Check weather forecasts for the alpine environment you’re heading to!
When I visited in mid-June, there was still extensive snow cover from a massive (30″) snowstorm that hit the mountains in late May!
Turpin Lake – slightly closer than Mirror Lake, but a more technical drive to reach it. Turpin is located at 9300 ft. after a 13 mile drive up a gravel and wash-boarded North Brush Creek Rd. Your travel initially is in the same direction as Mirror Lake (follow 130 south and east towards Laramie), but before you really begin the climb to Mirror Lake, you make a left turn onto North Brush Creek Road.
Interestingly, one of the roughest stretches on North Brush Creek Rd. is encountered as soon as you leave the pavement!
RV Camping Options along North Brush Creek Rd.
Just a couple of miles (if that) along North Brush Creek Rd. you will encounter Lincoln Park campground. It is a National Forest Service (primitive) campground. As you proceed farther up the road, you’ll find (free) dispersed camping.
Several (perhaps 8 miles) up North Brush Creek, there is a large meadow with several “natural” camping areas that I’ve seen often have campers there. This is not the only dispersed area. I would encourage you to FIRST take a vehicle up North Brush Creek Rd. to assess potential campsites that can work for you.
Realize there is a 16 day limit to your stand AND there is NO cell service (or internet access) unless you have Starlink (and stay away from the trees!)
Rodeos – Classic Summer Entertainment
In the 3 weeks I spent in Saratoga, I attended a rodeo in Encampment (which is an interesting community in its own right) and in Saratoga. I have included some video in the video above and some photos from each event here.
Encampment Woodchoppers Jamboree & Rodeo – Jun 20, 2026
Hey, I’d love to hear from you – you can post below in the comments section OR below the video (click on it to load the YouTube page and you can post there.)
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