Improved Land for Sale in Encampment, Wyoming

Welcome to Water Valley Ranch—an exceptionally rare opportunity located in a remote location in Southern Wyoming surrounded by the Medicine Bow National Forest, with live water, private lakes, on-grid power and an extraordinary collection of existing improvements.

Land

Completely surrounded by Medicine Bow National Forest

25,961 ± SF of total improvements including Main Lodge: 19,702± SF

½ mile of the wild Encampment River

Spectacular 10-acre lake

Water rights

32 mile wilderness trail following the Encampment River just beyond the ranch

24 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms

Approximately 40 acres of commercial zoning adding a level of flexibility for a future owner

On-grid power

Ideally suited as a multigenerational family compound, private retreat, campground, hotel or guest ranch

Improvements

Water Valley Ranch offers a substantial collection of existing improvements totaling approximately 25,961 square feet, providing tremendous flexibility for private, commercial and recreational use.

Main Lodge: 19,702± SF (12 bed 9 bath)

Owner’s River Home: 1,961± SF (3 bed 2 bath)

Guest Cabin 1: 2,654± SF

Guest Cabin 2: 476± SF

Guest Cabin 3: 435± SF

Guest Cabin 4: 625± SF

Guest Cabin 5: 108± SF

Total: 24 bedrooms | 20 bathrooms

The scale of these improvements would be difficult to duplicate in a setting of this caliber. With on-grid power, a nearly 20,000-square-foot main lodge, owner’s residence and five guest cabins, Water Valley Ranch already has the infrastructure to function as an exceptional compound.

The Water

Water defines Water Valley Ranch. The property features a spectacular 10 acre lake and approximately ½ mile of the Encampment River, creating an extraordinary private setting for fishing, paddling and family recreation.

The ranch also holds water rights, an important asset in the the arid West.

Perhaps most special is approximately one-half mile of the Encampment River flowing through the property. This is classic Wyoming trout water a broad mountain river characterized by riffles, pools and runs, ranging from approximately 30 to 75 feet wide in many locations. Brown trout commonly range from approximately 12 to 20 inches, offering challenging river fishing for experienced anglers, while the ranch lakes provide an ideal setting to introduce children and guests to fishing.

Beyond the ranch, anglers can explore miles of additional public water along the Encampment River. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has recognized the Encampment as very good trout water of statewide importance.

Surrounded by National Forest

Water Valley Ranch is an inholding within the Medicine Bow National Forest, providing a level of privacy, access and connection to public land that is increasingly difficult to replicate.

Just beyond the ranch boundary is the Encampment River Trail, which follows the river south through spectacular backcountry. The trail provides access to roughly 32 miles round trip of backcountry adventure, with opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

The surrounding Encampment River Canyon is renowned for its rugged scenery and recreational opportunities. From the front door of the lodge, an owner can venture directly into an enormous expanse of National Forest and experience Wyoming much as generations before them did.

Recreation & Wildlife

Recreation begins immediately outside the door. Hunting has long been part of the tradition at Water Valley Ranch, with the surrounding country supporting elk, mule deer and moose. The combination of private land, live water and direct access to vast expanses of National Forest creates an exceptional base from which to experience the region.

Fishing may be the property’s signature recreational amenity. An owner can spend the morning pursuing wild brown trout through the riffles, runs and pools of the Encampment River and the afternoon taking children or guests to the ranch lake for a relaxed day on the water.

Beyond fishing and hunting, the surrounding public lands provide virtually endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and backcountry exploration on a scale few private properties can offer.

A Proven Retreat & Family Compound

Water Valley Ranch has a long history as a destination property, and its configuration lends itself naturally to a variety of potential uses and income.

The nearly 20,000 square-foot main lodge, owner’s residence, five guest cabins, 24 bedrooms, on-grid power, lakes, river frontage and extensive recreational opportunities create an exceptional foundation for a multigenerational family compound. Multiple generations can gather in one remarkable setting while still enjoying separate accommodations, privacy and direct access to the outdoors.

Alternatively, the property’s scale, commercial zoning and existing infrastructure provide the flexibility to continue its tradition as a guest ranch, corporate retreat, lodging property or extraordinary private residence.

Wyoming’s favorable overall tax environment, along with significant valued improvements may also be attractive to prospective owners.

Location & Access

Water Valley Ranch is located in southern Wyoming, approximately eight miles north of the Colorado state line, combining genuine backcountry seclusion with surprisingly convenient access.

The historic community of Encampment is approximately seven miles away. Encampment traces its roots to trappers and traders gathering in the region during the 1830s and later became an important Western copper-mining community. Today, the small town retains its authentic Wyoming character and serves as a gateway to the Sierra Madre Mountains and surrounding National Forest.

Approximately 20 miles north is Saratoga, a renowned Western destination along the North Platte River offering restaurants, shops and its famous natural hot springs. The greater Saratoga area has also become known for world-class Western hospitality, fly fishing and outdoor recreation, including internationally recognized destinations such as Brush Creek Ranch.

Importantly, Saratoga provides excellent private-air access through Shively Field / Saratoga Jet Center (KSAA). The airport is located less than one mile from downtown Saratoga and features an 8,801-foot by 100-foot paved runway capable of accommodating most aircraft, along with Jet A and 100LL fuel, heated hangars capable of housing large-cabin business aircraft, de-icing and additional FBO services.

This combination allows Water Valley Ranch to feel remarkably remote while remaining accessible by private aircraft from across the country.

Water Valley Ranch

Water Valley Ranch represents something increasingly difficult to find in today’s West: a substantial private holding completely surrounded by National Forest, with live trout water, private lakes, valuable water rights, on-grid power and nearly 26,000 square feet of existing improvements.

It is a property where generations of a family can gather and create a lasting Western legacy, where guests can experience authentic outdoor adventure, or where a new owner can build upon its history as an established destination retreat.

Fish the Encampment River in the morning, ride directly into the National Forest in the afternoon and return to the lodge as the sun disappears behind the mountains.

Water Valley Ranch combines the privacy of a wilderness retreat, the infrastructure of an established destination property and direct access to one of southern Wyoming’s great recreational landscapes, a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of the American West.