Medicine Bow National Forest had seven US Forest Service Civilian Conservation Corps camps: Ryan Park, Forest—at Pole Mountain, Chimney Park, Centennial Work Center, Arlington, Encampment, and French Creek.

The camp was made up of young unmarried men from the East Coast of the United States.

The camp planted tree, build roads, trails, campgrounds, and US Forest ranger stations.

[2] During World War 2, starting in 1942, Italian, German, and Austrian prisoners were housed at Ryan Park Camp.

Prisoner of war labor worked for civilian employers under the military officials and the Department of Agriculture's Extension Service.

The scrip could be used at the camp store for candy, soda pop, stamps to write home and other items.

Locals enjoyed the Italians at Ryan Park as on Saturday afternoon they could hear the prisoners play music and watch them dance.

[3][8] At the site of the former Prisoner of war camp is now the United States Forest Service Ryan Park campground.

The Campground is open seasonally from June to September, but dates are weather dependent.