Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning natural destination located in the states of Montana and Wyoming, in the United States. The recreation area encompasses a vast expanse filled with breathtaking canyons, cliffs, and pristine waters, providing visitors with a wide range of recreational opportunities and natural wonders to explore.

The recreation area is situated along the borders of the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana and the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Wyoming. It spans over 120,000 acres and primarily preserves the Bighorn River and its surrounding canyons. The Bighorn Canyon stretches approximately 70 miles through striking landscapes that were shaped by the flow of the river over thousands of years.

Historically, the area has great significance as it showcases evidence of human presence dating back more than 10,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Crow and Shoshone-Bannock, have long inhabited the region and continue to maintain cultural ties to the land. In the early 19th century, fur trappers and explorers ventured into the region, leaving behind remnants of their presence.

Visitors to Bighorn Canyon can engage in a myriad of activities. Boating and fishing are popular pursuits on the Bighorn Lake, offering opportunities to reel in various fish species such as trout, bass, and catfish. The lake also provides a picturesque setting for water skiing and kayaking.

Hiking enthusiasts can explore the vast network of trails that wind through the canyons, offering spectacular vistas, fascinating geological formations, and glimpses of the diverse wildlife that call the area home. Camping facilities are available for those who wish to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the recreation area.

In addition to the recreational opportunities, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is home to several noteworthy attractions nearby. The Yellowtail Dam, named after the Crow tribal leader Robert Yellowtail, is a prominent feature and an engineering marvel worth visiting. It spans the Bighorn River, forming the Bighorn Lake and providing hydroelectric power along with flood control for downstream communities.

Just a short distance away is the historic town of Lovell, Wyoming, where visitors can explore local museums, dine at charming restaurants, or participate in cultural events. Another nearby attraction is the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, an ancient Native American spiritual site that offers an intriguing glimpse into the region's history and traditions.

Overall, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, recreational activities, and nearby attractions, it promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is nestled in the heart of the American West, located in the states of Wyoming and Montana. Spanning over 120,000 acres, this natural wonder is situated within the Bighorn Mountains, a majestic range that stretches across the landscape. The park straddles the border of the two states, with the majority of its territory in Wyoming. Visitors are treated to stunning vistas of rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and the turquoise waters of the Bighorn Lake, which winds its way through the area. Surrounded by vast prairies and rolling hills, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a breathtaking destination that showcases the dramatic beauty of the Western landscape.

Address & Contact

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area South District Visitor Center
20 US Hwy 14A
Lovell, WY 82431
Driving Directions
Phone: 3075485406
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area would be from June to September. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 79°F to 85°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.3 in to 0.94 in. These months also see a moderate number of visitors. By visiting during this time, you can enjoy the park's beauty while avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Snow Play Snowshoeing Swimming Boat Tour Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Dining Sailing Stand Up Paddleboarding Freshwater Swimming Compass and GPS Off-Trail Permitted Hiking Theater Playground Jet Skiing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Groundwater Freshwater Springs Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Industry Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles Canyons and Canyonlands Fire Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Water Trails Unique Species Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Mining Military Watersheds Painting Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Schools and Education Women's History Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Forts Wars and Conflicts Migrations Cavalry Indigenous and Native Warrior Tribal Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Bison Elk Thickets and Shrublands Rare Engineering Ranches Homesteading Dams Commerce Ancient Seas Poetry and Literature Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center (Lovell, WY. South District)

The visitor center includes various exhibits and programs ranging from a large regional relief map, to films about the wild horses, canyon/area geology, and authentic historic displays.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center (Lovell, WY. South District).

Campsites within or near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Afterbay Campground

- Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year - $35 per night for full utility sites - $18 per night for non-utility/tent camping sites - 22 RV and tent sites are located on the south shore of Afterbay lake - All sites have fire rings and picnic tables - Composting vault toilets - All sites are back in (not pull through) - All sites have electric and water - RV dump station available across the road near the Headquarters building
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Full Utility Sites), 18.00 (Non-Utility Sites and Tent Camping)
Total Campsites: 22
Toilets: Composting Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground

Barry's Landing & Trail Creek campgrounds are located on the south district near Barry's Landing, 27 miles north of Lovell, WY on HWY 37. - Open All Year - $18 per night during the summer season (Mid April through October) - 14 RV sites, 16 tent sites - Most RV sites are small for a 28 ft RV or smaller - Vault toilets only, no running water or electricity
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Trail Creek Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 30
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Black Canyon Campground

Black Canyon is a boat-in-only campground located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp. Black Canyon is currently closed (as of 8/30/22) because of aggressive bear activity due to them receiving food rewards from campers. - Open All Year - Docks in seasonally (Memorial Day - Labor Day) - 17 tent sites
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Black Canyon Campground)
Total Campsites: 17
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Dayboard 9 Campground

This small boat in only campground is located at Dayboard 9, approximately 9 miles south of Okabeh Marina. During the summer season (Memorial Day - Labor Day) this location features a courtesy dock and floating comfort station. The primitive gravel campsites include picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire pits.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Fee Free)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Grapevine Campground

- Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year! - $18 per night fee (50% off with Senior Pass) - 14 RV and tent sites are located on the north shore of Afterbay lake - RV sites are back in (not pull through) - All sites are handicapped accessible, have fire rings, and picnic tables - Vault toilets are accessible - There are no RV hookups - Trash cans available seasonally (May-Oct) - RV dump station and drinking water available across Afterbay lake near the Headquarters building and Afterbay Campground
Fees (US$): 18.00 (Grapevine Campground)
Total Campsites: 14
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Horseshoe Bend Campground

- Located near Lovell, WY - Open All Year - All sites include fire pit and picnic table. - 68 RV and tent sites - 28 sites have water and electrical hook-ups. The water is only available at these sites Memorial Day to Labor Day. The electricity remain on year round. - 3 pull through sites - Modern Restrooms, RV dump station and drinking water are available - Swim beach and picnic less than 1 mile hike from the campground - Horseshoe Bend Marina and boat docks less than 1 mile hike from the campground
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Horseshoe Bend Campground fee for Utility sites), 18.00 (Horseshoe Bend Campground Fee for Non-Utility sites)
Total Campsites: 68
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Medicine Creek Campground

Medicine Creek campground is a boat-in or hike-in only campground. It is approximately 3 miles north of Barry's Landing by land or water. - Open All Year - Lake level affects the proximity of the boat mooring to campsites
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Medicine Creek Campground)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Western Motel

Located in Lovell, Western Motel is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Hyart Theatre and New Horizons Care Center. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 180 W. Main Street, Lovell, Wyoming 82431
Web: Link

Cattlemen Motel

With a stay at Cattlemen Motel in Lovell, you'll be a 4-minute walk from Hyart Theatre and a 2-minute drive from Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 470 Montana Ave, Lovell, Wyoming 82431
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Powell

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Powell in Powell, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Homesteader Museum and Washington Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 845 E Coulter Ave, Alt 14, 3blks From Center Town, Powell, Wyoming 82435
Web: Link

Bighorn Lodge and Angler

Located in Fort Smith, this cabin is a 5-minute drive from Bighorn River and 9 minutes from Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 688 Ok-a -Beh Road, Fort Smith, Montana 59035
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Lovell/Bighorns

When you stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Lovell/Bighorns in Lovell, you'll be 15.1 mi (24.3 km) from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, microwave in a common area, and a water dispenser. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 595 E Main St, Lovell, Wyoming 82431
Web: Link

Horseshoe Bend Motel

With a stay at Horseshoe Bend Motel in Lovell, you'll be near the airport, just a 4-minute walk from Hyart Theatre and 14 minutes by foot from Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 375 E Main St, Lovell, Wyoming 82431
Web: Link