Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center (Lovell, WY): Closed
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About the Park
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.
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What to See & Do
Devil Canyon Overlook at Bighorn Canyon NRA
One of the most iconic views in the park, Devil Canyon Overlook is a must see for everyone visiting the south district of the park accessed from Lovell, Wyoming.
Self-Guided Tours
Half Day at Bighorn Canyon, Fort Smith, MT District
Have half day at the North District in Fort Smith, Montana? Spend some time on the water. Bring your own kayak and immerse yourself in the canyon from Ok-A-Beh Marina to Black Canyon and back. Don't have a kayak or boat? Rent a pontoon from Ok-A-Beh Marina and soak in the canyon. If the water isn't for you, walk two of our less than two-mile trails, Three-Mile Access Trail or the Beaver Pond Nature Trail.
Half Day at Bighorn Canyon, Lovell, WY District
With half a day to spend in Bighorn Canyon, there is so much you can see! Start at the Lovell visitor center to get a map and then head out into the park! You will experience breath taking views at Devil Canyon Overlook, learn about Native American culture at the Two Eagles Interpretive Trail, go for a hike, visit a historic ranch to learn about past of the area, and, if you are really lucky, see some wildlife like our famous wild horses or bighorn sheep!
Full Day at Bighorn Canyon, Fort Smith, MT District
With a full day at the North District in Fort Smith, Montana, take the time to truly explore the park. Bring your camper or tent and plan to stay at one of our two campgrounds. Bring your binoculars and sense of adventure. Schedule your full day boat rental with Ok-A-Beh Marina. Spend the day looking for wildlife along the shoreline and enjoying the water. Before you get the campfire roaring in the evening, check out a ranger-led campground program or enjoy the variety of birds on the Afterbay Lake.
Visitor Centers
Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center (Lovell, WY)
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.
Where to Stay
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. Water is only guaranteed at these sites Memorial Day to Labor Day, but may remain on, weather dependent. Electricity remains on year-round. - 3 pull through sites - Modern Restrooms, RV dump station and drinking water are available - Horseshoe Bend Marina, boat ramp, swim beach, and picnic less than 1 mile hike from the campground
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 - 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
Afterbay Campground
- Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year - 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
Grapevine Campground
- Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year! - 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
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
Black Canyon Campground
Black Canyon is a boat-in-only campground located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp. Black Canyon occasionally closes due to aggressive bear activity as a result of receiving food rewards from campers. Check the "Alerts" page for any closures within the park. And remember, Do Not feed or approach any wildlife. - Open All Year - Docks in seasonally (Memorial Day - Labor Day) - 17 tent sites
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.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to St. Xavier and then to Fort Smith, Montana. To get to the South District at Lovell, WY from Billings, MT, take Interstate 90 west. Turn at exit 434 at Laurel, MT. Turn onto US 310 East/US 212 South. Turn at US 310 East to Lovell. The visitor center is on the east side of Lovell.
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon NRA is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Photos
spring cactus with yellow flowers
Four orange kayaks laying with their tips on the red rocks at Barry's Landing.
Bighorn Sheep Overlooking the Canyon
Looking up canyon toward Devil Canyon from the rim at Sullivan's Kob.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Location
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area South District Visitor Center
Lovell, WY 82431
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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