Places To Go

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is comprised of two distinct districts, located approximately 3 hours from eachother. Each district provides a diverse selection of recreational opportunities. Below highlights some of the "must-sees" of each district.

NOTE: There is no public roadway connecting the two districts within the park boundary. Visit the Directions page for information on navigating between the two districts.

 
Welcome to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area sign in front of trees, a grassy lawn, and a brown building.
Front lawn and welcome sign of the Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center in Lovell, WY.

NPS Photo

South District

Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center

Located on the outskirts of Lovell, WY, the Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center is a great first stop on any trip to the South District of Bighorn Canyon. Get maps, become a Junior Ranger, watch the park film, and more!

Open year-round, hours are dependent on time of year and staff availability. Current visitor center hours can be found on the Operating Hours & Seasons page.

Front Country Camping

The South District of Bighorn Canyon offers two locations for front country camping.
The Horseshoe Bend Campground is conveniently located near the Horseshoe Bend Marina and swimbeach. Only a 20-minute drive from Lovell, WY.
The Trail Creek Campground offers a more rustic camping experience and is located near the Barry's Landing boat ramp. An approximately 35-minute drive from Lovell, WY.

Horseshoe Bend Marina

Open Memorial Day through early September, the Horseshoe Bend Marina is your one stop shop for all things watersports. Take a dip in the lake, go fishing, or take a guided boat tour. Check out the Marinas, Tours, and Rentals page for more information.
 
A tree with brown leaves and a lopsided wooden fence in the foreground. A log cabin and green house at the base of a grassy hill across from another log cabin with green shutters with green trees in the background.
A view of four buildings on the Lockhart Ranch property.

NPS Photo

Hiking and Scenic Overlooks

The South District of Bighorn Canyon offers excellent canyon viewing opportunities. Some require short walks and others you can drive to!
Hiking: Offering 12 unique hiking opportunities, there is a hike for everyone! Check out the Hiking page for recommendations.
Overlooks: Devil Canyon Overlook and Barry's Landing offer great canyon views along WY 37 without leaving the comfort of your car.

Historic Ranches

Step back in time and explore the old west at one of the four historic ranches located in the South District of Bighorn Canyon.
Mason-Lovell Ranch - Explore the home of the namesake of Lovell, WY.
Ewing-Snell Ranch - Take a peek into the life of gold-miners and ranchers of the late 1800s.
Cedarvale Ranch - Located at Hillsboro, walk amongst the buildings of what was once a sportsman's paradise.
Lockhart Ranch - Visit the ranch of the Cattle Queen of Montana, Caroline Lockhart.

 
A lit up wooden and stone sign reading, "Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Yellowtail Dam" with a night sky full of stars in the background.
The North District Bighorn Canyon entrance sign at night.

Courtesy: Zachary Hubbard

North District

Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center

Offering a stunning view of the 525 foot tall, Yellowtail Dam, this visitor center is not one to miss. Located in Forth Smith, MT, this is your best source for maps, Junior Ranger books, and other information in the North District.

The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center is only open Memorial Day through Labor Day, staffing dependent. For current visitor center hours visit the Operating Hours & Seasons page.

Front Country Camping

The North District of Bighorn Canyon offers two locations for front country camping.
The Afterbay Campground is located along the Bighorn River near the Yellowtail Dam.
The Grapevine Campground is located across from the Afterbay Campground on the north side of the Bighorn River, near the Afterbay Boat Ramps.
 
An orange and purple sunset reflecting onto the water of the Bighorn River. trees and grass in the foregroud with rolling hills in the background.
A post-thunderstorm sunset over Afterbay Lake.

Courtesy: Zachary Hubbard

Ok-A-Beh Marina

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Ok-A-Beh is your one stop shop for all things watersports. Take a dip in the lake, go fishing, or rent a boat for a day on the lake. Check out the Marinas, Tours, and Rentals page for more information.

Hiking and Interpretive Sites

The North District of Bighorn Canyon offers great on land recreation opportunities.
Hiking: Take in the view and the beauty of the Bighorn River from one of our 3 hiking trails. For more information, visit our Hiking page.
Four Winds Interpretive Site: Catch some stunning big sky country views and learn more about Crow Culture.

Last updated: October 30, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area South District Visitor Center
20 US Hwy 14A

Lovell, WY 82431

Phone:

307 548-5406
(307) 548-5406 is the South District in Lovell, WY. (406) 666-9961 is the North District in Fort Smith, MT.

Contact Us