Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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National Park Overview
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the Bighorn River and turned this variable stream into a magnificent lake.

Bighorn Lake extends approximately 71 miles through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles of which are held within spectacular Bighorn Canyon. The Recreation Area is composed of 120,000+ acres, which straddles the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders. There are two visitor centers and other developed facilities in Fort Smith, Montana and - Lovell, Wyoming. The Afterbay Lake below the Yellowtail Dam is a good spot for trout fishing and wildlife viewing for ducks, geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is a world class trout fishing area.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a lesser known treasure waiting to be discovered. It boasts breath-taking scenery, countless varieties of wildlife and abundant recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, ice fishing, camping and hiking. Bighorn Canyon offers visitors what few other National Park areas can, that of solitude, serenity and beauty. In the midst of our chaotic world, this is a truly unique quality.

Camping
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has several campgrounds to choose from. Use the detailed information below to decide which campground fits the needs of you and/or your party best (Note all campgrounds listed below are open all year round)

Afterbay Campground Adjacent to the Afterbay Lake, contains 29 sites which accommodate both RVs and tents year round. Each site is equipped with tables and BBQ pits/fire rings, bear-proof food storage containers, vault restrooms - boatramp, drinking water and RV dump station. No reservations, hook-ups or showers.

Black Canyon Campground Black Canyon Campground is a boat-in only campground located 5 miles south of Ok-A-Beh Marina at dayboard 5. The site contains 17 tent sites equipped with tables and BBQ pits/fire rings, bear-proof food storage containers and floating vault restrooms. Sites available on a first come/first serve basis. Campers must carry out their own garbage. Extremely low or high water levels may make access to the campground difficult. No drinking water or terrestrial toilets available.

Horseshoe Bend Campground Approximately one mile from the south entrance, is the turn off to Horseshoe Bend. The campground contains 54 sites which accomodate both RVs and tents year round. Each site is equipped with tables and BBQ pits/fire rings. Some sites have shade shelters. Also available are modern flush toilets - boat ramp, drinking water and an RV dump station. NOTE During the winter months, facilities are winterized and maybe closed with the exception of the Marina restroom. No reservations, hook-ups or showers.

Medicine Creek Campground This boat-in or hike-in only campground is located north of Barrys Landing at dayboard 32, in Medicine Creek. Surrounded by junipers, there are 6 tent sites equipped with tables and grills. When water levels allow - floating vault toilet, boat dock and slips are available at the site. No drinking water available or terrestrial toilet. Campground may be difficult to access during low water conditions by boat.

Trail Creek Campground Trail Creek Campground -long the road to Barrys Landing, is a picturesque setting for the 5 tent only sites and 7 sites suitable for trailers or tents. Each site is equipped with tables and BBQ pits/fire rings enhanced by a nearby trickling creek and abundant shade. Bear proof food storage boxes and vault toilets are located in the campground. A boat ramp is located nearby. No water is available at this camping site.

More Info

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Located in Fort Smith, MT,WY TRAVEL BASICSCAMPINGLODGING ACTIVITIES
IN BRIEF Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an

Bridge National Preserve Big Cypress National Preserve Big Hole National Battlefield Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Canyon de Chelly National Monument Cape Krusenstern National Monument

maps were produced by the U.S. National Park Service unless otherwise noted. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area [Montana / Wyoming] (Area Map) 1997 (65K) (PDF Format) Bighorn Canyon National
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National Park, CA Laramide Uplifts (Low-Angle Subduction) Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, MT Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM Florissant Fossil
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Bird Checklists of the United States Master Table of Contents United States and Canada U.S. Canada Great Plains States Colorado -- Iowa -- Kansas -- Minnesota

Tower National Monument, Yellowstone National Park Grand Teton National Park and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Also driving through the Mountains to see the surrounding scenary is

Nature Programs
Junior Ranger Program

Bighorn Canyons Junior Ranger Program is a great way for children -s well as their parents, to experience Bighorn Canyon. By completing several different activities, the whole family will learn about the Yellowtail Dam, the history of the area and the wide variety of wildlife. The Booklets are available at the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center in Lovell, Wyoming, the Crooked Creek Contact Station, the Afterbay Contact Station and the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center in Fort Smith, Montana. When the booklets are filled out, the children can return them to any of the above sites to receive their Junior Ranger badge and become an official Bighorn Canyon Junior Ranger.

Area Attractions
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS National Park Service Areas

Yellowstone National Park, 100mi

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, 150mi

Devils Tower National Monument, 270mi

Other Attractions

Medicine WheelBighorn National Forest, 307-548-6541, 35mi

Buffalo Bill Museum & Historical Center- Cody, Wyoming, 307-587-4771, 50mi

Hot Springs State ParkThermopolis, Wyoming, 307-864-2176, 100mi

The Wyoming Dinosaur CenterThermopolis, Wyoming, 307-864-2997, 100mi
PlaneLogan International Airport in Billings, Montana for either North or South entrances. Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming for South entrance.

Private PlanesThe 5U7 airstrip in Fort Smith, Montana is unattended and a day VFR airstrip. There are mountains and power lines surrounding the airstrip. It is suggested that with winds permitting take off should be done on runway 07 and landings on runway 25.

CarNorth EntranceFort Smith, MontanaTake Interstate 90 to Hardin, Montana. Turn on Highway 313 traveling 40 miles south to Fort Smith, Montana and the North entrance.

CarSouth entrancenear Lovell, WyomingFrom 14A turn north on Highway 37, continuing 9 miles to South entrance.

Public TransportationNone available.