About Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The park is open every day. The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center in Fort Smith, MT is only open in the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Cal S. Taggart visitor center in Lovell, WY operates on seasonal hours; Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Seven days a week. Winter Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day): 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Activities
Getting There
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.
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Topics & Themes
Things To 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…
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…
Hours: The visitor center includes authentic historic exhibits about the ranches, Native American life and artifacts, as well as information about regional geology and geography, the river before the dam, and a large relief map of the park and surrounding areas. In addition to the bookstore, there is a small theater that includes various free programs about the wild horses, canyon geology, and other local interests.
Campgrounds
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…
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. -…
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…
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 -…
Grapevine Campground
- Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year! - $18 per night fee (50% off with Senior Pass) - 14 RV and tent sites…
Horseshoe Bend Campground
- Located near Lovell, WY - Open All Year - All sites include fire pit and picnic table. - 68 RV and tent sites -…
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…
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