Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area Preparing for the Winter
Written by Press Release on September 8, 2023
Winter is quickly approaching in the Cowboy State, which means the National Park Service is preparing local recreational areas for snowfall.
The National Park Service released a press release on how they are preparing the Bighorn Canyon Recreational Area.
The press release reads:
Lovell, WY – Bighorn Canyon is nearing the end of a busy summer season and looking toward the winter. In the next month, several facilities will be closed for the winter.
On the North District of Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area near Fort Smith, MT, the Ok-A-Beh Marina will operate until September 17th. They are no longer renting boats, but the marina store remains open, and fuel is available. All boats must be out of the rental slips no later than September 17th as slips will be removed on September 18th. The Afterbay and Grapevine Creek Campgrounds are open year-round. Water at the campsites is dependent on the weather and could be shut off any time from September 1 to October 1 as weather turns colder. Please plan accordingly. The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center is closed for the season.
On the South District of Bighorn Canyon near Lovell, WY, the Horseshoe Bend Marina is closed. The Trail Creek campground at Barry’s Landing and the campground at Horseshoe Bend are open year-round, however, water at the campsites is dependent on the weather and could be shut off any time from September 1 to October 1. Please plan accordingly. Through the month of September, the Lovell Visitor Center remains open 7 days a week from 8:30 – 4:30.
Devil Canyon floating restroom is out for the season. Beginning the week of September 18, maintenance crews will be removing lake facilities at Dayboard 9, Black Canyon and Dryhead. The courtesy docks at Ok-A-Beh, Barry’s Landing and Horseshoe Bend will stay in place until the lake starts to freeze later in the year. Boat ramps usually remain open all winter, however access and use depend upon snow, ice, and road conditions.
Bighorn Canyon offers wonderful year-round boating, fishing and hiking opportunities. All hiking trails are open and offer a variety of fall and winter scenery. Bighorn Canyon invites you to enjoy and explore the different seasons at the lake.
For current lake conditions or help planning a visit, visitors may call the Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 307-548-5406.
