S.F. Shoshone River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

When looking for a scenic place to go hiking, camping, or biking in the state of Wyoming, the Shoshone River offers plenty of options to meet those pursuits. The site also offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Not only will you be able to enjoy world-class fishing and boating along the entire length of the river, but you'll also be able to travel to Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The dry climate of the region means that you'll be able to enjoy plenty of warm, sunny days throughout the year.

The site is managed by the Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which allows opportunities for free camping. Other BLM sites in the state also allow visitors to enjoy free primitive camping.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Four Bear Trail

The elevation of this trail ranges from 5,600 to 7,600 feet, and it intersects with Jim Mountain Trail. You'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of forests and meadows at many points along the trail.

Length: 10.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Sheep Mountain Trail

This trail climbs 1,748 feet, and it's generally considered a challenging hike. However, you'll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Shoshone River and Buffalo Bill Reservoir at the summit.

Length: 11.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing & Boating

The Shoshone River is a great place to catch brook trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. In addition, the nearby Buffalo Bill Reservoir is home to a variety of local species of fish. Shoshone River and Buffalo Bill Reservoir also provide launching points for canoeing and kayaking.

Wildlife Viewing

S.F. Shoshone River offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, elk, bear, fox, and other local wildlife species. Some of the best viewing locations can be found along the river's edge. Furthermore, S.F. Shoshone River is where you can spot some of the area's bird species such as old world sparrows, American robins, common grackles, northern flickers, common starlings, and icterids.

Picnicking

The stunning scenery of S.F. Shoshone River makes it an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic during the summer, spring, and early autumn months. The region's climate is fairly dry and provides plenty of warm, sunny days where you can bask as you enjoy a meal. Castle Rock Fishing Access Site and Cody Canal Day Use Site also offer picnic tables.

Stargazing

The high elevation and dry conditions of S.F. Shoshone River create the perfect setting for stargazing. There's very little light pollution in the area, so be sure to look up at night to see galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and other celestial sights.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You'll be able to enjoy BLM RV camping for a small fee in the site's parking lot. There are also several campgrounds in the area that offer affordable RV parking. Some of the best private RV campgrounds in the area are Cross Roads RV Park Shoshoni, Poison Creek, and Wind River RV Park. These locations offer dump stations, water hookups, electric hookups, and affordable prices.

Free Camping

You'll be able to enjoy free trailside camping at S.F. Shoshone River. However, there are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site. It's important to keep in mind that you can only stay in one location for two weeks per month. To see which of the available options would best suit your trip, search for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near S.F. Shoshone River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your S.F. Shoshone River BLM trip

S.F. Shoshone River is one of the most popular places to visit in the state of Wyoming thanks to its exceptionally beautiful scenery. However, it's important to make sure you're properly prepared before you go out into the site's wilderness. Bring a camp stove, flashlight, compass, fire starting kit, and knife with you. It's also important to check the forecast as weather conditions can change rapidly in the park. Bring rain gear with you even if conditions are clear when you head out. Thunderstorms can kick up suddenly, especially during the spring, summer, and early autumn months.

Consider bringing a GPS system to help to reduce your risk of getting lost. If you plan to stay overnight in the region's wilderness, you should always bring a waterproof tent. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

If you're headed to S.F. Shoshone River or any other BLM site, it's important to do everything you can to minimize your impact on the pristine landscape. Be sure to clean up any food and properly dispose of trash. If you create a fire, only do so in designated areas and keep it contained to prevent it from spreading. Do not disturb the natural habitat or remove anything as this could drastically affect the stability of the animals that call the park home. Complying with these practices helps ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the site's striking natural beauty.

S.F. Shoshone River Location

S.F. Shoshone River is close to the town of Cody, Wyoming. You can reach the site from here by heading south on South Fork Highway for the entire length of the road. This will bring you to Cabin Creek in Shoshone National Forest, and you'll be able to hike to the river from there.

Ready to visit S.F. Shoshone River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.