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Buffalo Bill State Park RV & Campground Guide

Wyoming

Workers constructed Buffalo Bill Dam in 1905, creating a reservoir that quickly became popular with anglers. In 1957, Wyoming state officials opened Buffalo Bill State Park on the reservoir's shores. The park was rebuilt in 1993, when the reservoir was made bigger, and water covered the original park. This state park near Cody, Wyoming, is an outdoor lover's paradise, and it features two campgrounds, so you can camp and have time to explore all this park has to offer. While exploring the area, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitors Center. Nearby cities: • Powell, WY • Lovell, WY • Cody, WY • Greybull, WY

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Weather
Spring 24-74 F
Summer 50-84 F
Fall 49-74 F
Winter 26-45 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Buffalo Bill State Park

Buffalo Bill State Park Lake Shore Campground • Water hookup: Yes, 37 sites • Electrical hookup: Yes, 37 sites • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 33 feet • Other amenities: Dump station, picnic tables, grills Buffalo Bill State Park North Fork Campground • Water hookup: Yes, 47 sites • Electrical hookup: Yes, 47 sites • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 33 feet • Other amenities: Dump station, restroom, grills

Cody KOA Holiday

Cody KOA Holiday is located just about 20 minutes from Buffalo Bill State Park and an hour away from Yellowstone, making it a great location if you’re planning on experiencing both parks, or even just one! With plenty of amenities and fun at the campground, it’s great for large groups and much more – there is truly something for everyone.  

Water hookup: yes

Electrical hookup: yes

Sewer hookup: yes

Wifi: yes

Pet-friendly: yes

Other amenities: cable TV, propane, bike rentals, pool, firewood, hot tub/sauna, pavilion, dog park, rodeo shuttle during summer evenings, free breakfast pancakes, guided activities, kids fun zone.

Ponderosa Campground

With a picturesque, country setting and perfect location just 12 minutes from the park, Ponderosa Campground is an ideal spot for those enjoying Buffalo Bill State Park.  With a vast variety of amenities, including a cappuccino bar and being able to walk to local Cody shops and restaurants, plus a nightly rodeo shuttle, you may not want to leave the campground! Rates start at $37 a night.

Water hookup: yes

Electrical hookup: yes

Sewer hookup: yes

Wifi: yes

Pet-friendly: yes

Other amenities: live entertainment, gift shop, convenience store, cappuccino bar, mountain views, rodeo shuttle bus stop, ATM, river rafting pick-up, playground, billiards table, restrooms with free private showers, modern laundry, sanitary dump station.  

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What to Do at
Buffalo Bill State Park

Many people use the Buffalo Bill State Park to launch their vessels onto Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The reservoir is also fantastic for fishing, geocaching and off-roading. Seasonally, hunters head to this location to hunt for elk, deer, birds, antelope and coyotes. Many visitors come to this park to hike along the Shoshone River while enjoying beautiful views of the nearby mountains.

Inside Buffalo Bill State Park

Whether you’re just there to see the antelope roam, or are excited about windsurfing inside the park, Buffalo Bill State Park has plenty to do and see! Keep in mind the park is completely open from May 1 – September 30th and there is limited access in the winter and offseason. Here are some of the activities to enjoy:

Boating and Water Activities – If you love enjoying the water, you’ll have plenty to do at Buffalo Bill State Park. Boating and several boat ramps are available, and the reservoir has been rated one of the top 10 in the nation for windsurfing! There is also great fishing available within the park, and anglers can try their hand at catching lake and rainbow trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, walleye, perch, suckers and carp in the reservoir.

Trails – Buffalo Bill State Park doesn’t have many trails – yet! The Eagle Point Trail, open now, is located within the Eagle Point Day Use Area. It’s handicapped accessible, and is the first phase of a planned trail system that runs along the north shoreline.

Wildlife Viewing – There is so much wildlife to see within the state park, all year round! Some of the wildlife that calls Buffalo Bill State Park home include elk, deer, antelope, coyote, bear, moose, sheep, birds and waterfowl and prairie dogs.

Fishing Fishing

The park is a terrific place to launch a vessel onto Buffalo Bill Reservoir for some fishing fun. Anglers often catch trout, walleye, perch, suckers and carp. Note that you will need a valid Wyoming fishing license to fish at this location. Some areas near Gibbs Bridge may be closed to fishing in the spring.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

Stop at the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center to get a map of the best places to see wildlife in Buffalo Bill State Park and the surrounding area. You may spot larger animals like antelope, elk and deer. The center has a wildlife display where you can learn more about what animals live in the region. You can often see wildlife near the North Fork Campground, especially in the morning and at sunset.

Stargazing Stargazing

The reservoir's shore is a beautiful spot to go stargazing because there are no obstacles in the way. Consider taking along a blanket and stretching it out on the ground near North Fork Campground.

Flora and Fauna

The area surrounding the reservoir's north shore is less developed than many areas of the park. Therefore, it is a fantastic area to see native plants. Another excellent option for viewing the local flora and fauna is to follow the North Fork Trail, which meanders throughout several areas in the park. Buffalo Bill State Park is a terrific place to see native plants because of its several diverse ecosystems, including meadows, water and mountains.

Hiking Hiking

The hike from Hayden Arch Bridge to Buffalo Bill Dam is stunning. The first mile of this trail is paved. Then, it becomes a rocky path that is about 20 feet wide. On one side of the course is the Shoshone River while on the other side are mountains. Be sure to bring your camera as you will likely see animals along this trail, and you will want to take photos of the colorful mountains.

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How to Get to
Buffalo Bill State Park

You can get to Buffalo Bill State Park from Cody, Wyoming, by going south on Sheridan Avenue. Then, turn left on Wyoming 291. In 11.5 miles, turn right on Stagecoach Trail. Continue for 3.8 miles, and you will be at the park.

Entering Buffalo Bill State Park

Buffalo Bill State Park Wyoming residents - per vehicle : $7.0

Buffalo Bill State Park Non-residents - per vehicle : $12.0

Buffalo Bill State Park Wyoming residents - annual pass : $48.0

Buffalo Bill State Park Non-residents - annual pass : $95.0

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Bill State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Buffalo Bill State Park?

Summer, when temperatures usually reach the low 70s, is the perfect time to visit Buffalo Bill State Park. While people fish at this park year-round, the fish are more apt to bite in the summer. The warmer temperatures also make it the perfect time for a hike, and you will love seeing the wildflowers.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Buffalo Bill State Park?

You can see many animals at Buffalo Bill State Park, including elk, deer, antelope and coyotes. Look near the water's edge at sunrise and sunset when these animals will likely come in for a drink. You can find out more details about the various animals in the area at the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitors Center, adjacent to the park, and they also have a wildlife display.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Buffalo Bill State Park?

There are two campgrounds at Buffalo Bill State Park. North Fork Campground is larger and more developed than Lake Shore Campground. Both campgrounds are near the reservoir, so shore fishing from either is a terrific option.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Buffalo Bill State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations are not always required at Buffalo Bill State Park. All camping sites with electricity and water require advanced reservations, and fees start at $18.10. There are a few primitive sites where you may not need a reservation.

Are pets allowed at Buffalo Bill State Park?

Yes. Pets are allowed on a leash at Buffalo Bill State Park. However, you should note that pets are not allowed in the water or in the park buildings.