PO Box 7458, Fort Smith, MT 59035-7458
Phone: 406-666-2412 or 307-548-2251
Fax: 406-666-2415
Open All Year
Overview. Until the Yellowtail Dam tamed the Bighorn River in the mid 1960s, the stream that cut its way through the limestone between the Pryor and Bighorn Mountains was far too wild to navigate. From the time of the first hunter-gatherers who sheltered in nearby caves as early as 10,000 years ago, to the trappers, traders, and mountain men who sought a short-cut to the west, the river could only be forded north of the canyon. The Crow, whose reservation surrounds the northern portion of the recreation area, tapped the river's bounty in 1904 when they built an irrigation system north of the current dam site. In 1965, its power was harnessed with the building of the Yellowtail Dam, named for Robert Yellowtail, a former tribal chairman and superintendent of the Crow Reservation. The dam created the Bighorn Lake, which passes through the 50-mile-long Bighorn Canyon, flanked on either side by sheer limestone cliffs. In addition to being a popular site for fishing and water sports, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area provides habitat for over 200 species of birds and a wide variety of animals and plants that range through several climate systems: from semi-arid to alpine to short grass prairie, once prime rangeland for American bison. The land directly west of the canyon and south of the Crow Reservation has been set aside as Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range to protect the herd of 120 wild horses that run there.What to see and do. Bighorn Lake spans the boundary between Wyoming and Montana. No road traverses the park from north to south, so plan your trip to arrive either in the north unit (Montana) or the south unit (Wyoming). Both approaches have visitor centers with exhibits concerning the history of the park and its recreational opportunities. Both units of the park offer camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. The Bighorn Visitor Center in Lovell, WY, a few miles south and west of the southern entrance, offers an orientation film and exhibits about the natural history of the canyon. Ranger-led activities are often available; check at the visitor center for information. During the summer, a lifeguard is on duty at Ok-A-Beh and Horseshoe Bend; each area has a marina and food service. Camp here or at Barry's Landing, farther north. Those with horses, contact the visitor center for horse-camping information. In winter, Horseshoe Bend is known for its ice fishing. Drive to Devil Canyon Overlook for a spectacular view of Bighorn's precipitous limestone walls. If you are entering the park from the north, stop by the Yellowtail Visitor Center, two miles beyond Fort Smith, MT, at the Yellowtail Dam. In addition to park information, exhibits here introduce you to Crow culture and the history of the 525-foot-high Yellowtail Dam. During the summer, the National Park Service conducts tours at the dam; details are available at the visitor center. Historic Fort C.F. Smith is located on private land near the park. This and several other nearby forts protected travelers along the Bozeman Trail, which was subject to Sioux and Cheyenne attacks in the mid-1800s. Ok-A-Beh marina provides food service, gas, and a boat launch above the dam. Afterbay Campground, located one mile below the dam, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups, but water and restrooms are provided. Of the 184 campsites in the entire park, 19 are tent sites, 14 of which are only accessible by boat. Lodging, supplies, and additional campgrounds are available in Fort Smith and Hardin, MT, and in Lovell, WY. The Crow Reservation surrounds the northern portion of the park; please do not trespass on this private land. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted but not on beaches. Fees: A nominal day-use fee is charged per vehicle.
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Archeological Sites |
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Beach |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Motor Boating |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Water Skiing |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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