08/29/2026
Summer is Coming to an End at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area invites visitors to enjoy the final days of summer and the beginning of fall at the park. Lake levels remain steady, and park staff will continue to offer a variety of programs throughout September.
As of Aug. 28, 2026, the lake level is 3,622.9 feet. The minimum launch level for small boats at Horseshoe Bend is 3,620 feet, and the courtesy dock remains in the water. Boaters are advised to use caution in areas south of Horseshoe Bend and in the South Narrows due to low water levels. Docks remain in place at Horseshoe Bend, Barry’s Landing and Ok-A-Beh, including the concession dock at Ok-A-Beh.
At boat launch areas, visitors should use designated rigging areas to prepare boats before proceeding to the ramp. This helps prevent backups on the road and delays at the ramps.
Both Horseshoe Bend and Ok-A-Beh marinas will be open for Labor Day weekend. Horseshoe Bend Marina will be open Friday through Sunday the weekend of Aug. 28 and Friday through Monday over Labor Day weekend. The marina will close for the season at the end of the day on Sept. 7. Boat tours are no longer being offered.
Ok-A-Beh Marina will remain open daily through Sept. 7. The last day to rent boats will be Sept. 7, and all boats must be removed from slips by Sept. 10.
Facilities and Campgrounds
The Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center in Lovell, Wyoming, is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. Beginning Sept. 13, the visitor center will move to winter hours and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.
All campgrounds in the park remain open. Water will be available at designated sites at Afterbay and Horseshoe Bend campgrounds through September or until cold weather requires the park to discontinue water services for the season. Docks and floating restrooms are not installed at Black Canyon or Dayboard 9.
The park continues to monitor bear activity throughout Bighorn Canyon. Visitors should keep a clean camp, properly secure food and other attractants, and remember that feeding bears is illegal.
September Programing
Sept. 4: Join Ranger Jenna for Fishing Friday at the Visitor Center Fishing Pond from 9 a.m. to noon. This is a great opportunity for people new to fishing to learn some skills with the help of park staff and volunteers. Don't have any equipment? No worries. A limited supply of fishing equipment will be available. Participants should bring a valid Wyoming fishing license, along with water, snacks and sun protection as needed.
Sept.12: Ranger Zach will host a limited astrophotography workshop from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Devil Canyon Overlook. The workshop is limited to 15 participants. To register, call the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 307-548-5406 or stop by during normal operating hours.
Sept. 19: Join Volunteers Mike and Steve for guided tours of the Lockhart Ranch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 25: Celebrate the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center’s 50th birthday. In cooperation with Western National Parks, the park will host a Fishing and Fellowship activity from noon to 2 p.m., followed by cake and refreshments from 2 to 3 p.m.
Find more events, program details and other information on the park’s online calendar at https://www.nps.gov/bica/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check current conditions, and confirm program details before arriving. For more information, please contact Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area or visit the park’s official website and social media channels.
Photo courtesy of Zachary Hubbard.
