If you're driving west through Wyoming, you'll probably see the signs. They start popping up around Cody. Most people are just gunning it for the East Gate of Yellowstone, eyes on the prize, looking for grizzlies and geysers. They miss the massive turquoise reservoir tucked into the Shoshone Canyon. That’s Buffalo Bill State Park. It’s gorgeous. Honestly, it’s one of those places that locals kind of want to keep to themselves because the crowds in the national park next door are getting a bit much.
Established in 1957, this park wraps around the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The water is held back by the Buffalo Bill Dam, which, when it was finished in 1910, was actually the tallest dam in the world. People forget that. It was an engineering marvel of the early 20th century, standing 325 feet high. But you aren't here for a history lecture. You're here because you want to know if it's worth the stop.
It is.
The Wind is Real
Let's get the elephant out of the room. It gets windy. Like, really windy. Because the park sits in a gap between the Absaroka Mountains, the wind tunnels through the canyon. If you are planning on paddleboarding or taking a light kayak out, check the forecast. Seriously. I’ve seen people get pushed halfway across the reservoir in minutes.
The reservoir itself is huge. We’re talking 7,000 or so acres of water surface. Because it's fed by the North and South Forks of the Shoshone River, the water is cold. Very cold. Even in July, you aren't going to be doing much casual wading unless you have skin made of leather. But for trout fishing? It’s world-class.
Where to Actually Set Up Camp
Most people head straight for the North Shore Bay. It’s the most developed. You’ve got the North Shore Campground and the Lakeview Campground. If you have a massive RV, these are your best bets because they have the paved pads and the hookups you're looking for.
But if you want something a bit more rugged, head to the North Fork Campground. It’s further west, closer to the river entrance. It feels more like the "Old West" that Colonel Cody—yeah, the real Buffalo Bill—fell in love with.
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Wait, who was Buffalo Bill anyway?
William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody basically founded the town of Cody. He was a scout, a showman, and a bit of a visionary. He saw this arid basin and realized that if you could harness the Shoshone River, you could turn the desert into farmland. That’s why the dam exists. He didn't live to see it finished, but the park is his legacy.
Hiking Sheep Mountain
If you’re looking for a workout, the Sheep Mountain area is the place. It isn't a manicured gravel path. It’s steep. It’s rocky. You might see bighorn sheep—hence the name—and you definitely need to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in the lower sections.
The view from the ridgelines looking back over the reservoir is staggering. You can see the volcanic peaks of the Absarokas biting into the sky. It’s a different kind of beauty than the geyser basins. It’s more skeletal, more raw.
Wildlife and Safety (The Scary Stuff)
This is grizzly country. Don't let the "State Park" designation fool you into thinking it's a city park. You are right on the edge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- Bear Spray: Carry it. Know how to use it.
- Trash: Use the bear-proof bins. Don't be that person who leaves a cooler out.
- Moose: They hang out in the willows near the river inlets. They are grumpier than the bears. Give them a wide berth.
I’ve seen people try to get selfies with elk here. Don't do that. An elk can put a hoof through a windshield if it’s having a bad day.
The Dam Visitor Center
You sort of have to go to the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center. It’s free, which is a nice break for your wallet. Walking out onto the top of the dam is a trip. The drop-off on the canyon side is vertical and dizzying. You can feel the vibration of the water.
There's a small museum there that explains the Shoshone Project. It’s basically how the Bureau of Reclamation turned a wasteland into an agricultural hub. It’s pretty fascinating to see the old photos of guys hanging from ropes with manual drills back in 1905.
Why Most People Get It Wrong
People think Buffalo Bill State Park is just a place to pee on the way to Yellowstone. That's a mistake. If you’re into windsurfing or kiteboarding, this is actually one of the premier spots in the Rockies because of those canyon winds I mentioned earlier.
It’s also way cheaper. If you can’t find a campsite in the national park—which, let's face it, is almost impossible these days without a reservation six months in advance—this is your safety net. It’s only about 40 miles from the Yellowstone gate. You can base yourself here and drive in for day trips.
Fishing the Shoshone
The North Fork of the Shoshone River flows right through the park before it hits the reservoir. It’s a blue-ribbon trout stream. We’re talking rainbows, cutthroats, and browns.
The river is fast. If you're fly fishing, you need to be careful about your footing. The rocks are slippery and the current is deceptive. But the payoff? Catching a wild Yellowstone Cutthroat with the mountains reflecting in the water? That's the dream.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Check the water levels before you haul a big boat up there. In late summer, especially in drought years, the reservoir can drop significantly. The boat ramps at Sheep Mountain or Blackwater might be high and dry by August. North Shore usually stays functional longest.
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Also, bring layers. Even if it's 90 degrees in Cody, the temperature drops fast when the sun goes behind the peaks. And that wind? It bites. A light windbreaker is basically mandatory equipment here.
If you are coming from the east, stop in Cody and hit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West first. It’s five museums in one. It gives you the context you need to appreciate why this landscape matters. Then, drive the 15 minutes out to the park.
The Hidden Gem: Eagle Creek
If you want to get away from the RVs and the noise, look for the Eagle Creek trailhead. It’s technically just outside the main developed areas of the park but provides access to the Washakie Wilderness. It’s rugged. It’s quiet. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back 150 years.
Things to do right now:
- Check the Wyoming State Parks website: Look for "Current Conditions" or "Alerts." If the wind is sustained over 30 mph, reconsider your boating plans.
- Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty once you get deep into the canyon. Don't rely on Google Maps to find your way back to your campsite at night.
- Buy your permit online: Save time at the gate. You can get daily or annual passes on the Wyo Parks website.
- Secure your food: If you are camping, make sure your bear-safe plan is solid before you arrive.
Buffalo Bill State Park isn't just a consolation prize for people who couldn't get into Yellowstone. It's a destination in its own right. It’s harsher, windier, and a bit more honest about what the Wyoming wilderness actually is. If you want the views without the bumper-to-bumper traffic, this is where you pull over.
Take the turn. Walk across the dam. Fish the North Fork. You'll get it once you're there.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Secure a Campsite: Visit the Wyoming State Parks Reservation System to book a spot at North Shore or Lakeview. These fill up fast on weekends.
- Verify Fishing Regulations: The Shoshone River has specific creel limits and tackle restrictions. Check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the latest 2026 regulations before casting a line.
- Safety Check: Purchase bear spray from a local shop in Cody like Sierra or Rocky Mountain Sports. Ensure it is accessible on your belt, not buried in your backpack.