🌤 Weather at Buffalo Bill State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–62 °F | 49–82 °F | 27–71 °F | 18–39 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Buffalo Bill Dam, 4 mi away, elevation 5,160 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Buffalo Bill State Park is located in Park county about 9 miles from the historic town of Cody, WY. It’s only 40 miles from Yellowstone and considered a convenient stop to rest a bit and camp before heading over to that large national park. This Wyoming park surrounds a reservoir formed by the Buffalo Bill Dam and water from the Shoshone River. And the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountain Absaroka range (Rattlesnake Mountain, Cedar Mountain, Logan Mountain, Sheep Mountain and Carter Mountain) are visible here. There’s an old west lore about the area and the town of Cody nearby. That’s because both were named for Colonel William F “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a famous wild west showman, promoter and developer. The town of Cody is the true Buffalo Bill Center of the west. There are 5 museums dedicated to him along with a re-created frontier town complete with 1800s log cabins and a saloon – Old Trail Town. Visitors come to this beautiful park to boat, fish, hunt, camp and take in the sights of the mountains, river, lake, dam and abundant wildlife.
Activities
There’s a lot to see and do at Buffalo Bill State Park. If you’re looking for a day excursion check out the Sheep Mountain Area inside of the park. You’ll find picnic tables, a playground and a volleyball court. Need a spot for a large gathering? You can reserve one of the many group picnic shelters located throughout the park. Shreve Lodge is also available for rent for group functions and special occasions. The Lodge features a large kitchen and room for up to 200 guests to comfortably sit and eat. Here is a list of activities available here:
Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center
In keeping with the theme of the park, the Visitor Center spotlights its history and the history of Buffalo Bill Dam and of course Buffalo Bill himself. The Center is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and is open each year from May 1 until September 30. There’s a walkway across the top of the dam and from that fantastic vantage point you can see stunning views of the reservoir and the Shoshone River below. Inside the Center you will find exhibits, a mini theater and a gift shop.
Boating at Buffalo Bill State Park
The reservoir is open to all types of boats, both motorized and non motorized. There are boat ramps and docks available: Lake Shore Dock and Ramp, Stagecoach Dock and Ramp, Bartlett Lane Dock and Ramp and Gibbs Bridge Raft Take Out. Boat rentals are available through InvertSports. Because of the windy conditions here windsurfing is very popular. And Buffalo Bill Reservoir is one of the top 10 best spots for windsurfing in the country! The water temperature is usually too cold for swimming so keep that in mind and dress appropriately while boating on the lake.
Fishing at Buffalo Bill State Park
Great year round fishing opportunities can be found here both on the lake and on the river. Remember to pick up a fishing license on your way in. You can get one at many local stores in Cody as well as at the Game and Fish Department. Fish you’re likely to catch in the reservoir here are: walleye, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, lake trout, perch, suckers and carp.
Hiking at Buffalo Bill State Park
There isn’t much available currently for trails here but there is a planned trail system in the works that will run along the north shoreline. For now there is only one handicap accessible trail, Eagle Point Trail, that is located in the Eagle Point day use area. Geocaching spots are hidden throughout the park.
Off Road Vehicles
Off road vehicles are allowed inside Buffalo Bill State Park as long as they have an ORV sticker or license plate. And you can drive on any of the park’s public roadways. However, ORV’s are not allowed off road or below the high water line.
Hunting at Buffalo Bill State Park
Hunting with a valid license is allowed year round inside the park. You must be mindful to stay at least 400 yards away from campgrounds, day use spots and other designated facilities. Wildlife that can be hunted here include: elk, deer, antelope, coyote and birds.
Wildlife Viewing at Buffalo Bill State Park
Wyoming has many species of mammals and birds since much of the state is undeveloped and dedicated to nature. Whether bird watching or wildlife viewing in general is your thing you’ll be sure to spot many types of each here. Birds, including waterfowl and many species of migratory birds can be easily spotted. And keep an eye out for deer, sheep, prairie dogs, moose, bear and coyotes.
Camping at Buffalo Bill State Park
There are 2 campgrounds located inside of the park. All sites can be used for either tents or RVs and electric/water hookups are available. Lake Shore Bay Campground lies adjacent to the lake and has 36 campsites. North Fork Campground is next to the river and has 62 campsites plus flush toilets, showers and a playground.
Park Location
Buffalo Bill State Park 4192 Northfork Hwy Cody, WY 82414 Phone: 307.587.9227 Website Reservations
Park Hours:
May 1 – September 30 Park open 24 hours per day, Office hours 7am-7pm October – April Sheep Mountain Day Use Area and North Fork Campground Closed; Remainder of park open to camping and daytime usage. Note: All water systems shut off during the winter season.
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Buffalo Bill State Park: Park open year round October 1 – April 30: North Fork Campground closed Sheep Mountain Day Use closed No water available during this time
Explore More Wyoming State Parks
Buffalo Bill State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Wyoming. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Wyoming guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Hot Springs State Park (elsewhere in the state) and Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park (elsewhere in the state).
⛺ Camping at Buffalo Bill State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Official Wyoming State Parks pages disagree on the total, as of August 2026: the main park page states 100 campsites across two campgrounds, North Fork and Stagecoach; the RV-campsites page states 97 sites (Lake Shore Bay Campground 37 + North Fork Campground 60); the park's About page states Lake Shore Bay 37 + North Fork 62, including a reservable group camp area. Per the RV-hookups page, Lake Shore Campground has 21 reservation sites with electric hookups (14 of which also have water) plus 7 additional electric-only sites; North Fork Campground has 14 reservation sites with electric hookups (7 with water, 7 without) plus 16 first-come, first-served electric-only sites; the Trout Creek group shelter area within North Fork adds 8 more electric hookup sites. Lake Shore has 5 dedicated tent sites and North Fork has 6. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | No cabins or yurts are listed for Buffalo Bill State Park on the state parks' cabins/yurts overview page. |
| Reservations | All campsites are reservation-only, booked through the State Parks Reservation System at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling the Call Center at 877-996-7275. |
| Special sites | North Fork Campground includes a reservable group camp area, and the Trout Creek group shelter area offers 8 additional electric hookup campsites. Shreve Lodge, an enclosed lodge accommodating up to 200 people with a kitchen, is available to rent separately for $200 per day plus vehicle day-use fees and a non-refundable booking fee, reservable up to one year in advance. |
| Season notes | Lake Shore Campground is open year-round. North Fork Campground is open May through September, with water and shower facilities weather-dependent in May and September. From October through April, North Fork and Stagecoach/Lake Shore campgrounds close and all water systems are shut off for winter, while the rest of the park remains open to camping and day use. |
Camping questions about Buffalo Bill State Park
Can you camp at Buffalo Bill State Park?
Official Wyoming State Parks pages disagree on the total, as of August 2026: the main park page states 100 campsites across two campgrounds, North Fork and Stagecoach; the RV-campsites page states 97 sites (Lake Shore Bay Campground 37 + North Fork Campground 60); the park's About page states Lake Shore Bay 37 + North Fork 62, including a reservable group camp area. Per the RV-hookups page, Lake Shore Campground has 21 reservation sites with electric hookups (14 of which also have water) plus 7 additional electric-only sites; North Fork Campground has 14 reservation sites with electric hookups (7 with water, 7 without) plus 16 first-come, first-served electric-only sites; the Trout Creek group shelter area within North Fork adds 8 more electric hookup sites. Lake Shore has 5 dedicated tent sites and North Fork has 6.
How do you reserve a campsite at Buffalo Bill State Park?
All campsites are reservation-only, booked through the State Parks Reservation System at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling the Call Center at 877-996-7275.
Are there cabins at Buffalo Bill State Park?
No cabins or yurts are listed for Buffalo Bill State Park on the state parks' cabins/yurts overview page.
Source: wyoparks.wyo.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Buffalo Bill State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet, physically controlled at all times (statewide rule)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in public buildings, eating places and food stores; no statewide pet-lodging policy published
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Guide dogs are exempt; hunting dogs allowed where hunting is permitted; pets may not be left unattended longer than one hour; pets are prohibited in the reservoirs at Curt Gowdy State Park
Are dogs allowed at Buffalo Bill State Park?
Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wyoparks.wyo.gov. More: Wyoming state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Buffalo Bill State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The park's official wildlife-viewing list covers elk, deer, antelope, coyote, bear, moose, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and waterfowl, with viewing possible year-round across the entire park. The reservoir and surrounding sage flats are where the birds and waterfowl concentrate.
Watch out for: Bears and moose both appear on the park's own wildlife list, so run your camp to Wyoming Game and Fish bear-country standards: store food, garbage and anything with an odor where a bear can't reach it — never in your tent — and keep your sleeping area at least 100 yards from where you cook and store food. Don't bury garbage; bears will dig it up, so pack it out.
Are there bears at Buffalo Bill State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via wyoparks.wyo.gov.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Buffalo Bill State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
