🌤 Weather at Guernsey State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–69 °F | 53–89 °F | 24–78 °F | 13–43 °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 Guernsey Dam #2, 3 mi away, elevation 4,355 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
The lake may be the focal point for the park but there are plenty of other activities to do here as well including trails, fishing, geocaching, wildlife watching and sightseeing. And if you’re planning a day trip or large group gathering the large-sized picnic shelters can be reserved in advance. Whether you are planning to stay for a few days or a few hours you’ll want to make the most of your visit. Here is a closer look at each of the activities available inside Guernsey State Park:
Swimming at Guernsey State Park
Because the entire lake is open to visitors, swimming is among the most popular activities here. Miles of prime shoreline make for ideal beach conditions and there are 4 beach areas: 2 public beaches inside of Sandy Beach Campground, 1 private for campers at Sandy Point and another private beach for campers at Sandy Cove. The beach areas are open from 6am until 10pm during season.
Boating at Guernsey State Park
The entire lake is also open for boating except in the designated beach areas and as water levels allow (they fluctuate due to the dam). Kayaking, tubing and water skiing are especially popular. There are 3 boat ramps and each has a dock attached. The ramps are located at Sandy Beach, Long Canyon Campground and the third is just north of the dam. Rentals for boats, jet skis and equipment are available from several sources.
Fishing at Guernsey State Park
Shore and boat fishing are available but limited to the spillway area only. Bring your fishing equipment or rent nearby on your way in and don’t forget to pick up a state fishing license. The reservoir is stocked annually with walleye, channel catfish and gizzard shad. You’ll also find bass, sunfish, crappie, smallmouth bass, wipers and yellow perch in these waters.
Hiking at Guernsey State Park
There are 10 miles of trails here for year round walking, hiking and horseback riding. They are part of the park’s 14 miles of historic trails that were originally created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The trails start at the turnoff to Brimmer Point and wind throughout the park. Spectacular views of the reservoir and the dam are visible from the many overlooks. Another historic feature here are the leftover ruts from the Oregon Trail. Also, Register Cliff still contains a sort of chalkboard where travelers passing through wrote their names. There is a trail kiosk at the start of the trails (at the turnoff to Brimmer Point). Here are a few of the more popular trails:
- Tunnel Mountain Trail – a moderate trail that is 3.4 miles long.
- Brimmer Point Trail – an easy trail that is just under 1 mile long.
- Peak View Trail – another easy trail just under 3 miles in length.
- Davis Bay, Newell Bay Loop – an easy trail loop 2.7 mile long.
Biking at Guernsey State Park
As well as hiking trails there are another 12 miles of challenging trails on the west side of the park for mountain bikes. Biking is also allowed year round on all established roadways. The trail kiosk at the turnoff to Brimmer Point highlights these specific trails.
Geocaching at Guernsey State Park
Multiple sites and activities are available year round throughout the park. The sites are hidden to make it more fun for participants.
Wildlife at Guernsey State Park
Wyoming is home to some 100 mammal species and another 400 bird species. Wildlife viewing does not disappoint, no matter the time of year you choose to visit, but is considered best during the Spring and Autumn. Some species to watch for are: deer, antelope, buffalo, mountain lions, wolves, moose, bears, wild horses, bald eagles and wild turkeys. If visiting the park during the Spring you’ll be sure to also spot many migrating birds.
Camping at Guernsey State Park
Year round camping is available at the 7 campgrounds located inside the park. There are 245 campsites all together and 5 of the campgrounds are situated around the lake. Comfort stations, drinking water, picnic tables and fire grills are available throughout the park. Showers are located at Park Headquarters and only open April 15 through October 15. For RV owners Sandy Beach and Sandy Point campgrounds have electric and water hookups available. Please note though that water is not available between October and April. There are also 4 Yurts available to rent year round and make for a more comfortable stay during the colder off season months. They overlook the scenic reservoir and are near The Castle. Playgrounds can be found at Long Canyon and Sandy Point campgrounds. And Sandy Point also has a horseshoe pit for those interested in that classic game. Most campsites require reservations from May 1 to September 30.
Park Location
Guernsey State Park 2187 Lake Side Drive Guernsey, WY 82214 Phone: 307.836.2334 Website Reservations Park Brochure Guernsey Museum Hours: Open daily 9-5 May 1 – September 30
Map
Video
Here is a brief YouTube video showcasing a number of attractions at Guernsey State Park:
Explore More Wyoming State Parks
Guernsey 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 Oregon Trail Ruts (a short drive away) and Register Cliff (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Guernsey State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Official pages disagree, as of August 2026: the main park page states 19 campgrounds with 250 campsites total; the RV-campsites page states 12 campgrounds with 245 designated campsites. Electric and water hookups are offered at Sandy Beach and Sandy Point campgrounds on the west side of the park (32 combined hookup sites per the main page). Newell Bay, Powell Mountain, Upper Spotted Tail, and Skyline Electric Campsites 271-275 are first-come, first-served. Sandy Cove Campground and Long Canyon Campground each have ADA-accessible sites. All campgrounds have primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Four yurts overlook the reservoir, each with a bunk bed (two full-size beds) and a fold-out twin bed, plus electricity (ceiling fan, light, electric outlet, and USB outlet), but no bathroom, kitchen, or heating/cooling. Available mid-April through mid-October (one park page gives April 15 - October 15, another gives April 16 - October 14). Reservable through reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling 877-996-7275 for $50/night plus applicable daily use and camping fees. |
| Pets | All pets must be kept on a leash. Pets are prohibited on designated beaches. |
| Reservations | The main park page states the reservation season is May 15 - September 15; a separate page states some campsites are reservable only from May 1 to September 30. Newell Bay, Powell Mountain, Upper Spotted Tail, and Skyline Electric Campsites 271-275 remain first-come, first-served. Maximum stay is 14 days in a 30-day period, and quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Each site is limited to one camping unit plus two licensed vehicles and a maximum of 10 people. |
| Special sites | ADA-accessible sites are available at Sandy Cove Campground and Long Canyon Campground. |
| Season notes | Yurts are available mid-April through mid-October (dates given as both April 15-October 15 and April 16-October 14 across park pages). The park museum, a separate seasonal facility, is open May 1 - September 30. |
Camping questions about Guernsey State Park
Can you camp at Guernsey State Park?
Official pages disagree, as of August 2026: the main park page states 19 campgrounds with 250 campsites total; the RV-campsites page states 12 campgrounds with 245 designated campsites. Electric and water hookups are offered at Sandy Beach and Sandy Point campgrounds on the west side of the park (32 combined hookup sites per the main page). Newell Bay, Powell Mountain, Upper Spotted Tail, and Skyline Electric Campsites 271-275 are first-come, first-served. Sandy Cove Campground and Long Canyon Campground each have ADA-accessible sites. All campgrounds have primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables.
How do you reserve a campsite at Guernsey State Park?
The main park page states the reservation season is May 15 - September 15; a separate page states some campsites are reservable only from May 1 to September 30. Newell Bay, Powell Mountain, Upper Spotted Tail, and Skyline Electric Campsites 271-275 remain first-come, first-served. Maximum stay is 14 days in a 30-day period, and quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Each site is limited to one camping unit plus two licensed vehicles and a maximum of 10 people.
Are there cabins at Guernsey State Park?
Four yurts overlook the reservoir, each with a bunk bed (two full-size beds) and a fold-out twin bed, plus electricity (ceiling fan, light, electric outlet, and USB outlet), but no bathroom, kitchen, or heating/cooling. Available mid-April through mid-October (one park page gives April 15 - October 15, another gives April 16 - October 14). Reservable through reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling 877-996-7275 for $50/night plus applicable daily use and camping fees.
Are pets allowed at the Guernsey State Park campground?
All pets must be kept on a leash. Pets are prohibited on designated beaches.
Source: wyoparks.wyo.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Guernsey 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 Guernsey 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 Guernsey State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Wyoming State Parks calls Guernsey a birders' and wildlife-viewing haven: riparian corridors along the North Platte River and Guernsey Reservoir, open grasslands, canyons, and timbered hillsides each hold different species. Viewing is worthwhile year-round, but the park names spring and autumn as the best seasons to spot wildlife.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via wyoparks.wyo.gov.
Park Location
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