Bighorn Canyon
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Bighorn Canyon

Dramatically steep canyon walls meet the deep blue waters of Bighorn Lake.

Arrival airport
COD
Airport drive
2 h 55 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended for Pryor Mountain roads; check rental agreements for off-pavement restrictions.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Bighorn Canyon

Know before you go

Marina Capacity

Parking for boat trailers at Horseshoe Bend fills quickly on summer weekends; arrive early or visit midweek. Overflow areas are limited and require maneuvering through narrow lots.

Deep Canyon Connectivity

Cellular service is nonexistent within the canyon depths and highly spotty at overlooks. Download all maps and reservation confirmations before leaving Lovell.

Gateway Supply Points

There are no fuel stations within the Recreation Area boundaries. Ensure tanks are topped off in Lovell or Cody before entering the park.

South vs North Access

Note that no internal road connects the South District (WY) to the North District (MT). Allow at least 3 hours to drive around the Bighorn Mountains via regional highways.

Water Level Constraints

Boat ramp accessibility is strictly dependent on Bighorn Lake water elevations. Check the official NPS 'Current Conditions' page for daily updates on ramp closures.

2RVs, campervans & cars near COD

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airbus A220-300.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to COD

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at COD
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at COD

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at COD
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at COD
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at COD

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at COD
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Bighorn Canyon

  1. 01

    Canyon Rims and Crimson Cliffs

    Suggested: 9 AM from Lovell

    • Devil Canyon Overlook

      View the 1,000-foot vertical limestone drops where the Bighorn River carves a deep ribbon through the plateau.

    • Sullivan Knob Trail

      Hike this short path to experience the canyon's natural acoustics and narrowest viewpoints.

    Allow 2 hours for park roads; conditions vary with weather.

    Wind speeds on the rim can be high; secure hats and loose gear.

    Pick up your vehicle at COD →
  2. 02

    Pioneer History and High Desert Waters

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Lovell

    • Lockhart Ranch

      Explore the preserved 20th-century homestead of Caroline Lockhart, featuring over a dozen historic structures.

    • Horseshoe Bend

      Access the red-walled shoreline for kayaking or wading in the reservoir's silt-rich waters.

    Allow 1.5 hours for local park transit; conditions vary.

    Ranch buildings are generally exterior-viewing only; check for seasonal ranger tours.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Wild Mustangs and Mountain Vistas

    Suggested: 8 AM from Lovell

    • Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range

      Look for the colonial Spanish-descended wild horse herd roaming the rugged sagebrush hills.

    • Ewing-Snell Ranch

      Visit this early settler site located near the southern park entrance to view the remains of a log home and forge.

    Allow 3 hours for unpaved terrain; conditions vary.

    High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for the Pryor Mountain access roads.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Advance Boat and Campsite Planning for Bighorn Lake

Many Bighorn Canyon campsites are first come, first served; only a small number of South District sites are reservable through Horseshoe Bend Marina. Check the rules for your specific campground and current lake levels before arranging boat access.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

CODBighorn Canyon

Yellowstone Regional Airport · 2 h 55 min drive

Find flights to COD

Plan your road trip

From Yellowstone Regional Airport

2 h 55 min

about 83 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Bighorn Canyon on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Bighorn Canyon on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Bighorn Canyon

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Bighorn Canyon

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Bighorn Canyon

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Bighorn Canyon

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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