Buffalo Bill State Park Cody Wyoming
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Buffalo Bill State Park Cody Wyoming

4.4
·301 reviews·Cody, United States

Stunning state park featuring a vast reservoir and dam, offering scenic drives, camping, and outdoor recreation near Cody, Wyoming.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Buffalo Bill State Park Cody Wyoming

Buffalo Bill State Park Cody Wyoming

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stunning state park featuring a vast reservoir and dam, offering scenic drives, camping, and outdoor recreation near Cody, Wyoming.

4.4
(301 reviews)

"Absolutely wonderful park with incredible views and great for all sorts of outdoor endeavors."

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TIP

🚗 Scenic Drive Views

Enjoy the stunning drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, with the Shoshone Tunnel and reservoir views.

🎣 Fishing Fun

Great spot for fishing, especially with kids. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some fish!

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 301 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Buffalo Bill Reservoir

Buffalo Bill Reservoir

Shoshone River

A stunning, vast reservoir offering breathtaking lake views and a peaceful escape. Perfect for water activities and scenic relaxation.

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Buffalo Bill Dam

Buffalo Bill Dam

Shoshone River

Tour the impressive dam that creates the reservoir, a significant engineering feat with historical importance.

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Shoshone Tunnel

Shoshone Tunnel

US Route 20

Experience a unique drive through this historic tunnel on the scenic route towards Yellowstone.

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Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Park surroundings

Keep an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep along the scenic drives; a thrilling bonus to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Plan your trip to Buffalo Bill State Park to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the best weather. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings for a more serene experience, especially if you're looking for camping spots or want to explore the Buffalo Bill Dam without long lines. Instagram

Camping & RV Essentials

Buffalo Bill State Park offers various camping and RV sites, with some directly on the water offering stunning views. Book in advance, especially for lakeside spots, as they are highly sought after. Be prepared for potential wind, and note that some tent sites may have rocky ground. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall
Why
Beautiful foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Buffalo Bill State Park #roadtrip #sightseeing #biker #travel #nature #vacation #rv #tunnel #lake
@roadtripusa123
9.4K likes • 253.7K views

🚗 Scenic Drive Views

Enjoy the stunning drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, with the Shoshone Tunnel and reservoir views. Instagram+2

🎣 Fishing Fun

Great spot for fishing, especially with kids. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some fish! Reddit

Shoshone River 😍 in Buffalo Bill State Park in Cody Wyoming #codywyoming #wyoming #shoshoneriver #buffalobillstatepark #explorewyoming #exploreusa #river #peaceful
kfrance.travels
9 likes • 64 views
@snorkelsandsnowpants ➡️ Top things to do in Cody, Wyoming this summer! Cody is the eastern entrance town to Yellowstone National Park and it’s full of western charm. 📍Buffalo Bill State Park is top of my recommendations! It’s a few miles outside of town, on the way to Yellowstone. Boat in the reservoir or tour the Buffalo Bill Dam. It’s also a good camping spot. 📍Watch a gunfight in the street...
rvtodaymag
32 likes • 1.1K views

🏕️ Book Camping Early

Lakeshore campsites are popular; book well in advance for prime spots. Instagram+2

💨 Be Prepared for Wind

Strong winds can occur, especially near the lake. Tent campers might need to secure gear well. Instagram

Come explore the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway with us! ...On our Fun Field Trip Friday last week, we took a little drive up the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway outside of Cody, Wyoming, heading west to Pahaska Tepee and Yellowstone National Park. We saw the beautiful Buffalo Bill State Park, the Hoodoo's, and a ton of animals! Elk! Big Horn Sheep! Bison! Deer! They were so fun and beautiful to observ...
penroseacademyhomeschool
62 likes • 517 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scenic Drive Views

Enjoy the stunning drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, with the Shoshone Tunnel and reservoir views. Instagram+2

🎣 Fishing Fun

Great spot for fishing, especially with kids. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some fish! Reddit

🏕️ Book Camping Early

Lakeshore campsites are popular; book well in advance for prime spots. Instagram+2

💨 Be Prepared for Wind

Strong winds can occur, especially near the lake. Tent campers might need to secure gear well. Instagram

🥾 Trail Exploration

Explore trails through sagebrush and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(301 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Buffalo Bill State Park for its stunning reservoir views, clean campgrounds, and excellent location as a gateway to Yellowstone. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and picnicking. Some tent campers noted challenges with rocky ground and wind, and a desire for more amenities like sewer hookups at certain sites.

"The Buffalo Bill State Park and Reservoir are absolutely wonderful. We have an annual pass and in the warmer months go at least since a week (on either the North or South Fork sides. The gate attendant is always kind as are the rangers. The views are incredible, water is cold and refreshing for a quick dip. We’ve had success fishing with our friends’ kids here. Overall a great place for all sorts of outdoor endeavors. Picnicking, kayaking, driftwood building, fishing, relaxing, grilling, sunbathing. You can do it all. Spend a few hours or a few days."

Jenevieve Hornsby

"Another beautiful stop along the Yellowstone trail headed from Cody WY to the park. There are several types of camping and RV spots available for a decent cost."

david lamberti

"This was a great place to stay for visiting the Cody Stampede Rodeo, and then on to Yellowstone. The setting was beautiful and the park/campground was clean and well-maintained, as usual for state parks. I knocked one star off because the tent pitch I had was hard and barren. There was no grass on the pitch and it was surrounded by a fence. I think the fence was to help block the strong winds coming off the lake, but it did block the view. And I couldn't get tent stakes in the ground, so I had to find rocks. I stayed in the very last pitch, to the southeast, which gave me unobstructed views and access to the lake once outisde the fence. That was lovely. The pitch itself wasn't great for tent camping, but the place overall was very nice. I'd still rather stay there on a hard pitch out in nature than in a hotel in town."

ChickyDoodleAnnie

What People Like

Incredible reservoir views
Clean and well-maintained
Great for RVs

What People Dislike

Rocky tent sites
Strong winds
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buffalo Bill State Park is located just west of Cody, Wyoming, along US Route 20. It's a scenic drive, approximately a few miles outside of town, and serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance. Instagram+2

Yes, Buffalo Bill State Park is situated on the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, which is the primary route from Cody, Wyoming, to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Instagram+1

The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway is a picturesque route that winds through stunning Wyoming landscapes, passing by Buffalo Bill State Park and leading towards Yellowstone. It's known for its dramatic scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway features the Shoshone Tunnel, a notable landmark that adds to the scenic drive experience. Instagram

The roads are generally well-maintained, especially US Route 20. However, be aware of potential wildlife on the road and changing weather conditions, particularly wind. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific fee information can vary, state parks typically have day-use fees. It's advisable to check the official Wyoming State Parks website for the most current pricing and any potential passes. Reddit

State parks are generally accessible year-round for day use, but specific facilities like campgrounds or visitor centers may have seasonal hours. It's best to confirm operating hours for any specific activities you plan to do. Reddit

Yes, tours of the Buffalo Bill Dam are often available, offering insights into its history and engineering. Check for specific tour schedules and any associated fees. Instagram

Camping fees apply and vary depending on the type of site (e.g., RV, tent, lakeside). It's recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season. Instagram+2

Wyoming State Parks may offer annual passes that provide access to multiple parks, which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit several parks within the state. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can enjoy picnicking, kayaking, fishing, swimming (though the water is cold and rocky), relaxing by the lake, grilling, and sunbathing. The park is ideal for both short visits and multi-day stays. Reddit

Absolutely! The park offers numerous RV sites, including some with stunning lake views. Many sites are well-spaced and have gravel patios. Some larger RVs can be accommodated. InstagramReddit+1

Camping facilities include designated sites with varying amenities. Some sites are right on the water, offering incredible views. Be aware that some tent sites might be rocky or have limited grass. InstagramReddit+1

While the water is refreshing, swimming can be difficult due to the rocky shorelines. It's more suited for quick dips than extended swimming sessions. Reddit

Yes, there are trails for exploring the park's natural beauty, including areas with sagebrush. These offer opportunities for walking and enjoying the landscape. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The reservoir offers stunning lake views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Buffalo Bill Dam and the scenic drive through the Shoshone Tunnel also provide unique photographic subjects. Instagram+3

Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset provide the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes and water reflections. Instagram

Yes, keep an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep along the scenic routes. Early morning and late evening are often the best times for wildlife sightings. Instagram

Many of the campsites, particularly those along the lakeshore, offer incredible vantage points. The drive itself provides numerous pull-offs for scenic shots. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. A tripod is recommended for sunrise/sunset shots. Instagram

Buffalo Bill State Park Cody Wyoming (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide