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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Buffalo Bill State Park Cody Wyoming
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stunning state park featuring a vast reservoir and dam, offering scenic drives, camping, and outdoor recreation near Cody, Wyoming.
"Absolutely wonderful park with incredible views and great for all sorts of outdoor endeavors."

🚗 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!

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 301 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Buffalo Bill Dam
Shoshone River
Tour the impressive dam that creates the reservoir, a significant engineering feat with historical importance.

Shoshone Tunnel
US Route 20
Experience a unique drive through this historic tunnel on the scenic route towards Yellowstone.

Wildlife Spotting
Park surroundings
Keep an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep along the scenic drives; a thrilling bonus to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Camping & RV Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
🏕️ Book Camping Early
Lakeshore campsites are popular; book well in advance for prime spots.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
Strong winds can occur, especially near the lake. Tent campers might need to secure gear well.
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.
🎣 Fishing Fun
Great spot for fishing, especially with kids. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some fish!
🏕️ Book Camping Early
Lakeshore campsites are popular; book well in advance for prime spots.
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
Strong winds can occur, especially near the lake. Tent campers might need to secure gear well.
🥾 Trail Exploration
Explore trails through sagebrush and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway features the Shoshone Tunnel, a notable landmark that adds to the scenic drive experience.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there are trails for exploring the park's natural beauty, including areas with sagebrush. These offer opportunities for walking and enjoying the landscape.
📸 📸 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.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset provide the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes and water reflections.
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.
Many of the campsites, particularly those along the lakeshore, offer incredible vantage points. The drive itself provides numerous pull-offs for scenic shots.
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.
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