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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area


Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the Bighorn River and turned this variable stream into a magnificent lake.

Bighorn Lake extends approximately 60 miles through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles of which are held within spectacular Bighorn Canyon. The Recreation Area is composed of 70,000+ acres, which straddles the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders. There are two visitor centers and other developed facilities in Fort Smith, Montana and near Lovell, Wyoming. The Afterbay Lake below the Yellowtail Dam is a good spot for trout fishing and wildlife viewing for ducks, geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is a world class trout fishing area.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a lesser known treasure waiting to be discovered. It boasts breath-taking scenery, countless varieties of wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, ice fishing, camping, and hiking. Bighorn Canyon offers visitors what few other National Park areas can, that of solitude, serenity, and beauty. In the midst of our chaotic world, this is a truly unique quality.

Hours and Season of Operation:
Season:
All Year
Services Offered:
Boat Charter
boat Launch
boat Rental
established Fire Pits
gift Shop
handicapped Accessible
interpretive Display
maps
pets Allowed
public Restroom
store
toilets
tour
trail
trash Removal
Activities Offered:
Backcountry Camping
bird Watching
boat Charter
boat Tour
boating
camping
canoeing
deer Hunting
education
exhibit
fishing
fly Fishing
hiking
history
horseback Riding
hunting
ice Fishing
kayaking
lake Fishing
motor Boating
nature
outdoor Activity
photography
picnicking
rv Camping
sailing
sightseeing
stream Fishing
swimming
tent Camping
upland Bird Hunting
water Skiing
water Sport
waterfowl Hunting
wildlife Viewing
Map and Driving Directions
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
PO Box 7458
Fort Smith, MT 59035

Phone: 406-666-2412
Fax: 406-666-2415
http://www.nps.gov/bica/
Email: BICA_Superintendent@nps.gov
Directions
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area North Entrance - Fort Smith, Montana - Take Interstate 90 to Hardin, Montana. Turn on Highway 313 traveling 40 miles south to Fort Smith, Montana and the North entrance.

South entrance - near Lovell, Wyoming - From 14A turn north on Highway 37, continuing 9 miles to South entrance.

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