Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Protected park · MT, USA
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in MT, USA. Operated by National Park Service.
About
Entrance / day-use fee applies.
This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.
This park's official page lists: Visitor center.
Events
- Lockhart Ranch Tour
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Birthday!
Before you go
- Limits
- Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go
- ⚠ Caution: Bighorn Lake Elevation is Below 3625ft
- When lake levels are below 3625, boaters are advised to avoid areas south of Horseshoe Bend and the South Narrows due to low water levels. Throughout the year, lake water levels fluctuate greatly. Hazards and launching abilities change with the water levels. Please use caution when recreating on Bighorn Lake.
- ⚠ Park closure: No Water Available at Ok-A-Beh Marina - Flushing Restrooms Closed
- Due to a water shortage, flushable toilets are currently unavailable at the Ok-A-Beh Marina. Vault toilets are available at the upper parking lot and a floating restroom is available on the courtesy dock.
- Getting there
- Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to St. Xavier and then to Fort Smith, Montana. To get to the South District at Lovell, WY from Billings, MT, take Interstate 90 west. Turn at exit 434 at Laurel, MT. Turn onto US 310 East/US 212 South. Turn at US 310 East to Lovell. The visitor center is on the east side of Lovell.
- Weather & when to go
- North District: Semi-arid, receiving 18 to 20 inches of rain annually. South District: High-desert, receiving 6 to 10 inches of rain annually. Summer temperatures: Highs in the 80s (F) and 90s (F), lows in the 50s (F) and 60s (F). Summer temperatures can peak over 100 degrees. Winter temperatures: Range in the 20s and 30s with low temperatures averaging the 10s (F) and 20s (F). During the winter the thermometer can drop below 0 (F) with extreme wind chill factors.
History
- Opened
- 1966
- Park opened