News Release

Bighorn Canyon to Begin Seasonal Closures and Dock Removal After Labor Day

Date: August 30, 2022
Contact: David Moore, 406-666-3302

It is hard to believe that school has started, and it is time for Bighorn Canyon to start to prepare for fall.

On the North District of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Fort Smith, MT, the concession docks will be removed on September 15th. All boats must be off the docks by the end of the day on September 14th. Both Fort Smith campgrounds will remain open.

The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center will close for the season at 4:30 PM on September 4th. The courtesy dock at Ok-A-Beh Marina will stay in the water until water temperatures turn to freezing. This will allow boaters to continue to enjoy the beautiful fall colors on the lake.

Ok-A-Beh Marina will be closing on Tuesday, September 6th, for the remainder of the 2022 season.

The Black Canyon boat-in camping site will be closed effective immediately due to numerous sightings of two juvenile black bears; these bears are habituated to humans and are aggressive. To decrease the chances of a human – bear conflict, the recreation area has decided to close the Black Canyon Campground beginning August 30th for the remainder of the 2022 season. Please continue to be bear aware while recreating at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

On the South District of Bighorn Canyon near Lovell, Wyoming, all lake facilities remain open until later in the fall.

Fall is an amazing time to go for a hike, to enjoy the lake one more time, and to take the time to observe the wildlife present in the canyon.

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