News Release

Bighorn Lake Ready for July 4th Weekend

Large sand beach with water down low and red rocks in the background.
Abercrombie toward Horseshoe Bend

NPS, Jen Prentiss

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News Release Date: June 29, 2021

Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

Even with lower than usual water levels, Bighorn Canyon is ready for the 4th of July weekend. The lake level as of June 29, 2021, is 3627.93. There is minimal driftwood on the lake this year. Boaters are reminded to use caution as even small amounts of driftwood can cause major problems.

This weekend Bighorn Canyon Staff will be participating in the annual Operation Dry Waters program. Expect to see rangers on the boat ramps throughout the park over the entire weekend promoting boater safety and the new Jr. Skipper program.

Both Horseshoe Bend and Ok-A-Beh Marina are open. Fuel is available at Ok-A-Beh Marina. The Ok-A-Beh Marina has variety of services including pontoon rentals and a small store. The Horseshoe Bend Marina offers food, non-motorized rentals, and boat rentals. Boat tours occur daily. For more information about boat tours, call Hidden Treasure Charters at 307-899-1401.

All docks are in at Barry’s Landing, Horseshoe Bend, and Ok-A-Beh. The swim beach at Horseshoe Bend is open. The floating comfort station have been placed in Devil Canyon and Dryhead. Black Canyon docks and floating comfort stations have been installed, but because of low water there is a short wade to the campground. The Dayboard 9 boat-in camping site remains closed this summer due to black bear activity in the area.

The Ok-A-Beh swim beach will remain closed after water samples taken from that area tested positive for E. coli that exceed local, state and National Park Service standards for recreational activity. Due to the increased human health risk, the National Park Service warns visitors to avoid swimming in this area until further notice. Park staff will be sampling the area daily and will open the swim beach when it is safe to do so.

Bighorn Canyon was hoping the Afterbay River Launch project would be completed by now, but it has been delayed. We will update users when new construction dates are set.

For current lake conditions or help planning a visit, visitors may call the Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 307-548-5406.



Last updated: June 29, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area South District Visitor Center
20 US Hwy 14A

Lovell, WY 82431

Phone:

307 548-5406
(307) 548-5406 is the South District in Lovell, WY. (406) 666-9961 is the North District in Fort Smith, MT.

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