News Release

Fourth of July at Bighorn Canyon

Looking into Black Canyon

NPS

News Release Date: June 30, 2020

Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is preparing for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

In the north district, the Ok-A-Beh Marina opened on June 24. The marina has a variety of services including pontoon boat rentals, fuel and a small store. This is the only place where fuel can be purchased on Bighorn Lake. Please plan accordingly.

The docks and floating restrooms have been installed at Black Canyon, Day Board 9, and Devil Canyon.

The park attempted to open the Ok-A-Beh swim beach on Saturday, June 27, but it immediately became very crowded with large groups of people who were not following CDC guidance or the Crow Tribal chairman’s orders for social distancing. In consultation with the Crow Tribe, the National Park Service will keep the swim beach closed at least through July 15, when the current Chairman’s order for limiting recreation to local areas and small groups either expires or is updated.

“We share Tribal Chairman AJ Not Afraid’s concerns about protecting the higher risk populations on Tribal lands,” stated park superintendent Mike Tranel. “With the recent increase in COVID cases in Bighorn County, we believe dispersed recreation such as fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area can be done safely. However, the swim beach is too small to allow for proper social distancing given the level of demand we are seeing. We will continue to monitor the situation in consultation with the Tribe, and we will open the swim beach later this summer if possible.”

Both of the park’s visitor centers remain closed. The Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center in Lovell, Wyoming has outside popup hours on Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoons and on Saturday mornings.

Lake levels are continuing to rise. There is a sizable amount of driftwood and other debris in the lake, especially at several turns where there are driftwood rafts the include large trees. These driftwood rafts can cause serious damage to propellers and lower units of boats. Please use caution.

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