News Release

Late Summer Operations at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Several drift boats along Bighorn River

NPS

News Release Date: August 12, 2020

Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

During the current executive order on the Crow Reservation that requests Tribal residents remain at home, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area will continue to operate most facilities and services.

Because of increased numbers of COVID-19 cases in Bighorn County, MT, Crow Tribal Chairman AJ Not Afraid, through an executive order, has placed the Crow Reservation under a lock down order until August 21, 2020. There is also a curfew that will be implemented from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily. The Tribe may operate checkpoints to limit access to reservation lands.

The north district of Bighorn Canyon National Recreational Area near Fort Smith, MT, remains open with the exception of some facilities and services operated by the Crow Tribe under a concessions contract with the National Park Service. The Ok-A-Beh Marina building will be closed for the duration of the lock down order, and boat rentals will not be provided during this time. The concessions manager plans to provide refunds to customers who have already paid for rentals.

The Tribe will continue to sell fuel at Ok-A-Beh as staffing allows, and boaters should plan accordingly. The National Park Service will keep the launch ramp and adjacent restrooms open to visitors. The swim beach will remain closed.

On the South District of Bighorn Canyon near Lovell, Wyoming, the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center remains closed, but there are outdoor visitor center hours Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM. All other South District facilities remain open.