Logistical Information

There Are No National Park Service shuttles!

The only way to avoid doing a loop is to use two vehicles to create a shuttle, parking one car at the put-in and one at the take-out. Paddling the entire length of the river requires leaving one car at the North end in Montana and driving three hours to the south end to put in. There is no road through the park from the South end to the North end. There are no NPS shuttles between the North and South end and there are no shuttles that run back and forth within the park. Hitchhiking back will not work and should not be attempted. Having an exit strategy is key to an enjoyable excursion.

There is a current on the river, but it is barely noticeable on a wind free day. The wind affects surface current by either increasing the natural south to north flow or in some cases reversing it. Currents may exceed 10mph if the wind is blowing hard and may switch direction mid-day. It is important to watch fatigue levels of all group members and to turn back accordingly. Assuming that the second half of the day will be with the current can lead to dangerous situations in which over-fatigued paddlers are forced to fight headwinds to return to shore.

The shoreline of Bighorn Lake changes dramatically as the water level changes. It is imperative to check the current lake level before departure. Lake levels can be checked on the park website. There are lake levels listed with the pullouts and campsites to help with trip planning.

Trespass

The Crow Indian Reservation surrounds most of the northern end of the Recreation Area and is closed to all public use. Within the Recreation Area, lakeshore camping is permitted up to full pool plus 30 elevational feet unless otherwise posted.

 

Horseshoe Bend Boat Docks

NPS

Where to Launch

South End

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend has a large parking area and multiple spots to launch a boat. The area is mostly protected from the wake of the main lake by log booms encircling it. There is a gap in the logs between two floating docks that must be used to gain access to the main canyon. There are also bathrooms and a marina here that serves burgers and some snack food. Horseshoe Bend has a number of Tent campsites for $10 and sites with RV hook-ups for only $20 per night.

Crooked Creek Bay

There is a small gravel lot off of the main road on the right hand side approximately ¼ mile after the Horseshoe Bend turn off. Launching here requires carrying boats 100 yards or more depending on lake level.

Barry’s Landing

Barry’s Landing has vault toilets and is located ¼ mile down the road from the Trail Creek campground. The campsites at Trail Creek are $10. There are no RV hook-ups. There is ample parking at the top of the boat ramp and the launch area is protected by log booms similar to the Horseshoe Bend area.

North End

Ok-A-Beh

Ok-A-Beh has ample parking and a large boat ramp for launching and beaching boats. It also has a swimming area with a lifeguard on duty for most of the summer. There is no camping at Ok-A-Beh; however, there is camping at the Afterbay Campground which is a thirty minute drive away.

Additional Information

• Waterway Safety Information
• Trip Suggestions
• Waterway Campsites
• Boat Map
• Waterway Trail Guide PDF Download
• Pets