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21 Best State Parks in Wyoming

21 Best State Parks in Wyoming


If you’re on the lookout for an outside journey within the western U.S., state parks in Wyoming ought to be on the high of your record. From climbing and biking to fishing and tenting, these parks supply one thing for everybody.

Wyoming is house to a number of the most stunning parks. From Yellowstone National Park to Grand Teton National Park, there are many choices for out of doors lovers.

Here are our picks for the perfect state parks (and extra) in Wyoming.

Best Wyoming State Parks

If you’re on the lookout for a state park that provides just a little little bit of all the things, add the perfect state parks in Wyoming to your record. Here are our high picks.

1. Yellowstone National Park

grand prismatic spring, yellowstone, thermal feature

It’s not a state park – however my editor would snap my neck if I didn’t point out it!

Yellowstone National Park is among the hottest state parks in Wyoming and the nation. The park is house to geysers, sizzling springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Visitors can even take pleasure in climbing, tenting, and sightseeing within the park.

Yellowstone is a good place to see wildlife in its pure habitat. The greatest time to see Yellowstone’s wildlife is early morning or night when they’re most energetic. Yellowstone can also be an excellent place to hike and camp.

grand prismatic spring, thermal, spring

There are over 900 miles of climbing trails within the park. Camping is allowed on designated campsites solely. Yellowstone National Park is among the greatest Wyoming state parks and is value visiting.

You can discover the nationwide park on tour with a local guide, be a part of a Yellowstone private tour from Jackson, or expertise the Yellowstone river whitewater rafting.

If you’re on the lookout for lodging in Yellowstone, the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge is among the many greatest choices to guide a keep.

2. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Again, it’s not a state park, however you must examine this place out when you’re an outside fanatic!

It is among the hottest Wyoming state parks. The park is house to the Grand Teton, the tallest mountain within the state.

Visitors can even take pleasure in climbing, tenting, fishing, and wildlife watching within the park. Grand Teton is a good place to go to for anybody who loves the outside. There are quite a few trails to discover, and the surroundings is just breathtaking.

 Panorama of Grand Teton national park

The Grand Teton itself is an imposing sight, and it’s value climbing when you’re up for a problem. Fishing can also be a preferred exercise within the park, and there are many spots the place you possibly can forged your line.

Wildlife watching is one other standard pastime within the park, and also you’re prone to see loads of animals when you preserve your eyes peeled. Whether you’re on the lookout for a difficult hike or a relaxing fishing day, Grand Teton is certain to please.

See Related: Best State and National Parks in South Carolina

3. Medicine Bow National Forest

Medicine Bow National Forest

This nationwide forest that stretches throughout Wyoming and Colorado is one other non-state park that deserves particular consideration.

Medicine Bow National Forest (or extra appropriately, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest) is a park that provides quite a lot of actions for guests. The park is house to hiking trails, tenting websites, fishing lakes, and extra. Medicine Bow National Forest is a good place to go to when you’re on the lookout for varied out of doors actions to take pleasure in.

The Medicine Bow vary extends from southern Wyoming into Colorado, and the Routt vary goes north into Wyoming.

The climbing trails are good for a day hike or an extended backpacking trip, and the tenting websites are perfect for a weekend getaway. The fishing lakes are stocked with trout, and the surroundings is gorgeous.

You can even discover quite a lot of different wildlife within the park, together with deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Medicine Bow National Park is value visiting when you’re on the lookout for an gratifying and scenic out of doors expertise.

4. Sinks Canyon State Park

Sinks Canyon State Park

Sinks Canyon State Park includes a breathtaking canyon with two gorgeous waterfalls. The park additionally provides climbing, tenting, fishing, and picnicking. Sinks Canyon is positioned in central Wyoming and is known as for the Sinks, a pool on the bottom of the canyon that disappears and reappears downstream.

It is shaped when the Popo Agie River flows right into a limestone cavern after which resurfaces a quarter-mile downstream. The two waterfalls within the Sinks Canyon State Park Canyon, Lower Falls, and Upper Falls, are fed by the Sinks. The Upper and longest vertical fall is about 60 ft.

Sinks Canyon State Park is open year-round and provides tenting, picnicking, fishing, and climbing. If you might be visiting along with your child, there’s a junior ranger program on your younger ones to take pleasure in.

See Related: How to Take an Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip

5. Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park is a good spot for an outside journey. The park provides climbing, mountain biking, fishing, and camping, so there’s one thing for everybody. Plus, the surroundings is just stunning. Curt Gowdy State Park can also be house to numerous wildlife, together with deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.

There are additionally a number of sights close by, together with the Curt Gowdy Museum and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

So preserve your eyes peeled when you’re exploring! If you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled day (or weekend) away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life, Curt Gowdy State Park is the proper place to go.

Granite Springs Reservoir, Crystal Lake reservoir, and Ames Monument State Historic Site are among the many high sights close to Curt Gowdy State Park.

6. Buffalo Bill State Park

Buffalo Bill State Park

Named after a man who killed a grand complete of zero buffalo (however a genocidal quantity of bison), Buffalo Bill State Park is among the greatest Wyoming state parks.

The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center is about 6 km west of Cody, Wyoming, and may inform you all concerning the space. The Buffalo Bill State Park provides alternatives for salmon fishing and picnicking, and campsites.

Buffalo Bill State Park is surrounded by majestic peaks of the Wyoming Absaroka Mountain. Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, the Buffalo Bill State Park provides alternatives for salmon fishing and picnicking, and campsites.

The Trout River Nature Trail stretches roughly a quarter-mile from North Fork Campground. At the identical time, the Eagle Point Trail is accessible to disabled guests in the course of the daytime Eagle Point use.

Suppose you wish to keep longer within the park. In that case, it’s possible you’ll guide these notable resorts: Holiday Inn Cody at Buffalo Bill Village, Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel & Restaurant, and Comfort Inn at Buffalo Bill Village Resort.

See Related: List of US National Monuments

7. Hawk Springs State Recreation Area

Hawk Springs State Recreation Area

Hawk Springs State Recreation Area is a good spot to benefit from the outdoor in Wyoming. The park has loads of facilities for guests, together with primitive tenting websites, a playground, and toilet services.

Hawk Springs can also be a preferred spot for water-based actions like swimming and fishing. And, when you’re trying to spend a while on the lake, the park has boat docks, launching docks, and a ship ramp.

So whether or not you’re planning to camp or take pleasure in a day within the solar, Hawk Springs State Recreation Area is value a go to, though it’s technically not a state park.

8. Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park is among the greatest Wyoming State Parks. It has an space that features greater than a dozen trails and an outside park.

This full-service park has a boating ramp, fishing alternatives, a volleyball space, a consolation station, and picnic tables out there for teams. Hot Springs State Park has an annual exercise, however tenting isn’t allowed.

At 8 am, the bison might be sighted within the park throughout their feeding time.

If you’re on the lookout for a state park with loads of close by sights, Hot Springs State Park is an ideal alternative. You’ll discover eating places, retailers, and extra simply minutes from the park—additionally high sights like Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Rainbow Terraces, and Hot Spring County Museum.

See Related: Best Day Trips from Zion National Park

9. Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

Not a state park? Not an issue for anybody concerned with historic American historical past!

Legend Rock State Petroglyphs Site is certainly one of Wyoming’s most unusual state parks. It consists of over 93 prehistoric panels and over 400 petroglyphs.

Although Legend Rock State Petroglyphs Site is already a world-famous petroglyph web site that has been considered a historic web site by indigenous tribes within the area for a number of centuries.

The Legend Rock Petroglyph Site is now house to picnicking, interpretative trails, and guests. This space is certainly one of Wyoming’s pristine areas. When you go to Legend Rock State Petroglyphs Site, you’ll have the ability to see the handiwork of early Native Americans and expertise the rugged great thing about the Wyoming panorama.

The resorts to guide close to the state park are Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site close by resorts, Paintbrush Inn Thermopolis, and Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel.

10. Glendo State Park

Glendo State Park

Glendo State Park is a hidden gem and state park in Wyoming. It is located on the western plain and is a wonderful vacation spot for out of doors recreation.

The park spans 22,000 acres and provides all kinds of activities for visitors, from tenting and climbing to boating and fishing. Glendo is particularly recognized for its water sports activities, with ample boat journeys, fishing, and water snowboarding alternatives.

However, the park additionally has loads to supply those that don’t wish to get on the water, from 21 campground areas with 502 websites to sandy seashores, mountains, and (sometimes) glistening skies.

So whether or not you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled day on the lake or a peaceable hike by the woods, Glendo State Park has one thing for everybody.

See Related: How To Book Flights With Longer Layovers

11. Bear River State Park

Bear River State Park

Bear River State Park is a good place to go to when you’re trying to discover Wyoming’s superb wildlife and surroundings. The park is house to small herds of bison and elk, and the customer middle has a number of reveals of various animals.

The Trail Connects Bear undertaking can also be primarily based within the park and is a good way to discover the realm. There are picnic benches, bathrooms, grills, water tanks, and automotive parks close by so that you could make a day of it. Bear River State Park is a good place to go to when you’re trying to discover Wyoming’s superb wildlife and surroundings.

The Bear River State Park is house to small herds of bison and elk, and the customer middle has a number of reveals of various animals. The Trail Connects Bear undertaking can also be primarily based within the park and is a good way to discover the realm. There are picnic benches, bathrooms, grills, water tanks, and automotive parks close by so that you could make a day of it. 

Among the perfect resorts to guide close to the state park are the close by Prairie Inn and Travelodge by Wyndham Evanston.

See Related: A Five-Day Yellowstone Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy

12. Keyhole State Park

Keyhole State Park

Keyhole State Park is among the greatest state parks in Wyoming for fishing. Some of the most important fish within the state are caught right here. The park can also be located in a gorgeous location on the Westside within the state’s Black Hills area between Moorcroft and Sundance.

There are ten campsites out there to campers and three group shelters that may be reserved for company picnics, household gatherings, weddings, and different particular events.

13. Guernsey State Park

Guernsey State Park

Guernsey State Park is among the greatest state parks in Wyoming. It’s an excellent place to camp, with seven campgrounds to select from, three of that are positioned close to Lake Guernsey. The campgrounds supply bottled water, charcoal grill tables, picnic benches, and a consolation station.

Trailer dump stations might be discovered at South Entry on this Park. Guernsey State Park can also be an excellent place to stroll, with an unlimited path community beginning at Brimmer Point Turnoff.

The path system contains a number of loops that present quite a few scenic views. So whether or not you’re trying to camp or take a stroll, Guernsey State Park is the place for you.

Cobblestone Inn & Suites – Guernsey, Bunkhouse Motel, and Twisters Bed and Breakfast are among the many lodging close to the park. 

See Related: Visiting Yellowstone in Winter

14. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is certainly one of Wyoming’s hottest parks. Bighorn Canyon covers over 120,000 acres with unbelievable biodiversity. This recreation space provides fifteen trails to stroll 17 miles lengthy.

South District has twelve path sorts: three straightforward, two reasonable trails, and three medium and three reasonable. A couple of different choices embody water-based kayaking, canoe-riding, or kayaking. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a wonderful place to discover the encompassing nature’s wealthy panorama.

Visitors can take pleasure in a novel alternative to discover the canyon’s huge, wild surroundings on this enthralling non-state park.

15. Edness Kimball Wilkins Park

Edness Kimball Wilkins Park is a good non-state park choice when you’re on the lookout for a picnic spot close to Casper, Wyoming. This public recreation space has over 40 picnic websites.

In addition, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park has horseshoe pits and volleyball nets, making it the proper place to take pleasure in a sport or two.

Finally, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park additionally has a 2.8-mile path that follows the historic North Platte River. This path is the proper alternative to benefit from the surroundings round Edness Kimball Wilkins Park.

See Related: The Ultimate Summer Trip Packing List

16. Seminoe State Park

Seminoe State Park

Seminoe State Park is a hidden gem within the Wyoming countryside. This state park in Wyoming is located between Rawlins and Alcova, and the park is house to Rocky Sand Dunes, Seminoe Reservoir, and the Miracle Mile of Wyoming.

Boating and fishing are standard actions on the reservoir, and the Miracle Mile is taken into account top-of-the-line fly fishing locations within the area. Camping can also be out there at Seminoe State Park, making it the proper vacation spot for a weekend getaway.

17. Boysen State Park

It is among the greatest state parks in Wyoming, and it’s perfect for travelers who wish to take pleasure in some fishing and see attention-grabbing geological formations.

The Wind River Indian Reservation covers the realm, and Boyden State Park supplies guests with alternatives for fishing, together with ice fishing, positioned in Wind River Canyon.

Boysen Reservoir is standard for its trout and walleye fishing. The reservoir is normally heat sufficient in the course of the summer time months for a number of totally different watersports.

A marina and concessions can be found on the north aspect of the lake, providing fishing permits, boat gasoline, and meals. So when you’re ever in Wyoming, make sure to take a look at Boysen State Park!

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in the USA

18. Names Hill State Historic Site

Names Hill State Historic Site

Names Hill is among the most important landmarks alongside the Oregon-Californie Trail and a must-see for anybody concerned with American historical past. The Names Hill State Historic Site is positioned in LaBarge, Wyoming, close to US 189.

The web site includes a cliff overlooking the Green River, the place emigrants carved their names into the limestone once they crossed the river. Names Hill is certainly one of Oregon’s three registered websites the place migrant settlers made their names and registered their presence.

The earliest engraved Names on Names Hill are dated from 1822. The Fort Bridger State Historical Society maintains the Names Hill State Historic Site.

19. Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument is among the most distinctive and extraordinary geologic options in North America, therefore why this non-state park is on the record. The Devils Tower juts out of the attractive prairies surrounding the Black Hills, and it’s a sacred web site for a lot of Native American tribes.

Devils Tower

The Devils Tower can also be top-of-the-line climbing spots in North America, with tons of of parallel cracks that make it good for climbers of all ranges. The Devils Tower is open to guests all 12 months spherical, and there are various other ways to take pleasure in this superb place.

Whether you wish to hike to the highest of the tower, go for a leisurely stroll across the base, or take within the spectacular views, Devils Tower National Monument is a must-see vacation spot.

See Related: Best Road Trips in the USA

21. Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site

Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site

Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site is one other non-state park that deserves a point out. It’s positioned in Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. The Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site provides guests the possibility to view historic Native American ruins.

There are additionally climbing trails and tenting services out there on the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site. Medicine Lodge is an historic Native American archaeological web site that was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

The Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site is open to the general public for excursions, picnicking, tenting, and climbing. A go to to Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site offers guests the possibility to study concerning the previous and see a number of the superb artifacts which have been left behind.

21. Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument

Have you ever wished to see the place dinosaurs as soon as roamed? If so, this nationwide monument is the place for you!

What? You’re mad that this isn’t a state park both? It’s an impressive out of doors vacation spot in Wyoming, what does it take to please you?!

Fossil Butte is house to an abundance of fossils, together with the stays of crocodiles, fish, bugs, crops, and, in fact, dinosaurs.

The fossils at Fossil Butte date again to the Eocene Epoch, making them a number of the most well-preserved fossils on the planet. In addition to seeing these superb creatures up shut, you too can study how they lived and died.

Fossil Butte is a good place for anybody concerned with studying extra about Earth’s historical past. So what are you ready for? Pack your baggage and head on over to Fossil Butte National Monument!

Tips on How to Choose the Right Park for You 

Wyoming Range

When selecting a state park in Wyoming, it’s vital to contemplate what you’re on the lookout for in a park. Some parks are higher for climbing and biking, whereas others are nice for fishing and swimming. Make positive to decide on a park that matches your pursuits and skills.

If you’re undecided which park is best for you, the Wyoming state parks web site has numerous info that can assist you resolve. You can even discover details about actions out there at every park, the dimensions of the park, and the kind of terrain.

Once you’ve chosen a state park, there are many issues to do when you get there.

Most parks have climbing trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Some parks even have seashores, boat ramps, and playgrounds. Be positive to take a look at the state park web site or brochure earlier than your go to to see what’s out there at every park.

What is the best-known park in Wyoming?

The best-known state park in Wyoming is Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is a world-famous park that covers 3,472 sq. miles and is house to many various kinds of wildlife. Visitors can take pleasure in climbing, fishing, biking, and tenting within the park.

What can I do at state parks in Wyoming?

State parks in Wyoming supply quite a lot of actions, together with climbing, biking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Some parks even have seashores, boat ramps, and playgrounds.

How do I select the correct state park for me?

When selecting a state park in Wyoming, it’s vital to contemplate what you’re on the lookout for in a park. Some parks are higher for climbing and biking, whereas others are nice for fishing and swimming. Make positive to decide on a park that matches your pursuits and skills.

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