Yellowstone Country is home to numerous state parks. Our favorites in Wyoming include:
Buffalo Bill State Park, near Cody, where mountains dominate the landscape. Shoshone Canyon is framed by Rattlesnake Mountain to the north and Cedar Mountain to the south. The north and south forks of the Shoshone River are divided by Sheep Mountain, and Carter Mountain is prominent on the southern skyline. Hiking, boating and fishing can all be enjoyed here.
Hot Springs State Park, in Thermopolis, features the world’s largest mineral hot spring—Big Spring—and has many picnic spots and a playground.
Sinks Canyon State Park , six miles southwest of Lander, is located in the foothills of the rugged Wind River Range. The park’s name comes from the Popo Agie River, which “sinks” into a limestone cavern and reappears down the road. Sinks Canyon is known as the “gateway to the Winds,” and offers great hiking, fishing and rock climbing.
Boysen Reservoir State Park, in west-central Wyoming at the head of Wind River Canyon, is known for its unique geology and abundance of water sports, including fishing and boating.
Curt Gowdy State Park, between Laramie and Cheyenne, has abundant wildlife and two reservoirs for excellent fishing. 24 RV sites are available.
Edness K. Wilkins State Park, east of Casper, is a mecca for bird-watchers and walkers. A pathway allows day visitors access to this “outdoor classroom” that affords views of nearly 200 species of migratory and nesting birds.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, in Three Forks, is Montana’s first and best-known state park. It is home to one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest. These spectacular caves are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helicitites.
Idaho is home to 25 state parks.
Harriman State Park, located in Island Park, is the site of the old Railroad Ranch, where the Harrimans, of Union Pacific Railroad fame, spent their summers. The ranch sits in the middle of a 16,000-acre wildlife reserve, and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, famous for its fly-fishing, runs through the park.
Henry’s Lake State Park, near Macks Inn, is home to a high mountain lake that produces trout worth bragging about if you catch one. You can also camp, boat or hike at this park. Open late May through late October.
Bear Lake State Park , south of Montpelier, boasts a beautiful turquoise lake that is 20- miles long and straddles the Idaho/ Utah border. Swim, camp along the shore, go boating or cast a line.
In Utah, Willard Bay State Park is conveniently located along the Wasatch Front, near major metropolitan areas. Willard Bay attracts boaters, anglers, sunbathers, swimmers and birdwatchers year-round.
