Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
7 campgrounds in the park · 32 nearby · 21 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: Sharron Genaux
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureNo Water Available at Ok-A-Beh Marina - Flushing Restrooms ClosedDue to a water shortage, flushable toilets are currently unavailable at the Ok-A-Beh Marina. Vault toilets are available at the upper parking lot and a floating restroom is available on the courtesy dock.
- CautionBighorn Lake Elevation is Below 3625ftWhen lake levels are below 3625, boaters are advised to avoid areas south of Horseshoe Bend and the South Narrows due to low water levels. Throughout the year, lake water levels fluctuate greatly. Hazards and launching abilities change with the water levels. Please use caution when recreating on Bighorn Lake.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 7 campgrounds
- Near the park
- 32 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 21 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 7
- National Park
Grapevine Campground
In the park · Fort Smith, MT
- National Park
Afterbay Campground
In the park · Fort Smith, MT
Camping near the park 32
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
16 mi · Fort Smith, MT
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
18 mi · Lovell, WY
Free and dispersed nearby 21
See them on the map- Brd2308-001Pryor, MT9.9 mi
- Brd2308-002Pryor, MT9.9 mi
- Brd2308-004Pryor, MT10 mi
- Brd2308-003Pryor, MT10 mi
- Brd2308-005Pryor, MT10 mi
- Brd2308-006Pryor, MT10 mi
Services nearby: 2 dump stations · 3 rest areas
About Bighorn Canyon
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an…
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.
Photos: Pete Sawtell · Ed Allen · Klein Photo Collection
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Theater
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
Plan your visit
Getting there
Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to…
Weather
North District: Semi-arid, receiving 18 to 20 inches of rain annually. South District: High-desert, receiving 6 to 10 inches of rain annually. Summer temperatures: Highs in the 80s (F) and 90s (F), lows in the 50s (F)…
Plan your visit
Hours
Bighorn Canyon NRA is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Getting there
Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to St. Xavier and then to Fort Smith, Montana. To get to the South District at Lovell, WY from Billings, MT, take Interstate 90 west. Turn at exit 434 at Laurel, MT. Turn onto US 310 East/US 212 South. Turn at US 310 East to Lovell. The visitor center is on the east side of Lovell.
Weather
North District: Semi-arid, receiving 18 to 20 inches of rain annually. South District: High-desert, receiving 6 to 10 inches of rain annually. Summer temperatures: Highs in the 80s (F) and 90s (F), lows in the 50s (F) and 60s (F). Summer temperatures can peak over 100 degrees. Winter temperatures: Range in the 20s and 30s with low temperatures averaging the 10s (F) and 20s (F). During the winter the thermometer can drop below 0 (F) with extreme wind chill factors.
Camped at Bighorn Canyon? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Grapevine Campground, Afterbay Campground and Horseshoe Bend Campground.