Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails - State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails

State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails

Staff Login

Search Our Site

Activities & Amenities Content - BOYSEN

Details: Category: Activities & Amenities Content - BOYSEN

About:

In 1901, Asmus Boysen went on a mining exploration trip to Wyoming and checked out the Wind River Canyon, which runs south of Thermopolis, cutting through Owl Creek and the Copper Mountains. He had plans to mine for copper and gold ore, so he suggested building a dam at the canyon's mouth to produce electricity for mining operations.

After facing several challenges, Asmus Boysen successfully built the original dam in 1908, which is now named after him and is the reason for both the park and the reservoir. You can still see remnants of this original dam near the tunnels at the Lower Wind River Campground, especially by sites 12-15.

Plus, Mr. Boysen set up a 710kW power plant there, but it stopped working in 1923 because a major flood filled the plant with silt. That silt can still be found in the Lower Wind Campground.

The CB&O Railroad made its way through the canyon in 1911, and the state highway followed in 1925. The current dam was completed in 1951, and Boysen became a state park in 1956.

Explore the park and see the trains coming through, the train tunnels going through the mountains, the existing dam, and the remnants of the first dam.

Location

Historic features can be found throughout the park.
The Dam and Power Plant near the entrance to the Wind River Canyon.

Availability

Year-round

Fees

Appropriate Daily Use and Overnight Camping fees apply.

Click here to view the Permits & Fees page

Details: Category: Activities & Amenities Content - BOYSEN

About:

Experience the unique charm of the Boysen Miners Camp, which consists of three 10x12 canvas wall tents. Each tent is furnished with two twin-size bed frames and mattresses and is located by the picturesque Wind River at the southern end of Upper Wind River Campground.

This area is rented as a whole, with the capacity to sleep 6 people across all three tents. The rental fee for the area is $60.00 per night, along with camping and day use fees for each vehicle.

Be sure to bring your own bedding for your stay. Restrooms are located a short walk from the camp.

Location

Southern end of Upper Wind River Campground

Availability

Year-round

Fees

$60.00 per night

Appropriate Daily Use and Overnight Camping fees apply.

Click here to view the Permits & Fees page

Details: Category: Activities & Amenities Content - BOYSEN

About:

There's one designated swim beach in Boysen at the Brannon Campground.

More information:

This location is for day use only, closing at 10:00 p.m.
There are change houses and vault toilets available.

Please keep in mind the beach has some rules:
No pets allowed.
No fishing permitted.
No boats in the area.
No glass bottles are allowed.

53627977912656713353500093731279422359575891n

73293378615216583997513008235005822963165974n

60294826113682605117577574770611824907407941n

Location

Swim beach located at Brannon Campground on the north end.

Availability

All beach amenities including picnic tables and shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The beach hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Fees

Day Use

Click here to view the Permits & Fees page

Details: Category: Activities & Amenities Content - BOYSEN

About:

For an off-grid camping adventure by the lake, consider staying in a camping shack! These cozy shacks come equipped with comfortable beds featuring mattresses (be sure to check the descriptions for specific bed arrangements), a table with chairs, a bench, and a coat rack. Outside, you'll find a fire pit and a picnic table, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. Many cabin guests like to cook over the fire at the fire pit, as cooking inside is not allowed.

This experience is all about disconnecting from the grid, so don’t expect any electricity or climate control. You’ll enjoy fresh air with open windows and a sliding door, but it’s a good idea to bring along some flashlights, battery-operated fans, and solar lights. We do provide clean mattresses with covers, but make sure to pack your own bedding like sleeping bags, pillows, or blankets for a cozy night’s sleep.

Location

Lakeside Lodging
Tough Creek Campground
Brannon Campground

Availability

Campshacks are available all year-around. Reservations may be made through the online reservation system or by calling our Call Center at 877-996-7275

Fees

Daily Use and Overnight Camping fees apply

Click here to view the Permits & Fees page

Lakeside Lodging

The Lakeside Campground features two shacks, each positioned on a point that offers picturesque views of the waterway bordered by the Owl Creek Mountains.

This location is a favored destination for birdwatching and observing antelope as they approach for a drink. However, the shacks lack shade and trees, and there is no access to potable water on-site.

Additionally, the restrooms are situated 0.23 miles away, providing visitors with a pleasant walk through the campground.

Pelican Campshack
Featuring a queen bed, the Pelican shack is perfect for a getaway and a night off the grid.

Sagebrush Campshack
This shack features a twin-over-full bunk bed setup.

Tough Creek Campground

Tough Creek Campground, situated just 8 miles from Shoshoni, features 5 charming shacks. Boaters and anglers can enjoy direct access to the lake at Tough Creek Campground, which is located along Boysen Reservoir.

Additionally, these shacks are conveniently close to areas where reservations are not needed, with 8 camping spots lined up next to the shacks. This makes it an excellent choice for families and friends traveling together.

It's important to mention that the nearest potable water and restrooms are located 0.46 miles away.

Walleye Campshack

This shack features a bunk bed which is a twin over full.

Perch Campshack

This shack features a bunk bed which is a twin over full.

Sauger Campshack

This shack features a bunk bed which is a twin over full.

Crappie Campshack

This shack feautres a bunk bed with L shape 2 twins with a full under 1 twin.

Bluegill Campshack

This shack feaures a queen bed.

Brannon Campground

Brannon Campground is situated at the northern tip of Boysen Reservoir in Boysen State Park. It boasts a sheltered bay, a sandy beach, trees, and a designated day-use swimming area, making it perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.

The three camp shacks here are positioned on a point that offers breathtaking views of the reservoir.

The closest restrooms can be found at the swim beach, which is just .26 miles away. You can also find potable water nearby at the weather station site, right next to each of the camp shacks.

Loon Campshack

This shack features a queen size bed.

Eagle Campshack

THis shack features a bunk bed which is a twin over full.

Goose Campshack

This shack features an L shape bunk bed with 2 twins and a full under 1 twin.

Details: Category: Activities & Amenities Content - BOYSEN

About:

In Boysen State Park, you'll come across docks and ramps on both our east and west sides. The most popular spots for launching boats into the Reservoir are Brannon, Tough Creek, and Cottonwood, all featuring aluminum floating docks. Freemont has a concrete dock, while Lakeside offers a ramp but no dock.

Since these ramps are accessible from both sides, we kindly ask for your patience and courtesy, as only two boats can launch at once.

Keep in mind that overnight docking isn't allowed at our ramps; they're meant just for launching and retrieving watercraft, as well as for getting on and off the boats.

When you're getting ready to launch, be careful of the cables at the end of the dock.

Additional information on current boat ramp levels HERE.