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Buffalo Bill State Park
 

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About Our Site - Buffalo Bill State Park

 

The history of Buffalo Bill Reservoir and “Cody Country” is rooted in the rich lore of the old West. Buffalo Bill State Park was named for Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, famous as a wild west showman, promoter and developer. He first came to the region in the 1870s as a guide for a survey expedition and spent the next 20 years guiding and sponsoring hunting parties in the area.

“Buffalo Bill” Cody was influential in bringing irrigation and agricultural development into the area and founded the town in 1896 that bears his name. Some of the land now occupied by Buffalo Bill State Park was originally owned by Colonel Cody and was acquired from him by the federal government to implement the reservoir project.

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Work began on the dam in 1905. When completed in 1910, it was the highest dam in the world at 325 feet. Buffalo Bill State Park was established in 1957 and provided recreational areas and facilities along the original shoreline. In 1993, an eight-year project was completed that raised the crest of the dam 25 feet and increased the reservoir storage capacity. The enlarged reservoir inundated the former recreation areas and required removal of the old park facilities. Buffalo Bill State Park has been redeveloped as part of that project.

Buffalo Bill Reservoir and State Park Seeking Feedback and Suggestions

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Buffalo Bill Reservoir and State Park Seeking Feedback and Suggestions

Wyoming State Parks, in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), has embarked on a resource management planning process for Buffalo Bill Reservoir and State Park near Cody, Wyoming.  Ayres Associates have been selected to facilitate the planning process.

Wyoming State Parks and Reclamation are interested in receiving feedback and suggestions from the public on what they enjoy about the Park and improvements or changes they desire.  The public is invited to complete a survey about the park and planning process by following this link, or using the attached QR code. 

Over the next year, the team will collect information, feedback, and ideas for ways to both enhance the visitor experience at the park and preserve its resources for future generations to enjoy. A final plan, which will be subject to a federal Environmental Assessment, will provide the foundation for decision-making to accommodate recreation and visitor amenities in balance with the preservation of setting and natural and cultural resources.  Those interested in receiving updates and additional information can register through the survey.

Buffalo Bill Dam, constructed on the Shoshone River six miles upstream from Cody, was completed in 1910, creating Buffalo Bill Reservoir.  Named for famous Wild West showman, promoter, and developer Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.  Shoshone Power Plant is located near the base of Buffalo Bill Dam; the dam, power plant, and reservoir lands are owned by Reclamation, which maintains primary jurisdiction of the lands and associated resources within the reservoir area.  Much of the area was designated a State Park in 1957 with the last major overhaul of the park completed in the 1990s. 

The Park offers fishing, camping, picnicking, and a variety of water sports in settings which range from remote and primitive to moderately developed.  The park currently has three boat ramps, nine developed day-use areas, two group shelters and eleven picnic shelters, and one hundred and fifty-six campsites in three campgrounds which can be reserved through the State Parks Reservation System.  Shreve Lodge, which hosts up to 200 and has a large kitchen, is also available to rent for day use. 

For more information and to stay up to date with events and amenities at Buffalo Bill State Park, please visit the park's website or call Superintendent Dan Marty at 307-587-9227.

 

View more updates for Buffalo Bill State Park!

 

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Fishing Derby Registration form 2021 DM

 
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Site Status
 

Park is open year round for camping and day use.  Certain facilities and amenities are shut down due to weather and winter season.
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Hours
 

May 1 - September 30:

Everything Open - Water and Showers weather dependent in May and September. Office hours 7am-7pm, Park open 24 hours a day to visitors; these hours vary as well due to seasonal employee personnel availability.

October - April: 

North Fork Campground Closed; Sheep Mountain Day Use Area Closed; Rest of park open to camping and day use, ALL water systems turned off for the winter season.

 

Map

Phone Number
 

307-587-9227

 
Map

 Location
 

 Buffalo Bill State Park
 4192 Northfork Hwy
 Cody, WY 82414

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