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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.

Wyoming State Parks and the Bureau of Reclamation announce the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Buffalo Bill

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October 2, 2024

MILLS, Wyo. -- Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails (SPHST), and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) announced the availability of the final integrated Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (RMP/EA) for Buffalo Bill Reservoir and State Park.

This includes a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in establishing the RMP. The purpose of the RMP/EA is to provide an updated comprehensive planning and management document to guide managing, allocating, and appropriately using Buffalo Bill Reservoir land and water resources; and making decisions regarding the management of recreation resources. SPHST, Reclamation’s managing partner, proposes to implement the Master Plan, embedded within the RMP/EA, as a comprehensive plan for the development of outdoor recreation resources and infrastructure at the state park. The RMP/EA is available at https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/buffalo-bill-master-plan  or at https://www.usbr.gov/gp/nepa/sopa.html#wyao. 

“This Resource Management Plan helps Wyoming State Parks and the Bureau of Reclamation take a big step forward in providing responsible management of the natural resources and recreational opportunities at Buffalo Bill State Park,” Deputy Director Nick Neylon said. “Through this plan, Buffalo Bill State Park will continue to be a popular and valued destination within the Wyoming State Parks system.”

For media inquiries or general questions about Buffalo Bill State Park planning process, please contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, Planning Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 307-777-6968.

For information on State Park Operations, please contact Dan Marty, Park Superintendent at 307587-9227 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Media inquiries or general questions about Reclamation should be directed to Elizabeth Smith at 406-591-4761 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  

About Buffalo Bill State Park

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. The dam, power plants, 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 Follow us on: was designated a State Park in 1957, with the last major overhaul of the park completed in the 1990s after modifications to the dam. The State Park offers fishing, camping, picnicking, and a variety of water sports in settings that 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 campsites in two 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.

 

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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