Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Wyoming
Lisa Sammons
Author
Because the Cowboy State is home to amazing destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, it’s fair to say that our Wyoming state parks don’t get quite as much love as they probably should. We’re the first to admit: Yellowstone and Grand Teton are both absolutely incredible. They belong on every traveler’s bucket list, no matter where you live or what you have to go through to reach them. But ignoring all the great state parks in Wyoming is a mistake that no one should make! How many state parks are in Wyoming? There are 12 state parks in Wyoming, and each has its own special attributes that makes it worthy of a visit. Let’s check out a few of the best state parks and state historic sites in the Cowboy State:
Most Popular State Parks In Wyoming
If you’re looking to check out some of the most-visited state parks here, these are great places to start. They’re all around great fun, with hiking trails, campgrounds, mountains, beautiful scenery, and so much more to offer visitors. Here are a few of the most popular state parks in Wyoming:
1. Curt Gowdy State Park
There are so many things to do at Curt Gowdy State Park that make it amazing to visit in any season, but we've got to say, it's one of the best state parks in Wyoming in summer. There are more than 30 miles of trails here, and with multiple reservoirs, there's no shortage of fun water activities like boating and fishing. The park is also home to Hynds Lodge, an amphitheater that hosts concerts and events.
2. Bear River State Park
You'll find this epic state park in the southwestern corner of the state. It has some pretty unusual scenery, with plenty of wetlands that means there are an abundance of wild animals that call this park home. There are so many things to do in Bear River State Park, and the trails here actually connect to downtown Evanston. The park's trails are perfect for cross-country skiing in the winter.
3. Sinks Canyon State Park
You'll find an abundance of things to do at Sinks Canyon State Park. There is a cool swinging bridge here, plenty of trails, and lots of opportunities to camp. If you don't like roughing it in a tent, there are even heated yurts that are perfect for winter time glamping. Seeing the river flow underground here is a natural wonder you don't encounter often.
4. Hot Springs State Park
If you're a fan of natural wonders in Wyoming, you don't want to miss a visit to Hot Springs State Park. While you can't swim in the hot springs here due to their extreme temperature, there is a public bathhouse available for use to visitors. Other things to do in Hot Springs State Park include crossing the swinging bridge, checking out the TePee Fountain, and picnicking at the picnic shelters.
Best State Parks In Wyoming To Camp
With all the beauty and fun on offer in Wyoming, it’s no surprise that many visitors end up wanting to spend more than a simple afternoon out in nature here! Whether you love roughing it in a tent or prefer the “glamping” option of cabin life, there are some great places to camp in Wyoming‘s state parks.
5. Keyhole State Park
There are so many things to do at Keyhole State Park: it's paradise for nature lovers! It's home to some of the most beautiful scenery in North America, and there are so many opportunities for outdoor fun. With 15,000 acres to explore, there are tons of hiking trails to show off all the gorgeous landscapes. The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing and water sports.
6. Glendo State Park
If you love fun in, on, or around the water, you'll find no shortage of things to do at Glendo State Park. It's one of the best state parks in Wyoming in summer thanks to the 12,000-acre reservoir that shares its name. Glendo Reservoir has an amazing beach, 45 miles of hiking and biking trails, and some of the best walleye fishing in Wyoming.
7. Buffalo Bill State Park
Some of the land that is now part of Buffalo Bill State Park was originally owned by "Buffalo Bill" Cody himself. The park contains Buffalo Bill Dam, which provides flood control as well as hydropower for a nearby power plant. There are so many things to do at Buffalo Bill State Park. It's one of the best state parks in the West, with tons of activities. Fishing, boating, mountain biking, and hiking are all popular here, and it's easy to see why people would want to spend multiple days here! There are two campgrounds available, one of which is open year-round.
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8. Boysen State Park
There's a lot to do here, with campgrounds, picnic areas, and tons of game fish ripe for the taking if you're a skilled fisherman. There are so many things to do at Boysen State Park. It's one of our favorite state parks in Wyoming in winter because the views are incredible when this place is dusted in snow.
Best State Parks In Wyoming To RV
We get it: not everyone is a fan of roughing it in a tent. The temperature can be inconsistent, and it can be uncomfortable. If you’re the type that prefers to live the Airstream dream, spending the night in a camper or RV might sound much more appealing. Even if you don’t own your own camper, RV rental company RV Share is a great option that will let you rent a camper for a few days and experience a grand adventure…. maybe in one of these Wyoming state parks that’s perfect for RVing?
9. Seminoe State Park
There are some incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing here! The park is home to dozens of species, including mountain lions, bobcats, moose, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and more. There's tons of things to do in Seminoe State Park, which doesn't tend to attract as many crowds as some better-known parks in the state. This is a magnificent place to get in touch with nature.
10. Guernsey State Park
There are so many great things to do at Guernsey State Park. This sprawling park has wonderful water recreation opportunities and also contains dozens of historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures. With more than 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, there’s so much to do here!
Best State Parks In Wyoming For Hiking
Do you love to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails? I love exploring hiking trails when I visit a new park. They offer up great opportunities to check out the landscape while getting a little exercise. With the help of Alltrails+, you can enjoy benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions so you don’t even have to worry about getting lost when the cell signal goes out.
11. Edness K. Wilkins State Park
This is one of our favorite state parks in Wyoming in summer because the river is such a wonderful place for fishing and boating, but there's also a swimming pond perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Other things to do at Edness K. Wilkins State Park include biking, exploring the park's three miles of trails, and relaxing at the beach.
12. Independence Rock State Historic Site
This impressive rock got its name because travelers headed along the route intended to reach the rock by Independence Day. The state historic site that surrounds the rock is about 170 acres in area, and while it's not a traditional state park with tons of activities, a visit to Independence Rock is a must for those interested in American history. Not only can you climb up to the top of the rock, but just strolling around the base is quite fascinating.
13. Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site
Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site is a fascinating place that's perfect for lovers of history! Ancient petroglyphs line the rocks here, and many amazing artifacts have been discovered here. However, it's also a remarkably beautiful place for those who like to be out in nature. This is one of the best state parks around for wildlife watching, and there are also trails and a great visitor center worth checking out.
Little-Known State Parks In Wyoming
With so many great places to explore in the Cowboy State, it should come as no surprise that some of our state parks and state historic sites don’t get the love that they deserve. However, that just means it’s easier to beat the crowds you’d find at places like Yellowstone or GTNP! Here are a few of the most underrated state parks in Wyoming:
14. Trails End State Historic Site
Trail End is one of the state's most magnificent homes. It's now a museum that shows what life in the early 1900s was like, with period-accurate furniture. There are also plenty of areas for picnics and simply strolling around the four-acre grounds.
15. Wyoming Historic Governors' Mansion State Historic Site
Taking a home tour of the Wyoming Historic Governors' Mansion is such a fun experience for visitors of all ages. The home is set up as it would have been when one of the state's many governors lived here between 1905 and 1976. There are events held here throughout the year that are open to the public.
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a road trip! Who knew there were so many great state parks in Wyoming? Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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