| Description: Over 70,000 acres surround Bighorn Lake, formed by Yellowtail Dam in 1966. The lake is a fishing & boating playground, with world-class trout fishing below the dam, fishing for walleye, brown trout, & ling in the reservoir, & spectacular scenery the length of the canyon. A visitor center at the Yellowtail Dam features exhibits about Crow leader Robert Yellowtail, & other aspects of Crow culture & hsitory.
The northern section of the park contains two campgrounds, one with 29 sites for tents & RVs, & one with ten sites, which is boat-in only. Concrete boat ramp & marina for boaters. Three short trails explore the area, but this section is mostly bordered by tribal (private) lands. If fishing, you must be licensed for both Wyoming & Montana if you plan to fish the length of the lake.
Location: From Hardin, go 43 miles south on MT 313 to get to the northern end, at Fort Smith.
Season: visitor center open Memorial Day-Labor Day.
Fee: for campgrounds.
Reservations: no. |
Campground: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Fort Smith Montana *