Buffalo Bill State Park

Construction of Buffalo Bill Dam, six miles west of Cody, Wyoming, was the key that opened about 90,000 acres in northwestern Wyoming to irrigated farming. So dry and forbidding was this part of the state that it was one of the last regions in the United States to be settled. It wasn’t until the 1890s, with dreams of irrigating the region and turning it into productive farmland, that a significant number of people began to settle there. Among the visionaries were William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and a group of investors who formed the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company, founded the town of Cody, and acquired water rights from the Shoshone River to irrigate 60,000 acres. When the project proved cost prohibitive, the Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners turned to the Federal Government for help. In early 1904, Buffalo Bill transferred his water rights to the Secretary of the Interior, and that July exploratory drilling began for Shoshone Dam--renamed Buffalo Bill Dam in 1946 in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of Cody’s birth. NORTH SHORE BAY CAMPGROUND: 37 sites: 29 pull-through sites, 3 back-in, and 5 designated tent only; 7 of the sites are reservable, the remainder are available on a first come-first served basis. Located approximately 9 miles west of Cody on US Highway 14-16-20 (North Fork Highway).NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND: 62 sites: 56 pull through sites and 6 designated tent-only sites; 14 of the sites are reservable, the remainder are available on a first come-first served basis. Located approx. 14 miles west of Cody on US Highway 14-16-20 (North Fork Highway).All campsites have tables and grills and are convenient to water hydrants and restrooms. There are now utility sites at both campgrounds, no shower facilities. Except those designated tent-only campsites will accommodate trailers, tents or RVs. Roads and parking areas are paved.TROUT CREEK GROUP CAMPING AREA is located within North Fork Campground. This area provides a large shelter with tables and grill, an area for tents, and enough parking space for a group of trailers, RV's, etc. The group camping area is available on a reserved use basis only. The shelter use fee of $50.00 per day plus the $50.00 damage deposit is required in addition to the park daily use and camping fees. SHEEP MOUNTAIN DAY USE AREA provides a large shelter with tables and a grill, a playground area and enough parking for large groups. The group area is available to reserve. The shelter use fee of $50.00 per day plus the $50.00 damage deposit is required in addition to the park daily use fees. EAGLE POINT TRAIL is located within Eagle Point Day Use Area and is handicapped accessible. This trail is the first phase of a planned trail system along the north shoreline.