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Buffalo Bill State Park - Lake Shore Campground
Overview
Buffalo Bill State Park, specifically the Lake Shore Campground, offers a classic Wyoming outdoor experience situated along the banks of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. This public campground provides a scenic waterfront setting that caters to those looking to disconnect from the bustle of city life. The park serves as a serene home base, characterized by its open layout and sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains that frame the horizon.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned just west of Cody, Wyoming, this park is nestled in a high desert landscape that transitions quickly into alpine beauty. The location is strategically placed along the route to Yellowstone National Park, making it a prime stopover destination for travelers navigating the scenic Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. The surrounding terrain is rugged and dramatic, offering visitors a true taste of the American West with expansive skies and quiet evenings.
Amenities & Park Features
The Lake Shore Campground is designed for a rustic, nature-focused stay rather than full-resort luxury. Visitors will find campsites equipped with electrical hookups and standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings to enhance the outdoor experience. Shared facilities such as vault toilets and potable water are provided throughout the grounds. The area is largely defined by its immediate reservoir access, which is perfect for those who enjoy waking up to the sounds of lapping water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The town of Cody is only a short drive away, providing access to the famous Buffalo Bill Center of the West and local western rodeos. Within the park, visitors spend their days engaged in boating and fishing on the reservoir, which is known for its trout populations. Hikers can explore trails that wind through the rugged landscape, offering panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mountain ranges, providing endless opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize natural beauty and tranquility over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for outdoor enthusiasts and those touring Yellowstone who prefer to avoid crowded commercial RV parks. Whether you are seeking a peaceful spot to cast a line or a basecamp for exploring the historic charm of Cody, Lake Shore Campground provides a simple, memorable connection to the Wyoming landscape.
User Reviews
Mr Filo
This is our 2nd year we stayed at Buffalo Bill state park site 7. We warned site 7 is on a hill so being level may be issue for some. We parked backwards so our door faced away from the road. Our campsite has a nice view of the lake and the mountains. We love it here. There is no flush toilets on the campsites closest to the dam. It's all pit toilets. The other campground has one shower house with bathrooms in the showers.
Jen B.
Check in until 8pm, we were late and they kindly left our car tag at the gate. The #7 campsite is fine for the night, very sloped, the campsite, fire ring, picnic table, are on the driver's side so if we were planning on staying here I would be disappointed, but there are many beautiful campsites with incredible views looking over the gorgeous reservoir. I'm quite nervous about grizzly bears and rattlesnakes... Bathroom was horrible.
Tina Dean
Was at site 7 which should be for overnite . You are at the tail end of a loop. Your door is facing traffic. You have to go around your caper to get to picnic area which faces a bathroom .absolutely sucks. You step out of your camper and a few shorts step into road. I hate for our first trip to Wyoming. Senior citizens who come for the view. Made that known 3 months before coming. Space 7 aweful
Sam Valtenbergs
This really a horrible campground: there's zero shade, the sites are on gravel or asphalt and - worst of all - all the sites are located only a few yards from the highway. The host was nice, but you're not going to sleep at all here unless you have earplugs. The North Fork Campground at the other end of the lake is much further away from the road (although you could still probably hear traffic) and at least has some grass on the sites... $30+ for a patch of gravel next to the highway is atrocious.
Katherine Marchand
So many great things to say about this campground! We extended our stay another week to enjoy in this one-of-a-kind place. We will look forward to returning. 18-minute drive to downtown Cody and anything you could want, but wow - you feel like you are in another world out here. The drive to Cody is beautiful in every direction, going through tunnels and alongside the rocks. ∙ Large, pull-through spaces (our 28ft vintage Airstream was smaller, lots of big rigs pulled in with ease) ∙ Very well spaced out and quiet campground. You don't need to know your neighbors here if you don't want to. ∙ Non-flushing, very clean, top-tier camp toilets ∙ Free dumping station that was clean and easy (included hose) ∙ Campground is situated above lake, so you can do a scramble down to the shore line or drive to the more accessible day-use beach ∙ AT&T had great cell service and Starlink was clear thanks to the uninterrupted sky ∙ Park ranger was on-site most of the day and did multiple checks per day of the campground ∙ We were here in late July and it got a little warm from 11am-2pm on sunny days, but thanks to the Wyoming winds and quick changing weather it was never too bad ∙ Situated close to the road but honestly we never heard it too much (shockingly) and is generally pretty quiet We stayed at Site #32 (non-electric) which was just stunning. Beautiful views in all directions that changed every hour with the sun and weather. We had no problems with solar thanks to summer sunny days, so you would be okay without electric if you're not juicing too much. Spots like #3, 5, 7, 24, 26, 28 did not have great lake views. Your camper/car blocks the view and your picnic table/fire pit is on the interior. Beautiful views of the mountains and rocks to the north, but not your spot if you want clear views. Site #10 had the most majestic west-facing view with full 270° of lakefront but was pretty downhill. Would recommend if you want picturesque views but ready to some leveling.