Lake Shore Campground, near Cody, Wyoming, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak in some stunning views while enjoying the great outdoors. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of adventure.

This campground offers a mix of RV and tent camping, with electric and water hookups available in the RV section. Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, especially the views of the lake and surrounding hills. One camper described it as having “gob-smacking views,” which is hard to argue with when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty.

For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, the off-season brings a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate the landscape without the crowds. Just keep in mind that it can get quite windy at times, so be prepared for that. The campground is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Dam and Yellowstone National Park, which is just a short drive away.

While the facilities are basic, with vault toilets and no showers, the cleanliness and maintenance of the area are often highlighted by visitors. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy nature, Lake Shore Campground is definitely worth considering for your next camping trip.

All campsites are reservable only. Call the Call Center at 1-877-996-7275 to make a reservation. Lake Shore open year-round. Lake Shore Bay Campground has 36 sites, an active day use area and a highly used boat ramp. Lake Shore generally has more visitor traffic. There is very little irrigated turf at Lake Shore but it does have a bubbler system for watering trees. There is no playground and is better suited for campers who are planning on boating or campers spending part of the day in town or touring the area. Daily use fees and camping fees are charged separately. Visitors staying overnight are required to pay both fees. Camping fees do not include daily use fees. Annual camping permits do not cover daily use fees. Located about 40 miles from Yellowstone National Park's east entrance and 9 miles from Cody, Wyoming, the Park is in an excellent location to explore the area's rich history, sightseeing and wildlife. Mountains dominate the scenery at Buffalo Bill State Park. Shoshone Canyon, where the dam is located, is framed by Rattlesnake Mountain to the north and Cedar Mountain (also known as Spirit Mountain) to the south. Farther west, along the north shoreline, lies Logan Mountain. The north and south forks of the Shoshone River are divided by Sheep Mountain, while prominent on the southern skyline is Carter Mountain. All are part of the Rocky Mountain Absaroka (Ab-ka) Range. Elevations vary from approximately 5,400 feet in the state park to more than 12,000 feet in the Absarokas. Additional Vehicle Permits are not available online and must be purchased in person at a park or selling agent. Proof of original purchase and vehicle registration are required.

Lake Shore Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park

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We had wanted to get a site at the north fork, but ended up with a no hookup site at the lakeshore campground as that is what was available.  Note of caution, it can get very windy here, with strong gusts.  Our staked canopy actually flew off while my wife and kids were relaxing in it and almost flew into the lake.  Staking fail in me, but please be prepared.  There isn't a ton of shade or privacy, but the sites are spaced well enough.  Primitive vault toilets, not water.  Being down by the water was very nice, and the night sky was full of stars.  We used this as a base camp for Yellowstone; also be warned the east entrance road is quite windy, and it will take an hour or so to get where you want in the park depending on traffic.  This camp is located close to Cody, so supplies and a good meal (BBQ, prime rib buffets etc) are minutes away.  The Buffalo Bill Dam visitors center is actually quite well done and worth a pit stop.

Pleasant but very windy campground on the reservoir shore.

Great spot to re-group...  Since we could not get a spot in YS for our rig, we use BBST as a home base. 
We were able to leave our rig to tent camp in YS. 
And yes is very windy at times.... Also watch out for the bugs they can be ferocious went the wind does down. 

Wide open!!! Windy

Nice park no full hook ups, and not many sites with water so plan with time. 

buffalo Bill

If you can stand a bit of cold, there's some absolute diamonds to be found out there, with all the beauty, and none of the crowding. Buffalo Bill State Park on the lakeshore is just such a site. 

  

There's a number of sections, divided between one for RVs and two for Tents (drive-in). While the RV section features electric and water (there's also a dump station on the way out/in), all the sites have picnic tables and a fire pit.

  

The big draw, of course, is the gob-smacking view of the lake and surrounding hills. There's a public access boat launch, but in the stillness of late October, nothing spoiled the absolute stillness of the spot.

The beautiful emptiness of the off-season

Big spaces, well maintained, nice sanitation station, awesome views. 

Photos of Lake Shore Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park

Real photos from real campers