This segment of the Oregon Trail road trip stretches roughly 330 miles from North Platte, Nebraska across southern Wyoming to Casper. It showcases classic High Plains scenery – the Platte River valley, Sandhills and prairie – plus iconic landmarks like Chimney Rock and the Oregon Trail ruts at Guernsey. Plan about 2-4 days to cover this stretch comfortably. You’ll encounter small ranching towns, a couple state parks, and historic sites tied to wagon train history. For context on the full route, see our complete Oregon Trail road trip overview. This standalone guide zooms in on getting from North Platte to Casper with daily driving suggestions and camping tips.
Segment Overview: Plains and Prairie to Foothills
This route follows the historic emigrant path along US-26 from Nebraska into Wyoming, skirting north of the North Platte River. The landscape begins in Nebraska’s grasslands and Sandhills around North Platte, transitioning into vast Wyoming plains as you head northwest. Notable terrain includes the river valley near Scottsbluff and low pine-covered bluffs near Casper. Expect mostly open prairie roads with gentle hills – very different from mountainous segments further west. Spring through early fall are ideal for travel (trail sites are fully accessible and weather is mild). Winters can bring snow and strong winds on these exposed roads. Cell service is generally good in towns but can be spotty between stops in Wyoming. Wildlife sightings (pronghorn, geese) are common along the way.
Quick Stats
| Total Distance | ≈330 miles |
|---|---|
| Est. Drive Time | About 6–6½ hours (without stops) |
| State(s) | Nebraska, Wyoming |
| Primary Routes | US-26 (Main), US-385/US-20, I-25 (near Casper) |
| Recommended Duration | 2–3 days |
| Cell Service | Good in towns; spotty in rural stretches |
| Fuel & Food | North Platte, Bayard, Torrington/Wheatland (WY), Casper |
Day 1: North Platte, NE to Scottsbluff/Gering, NE
Distance: ~135 miles, ~2½ hours driving.
Route & Terrain: Leave North Platte on US-26 westbound. The highway is two-lane through sandy bluffs and ranch country. The road has gentle curves with occasional river views. You’ll pass small towns (try Stapleton or Bridgeport for an early fuel stop) before reaching Bayard/Scottsbluff.
Morning Activities: In North Platte, consider starting at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. Tour Buffalo Bill Cody’s Victorian mansion and barn exhibits (open late spring through early fall) to learn about this famed scout. A short walk at nearby Cody Park (railroad museum) is also popular. Then drive west and pause at Chimney Rock State Historic Site (near Bayard) around midday. A short paved trail leads close to the famous 300-foot spire; the Abbott Visitor Center (if open) has exhibits on emigrant history.
Afternoon Activities: Continue to Scottsbluff/Gering. In the afternoon, visit Scotts Bluff National Monument. Drive or hike 1–2 miles up to the overlook for panoramic views of the North Platte valley. The modern visitor center at the bluff’s base has trail maps and geology displays. Downtown Scottsbluff offers restaurants and shopping if you need supplies. A quick detour to the town of Gering for a picnic at Riverside Park along the river is pleasant.
Overnight: Stay in the Scottsbluff/Gering area. One option is Riverside Park Campground (Scottsbluff) – a city-run park with full RV hookups, tent sites and a playground. It’s minutes from the National Monument. The Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing campground near Bayard is another choice if you want to camp near Chimney Rock on night 1 (though it’s a bit south of Scottsbluff). Fuel and grocery: gas stations and a grocery store are abundant in Scottsbluff/Gering.
Day 2: Scottsbluff/Gering, NE to Guernsey, WY
Distance: ~145 miles, ~3 hours driving (including sightseeing).
Route & Terrain: Head east first from Scottsbluff on US-26 (toward Sidney) then loop north into Wyoming. This day covers rolling ranchland and canyon country around the North Platte River. After Bridger Valley near Pine Bluffs, US-26 climbs out of the river valley with scenic vistas. Watch for semi-trucks on the highway shoulders. Cell signal can fade as you head into Wyoming, especially west of Lingle.
Morning Activities: If you missed Scotts Bluff NM, do it before leaving town. Then drive into Wyoming and detour to Fort Laramie Historic Site (60 miles southeast of Lingle) *if time allows* – it’s off the direct route but a rich 19th-century trading post and Army fort (open mid-May to late Sept). Otherwise, skip straight to Lingle, WY, and use this as a lunch break (gas and basic shops are here). Continue west on US-26 towards Guernsey.
Afternoon Activities: Arrive at Guernsey State Park Campground in the afternoon, which sits on beautiful Guernsey Reservoir. Set up camp then visit the nearby Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site (free, open sunrise to sunset) to walk the 0.4-mile loop that shows deep wagon wheel grooves in sandstone. If time permits, drive out to the small town of Guernsey or nearby Fort Laramie (east along US-26) for supplies. Relax by the reservoir: fishing, boating, or a sunset walk along the shore are popular. Many campers report spotting prairie wildlife (deer, hawks) around camp.
Overnight: Camp at Guernsey State Park Campground (reservations recommended in summer). The park has full hookups at many sites and modern restrooms. Dinner options are limited (bring groceries); the little store at nearby Guernsey town closes early.
Day 3: Guernsey, WY to Casper, WY
Distance: ~50 miles direct (≈90 miles with sights), ~2–3 hours driving plus stops.
Route & Terrain: From Guernsey, head northwest into the hills. The trail turns south at Orin Junction (I-25) before turning north toward Casper. This section is mostly low rolling terrain broken by foothills. Roads are paved but narrow; watch for wildlife on the shoulders.
Morning Activities: Check out of camp and visit the Guernsey Ruts and Camels Back area if you missed it (the wagon ruts trail is very short, 0.4mi). Then drive toward Casper. Take the brief detour to Independence Rock State Historic Site (on WY-220). Park and walk around this massive 130-foot-high granite rock where pioneers carved names (the paved loop trail is ~½ mile). The site is open 24/7 and free.
Afternoon Activities: Arrive in Casper by midday or afternoon. Explore the city’s history at Fort Caspar Museum – a reconstructed 1860s Army post with a visitor center and museum (open daily). For a nature stop, visit Edness K. Wilkins State Park just east of town (along US-20) for a short walk around Lake Minnehaha (good birding). If you have time, drive up Casper Mountain (WY-251/505) for a hike to Garden Creek Falls (about 0.7 mi loop via the Garden Creek trail), or simply stop at an overlook near the top.
Overnight: End the segment in Casper. Options include the KOA Kampground Casper (private RV park with full hookups and amenities) or Beartrap Meadow County Park on Casper Mountain (scenic forest site with roomy sites). Both are within 20 minutes of downtown. Before leaving, fuel up and grab food in Casper – the city has many restaurants and grocery stores.
Campgrounds to Consider
- Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area – Located along the North Platte River just south of North Platte, Nebraska, this small state park has a quiet campground with sites offering electric hookups. It’s adjacent to the Buffalo Bill Historical Park, so you can easily camp here and visit the Cody family ranch. The riverfront setting is scenic, and the open sites catch cool breezes (no showers, vault toilets only).
- Riverside Park Campground – A city park campground in Scottsbluff, NE, with full hookups and grassy tent sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. It’s very affordable (nominal fee) and family-friendly – there’s a playground, restrooms, and walking trails along the North Platte River. Downtown Scottsbluff and the national monument are just minutes away.
- Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing – A private RV park in Bayard, NE, located about a mile from the Chimney Rock historic site. It offers full hookups, friendly hosts, and a quirky on-site snack shop. From here, guests enjoy hilltop views of Chimney Rock and the surrounding bluffs. The campground is small and peaceful, often with wildlife (birds, maybe prairie dogs); it’s perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
- Guernsey State Park Campground – A large Wyoming state park on Guernsey Reservoir. The campground is nestled in pine trees overlooking the lake. It has many tent and RV sites (some with hookups), vault toilets, and showers. Popular for boating and fishing, Guernsey also features a swim beach and trails. Camp here to see nearby Oregon Trail Ruts at sunset, then enjoy starry skies by the water.
- KOA Kampground Casper – A full-service KOA just off I-25 near Casper, WY. It provides tent and RV sites with full hookups, showers, laundry, and a small market. Campers note the level gravel sites and friendly, helpful staff. It’s a convenient stop for families with facilities on-site (playground, WiFi) and easy highway access, yet set far enough from the freeway to be quiet at night.
- Lodgepole Campground – A rustic BLM campground on top of Casper Mountain (south of Casper). This wooded site has mostly tent-only spots and a vault toilet. There is no running water, but it offers a peaceful forest setting with mountain views. From here, you can walk on the Muddy Mountain trails. The drive in involves a rough dirt road, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Reviewers highlight the quiet atmosphere and good stargazing.
- Beartrap Meadow County Park – A well-maintained campground on Casper Mountain. It offers spacious grassy sites (both tent and RV) with picnic tables and fire rings under pine trees. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, and a playground. The sites are shaded and clean. It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Casper, giving quick access to town while camping in a tranquil alpine meadow.
- Rim Campground – Another BLM site on Casper Mountain, north of Lodgepole. It has 8 campsites (a few can fit small trailers), vault toilets, and no hookups. All sites are nestled under pines along a ridge. Hikers can connect directly from here to Rotary Park trails. There’s no water on-site (the nearest spigot is at Lodgepole down the road), but campers love the quiet, rustic feel and proximity to Garden Creek Falls and the waterfall loop trails.
Top Activities & Attractions
Natural Highlights
- Scotts Bluff National Monument: Hike or drive the one-mile trail up to the overlook for sweeping views of the river valley. The visitor center explains the geology and pioneer history. (Entry $8, open 9am-4pm.)
- Garden Creek Falls (Casper Mountain): A 0.7-mile trail loop takes you to a pretty cascade. Located in Rotary Park on Casper Mountain, it’s a short but rewarding hike with a waterfall and wooded scenery.
- Edness K. Wilkins State Park: Just east of Casper, this park has a 2.2-mile trail around Lake Minnehaha. It’s popular for birdwatching (ducks, bald eagles) and easy walking with picnic spots. You can kayak or fish here, too (access boat launch).
- Wildlife Viewing: Watch for pronghorn, mule deer and elk in the grasslands near Lingle and on Casper Mountain. In spring/fall, North Platte River bottoms host migrating sandhill cranes. At Guernsey Reservoir, look for waterfowl and possibly bald eagles fishing.
Cultural & Historic Sites
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site (NE): The iconic 300-ft rock on Oregon Trail. Short paved trail to viewpoints and a museum. Open daily in summer (NSHS manages; visitor center open Wed-Sun 10-4 in summer, limited hours in shoulder seasons). Admission is a few dollars (free for kids).
- Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (North Platte, NE): Buffalo Bill Cody’s Victorian home and barn. Self-guided tours (May–Sept) showcase Cody’s memorabilia. The estate grounds are open 8am–sunset year-round. (Nebraska Game & Parks site has details.)
- Fort Caspar Museum (Casper, WY): History museum and reconstructed 1860s Army post. Exhibits on Oregon Trail history, early Wyoming settlers, and military life. Open daily (except holidays). Check Wyoming State Parks for hours.
- Independence Rock (WY): A massive engraved rock on the old trail (near Alcova, WY on WY-220). It’s open 24/7 year-round with no fee. Stroll the short loop path to see hundreds of names carved by emigrants.
Outdoor Recreation
- Guernsey State Park: In addition to camping, the park has boat ramps (rentals nearby) and a sandy beach. You can kayak or fish on the reservoir (walleye, catfish). The park’s hiking trails include the Camels Back trail for lake vistas. The visitor center shows pioneer artifacts.
- Hiking & Biking: Rotary Park on Casper Mountain has numerous trails (Bridle, Waterfall & Geology loop, etc.). The Muddy Mountain and Mesa trails link the campgrounds. AllTrails and CentralWyomingTrails.org offer maps and guides.
- Scenic Drives: On US-26 and I-25, enjoy wide-open views. A short detour northwest on WY-220 from Orin takes you near Hell’s Half Acre (a bizarre rocky escarpment). It’s about 15 miles off-route but has a small overlook with interpretive signs.
Unique Stops
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site (WY) – (Optional detour, 1 hour south of route) Key military and trading post (late afternoon to avoid midday crowds). For those intrigued by the Plains Indian Wars and treaty history. (See NPS Fort Laramie.)
- Local Culture: In small towns like Lingle or Torrington, you may pass old roadside murals or restored historical buildings. In Scottsbluff, the Mitchell Theater is a classic Art Deco movie palace. In Casper, the historic Downtown (Center Street) has quaint shops and restaurants.
- Birdwatching: At Guernsey Dam or Lake Minatare (just south of Scottsbluff), binoculars can reveal bald eagles in winter or pelicans and herons in summer. State fish hatcheries (see signs) attract local wildlife too.
Travel Tips for This Segment
- Fuel & Food: Gas stations are common in North Platte, Bayard/Bridgeport, Torrington (WY), Wheatland (WY), and Casper. The longest gas gap is roughly 100 miles between northwestern Nebraska and Torrington – plan ahead. Groceries are available in Scottsbluff, Torrington, and Casper; small stores (gas-and-go) in Guernsey and Lingle.
- Road Conditions: US-26 is paved but can have narrow shoulders in Wyoming. In winter (Nov–Mar), occasional snow can close rural roads; check WY 511. In summer, be alert for strong crosswinds and road grit.
- Cell Service: Coverage is generally good in towns but may drop out in remote areas between Lingle and Casper. Download maps and campground info in advance or use offline GPS.
- Permits & Fees: Most sites on this route (Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, Oregon Trail Ruts) are free to visit. Guernsey State Park has a nightly fee ($7–$9) or requires a Wyoming State Parks pass (annual/weekly). Fort Caspar Museum has a modest entry fee. No special permits are needed aside from standard recreation passes.
- Wildlife & Safety: Drive slowly at dusk and dawn – deer and pronghorn frequently cross highways. Keep a safe distance from any large animals. This is a relatively remote area; know that emergency services may be hours away. Cell coverage can be a lifesaver for roadside assistance.
- Timing: Spring wildflowers bloom along the river bluffs. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography at Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff. Summer days are long, so you can cover more ground by evening. In autumn, the cottonwoods in valley bottoms turn golden.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash from the trail and camping sites. Firewood may be scarce on the prairie – use designated fire rings. Respect private lands and wildlife.
Additional Segments & Resources
This North Platte–Casper stretch is one portion of the full Oregon Trail road trip route. For other legs of the journey, see our full Oregon Trail road trip itinerary or road trip overview. The Dyrt PRO app offers downloadable maps and offline campground info if you’ll be out of cellular range. Finally, review best practices at the Leave No Trace Center to help preserve these historic landscapes for all travelers.
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