Campgrounds and RV parks near Cowley, WY

Bighorn Canyon is the main draw. Boating, kayaking, and fishing on Bighorn Lake are the signature activities, with Horseshoe Bend Marina near Lovell serving as the primary launch on the south end, and a boat ramp at Barry's Landing deeper in the canyon. Overlooks along Highway 37 give a driveable tour of the canyon rim without leaving pavement, and short hikes at Sykes Mountain and Devil Canyon Overlook are family-manageable. The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, which borders the recreation area, gives a reasonable chance of spotting free-roaming mustangs, and bighorn sheep are commonly seen along the canyon road. From Cowley, day trips reach Cody and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West to the west, the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark high in the Bighorns to the east, and Yellowstone's east entrance in a longer half-day drive.

The Bighorn Basin is high desert, dry and windy, with a short warm season. Lovell's warmest weather arrives in July, when temperatures average a high near 83°F and a low around 61°F, ideal for lake use and canyon hiking. Summer, from mid-June through August, is peak season for both the national recreation area and private grounds along the Yellowstone corridor. Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with variable weather. Snow is possible into May and again by late October, and May is the wettest month in Lovell, when rain falls on about 17 days and totals roughly 40mm, so surfaces can be muddy. September typically delivers stable, clear days and thinner crowds, and is a strong choice for RV travel. Winter is cold and quiet. Horseshoe Bend is a year-round facility, though water at hookup sites is only guaranteed from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and services in the surrounding towns are limited off-season. Private grounds like Greybull KOA Holiday and Green Oasis operate on a seasonal calendar, so confirm dates before arriving.

Cell coverage is patchy or absent inside the canyon; there is no cellular service at Horseshoe Bend, though full signal returns just outside the park. Plan navigation and reservations before leaving town. The landscape is open high desert with little natural shade, so awnings and window covers matter in summer, and wind can be strong at exposed sites. Water is a real planning item. Barry's Landing and Trail Creek is designed for self-sufficient campers who must bring their own water, with vault toilets available year-round but no running water, electricity, or showers. Horseshoe Bend has an RV dump station, potable water, and modern flush toilets available seasonally. The private grounds in Greybull offer full services. Wildlife is common. Bear-proof food storage lockers are provided at canyon sites, and bighorn sheep, mule deer, and rattlesnakes are all present. Roads into the canyon are paved but winding, with steep grades in places.