While colder temperatures have set in, recreation opportunities remain available at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

Trail Creek Campground near Barry’s Landing is still open, and the Afterbay and Grapevine Creek Campgrounds near Fort Smith, Montana, remain open for the winter. The campground at Horseshoe Bend is closed for the month of November for construction. Staff at the recreation area initially hoped to have the project completed by the end of October, but the supply chain has caused some delays. The water line installation is complete, but the electrical upgrades have temporarily been put on hold until supplies arrive. Once this work is completed, the campground will reopen to the public.

Meanwhile, the Ok-A-Beh Road on the North District near Fort Smith is subject to closure because of snow and wind. Check with the park for local conditions.

The courtesy docks at Horseshoe Bend, Barry’s Landing and Ok-A-Beh will remain in the water until the lake begins to freeze — though after a stretch of cold weather, it will not take long for ice to start forming.

The National Park Service has been reviewing regulations and considered allowing vehicles on the ice; park officials say they understand that, for some who enjoy ice fishing on the lake, the only way to access the lake is by the use of UTVs or ATVs. However, after reviewing the law and safety concerns, they say a special rule will not be created. Driving on the beach and on the ice is considered off road vehicle use and is prohibited under the Code of Federal Regulations.

Colder weather also brings with it time to plan for next season. Along with other planning for 2021, Bighorn Canyon normally requests applications for the Artist in Residence program. Because the 2020 Artist in Residence program was postponed to 2021, the park is not taking additional applications at this time. 

“Winter is a great time to visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area,” park officials said in a release last week. “Plan accordingly for changing conditions.”