From snowy tree-lined country roads to wide-open skies full of stars, Wyoming offers the best of nature’s beauty. A peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas, Wyoming is never short of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Because urbanization is so minimal in the state, residents benefit from the limited effects of pollution. Cleaner air quality makes the state a very pleasant place to live. Tons of sunshine and seasonal activities make Wyoming a top choice for families of all ages to build a home. That’s not to mention its affordable home prices and the low state tax burden, which sweeten the deal even further.
As you begin to look for your dream house in Wyoming, it’s a good idea to identify nearby parks and recreation opportunities in order to make the most of where you live. To get started, take a look at the top 10 state parks in Wyoming:
1. Sinks Canyon State Park
Google Rating: 4.9
Located 167 miles from Jackson and just south of Lander in west central Wyoming is Sinks Canyon State Park. Nestled in the Wind River Mountains, the park offers picturesque views of the fork in the Popo Agie River. The park is known for its distinct geological formation (“The Sinks”) which allows the river to vanish as it travels underground near the mouth of the limestone cavern and reappears a quarter mile down the canyon, where it empties into a placid pool. The pool is full of rainbow trout, making it the perfect spot for anglers to enjoy a quiet respite in nature. Visitors often enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking, wildlife watching, fishing, and world-class rock climbing.
2. Curt Gowdy State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Near Cheyenne and 23 miles east of Laramie, Curt Gowdy State Park is known for its rich biodiversity and varied landscape that dot the hills of the Laramie Mountains. Its three reservoirs are ideal for any type of water recreation and excellent for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Multi-use trails are ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. If you choose to extend your visit, there are plenty of campsites available by reservation.
3. Bear River State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Year-round, Bear River State Park offers incredible recreation and wildlife observation opportunities. From fishing and hiking to cross-country skiing and sledding, the park is perfect for all daytime activities in any season. Located 84 miles from Salt Lake City, the 324-acre park is home to small herds of bison and elk. Visitors must note that the park is designated for day use only, but there are overnight options nearby. It’s the perfect place to plan a picnic lunch in between a sunrise hike and an afternoon spent on the water.
4. Guernsey State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Located 112 miles from Casper, Guernsey State Park is the ideal setting for a weekend getaway under the stars. It has seven campgrounds with picnic tables, fire grills, and drinking water. Five of these campgrounds encircle the lake. Visitors enjoy hiking and exploring the campgrounds as well as learning about the different ecosystems in the park’s historic Guernsey Museum. The most stunning views are actually from the museum, which overlooks the water from its position atop the high cliff. Another man-made structure made for exploration is The Castle, which features a breathtaking fireplace and winding steps that lead to an observation area with an absolutely phenomenal view of the landscape.
5. Hot Springs State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Hot Springs State Park showcases nature’s beauty through its sweeping landscapes, diverse wildlife, and free-flowing mineral hot springs. Located 27 miles from Denver, its 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails are excellent for hiking and biking on a sunshine-filled day. Enjoy lunch outside on one of the reservable picnic areas or check out the boat ramp for a fishing excursion. The park also offers a free bathhouse for therapeutic bathing. Visitors travel from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of the gentle rushing hot springs and serene surroundings.
6. Edness Kimball Wilkins Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Only a few miles from Casper, Edness Kimball Wilkins Park is known for its gorgeous scenery and lush green landscapes. Visitors may venture along the 2.8 miles of hiking trails while colorful flowers dot the plentiful picnic areas and large cottonwood trees provide ample shade. A swimming hole offers the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat while enjoying the natural surroundings. Because it is positioned in the Migratory Flyway, this day-use park is ideal for birdwatching and wildlife observations throughout the year.
7. Boysen Reservoir
Google Rating: 4.6
About 114 miles from Casper lies Boysen Reservoir and its rich history and relaxing serenity. The park is named after the original dam, which takes its name from its builder, Mr. Asmus Boysen in 1908. Its roots tell a story of the influential CB&O Railroad that crossed through the canyon in 1911, preceding the state highway in 1925. Today, visitors enjoy the park’s many amenities such as picnic spots, volleyball courts, and wildlife observation. Guests may also choose to mountain bike, fish, or camp in one of many reservable campsites.
8. Glendo State Park
Google Rating: 4.5
Located 200 miles from Denver in Platte County Wyoming, Glendo State Park is perfect for a weekend getaway or extended-stay camping. Visitors enjoy exploring the park’s 10,000 acres of land and 12,000 acres of water by foot, bicycle, or boat. The year-round park offers multi-use trails for all experience levels with more than 45 miles winding throughout the park. Glendo Reservoir also holds one of the best walleye fisheries in the state, making it the perfect place for anglers on a weekend afternoon.
9. Keyhole State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
Nestled along the western edge of the Black Hills is Keyhole State Park. Approximately 388 miles from Denver, this is a true gem of the West. Visitors often enjoy boating, hiking, fishing, water skiing, and horseback riding. In the winter, guests can take advantage of the frozen lake’s surface for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and some of the best ice fishing in the country. For any visitors wishing to extend their day trip, the park offers reservable cabins and RV hookups as well.
10. Buffalo Bill State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
Named after the legendary Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, visitors enjoy learning about the Wild West and the construction of the historic dam by touring the Buffalo Bill State Park. Geocaching, fishing, and participating in water sports are popular activities, and the park is open year-round for all to enjoy. Camping options available include an enclosed lodge, tents, and RV parks. If you’re lucky, you might see a few roaming species off the beaten path.
Grand Teton National Park
Google Rating: 4.9
Located five miles from Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park is named for the majestic mountain range that fills its borders. Visitors often enjoy exploring more than 200 miles of winding mountain trails to take in the remarkable sights and sounds of the gorgeous scenery. In warmer months, you may also choose to float the Snake River or paddle through one of the lakes. Mountain climbers come to the park for extended explorations and to camp under the brilliant stars. Fishing, biking, boating, and wildlife watching are among the many popular activities for guests to enjoy when they visit Grand Teton National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
Google Rating: 4.8
About 57 miles from Jackson Hole lies one of America’s greatest natural treasures and most well-known parks. Yellowstone happens to be the first ever declared national park in 1972 and boasts 2.2 million acres. Today, the park is still home to approximately half of the world’s active geysers and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. All year round, visitors may take advantage of the park’s major opportunities to get outside, sun or snow, and find what makes them happy in the great outdoors.
The Equality State
Interested in moving to Wyoming? Learn more about the area by reading some of our other informative articles, including the best places to live, the safest cities, and how to build a house in Wyoming. And when you’re ready to choose your new home, you can find listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.
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Dennis Jones
Hot Springs State Park is a good bit further from Denver than the 27 miles as listed. It is in the Big Horn Basin, Hot Springs County, Thermopolis, Wyoming. Just off the wall I would estimate closer to 400 miles from Denver by road.