Guernsey State Park

Guernsey State Park occupies a stretch of the North Platte River valley in southeastern Wyoming, where sandstone bluffs rise above a broad reservoir and the work of Depression-era craftsmen is still visible in nearly every structure on the grounds. The park is one of the most intact examples of Civilian Conservation Corps construction in the American West, and that history shapes the experience here as much as the water and the landscape do.

CCC Architecture and the Park Museum

CCC workers developed Guernsey mainly from 1934 to 1939, building roads, trails, bridges, overlooks, picnic shelters, the museum area, and related rustic park structures. The craftsmanship is exceptional: locally quarried sandstone fitted into walls, fireplaces, and overlooks that have held up for nearly a century. The park museum, itself a CCC structure, holds exhibits on the corps, the construction of Guernsey Reservoir, and the broader history of the North Platte corridor. It is one of the few state park museums in Wyoming and worth an hour even for visitors who came primarily for the water. The combination of architectural heritage and natural setting earned the park a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Boating and Fishing on Guernsey Reservoir

The reservoir is the recreational center of the park. At roughly 2,375 surface acres, it is large enough for motorized boats, and a paved boat ramp gives easy access. Waterskiing, tubing, and general power boating are popular on summer weekends. Fishing holds up well throughout the season, with walleye, yellow perch, and channel catfish all present in the reservoir. Anglers also work the North Platte River channel above and below the impoundment. A Wyoming fishing license is required, and current regulations from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department apply.

Trails and Overlooks

Hiking at Guernsey is compact but rewarding. The trail system covers the bluffs above the reservoir and connects several of the CCC overlooks, where the views across the water and into the surrounding grassland are broad and unobstructed. The Brimmer Point Overlook is the most dramatic of these, reached by road but also accessible on foot. Trails range from short walks to moderate climbs through open terrain, and the rock and sage environment makes for good wildlife observation. The trails are not technically demanding, but the exposed sandstone and irregular surfaces require solid footwear.

Oregon Trail Ruts and Register Cliff

Just outside the park boundary, two of the most significant Oregon Trail sites in the country are within a few minutes’ drive. The Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site preserves deep wagon ruts worn into the sandstone bedrock, some more than five feet deep, left by an estimated 400,000 emigrants who passed through between the 1840s and 1860s. Register Cliff, also nearby, is a soft sandstone cliff where travelers carved names, dates, places of origin, and messages, and thousands of those inscriptions survive. Neither site is inside the park proper, but most visitors to Guernsey make time for both, and together they round out the historical experience that distinguishes this part of Wyoming.

Campgrounds

Guernsey State Park has 19 campgrounds and approximately 250 campsites spread across the park, ranging from primitive tent sites close to the water to sites with electrical hookups suitable for RVs. Some campgrounds are tucked against the bluffs, others sit near the reservoir’s edge. Vault toilets and water access vary by loop. The range of options means the park accommodates both backcountry-oriented campers and those traveling with larger rigs. Summer weekends fill quickly, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed where permitted at Guernsey State Park but must be in a vehicle or on a leash no longer than 10 feet and physically controlled at all times. The leash rule applies in permitted outdoor areas such as trails and campgrounds, but pets are prohibited on designated beaches and in public buildings. Pets are also not permitted in public eating places, food stores, or other enclosed structures. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Given the wildlife present throughout the park, keeping pets close and under control is important for everyone’s safety.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Rattlesnakes are present throughout the park and are most active from late spring through early fall. Rocky trails and sunny outcroppings are common places to encounter them, particularly in the morning when they warm themselves on exposed surfaces. Watch where you step and where you place your hands, and give any snake you encounter plenty of space. Black widow spiders are another concern, most often found in rock crevices, around outhouses, and in sheltered areas with low light. Shake out clothing and footwear that has been left on the ground, and be cautious around pit toilets and the underside of picnic furniture. Coyotes move through the park regularly, including near campgrounds. They are generally not aggressive toward people but are opportunistic feeders. Store all food in hard-sided containers or vehicle trunks, never leave food or scented items unattended at your site, and do not feed them under any circumstances.

Practical Information

Guernsey State Park is located near the town of Guernsey, Wyoming, approximately 90 miles north of Cheyenne on US-26. The park entrance is well-marked from town. Day-use fees are $7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents. Camping fees vary depending on the site and whether electrical hookups are included. Wyoming State Parks annual passes are available and cover day-use entry for the calendar year. The park is open year-round, though campground availability and some facilities are seasonal. The Guernsey Museum is seasonal, open May 1 through September 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and outside that period visitors should check current status before planning a visit. Reservations for campsites can be made through the Wyoming State Parks reservation system, and booking ahead is advised for any summer weekend visit.