Straddling the Montana-Wyoming border, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area encompasses 120,000 acres, including a 71-mile-long lake, 55 miles of which are within the breathtaking Bighorn Canyon.

The best way to experience the Bighorn Canyon’s North Unit in Southeast Montana is by boat. Boaters can travel through the towering 1,000-foot walls to explore canyon fingers and crevices and find the perfect picnic spot or camping site—all accessible exclusively by water. We recommend Dayboard 9 for stargazing.

It’s important to know that the “top” of the canyon is private property and not accessible so, if you’re not keen on boating into a campsite, you can kick back at the Afterbay Campground located outside the town of Fort Smith, just north of the canyon. There you’ll find dark, remote skies perfect for stargazing the night away.

During the Day

• Join one of the kayak tours offered seasonally by the National Park Service.
• Visit the seasonally open Visitor Information Center for a birds-eye view of Yellowtail Dam.
• Take a quick hike on the Bighorn Head Gate Trail.