The Lake DeSmet Recreation Area is a county owned facility located on the south shore of Lake DeSmet 8 miles north of Buffalo, WY off exit 51 of I-90. Each year, Lake DeSmet is visited by locals and travelers from across the country who enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping and pristine views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Check out our Facebook page!
Camping is available on a first come/first serve basis at this site.
Available at no charge:
Overnight camping fees are paid on the "honor " system. Fees are $20 per night for sites with electricity and $15 per night for sites without electricity.
Reservations are not accepted. There are no potable water or dump stations available at this facility. If you have questions, please call 307-684-2262 or email mp@johnsoncowy.us.
Resident Multi-Day Passes are available in seven and fourteen-day increments. A seven-day pass for a non-electrical campsite is $84 and a fourteen-day pass is $168. A seven-day pass for an electrical site is $120 and a fourteen-day pass is $252.Multi-day passes must be purchased at Johnson County Road and Bridge, 325 Butte Street in Buffalo. Residents wishing to purchase a pass must provide proof of residency with a property tax receipt or vehicle registration with a Johnson County address.
Campers who purchase passes are required to abide by all Lake DeSmet regulations, including the maximum 14 day stay in a 20-day period provision.
Per Lake DeSmet Regulations, Commercial solicitation may be allowed in designated areas by written permission from the Lake DeSmet Recreation Area Supervisor. If you are interested in requesting permission, please contact the Lake DeSmet Office located at Johnson County Road and Bridge (307-684-2262) or via email at mp@johnsoncowy.gov. A fee of $25 is required for this permit.
