Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area offers camping and hiking right next door to the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which makes it easy to tour the ranch house and barn that Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody built for his home in North Platte during the heyday of his famous Wild West Show. Cody owned some 4,000 acres here, which were appropriately named Scout’s Rest Ranch. Guests are encouraged to spend time enjoying the trails and scenery at the recreation area, as well as touring the historic buildings and soaking up the history at the historical park.

Attractions

Hiking
The park offers five miles of hiking trails.

Picnicking
The park’s placement along the scenic Platte River make is a peaceful, pretty spot for picnicking or grilling out. The park offers one picnic shelter with a grill and four tables. There are eight tent camping areas with grills and tables that can be used as day-use areas.

Fishing
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area has great fishing via access to the North Platte River. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp and Northern pike can be caught here.

Other park activities
During the summer months, the park offers guests horseback trail rides and float trips down the North Platte River. Rentals of kayaks, canoes, tubes and tanks are available. In addition, the park offers guided horseback rides and a petting zoo. For more information on these activities, call the park at 308-530-0048.

Camping

Modern camping
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area offers 23 camping pads with 50-amp hookups. Of these, 18 sites have 30-amp hookups and five sites have 50-amp hookups. Vault toilets are available. There are water hydrants scattered throughout the campground.

Primitive camping
The area offers eight non-pad sites without electricity.