Located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming is a beautiful national treasure known as Keyhole State Park. The park is also recognized for its Sioux heritage along with a variety of outdoor opportunities and attractions. It is one of America’s top destination spots for camping, hiking, bird watching, snowmobiling and fishing. The lake is well-stocked with catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and more, making this an angler’s dream come true. Campers and hiking enthusiasts alike will enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains while catching a glimpse or two of wildlife such as: wild turkeys, mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorns and antelope. Another treat visitors will get to see is the Devils Tower National Monument, which can be seen in the 1977 motion picture blockbuster “Close Encounters of a Third Kind.” Keyhole State Park is located near the town of Moorcroft on the western edge of the famous Black Hills.
Bird watching has long been a favorite recreational pastime for millions of people. Observers can expect to see approximately 225 species of birds at Keyhole State Park. During the summer months, bird watchers can set their sights upon species like the Common Yellowthroat, Savannah sparrow and the White Pelican. The winter season brings out species like the Bald Eagle, Red Crossbill, Red and White-breasted Nuthatches and much more.
Sunset on the ice. Photo Courtesy of Keyhole State Park Facebook Page
Although the park is open year-round, most services are discontinued on September 30. There is a private concessionaire available where visitors can purchase necessities like gas, fishing supplies and groceries. Keyhole State Park offers ten campground sites overlooking the lake, many of which are able to accommodate large RV’s and trailers. Nature lovers can choose and set up camp at any one of these ten campgrounds according to their needs and desires for a great outdoor experience.
1. Arch Rock: There are 13 campsites with gravel pads and one universally accessible site with a concrete pad. All have fire rings, a comfort station, picnic tables with restrooms with water hydrants placed throughout. Most campsites are surrounded by pine trees and water is easily accessible when the reservoir is full.
Arch Campground
2. Beach Area: There are six undeveloped sites with no pads and or level ground. However, each has a fire ring, picnic tables, restrooms and water hydrant near the campgrounds. All sites are within short walking distance to the reservoir.
Keyhole State Park, Wyoming
3. Cottonwood: Nestled among the pines are 35 undeveloped campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms and water hydrants located throughout. There is also a stash of playground equipment available plus a reservable shelter. The campsites are not close to the reservoir.
Cottonwoods in Winter. Photo Courtesy of Wyoming_Jacrabbit
4. Coulter Bay: This particular area is used as a major boat launch. There are 16 campsites, half of which are walk-in tent sites along the rock cliffs. Each are equipped with picnic tables, a fire ring, restrooms and water hydrants close by.
5. Homestead: This campground has 40 sites with gravel pads and three universally accessible sites with cement pads. All are built away from the reservoir, but each of them are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms and water hydrants. Most of them are back-in with a few pull-through.
Camping Cabins . Photo Courtesy of Keyhole State Park Facebook Page
6. Pat’s Point: There are 45 campsites, some developed and having gravel pads while others are on the grass. There is also a reservable shelter and public boat ramp on site. All sites have fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms and water hydrants. Some campsites are well shaded by pine trees while others are open and exposed to the sun.
Camping at Kyhole State Park. Photo Courtesy of nfnitloop
7. Pronghorn: There is an overflow of parking at the 35 campsites available at Pronghorn. Thirty-three sites have gravel pads while the other two have concrete pads along with fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms and water hydrants. Although all campsites are in the pines, access to the lake is more difficult due to the terrain.
Parking Area at Keyhole State Park
8. Rocky Point: Most of the 22 undeveloped campsites are without shade, but do have picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms and water hydrants. There is also easy access to the reservoir.
Keyhole Reservoir. Photo Courtesy of nfnitloop
9. Tatanka: There are 33 campsites with gravel pads, two with cement pads and five tent campsites. All are equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms and nearby water hydrants. Also, a universally accessible shelter is available for day-use only that can be reserved. Most campsites are in the pines.
Camping Cabins in Tatanka. Photo Courtesy of Keyhole State Park Facebook Page
10. Wind Creek: There are 16 undeveloped campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and restrooms. Although most of the campsites are in or near pine trees and there is a public boat ramp in the area, it should be noted that there is no drinking water in the area.
Wind Creek Bay
