Archery — Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch
Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch sits 15 miles east of Yellowstone National Park in Shoshone National Forest—the first National Forest created in the U.S. (1891). Teddy Roosevelt called this area "the most scenic 50 miles in the United States." The property started as a ranger cabin in 1899. Aft...
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Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch sits 15 miles east of Yellowstone National Park in Shoshone National Forest—the first National Forest created in the U.S. (1891). Teddy Roosevelt called this area "the most scenic 50 miles in the United States."
The property started as a ranger cabin in 1899. After a fire destroyed the original structure in 1905, Bronson C. "Bob" Rumsey and George T. Beck (both founders of Cody, Wyoming) opened Blackwater Camp in summer 1915. The ranch has operated continuously since, hosting guests from around the world for over a century.
"Every man given a horse for his sole use during his stay"—from a 1916 Blackwater Camp advertisement in the Yale Daily News
Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch 1516 North Fork Highway Cody, WY 82414 307-243-3056 [email protected]
- •Elevation: 6,200 feet
| Airport | Drive Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Regional Airport | 45 min | Complimentary transfers for 6-night stays; fee-based for 3-night stays |
| Billings-Logan International | 2.5 hours | Contact ranch for transportation recommendations |
| Bozeman Yellowstone International | 4 hours | Contact ranch for transportation recommendations |
Historic log cabins built between 1915 and the 1950s, nestled in a grove of tall trees along the Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek. Each cabin includes a private bathroom and western furnishings (Navajo rugs, cozy bedding, authentic appointments). Some cabins have multiple bedrooms for families or groups.
No televisions in rooms. Wi-Fi available in all guest areas. No cell service, but the quiet is intentional—this is a true digital detox destination.
Horseback Riding Ride through the Absaroka Mountains and Shoshone National Forest with experienced wranglers. Terrain ranges from mountainous vistas to creek crossings along the Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek. Horses available for all experience levels, from first-time riders to competitive riders. General weight limit: 250 lbs (draft cross horses available up to 280 lbs).
Fly Fishing Access to the Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek directly on the ranch. Borrow equipment from the ranch or bring your own. Wyoming State Fishing License required (pricing varies by residency). Uncrowded, remote setting.
Archery 3D archery program with varied targets and distances. Safe, beginner-friendly instruction available.
Hiking Direct access to Shoshone National Forest trails. Day hikes from the ranch through remote wilderness.
Yellowstone National Park Tour (Six-night stays) Guided day tour from the ranch into Yellowstone to see landscapes, geothermal features, and wildlife. Only 15 miles from the East Entrance.
White Water Rafting Rafting trips with Wyoming River Trips partners. Available during three-night (Sun–Wed) and six-night stays.
Cody, Wyoming Trips
- •June–August: Steak dinner + Cody Nite Rodeo
- •May & September: Shopping, exploring, steak dinner
- •Available during Wed–Sat three-night stays or six-night stays
- •Maximum occupancy: 25–35 guests at one time
- •Check-in/Check-out: 2 p.m. / 11 a.m.
- •Dietary accommodations: Kitchen accommodates special dietary needs with advance notice
- •Kids: No separate children's program, but families enjoy activities together
- •Solo travelers: Dude ranches traditionally suit solo guests well—safe, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to mingle or relax independently
- •Weather: High elevation (6,200 ft) means cool mornings/evenings (40s–50s°F) and warm days (70s–80s°F in summer). Daily temperature swings are normal.
- •Long-sleeve shirts for riding (sun protection)
- •Jeans and comfortable western wear
- •Bike shorts or tights under riding pants (chafing prevention)
- •Riding or cowboy boots with slight heel (or hiking boots with deep tread NOT recommended for riding)
- •Layers, rain jacket, beanie
- •Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- •Camera, binoculars, reusable water bottle
- •Helmet recommended (ranch has loaners)
- •Cowboy hat with stampede string
Full bar with wine, beer, and spirits available for purchase. Room amenities include basic toiletries and hair dryer. Housekeeping can do laundry for a small gratuity.
- •Tipping: Appreciated but not required. Rates include a Ranch Service Fee that supports staff compensation. Above-minimum-wage salaries mean no tipped wage model.
May 24 – September 26, 2026
The Blackwater Fire of August 1937 claimed 15 firefighter lives in Shoshone National Forest—a lightning-strike fire that spread across 1,700 acres and injured 38 more. Most victims were Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employees. A stone memorial stands at the mouth of Blackwater Creek along the Cody-Yellowstone Highway. Additional CCC-built memorials mark the two sites where firefighters died, accessible by horseback or hiking from the ranch.
After purchase by Ranch Preservation in 2024, Blackwater Creek is now part of the True Ranch Collection—a curated selection of historic dude ranches across the American West. The property maintains its original character while offering modern hospitality standards.