North Platte to Casper: 3 Day Street Journey

See the complete highway journey right here

This phase of the Oregon Path highway journey stretches roughly 330 miles from North Platte, Nebraska throughout southern Wyoming to Casper. It showcases basic Excessive Plains surroundings – the Platte River valley, Sandhills and prairie – plus iconic landmarks like Chimney Rock and the Oregon Path ruts at Guernsey. Plan about 2-4 days to cowl this stretch comfortably. You’ll encounter small ranching cities, a pair state parks, and historic websites tied to wagon practice historical past. For context on the complete route, see our full Oregon Path highway journey overview. This standalone information zooms in on getting from North Platte to Casper with each day driving options and tenting suggestions.

Phase Overview: Plains and Prairie to Foothills

This route follows the historic emigrant path alongside US-26 from Nebraska into Wyoming, skirting north of the North Platte River. The panorama begins in Nebraska’s grasslands and Sandhills round North Platte, transitioning into huge Wyoming plains as you head northwest. Notable terrain consists of the river valley close to Scottsbluff and low pine-covered bluffs close to Casper. Anticipate largely open prairie roads with mild hills – very completely different from mountainous segments additional west. Spring by early fall are perfect for journey (path websites are absolutely accessible and climate is delicate). Winters can convey snow and robust winds on these uncovered roads. Cell service is mostly good in cities however may be spotty between stops in Wyoming. Wildlife sightings (pronghorn, geese) are widespread alongside the best way.

Fast Stats

Day 1: North Platte, NE to Scottsbluff/Gering, NE

Distance: ~135 miles, ~2½ hours driving.

Route & Terrain: Go away North Platte on US-26 westbound. The freeway is two-lane by sandy bluffs and ranch nation. The highway has mild curves with occasional river views. You’ll cross small cities (strive Stapleton or Bridgeport for an early gas cease) earlier than reaching Bayard/Scottsbluff.

Morning Actions: In North Platte, think about beginning at Buffalo Invoice Ranch State Historic Park. Tour Buffalo Invoice Cody’s Victorian mansion and barn displays (open late spring by early fall) to study this famed scout. A brief stroll at close by Cody Park (railroad museum) can also be common. Then drive west and pause at Chimney Rock State Historic Web site (close to Bayard) round noon. A brief paved path leads near the well-known 300-foot spire; the Abbott Customer Heart (if open) has displays on emigrant historical past.

Afternoon Actions: Proceed to Scottsbluff/Gering. Within the afternoon, go to Scotts Bluff Nationwide Monument. Drive or hike 1–2 miles as much as the overlook for panoramic views of the North Platte valley. The trendy customer heart on the bluff’s base has path maps and geology shows. Downtown Scottsbluff affords eating places and purchasing for those who want provides. A fast detour to the city of Gering for a picnic at Riverside Park alongside the river is nice.

In a single day: Keep within the Scottsbluff/Gering space. One possibility is Riverside Park Campground (Scottsbluff) – a city-run park with full RV hookups, tent websites and a playground. It’s minutes from the Nationwide Monument. The Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing campground close to Bayard is one other selection if you wish to camp close to Chimney Rock on evening 1 (although it’s a bit south of Scottsbluff). Gasoline and grocery: fuel stations and a grocery retailer are ample in Scottsbluff/Gering.

Day 2: Scottsbluff/Gering, NE to Guernsey, WY

Distance: ~145 miles, ~3 hours driving (together with sightseeing).

Route & Terrain: Head east first from Scottsbluff on US-26 (towards Sidney) then loop north into Wyoming. At the present time covers rolling ranchland and canyon nation across the North Platte River. After Bridger Valley close to Pine Bluffs, US-26 climbs out of the river valley with scenic vistas. Look ahead to semi-trucks on the freeway shoulders. Cell sign can fade as you head into Wyoming, particularly west of Lingle.

Morning Actions: In case you missed Scotts Bluff NM, do it earlier than leaving city. Then drive into Wyoming and detour to Fort Laramie Historic Web site (60 miles southeast of Lingle) *if time permits* – it’s off the direct route however a wealthy Nineteenth-century buying and selling submit and Military fort (open mid-Could to late Sept). In any other case, skip straight to Lingle, WY, and use this as a lunch break (fuel and fundamental outlets are right here). Proceed west on US-26 in the direction of Guernsey.

Afternoon Actions: Arrive at Guernsey State Park Campground within the afternoon, which sits on lovely Guernsey Reservoir. Arrange camp then go to the close by Oregon Path Ruts State Historic Web site (free, open dawn to sundown) to stroll the 0.4-mile loop that exhibits deep wagon wheel grooves in sandstone. If time permits, drive out to the small city of Guernsey or close by Fort Laramie (east alongside US-26) for provides. Chill out by the reservoir: fishing, boating, or a sundown stroll alongside the shore are common. Many campers report recognizing prairie wildlife (deer, hawks) round camp.

In a single day: Camp at Guernsey State Park Campground (reservations advisable in summer time). The park has full hookups at many websites and fashionable restrooms. Dinner choices are restricted (convey groceries); the little retailer at close by Guernsey city closes early.

Day 3: Guernsey, WY to Casper, WY

Distance: ~50 miles direct (≈90 miles with sights), ~2–3 hours driving plus stops.

Route & Terrain: From Guernsey, head northwest into the hills. The path turns south at Orin Junction (I-25) earlier than turning north towards Casper. This part is generally low rolling terrain damaged by foothills. Roads are paved however slim; look ahead to wildlife on the shoulders.

Morning Actions: Try of camp and go to the Guernsey Ruts and Camels Again space for those who missed it (the wagon ruts path may be very quick, 0.4mi). Then drive towards Casper. Take the temporary detour to Independence Rock State Historic Web site (on WY-220). Park and stroll round this huge 130-foot-high granite rock the place pioneers carved names (the paved loop path is ~½ mile). The positioning is open 24/7 and free.

Afternoon Actions: Arrive in Casper by noon or afternoon. Discover the town’s historical past at Fort Caspar Museum – a reconstructed 1860s Military submit with a customer heart and museum (open each day). For a nature cease, go to Edness Okay. Wilkins State Park simply east of city (alongside US-20) for a brief stroll round Lake Minnehaha (good birding). When you’ve got time, drive up Casper Mountain (WY-251/505) for a hike to Backyard Creek Falls (about 0.7 mi loop through the Backyard Creek path), or just cease at an overlook close to the highest.

In a single day: Finish the phase in Casper. Choices embody the KOA Kampground Casper (non-public RV park with full hookups and facilities) or Beartrap Meadow County Park on Casper Mountain (scenic forest web site with roomy websites). Each are inside 20 minutes of downtown. Earlier than leaving, gas up and seize meals in Casper – the town has many eating places and grocery shops.

Campgrounds to Take into account

• Buffalo Invoice State Recreation Space – Situated alongside the North Platte River simply south of North Platte, Nebraska, this small state park has a quiet campground with websites providing electrical hookups. It’s adjoining to the Buffalo Invoice Historic Park, so you may simply camp right here and go to the Cody household ranch. The riverfront setting is scenic, and the open websites catch cool breezes (no showers, vault bogs solely).
• Riverside Park Campground – A metropolis park campground in Scottsbluff, NE, with full hookups and grassy tent websites. Every web site has a picnic desk and hearth ring. It’s very reasonably priced (nominal payment) and family-friendly – there’s a playground, restrooms, and strolling trails alongside the North Platte River. Downtown Scottsbluff and the nationwide monument are simply minutes away.
• Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing – A non-public RV park in Bayard, NE, situated a couple of mile from the Chimney Rock historic web site. It affords full hookups, pleasant hosts, and a unusual on-site snack store. From right here, company take pleasure in hilltop views of Chimney Rock and the encompassing bluffs. The campground is small and peaceable, usually with wildlife (birds, perhaps prairie canine); it’s excellent for stress-free after a day of sightseeing.
• Guernsey State Park Campground – A big Wyoming state park on Guernsey Reservoir. The campground is nestled in pine bushes overlooking the lake. It has many tent and RV websites (some with hookups), vault bogs, and showers. Widespread for boating and fishing, Guernsey additionally encompasses a swim seaside and trails. Camp right here to see close by Oregon Path Ruts at sundown, then take pleasure in starry skies by the water.
• KOA Kampground Casper – A full-service KOA simply off I-25 close to Casper, WY. It gives tent and RV websites with full hookups, showers, laundry, and a small market. Campers observe the extent gravel websites and pleasant, useful workers. It’s a handy cease for households with services on-site (playground, WiFi) and simple freeway entry, but set far sufficient from the freeway to be quiet at evening.
• Lodgepole Campground – A country BLM campground on prime of Casper Mountain (south of Casper). This wooded web site has largely tent-only spots and a vault bathroom. There isn’t any operating water, however it affords a peaceable forest setting with mountain views. From right here, you may stroll on the Muddy Mountain trails. The drive in entails a tough grime highway, so a high-clearance car is advisable. Reviewers spotlight the quiet ambiance and good stargazing.
• Beartrap Meadow County Park – A well-maintained campground on Casper Mountain. It affords spacious grassy websites (each tent and RV) with picnic tables and hearth rings underneath pine bushes. Facilities embody flush bogs, ingesting water, and a playground. The websites are shaded and clear. It’s a couple of 20-minute drive from downtown Casper, giving fast entry to city whereas tenting in a tranquil alpine meadow.
• Rim Campground – One other BLM web site on Casper Mountain, north of Lodgepole. It has 8 campsites (a number of can match small trailers), vault bogs, and no hookups. All websites are nestled underneath pines alongside a ridge. Hikers can join instantly from right here to Rotary Park trails. There’s no water on-site (the closest spigot is at Lodgepole down the highway), however campers love the quiet, rustic really feel and proximity to Backyard Creek Falls and the waterfall loop trails.

High Actions & Points of interest

Pure Highlights

• Scotts Bluff Nationwide Monument: Hike or drive the one-mile path as much as the overlook for sweeping views of the river valley. The customer heart explains the geology and pioneer historical past. (Entry $8, open 9am-4pm.)
• Backyard Creek Falls (Casper Mountain): A 0.7-mile path loop takes you to a reasonably cascade. Situated in Rotary Park on Casper Mountain, it’s a brief however rewarding hike with a waterfall and wooded surroundings.
• Edness Okay. Wilkins State Park: Simply east of Casper, this park has a 2.2-mile path round Lake Minnehaha. It’s common for birdwatching (geese, bald eagles) and simple strolling with picnic spots. You may kayak or fish right here, too (entry boat launch).
• Wildlife Viewing: Look ahead to pronghorn, mule deer and elk within the grasslands close to Lingle and on Casper Mountain. In spring/fall, North Platte River bottoms host migrating sandhill cranes. At Guernsey Reservoir, search for waterfowl and probably bald eagles fishing.

Cultural & Historic Websites

• Chimney Rock Nationwide Historic Web site (NE): The enduring 300-ft rock on Oregon Path. Brief paved path to viewpoints and a museum. Open each day in summer time (NSHS manages; customer heart open Wed-Solar 10-4 in summer time, restricted hours in shoulder seasons). Admission is a number of {dollars} (free for youths).
• Buffalo Invoice Ranch State Historic Park (North Platte, NE): Buffalo Invoice Cody’s Victorian dwelling and barn. Self-guided excursions (Could–Sept) showcase Cody’s memorabilia. The property grounds are open 8am–sundown year-round. (Nebraska Sport & Parks web site has particulars.)
• Fort Caspar Museum (Casper, WY): Historical past museum and reconstructed 1860s Military submit. Reveals on Oregon Path historical past, early Wyoming settlers, and army life. Open each day (besides holidays). Test Wyoming State Parks for hours.
• Independence Rock (WY): A large engraved rock on the outdated path (close to Alcova, WY on WY-220). It’s open 24/7 year-round with no payment. Stroll the quick loop path to see lots of of names carved by emigrants.

Out of doors Recreation

• Guernsey State Park: Along with tenting, the park has boat ramps (leases close by) and a sandy seaside. You may kayak or fish on the reservoir (walleye, catfish). The park’s mountain climbing trails embody the Camels Again path for lake vistas. The customer heart exhibits pioneer artifacts.
• Mountaineering & Biking: Rotary Park on Casper Mountain has quite a few trails (Bridle, Waterfall & Geology loop, and so forth.). The Muddy Mountain and Mesa trails hyperlink the campgrounds. AllTrails and CentralWyomingTrails.org supply maps and guides.
• Scenic Drives: On US-26 and I-25, take pleasure in wide-open views. A brief detour northwest on WY-220 from Orin takes you close to Hell’s Half Acre (a weird rocky escarpment). It’s about 15 miles off-route however has a small overlook with interpretive indicators.

Distinctive Stops

• Fort Laramie Nationwide Historic Web site (WY) – (Non-compulsory detour, 1 hour south of route) Key army and buying and selling submit (late afternoon to keep away from noon crowds). For these intrigued by the Plains Indian Wars and treaty historical past. (See NPS Fort Laramie.)
• Native Tradition: In small cities like Lingle or Torrington, you might cross outdated roadside murals or restored historic buildings. In Scottsbluff, the Mitchell Theater is a basic Artwork Deco film palace. In Casper, the historic Downtown (Heart Avenue) has quaint outlets and eating places.
• Birdwatching: At Guernsey Dam or Lake Minatare (simply south of Scottsbluff), binoculars can reveal bald eagles in winter or pelicans and herons in summer time. State fish hatcheries (see indicators) appeal to native wildlife too.

Journey Ideas for This Phase

• Gasoline & Meals: Gasoline stations are widespread in North Platte, Bayard/Bridgeport, Torrington (WY), Wheatland (WY), and Casper. The longest fuel hole is roughly 100 miles between northwestern Nebraska and Torrington – plan forward. Groceries can be found in Scottsbluff, Torrington, and Casper; small shops (gas-and-go) in Guernsey and Lingle.
• Street Situations: US-26 is paved however can have slim shoulders in Wyoming. In winter (Nov–Mar), occasional snow can shut rural roads; verify WY 511. In summer time, be alert for robust crosswinds and highway grit.
• Cell Service: Protection is mostly good in cities however could drop out in distant areas between Lingle and Casper. Obtain maps and campground data prematurely or use offline GPS.
• Permits & Charges: Most websites on this route (Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, Oregon Path Ruts) are free to go to. Guernsey State Park has a nightly payment ($7–$9) or requires a Wyoming State Parks cross (annual/weekly). Fort Caspar Museum has a modest entry payment. No particular permits are wanted except for commonplace recreation passes.
• Wildlife & Security: Drive slowly at nightfall and daybreak – deer and pronghorn often cross highways. Maintain a protected distance from any giant animals. It is a comparatively distant space; know that emergency providers could also be hours away. Cell protection is usually a lifesaver for roadside help.
• Timing: Spring wildflowers bloom alongside the river bluffs. Early morning or late afternoon gentle is greatest for pictures at Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff. Summer season days are lengthy, so you may cowl extra floor by night. In autumn, the cottonwoods in valley bottoms flip golden.
• Go away No Hint: Pack out all trash from the path and tenting websites. Firewood could also be scarce on the prairie – use designated hearth rings. Respect non-public lands and wildlife.

Extra Segments & Sources

This North Platte–Casper stretch is one portion of the complete Oregon Path highway journey route. For different legs of the journey, see our full Oregon Path highway journey itinerary or highway journey overview. The Dyrt PRO app affords downloadable maps and offline campground data for those who’ll be out of mobile vary. Lastly, evaluation greatest practices on the Go away No Hint Heart to assist protect these historic landscapes for all vacationers.

The Dyrt is the one tenting app with all of the private and non-private campgrounds, RV parks, and free tenting places in america. Obtain now for iOS and Android.

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