About Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge
The wetland complexes of Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge provide important water resources that support resting, nesting and foraging areas for migratory birds in the semiarid environment of the Laramie Plains basin. The three Laramie Plains refuges, Bamforth, Hutton Lake and Mortenson Lake are designated as Important Bird Areas by Wyoming Audubon.The two main habitats on Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge are greasewood/grassland upland and alkali flats. There are also small ponds and Bamforth Lake that provide some marsh and wetland areas. A variety of migratory birds use the refuge wetlands, including American white pelicans, California gulls, double-crested cormorants, black-crowned night herons, American avocets, and snowy egrets. Many songbirds spend time in the greasewood/grassland areas, including western meadowlarks, vesper sparrows, horned larks, brown-headed cowbirds, and Brewer's sparrows.
How to Get There
Park on Wyoming state highway 12 and walk in to access the refuge and state land. The furthest north parcel does not currently have public access.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3943) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge?
Park on Wyoming state highway 12 and walk in to access the refuge and state land. The furthest north parcel does not currently have public access.
How do I contact Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-723-8202 or email: arapaho@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
