CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Oct. 28, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks is announcing updates to its rules and regulations, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The revisions mark the first comprehensive update in decades and aim to modernize and simplify existing regulations, better reflect current recreational activities and visitor needs, and support safe, enjoyable experiences at Wyoming’s state parks, historic and archaeological sites, and recreation areas.
The updates follow a review of existing regulations and a formal public comment period held earlier this year. The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources issued a notice of intent to amend the rules in January 2026 and accepted public comments through February 2026. The department reviewed and considered the public comments when developing final revisions, including clarifications to several proposed changes.
“Our goal throughout this process has been to make the regulations clearer, more practical, and better suited to how people use our parks and sites today,” said Mark Caughlan, chief ranger for Wyoming State Parks. “We appreciate the feedback received during the public comment period, which helped inform the final revisions. Ultimately, these updates are about supporting recreational opportunities while maintaining visitor safety and protecting our resources for future generations.”
Throughout the revision process, regulatory language was cleaned up, simplified, and clarified, with unnecessary or repetitive provisions removed where possible. These changes reduced the regulations from 17 to 12 pages. Additional updates address camping, permits, pets, trail use, boating, fishing, other recreational activities, and park conduct.
Notable updates include:
- Drone Use: Updated regulations establish provisions for drone operations, including use with prior written permission from the park superintendent, subject to applicable restrictions.
- Camping & Occupancy: Maximum campsite occupancy will decrease from 10 to eight people, and wheeled camping units must be parked on designated parking pads, where provided. Camping permits will now expire at 11 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., aligning with the established checkout time.
- Nighttime Park Access: The updated regulations remove the general restriction that closes park lands to non-campers after 10 p.m. Visitors enjoying activities such as nighttime fishing or stargazing no longer need a camping permit to remain in a park after 10 p.m., provided they are not occupying a campsite. Other applicable fees and regulations will continue to apply.
- Pets: Pets may no longer be left unattended at any time, replacing the previous one-hour allowance. Barking dogs will also be specifically included in quiet-hour restrictions, and the regulations clarify where pets may be off-leash.
- Fishing: The restricted distance for bow fishing near public facilities will decrease from 300 to 100 yards, providing anglers more flexibility while maintaining a buffer around public facilities.
- Electric Bicycles & Trail Use: Class 1 electric bicycles will be permitted on designated non-motorized trails. Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles will be prohibited on all non-motorized trails, and bicyclists will be required to yield to pedestrians.
- Boating & Shoreline Access: New provisions prohibit unauthorized boat docks and require trailered motorized watercraft and sailboats to use designated launch and retrieval areas.
Additional revisions address quiet-hour restrictions for noise-producing generators, speed limits on unposted park roads, camp rentals, prohibited materials in campfires, and other park activities. The updated regulations also simplify certain permit requirements and remove or clarify several restrictions at individual parks and historic sites, including Curt Gowdy, Hot Springs, and Bear River State Parks.
As visitors plan their 2027 trips and recreational activities, Wyoming State Parks encourages them to review the updated rules and regulations to help make the most of their experiences at Wyoming’s state parks, historic and archaeological sites, and state recreation areas.
An overview of the changes and the complete regulations are available at Bit.ly/WyoParksRulesAndRegulations.
