Twin Lakes Picnic Site (recgovnpsdata)

**Introduction / Overview: Twin Lakes Picnic Ground**

For Wyoming residents looking to enjoy the stunning high-altitude environment of the **Bighorn National Forest** without the commitment of an overnight stay, the **Twin Lakes Picnic Ground** is a perfect destination. Located in the picturesque Woodrock and Penrose Recreation Region, this site is designed purely for day-use enjoyment, making it an ideal spot for a mid-hike lunch, a family picnic, or a peaceful morning of fishing. It sits nestled among the Bighorns' signature landscape of numerous lakes and streams, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Unlike full-service campgrounds, Twin Lakes Picnic Ground maintains a rustic, yet accessible, atmosphere. It serves as a vital access point and resting area for those exploring the southern and western portions of the Bighorns. Its primary appeal is its proximity to water—a significant draw for anglers—and its convenient location near the boundary of the magnificent **Cloud Peak Wilderness**. While the atmosphere is minimal, it is precisely this simplicity that allows visitors to feel truly immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the Wyoming wilderness.

**Location and Accessibility**

Twin Lakes Picnic Ground is situated in the scenic Bighorn National Forest, geographically closer to the city of Buffalo, Wyoming. This location places it within the rugged and high-elevation terrain characteristic of the Bighorns, offering spectacular mountain views and fresh, crisp air.

The site has an approximate elevation of **7,600 feet**, which means weather conditions can change rapidly, and the operating season is dependent on snow and road accessibility. The general vicinity is managed by the Bighorn National Forest, near the Cloud Peak Skyway Recreation Region. To reach the area, travelers typically use the forest road systems branching off major routes. Specifically, the site is generally accessed from the western side of the Bighorns, near the town of Ten Sleep or from the east via Buffalo. One common access route is from Big Horn, WY, taking Wyoming 335 south for about 9.9 miles until it becomes Forest System Road (FSR) 26, then continuing for about 13 miles. Due to its location in a more remote recreation region (Woodrock and Penrose), the route may involve driving on dirt or rugged roads; therefore, it is always recommended for visitors to check current road conditions with the Forest Service before planning their trip.

**Services Offered**

As a designated "Picnic Ground," the services offered at Twin Lakes are focused strictly on facilitating comfortable day-use activities. The guiding principle is to provide essential amenities while maintaining the natural integrity of the forest setting.

Services include:

• **Picnic Tables**: Individual picnic tables are available for visitors to enjoy their outdoor meals.
• **Restrooms**: Simple vault toilet facilities are available on-site for public convenience.
• **Designated Day Use**: The site is open for day use only, typically from sunrise to sunset, and no overnight camping is permitted at this specific location.
• **Pet Information**: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash while in the developed recreation site.
• **Trash Policy**: Twin Lakes operates under a **"Pack It In, Pack It Out"** policy for trash. Visitors are required to remove all refuse to help keep the area pristine.
• **No Potable Water**: Visitors must bring their own drinking water, as potable water is **not available** at the site.
• **No Fees**: The Forest Service may not require a specific fee for general day-use access to this site, though this should always be verified with the Bighorn National Forest office.

**Features and Highlights**

The true value of the Twin Lakes Picnic Ground lies in its natural surroundings and the opportunities for classic Bighorn National Forest recreation. It’s a quiet hub for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate an undeveloped mountain setting.

Key features and highlights include:

• **Exceptional Trout Fishing**: The picnic ground is considered an ideal location for those interested in **trout fishing**. It is strategically located among numerous lakes and streams that are highly regarded for their fishing opportunities.
• **Gateway to Cloud Peak Wilderness**: The site is a convenient point of access for exploring the boundary and trailheads leading into the vast **Cloud Peak Wilderness**, which preserves some of the most majestic alpine scenery in America.
• **Scenic High-Altitude Setting**: Enjoy lunch surrounded by high mountain meadows, dense evergreen forests, and views of the Bighorn Range, providing a refreshing escape during Wyoming's summer months.
• **Day Hiking Opportunities**: While the picnic ground itself is a rest area, its proximity to various trail systems makes it an excellent starting or ending point for day hikes into the surrounding National Forest.
• **Natural Solitude**: Located in the rugged Woodrock and Penrose Recreation Region, the area generally offers a greater sense of solitude compared to more heavily trafficked areas of the forest.
• **Wildlife Viewing Potential**: Like many areas in the Bighorn National Forest, visitors have a high chance of spotting native Wyoming wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and possibly elk or moose in the nearby meadows.

**Contact Information**

As a remote Forest Service picnic area, direct contact at the site is not available. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding operating seasons, road conditions, and any potential closures or restrictions, it is best to contact the Bighorn National Forest Supervisor’s Office, which manages the area.

Address: Twin Lakes Picnic Ground, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA (Located in the Bighorn National Forest)

Forest Service Contact (Supervisor and Tongue Ranger District Office):

Phone: (307) 674-2600

Address: 2013 Eastside 2nd Street Sheridan, WY 82801

**What is Worth Choosing Twin Lakes Picnic Ground**

For the local Wyomingite, the Twin Lakes Picnic Ground is worth choosing precisely because it offers a focused, no-frills, high-quality mountain experience. You choose this location when the objective is clear: to enjoy a few hours of unparalleled peace, scenic beauty, and access to some of the Bighorns' best trout fishing waters, all without needing to haul camping gear. It's the perfect stopover for a long drive through the mountains or an essential rest spot before or after an extended hike into the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The strict "Day Use Only" designation and "Pack It In, Pack It Out" mandate ensure the area remains consistently clean and minimally developed, preserving the rugged, natural feel that locals treasure.

The site's main draw is its connection to the water, offering an ideal setting for a midday break by the lakes. It embodies the Bighorn National Forest's promise of solitude and outdoor adventure, acting as a small, quiet sanctuary where you can truly connect with the natural landscape. If you're driving through the area and need a quiet, beautiful place to stretch your legs, cast a line, and eat lunch amidst the towering peaks, Twin Lakes Picnic Ground is a highly recommended and reliably serene choice. Just remember to bring your own water and plan to pack out everything you pack in—a small effort that helps keep this Wyoming treasure pristine for everyone.