Connor Battlefield State Historic Site

Connor Battlefield State Historic Site Campground and Historic Site in Ranchester, Wyoming There are two restrooms, a playground, and horseshoe pits.

Campground Details:

Connor Battlefield campground consists of 20 camping and picnic sites nestled in an oxbow of the Tongue River. Each camping and picnic site has a grill and table, and two sites are ADA accessible. Connor offers a quiet, relaxing campsite, away from the hustle of the road in the peaceful shade of a river bottom. Located at the base of the Bighorn Mountains in Ranchester, Wyomin

g, and right off Interstate I-90, it's the perfect place to stop between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. Camping sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, without reservations. Camping is seasonal, and weather permitting, the park is open from May 1 through October 31. Day use is free, camping is $20.34 per night for non-residents, and $11.30 for Wyoming residents. History of the Site:
In the summer of 1865, General Patrick E. Connor led a column of troops from Fort Laramie into the Powder River Country of northern Wyoming. The Powder River Expedition's mission was to attack Plains Indian tribes in order to force them into submission and keep the peace. On the morning of August 29, 1865, General Patrick Connor, along with 250 soldiers and 80 Pawnee Scouts, attacked Black Bear's Arapaho village near here. This resulted in 64 Arapaho killed, several hundred ponies lost, and most of their lodges destroyed. The attack became the single most important military engagement of the Powder River Expedition because it led to the Arapaho allying themselves with the Lakota and Cheyenne during Red Cloud's War, which began the following year. To learn more about Red Cloud's War and the history of the U.S. Military in the area at this time, please visit Fort Phil Kearny, in between Sheridan and Buffalo, at Exit 44 on I-90.

04/01/2026
While tree work continues in the park, bridge maintenance will also commence! This project will focus on improvements th...
09/04/2025

While tree work continues in the park, bridge maintenance will also commence! This project will focus on improvements that will temporarily require closing the pedestrian bridge. Structural elements and decking will be replaced, and new handrails and guardrails will be added.

This work should be complete by the end of September, however, water will not be available in the park while the bridge is being worked on.

The park will remain open during this work, however, some campsites may be temporarily closed for safety.

Beginning the first week of September, Connor Battlefield will be undergoing routine tree maintenance for the safety of ...
08/27/2025

Beginning the first week of September, Connor Battlefield will be undergoing routine tree maintenance for the safety of our visitors. Sections of the park may be closed for short periods of time while the tree work is being completed, but the park as a whole will remain open, and there will still be spaces available for camping.

It's a great time to camp at Connor!
06/30/2025

It's a great time to camp at Connor!

06/02/2025

Here’s your Moment of Zen from the park this morning- just listen to those birds and the river!

Great news! Connor has reopened for camping again!
05/28/2025

Great news! Connor has reopened for camping again!

Surprise- the weather has been so great, we've opened early!! A huge shout out to the Town of Ranchester maintenance cre...
04/10/2025

Surprise- the weather has been so great, we've opened early!!

A huge shout out to the Town of Ranchester maintenance crew for making this happen.

Come and enjoy this hidden gem in Northern Wyoming!

The campground is now closed for the season, however, the site is still open for pedestrian traffic.
11/04/2024

The campground is now closed for the season, however, the site is still open for pedestrian traffic.

Weather and circumstances providing, the campground is open, however, please be aware that there is a fire nearby in the...
10/04/2024

Weather and circumstances providing, the campground is open, however, please be aware that there is a fire nearby in the Bighorn Mountains

The Elk fire is active and the town of Ranchester is not under an evacuation notice, but the smoke in town is very thick and strong. Highway 14 over the mountains is also currently closed because of this fire.

Please check www.wyoroad.info for updated road conditions.

Address

County Road 67
Ranchester, WY
82839

Telephone

+13076847629

Website

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