Living in Natrona County

Wyoming’s plains are the historical home to many nomadic tribes including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Shoshone and Sioux. Today, about 6,000 Shoshone and Arapaho continue to reside on the 2.3 million acre Wind River Reservation, northwest of Natrona County.

In 1812, John Jacob Astor established Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia and sent Robert Stuart east to start what was hoped to become a network of trading posts. Stuart found South Pass by following a Crow Indian trail and entered our region. Near Bessemer Bend, Stuart and his small band erected the first white man’s hut in 1812. Although Astor’s plans failed when the British captured Astoria in 1812, trappers and scouts continued to explore our high plains and develop transit routes. On July 4, 1824, some of these trappers named Independence Rock.

In 1840, Father Jean Pierre DeSmet began spreading the gospel among area Indians. Father DeSmet was the first to carve his name on Independence Rock and give it the name, “The Register of the Desert.” In 1843, John C. Fremont (known as “The Pathfinder”) chiseled his name on Independence Rock and later with Kit Carson as his guide, went on to explore the country along the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers.

Jun 22

[ARCHIVED] All Natrona County Parks Campgrounds Are Open

The original item was published from June 22, 2020 3:44 PM to June 22, 2020 3:59 PM

All campgrounds maintained by Natrona County Parks are open.  Camping areas are first-come first-serve, with the exception of the Full Hookup RV site at Alcova.

While enjoying Natrona County’s parks, we ask that you consider strongly the following COVID-19 suggestions:

  • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
  • Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass and step aside to let others pass.
  • Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times.  If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
The bathhouse at the Alcova trailer area will remain closed until further notice. All other restrooms will be open.