Hawk Springs State Park

Hawk Springs State Park is located in Goshen County, Wyoming, and lies approximately 25 miles southeast from Torrington. Hawk Springs is one of the state’s foremost areas for recreation and fishing. The whole area, including Hawk Springs Reservoir, is owned by the Horse Creek Conservation District. Visitation has increased dramatically throughout the years, so much so that the Wyoming Game & Fish Department stepped in to help enforce regulations to maintain the water ways, landscape, and fish.

In 1987, the area was named a recreation area by the state. It was maintained by the Wyoming Recreation Division and gradually expanded to accommodate for picnicking and camping. In 1989, a sprinkler drip system was installed to allow trees which were donated by the Hawk Springs boat club to grow. Hawk Springs Park is located in the small town of Hawk Springs which has a population of 69 and stands at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet.

Hawk Springs State Park boasts a developed campground that is equipped with 12 picnic tables and fire grills, a boat launch, two toilets, and park dumpsters. Fisherman are well aware of the fishing at Hawk Springs. Many game fish are available to catch and include large mouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish, and black croppie. Walleye are also available and best caught in June and July. Ice fishing is also excellent at the park during the wintertime. The state’s Game & Fish Department are diligent in keeping the reservoir well stocked with fish. Visitors can also boat, motorized and human powered, and water ski in the reservoir.

Bird watchers can also find haven at Hawk Springs State Park. The Hawk Springs Reservoir has a rookery for blue heron, who can be found wading in the reeds of the reservoir. These rookeries are home to dozens of blue heron who nest there during the spring. The blue heron rookery is located in an area of the reservoir that can only be reached by boat. Canadian geese, mallard, teal, gadwall, wood duck, avocet, and great horned owl are among the many birds that can be found in this park. Migratory waterfowl can also be seen coming to and from the reservoir during the fall and spring seasons.

Camping can be accommodated in the 24 designated camp spots for tents, trailers, and RV’s. Quiet time lasts from 10:00pm til 6:00am. Pets are also allowed into the park, provided that they are leashed. A visitor’s center is located near the main picnic and recreation area and can provide information about the wildlife and scenery surrounding the park. The visitor’s center and park are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Permits are required to enter Hawk Springs State Park. Permits can be obtained by residents and non-residents alike and are available for annual or daily use. Daily use is $4 while an annual permit costs $25. For more information about Hawk Springs State Park, you can call them at 307 836 2334 or reach them online at http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.asp?siteID=8. They can also be reached by writing to
c/o Guernsey State Park, PO Box 836-2334, Guernsey, WY 82214.