Most facilities at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area will be open and ready for the public for the Fourth of July weekend.

In the north district, the Ok-A-Beh Marina opened last week, offering pontoon boat rentals, fuel and a small store; the Horseshoe Bend Marina in the south district had opened several weeks earlier. Additionally, the docks and floating restrooms have been installed at Black Canyon, Day Board 9 and Devil Canyon.

Park officials say they attempted to open the Ok-A-Beh swim beach last weekend, “but it immediately became very crowded with large groups of people who were not following CDC guidance or the Crow Tribal chairman’s orders for social distancing.”

After consulting with the tribe, the National Park Service has decided to keep the swim beach closed at least through July 15.

“We share Tribal Chairman AJ Not Afraid’s concerns about protecting the higher risk populations on Tribal lands,” said Bighorn Canyon Superintendent Mike Tranel. “With the recent increase in COVID cases …, we believe dispersed recreation such as fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area can be done safely. However, the swim beach is too small to allow for proper social distancing given the level of demand we are seeing.”

Tranel said the Park Service “will continue to monitor the situation in consultation with the Tribe” and open the beach later this summer if possible.

Both of the park’s visitor centers remain closed. The Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center in Lovell has outside popup hours on Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoons and on Saturday mornings.

Meanwhile, water levels are continuing to rise at Bighorn Lake.

“There is a sizable amount of driftwood and other debris in the lake, especially at several turns where there are driftwood rafts that include large trees,” said the Bighorn Canyon news release, warning that the wood “can cause serious damage to propellers and lower units of boats.”

“Please use caution,” the release advised.

For current lake conditions or help planning a visit, visitors may call the Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center in Bighorn Canyon at 307-548-5406.