Guernsey Reservoir is a historic, scenic lake in southeastern Wyoming – a 2,400-acre North Platte River reservoir wrapped by Guernsey State Park, one of the finest examples of Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship in the country. With red sandstone bluffs, CCC-built stone shelters, good walleye and perch fishing and seven campgrounds, it’s a rich mix of history, scenery and recreation just off the Oregon Trail. This guide is part of our growing Wyoming Lakes Database.
- Guernsey Reservoir at a glance
- A Civilian Conservation Corps masterpiece
- Fishing Guernsey Reservoir
- Camping, boating and recreation
- Water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- What fish are in Guernsey Reservoir?
- Can you camp at Guernsey Reservoir?
- Where is Guernsey Reservoir?
Guernsey Reservoir at a glance
- Surface area: ~2,400 acres, with about 27 miles of shoreline
- Depth: a North Platte River reservoir, drawn down twice yearly for irrigation
- Elevation: ~4,400 ft, in southeastern Wyoming
- Location: Platte County, near Guernsey (the centerpiece of Guernsey State Park)
- Built: Guernsey Dam on the North Platte River (1927)
- Top fish: walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, crappie, trout
A Civilian Conservation Corps masterpiece
Guernsey State Park is famous for its CCC architecture – in the 1930s, Corps crews built stunning stone shelters, roads and the landmark “Castle” overlook from native sandstone, and the park’s museum is a National Historic Landmark. Set among red bluffs above the North Platte, with the Oregon Trail ruts and Register Cliff just downstream, Guernsey blends scenery, history and recreation like few Wyoming lakes.
Fishing Guernsey Reservoir
The reservoir offers walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, crappie and some trout. A Wyoming fishing license is required. One important note: Guernsey is severely drawn down twice a year for irrigation and sediment flushing, which affects the lake level and fish densities – so fishing varies with the cycle, and you should check the current level before a trip.
Camping, boating and recreation
Guernsey State Park has seven campgrounds and three boat ramps, plus the historic CCC shelters, trails and the museum. Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and history-touring all draw visitors, and the red-rock scenery makes it one of the prettiest parks in eastern Wyoming. The dramatic drawdowns mean the lake looks very different early and late in the season.
Water level
Guernsey’s level swings dramatically – it’s drawn down twice a year – so always check current conditions and ramp access before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Guernsey Reservoir is at Guernsey in Platte County, southeastern Wyoming, off US-26, about 1.5 hours north of Cheyenne. The Oregon Trail ruts, Register Cliff and Glendo Reservoir are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Wyoming license is required.
- Drawdowns: the lake is drawn down twice a year – check the level before you go.
- History & camping: CCC stonework, a National Historic Landmark museum, and seven campgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Guernsey Reservoir?
Walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, crappie and some trout – though the twice-yearly drawdowns affect fish densities.
Can you camp at Guernsey Reservoir?
Yes – Guernsey State Park has seven campgrounds and three boat ramps, plus historic CCC shelters and a museum.
Where is Guernsey Reservoir?
At Guernsey in Platte County, southeastern Wyoming, off US-26 about 1.5 hours north of Cheyenne.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Wyoming, or head back to the Wyoming Lakes Database.
Explore more Wyoming lakes: the largest lakes in Wyoming and the deepest lakes in Wyoming.
