Where to stay
Cabins, homes and lodges near the lake, listed by their owners. You book direct with them, at their rate.
Cabins, homes and lodges
The first listings are going up now
We only show places whose owners have signed on, so this list starts small on purpose. Own a cabin, home or lodge near the lake?
Where people stay
Camp the south shore
Mikesell-Potts: more than 60 sites at $15 a night and 8 electric sites at $20, first come, first served. No drinking water or dump station. [Johnson County]
Owner-listed places
Cabins, homes and lodges listed here by the people who own them. You book on their site, at their rate.
Buffalo
Hotels, motels, RV parks and the historic Occidental Hotel, built in 1880. Restaurants and fuel. [Islands]
Taxes and timing
Wyoming charges a 5% statewide lodging tax, and Johnson County voters approved an extra 2% local lodging tax in November 2024. Sales tax in Johnson County is 5%. State and county campgrounds are exempt from the state lodging tax. [Sources, 2, 3] Confirm current rates with the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
July fills first: Sheridan's rodeo week and Buffalo's Longmire Days both land then. See events.
Are there cabins on Lake DeSmet?
Very few places sit right on the water. The county campground is on the south shore. Most cabins and homes are in Buffalo, Story, Banner and Sheridan. Owner-listed places show up on this page as owners sign on.
Where should I stay for Lake DeSmet?
For early fishing, as close as you can get: the south shore campground or an owner-listed place near the water. For restaurants and town, Buffalo is 8 miles south. For the Bighorns and Fort Phil Kearny, Story and Banner. Sheridan is about 26 miles north on I-90.
What taxes apply to a stay near Lake DeSmet?
Wyoming charges a 5% statewide lodging tax and Johnson County voters approved an extra 2% local lodging tax in 2024, on top of 5% sales tax. State and county campgrounds are exempt from the state lodging tax. Confirm current rates with the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
The lake, four times a year
Ice-on and ice-off notes, what Game and Fish is saying about the fishery, events worth the drive and new places to stay. One email a season.