Cody Nite Rodeo
Summer is finally here, and that means one thing: Cody Nite Rodeo! Pack your best cowboy boots in your motorhome and make your way to Cody, Wyoming.
Event information
If you’ve been looking for something fun to do in summer, then you’ll find it at the Cody Nite Rodeo, also known as the Cody Stampede Rodeo, in Cody, Wyoming. This summer-long rodeo runs from June to August every night in rain or shine and brings tens of thousands of visitors to Stampede Park, 519 West Yellowstone Avenue in Cody every year.
The rodeo first began in 1919 and has now become one of the longest-running and successful professional rodeos in the country. Because the rodeo is on nightly, Cody, Wyoming, has also become the rodeo capital of the world for many fans. If there’s anywhere you’re going to get your fix of rodeo action; it’s going to be in Cody!
Every night for around two hours, spectators are treated to bullfighters, clowns, photo opportunities with a 2,000-pound bull, and traditional rodeo entertainment. There are also over 5,000 covered seats to protect you from the elements, and plenty of vendor offerings to satisfy your hunger cravings.
When you’re in Cody, Wyoming on your campervan tour, why not check out what else the area has to offer? This northwest town has five museums, and you can learn tips for fishing at Dude Ranchers Association as well. Walk your favorite trails at Yellowstone National Park, Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and enjoy the wild, wild west theme this town presents so authentically.
The best time to visit Cody, Wyoming, is in summer, so get ready for a vacation you and your loved ones won’t forget.
Tickets
If you fancy a night out with family and friends at the rodeo, then you’ll be pleased to know it’s easy to get your hands on tickets. You can purchase grandstand or buzzard roost seating online or in-person and use your general admission ticket for any night you wish to attend.
In the past, tickets have been priced by age for children under six, children, and adults. There are also group options available. Cody Nite Rodeo is on rain or shine, so secure your tickets and get your crew ready for the adventure to Wyoming.
Explore Cody Nite Rodeo RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
If you want your motorhome travels to be as memorable as your destination, then you’re going to the right place. Cody is nestled in the heart of Wyoming with some stunning peaks and the Yellowstone National Park on its doorstep. Travel through Trout Peak and Wapiti Bridge, and enjoy the scenic view as you drive down US-14 or the more challenging route of US-296. There are also more straightforward routes through Bighorn National Forest and along US-20.
Make sure you have your camera at the ready, but also don’t forget a driving app, such as Wyoming 511, which can keep you up to date with road works, traffic, and weather. As soon as you see the Wyoming River winding its way along US-14, as well as the peaks of Cedar Mountain, you’ll know you’ve almost reached your destination.
Parking areas
Paved parking is available as soon as you enter Stampede Park from US Highway 20. These parking spaces are marked, but there are extra-long ones available for big rigs and motorhomes. Given how many nights Cody Nite Rodeo runs, you’re also unlikely to have any trouble securing a convenient parking spot for the duration of the event. If, however, you’d prefer to leave your RV at your accommodation site, you can make use of the rodeo shuttle in operation.
Public Transportation
Cody Nite Rodeo is not only one of the best rodeos in the country, but it’s also one of the most convenient for RV travelers. If you don’t want to drive your motorhome into a heavily congested parking lot, then you don’t have to. The Cody Nite Rodeo bus runs a regular route around Cody every night in summer, with pickup points close to most campgrounds and hotels in Cody. You can pay a fee, jump aboard, and enjoy a convenient round trip.
Where to stay
Onsite
Even though onsite camping is not available, you won’t mind in the slightest. The conservative size of Cody means that even nearby camping grounds can make it seem like you’re camping on site. You also won’t have any trouble finding where to stay with an RV, including primitive RV camping locations and those with the luxury of sewer hookups, water available, and other conveniences.
Nearby
Because Cody is proximate to Yellowstone National Park, which is a significant tourist destination, there is no shortage of campgrounds in Cody, Wyoming, that are accessible with a large RV. Take a look around the area and enjoy the many different RV campgrounds near Cody Nite Rodeo. Some are even as close as three miles away.
Getting around
Cody Nite Rodeo is one of the first things you will see as you enter Cody, Wyoming from the direction of the Yellowstone National Park. While it looks like an expansive venue because of its ample parking, it’s effortless to navigate on foot.
You can park your campervan, wander into the grandstand area, and enjoy the atmosphere. No one has any need for scooters, bikes, or other wheeled transport, so pop these back in your RV for use later in your trip.
What to pack
Clothing
Whether you visit Cody, Wyoming in June, July, or August, you’ll need to pack clothing for intense summer conditions. Light, breathable layers are paramount, as is a decent sunhat, comfortable footwear, and light colors that won’t attract the sun. The wind can pick up as night falls, so a light sweater could be worth adding to your suitcase for nighttime temperatures. Sleeping temperatures can be a bit chilly, so be sure to include something warm for overnight comfort.
Gear
When you’re loading up your RV for a trip to Cody, Wyoming, there are a lot of things to consider. While you’ll be attending the rodeo at night, there are still a lot of natural attractions to discover during the day.
Pack all your necessary camping and cooking equipment, cash and credit cards, but also load up your tackle box and rods for fishing at Yellowstone National Park, or your best rafting equipment for kayaking in Yellowstone as well. There are plenty of fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities that make taking an RV trip to Cody worth your while.
Health & Safety
When you consider how many natural attractions there are in Cody and surrounding regions, it’s worth emphasizing health and safety before you hit the road. Make a plan of attack for if you get separated from your loved ones, and pack plenty of drinking water, medical supplies, toiletries, and sun safety products. You’ll need sunscreen, that’s for sure.
Keep a safe distance from rodeo animals at Cody Nite Rodeo, and respect the rules at national parks nearby in Wyoming as well. Never stray from your loved ones either, and keep a working mobile device on you at all times. Fire season also kicks off in summer, so be aware of red flag warnings at all times.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cody is a natural playground, with plenty of fun things to do while RV camping in the area. However, given that June through to September is intensely hot, some fire bans may be in place. While you may not be able to light a campfire or even use your charcoal grill, you can undoubtedly prepare those delicious camp food items in your RV kitchen appliances.
If you’re short on grocery supplies, then grab a reusable bag from your camper and make your way down to the local grocery store along Yellowstone Avenue to stock up.
Restaurants
Cody may be a little on the small side, but its residents still have to eat! Pay a visit into the center of Cody and check out what’s available. Irish-American fare, privately owned establishments, cafes, bars, and fast food outlets are all open and ready to take your order with cash or credit cards. This is one community worth exploring with your hungry rodeo fans.
Vendors
While you would have likely eaten dinner before the doors at Cody Nite Rodeo opened, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a snack or two from the delightful onsite vendors. From nachos and hot dogs to BBQ sandwiches and other hearty tucker, there’s plenty from which to choose. You won’t be able to bring in outside food or beverages, so make sure you have the correct payment method for both food and the high-quality merchandise available.
Safety
Security
There isn’t a lot of room in the grandstand seating areas for big, bulky bags, coolers, and other large items, so Cody Nite Rodeo officials recommend you arrive nearly empty-handed. You are more than welcome to bring cash and credit cards for purchases, but enjoy a far more seamless security screening process if you don’t bring in much at all.
Given that you can park your Airstream or motorhome in the paved parking lot, you can access your personal possessions with a quick trip to the parking lot if needed.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in Cody, Wyoming, can be fairly hot throughout the summer months. You will need to bring your best sunhat and sunscreen to remain as comfortable as possible. Record highs of over 100 degrees are not uncommon, so prepare for all eventualities. Summer in Cody is also known for its southwest storms and high winds from any direction.
Fortunately, nighttime temperatures are a little more bearable. Given that the rodeo is at night and the grandstands are covered, you should be reasonably comfortable in rain or shine.
Medical
Medical personnel is on site and ready to handle any minor injuries you might encounter on your visit to Cody Nite Rodeo. If you need assistance, approach a uniformed official. You can also pick up medical supplies from a pharmacy and see a medical professional within a two-mile drive of the rodeo.
