Cody Stampede Rodeo
Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like the Cody Stampede Rodeo in Wyoming. Are you ready for an RV adventure? Three days of rodeo-ing is about to begin.
Event information
Since 1919, the Cody Stampede Rodeo has been an event that both spectators and competitors haven’t wanted to miss. Held at Stampede Park in Cody, Wyoming, it's as authentic a rodeo as you can get, and also carries a purse of hundreds of thousands of dollars to entice competitors to put on a show.
The Cody Stampede Rodeo is one of the PRCA’s largest one-header rodeos, and it incorporates everything you love about the rodeo and the Wild West into four nights over summer in July. It’s also one of the longest-running professional rodeos, was named the best large outdoor rodeo of the year, and is sandwiched between its sister event, the Cody Nite Rodeo. As a result, you can quickly call Cody the rodeo capital of the world.
If you are looking for your taste of summer rodeo action, and you’re ready for a vacation, then why not bring your campervan over to Cody, Wyoming? Cody Stampede Rodeo at Stampede Park, 519 West Yellowstone Avenue is about to kick off, and all they need now is your support.
However, it’s not just the rodeo that will entice you to Cody, Wyoming. There are also plenty of attractions to help fill in those summer vacation days. You can go biking at Cedar Mountain Trail Rides, exploring in the city center, and hiking at Yellowstone National Park.
No matter how you fill your time in Cody, Wyoming, you will enjoy the many attractions and things to do. Once you’ve visited, you’ll never want to leave. Let the RV adventures begin.
Tickets
With hundreds of professional rodeo riders ready to go, the Cody Stampede Rodeo is not an event you are going to want to miss. You can purchase your general admission tickets with reserved seating online or at the gate. In past years, the rodeo has run over four days at night with $21 tickets per day for the first three days, and $26 for the final day.
Explore Cody Stampede Rodeo RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Driving to Cody, Wyoming, is going to prove to be as exciting and memorable as the destination itself. From the breath-taking mountainous scenery and dramatic Shoshone River to the Bighorn Basin and various ranges, there’s a lot to take in along the way. There are also several routes to lead you to your destination, with US-14 the main road into and out of Cody, and more challenging mountain roads, such as WY-120 and WY-291 for those adventure seekers.
Given both the challenging natural environment and often temperamental weather conditions, it’s a good idea to download a weather and traffic app such as Wyoming 511. You can then be aware of any adverse weather conditions heading your way, or delays you may encounter along the way. Upon arriving in Cody, Wyoming, you can then enjoy spectacular views over the Heart and Carter Mountains.
Parking areas
Cody Stampede Park sits adjacent to Highway 20, also shown as US-14, on West Yellowstone Avenue. An expansive, paved parking lot leads you into the venue, where you’ll not only find ample car parking but marked spots for motorhomes and campervans as well. If you arrive with time to spare, you may not have any trouble securing a parking spot for yourself. However, you can also save yourself any potential parking trouble by jumping aboard the rodeo shuttle in the heart of Cody instead.
Public Transportation
There are very few public transportation options in Cody available for in-city trips, which means that you have to have a plan B in mind when you arrive at Cody Stampede Rodeo. If you don’t want to park your RV at the rodeo, you can pay a fee and catch a ride on the rodeo bus that runs routes in Cody throughout the four days of Cody Stampede Rodeo. The shuttle also runs a round trip, which means you will be able to get a ride to and from the rodeo.
Where to stay
Onsite
While most RV-goers would be thrilled at the prospect of camping at a rodeo venue, that’s not a possibility here. However, you’ll quickly realize it’s not going to be a problem. Not only does this small city have many accommodation options, but they are all relatively close to the venue. You’ll never be far from any outdoor attractions or the Cody Stampede Rodeo itself.
Nearby
Within a three-mile driving distance of Stampede Park is an abundance of camping options to satisfy even the fussiest of travelers. You can enjoy primitive camping that puts you as close to nature as you can get, or the luxury of sewer hookups, electricity, and water too. Some are also pet-friendly for peace of mind that Fido can come on the journey as well.
Wherever you rest your head in Cody, it will never be all that many miles away from the rodeo, Yellowstone National Park, and many other must-see natural attractions in Cody, Wyoming.
Getting around
You can leave your bicycles, scooters, and skateboards safely tucked away in your RV, for Stampede Park in Cody is ready for foot travel. Once you park your motorhome in the paved lot for day parking, you can walk into the rodeo arena and through to the covered grandstands or Buzzard’s Roost. All the entertainment is central to seating, and the vendors are proximate, too.
What to pack
Clothing
July is one of the hottest months of the year in Cody, Wyoming, so you’ll be able to get that coveted summer sun tan after all. Pack light, breathable layers, shorts and t-shirts, and your best cowboy hat to shade you from the sun. Comfortable shoes or boots will prove convenient for navigation of the dirt venue. Light colors are also a good idea as darker shades attract the sunlight. However, given that the rodeo runs at nighttime, temperatures are far more bearable than during the day. You may like to pack a sweater or two just in case.
Gear
Cody Stampede Rodeo officials make sure their event site has everything you need to have a good time. The more they offer, the less you have to bring. You won’t need any food or beverages, for these are available from the vendors. You can, however, bring credit or debit cards and cash to buy something to eat. If you pack light, you can enjoy a speedy screening process through the front gate.
What you pack for the remainder of your trip to Cody can depend on what you’re doing. Camping and cooking equipment is paramount, as is any outdoor gear you might need for activities. Create a checklist before you hit the road to make sure you don’t forget a thing.
Health & Safety
Even though the rodeo is at night, you still have to prepare for intense sunshine during the day. Bring all essential sun safety products, such as sunscreen and lip balm, and don’t forget any medical supplies and prescriptions that could be essential on your RV trip in Cody. Bug spray when you’re out in nature will prove convenient, as will a first aid kit in your RV storage area as a just-in-case measure.
Where to eat
Cooking
RV camping rules and regulations for cooking can depend on where you stay in Cody. Fire bans may be in place in summer, and some hosts may limit or prohibit the use of fire pits and charcoal grills. Fortunately, many allow the use of generators and RV kitchen appliances, so you can still enjoy a substantial meal every night.
If you need to stock up on camping and cooking supplies, then you’ll never be too far from the essentials. There is a grocery store along Highway 20 to ensure you can access everything you need for a comfortable stay in the area.
Restaurants
The beauty of Cody is that not only is it close to many natural attractions, but it’s home to some wonderful eating establishments. Enjoy old-fashioned hearty breakfasts along Highway 20, roadhouses with steak and seafood, deli sandwiches, and classic BBQ cuisine. No matter what you fancy, you are sure to find it in Cody.
Vendors
If you’ve worked up a thirst and hunger at Cody Stampede Rodeo, then don’t be afraid to exit the grandstand in search of something to eat. By the bucking chutes and Buzzard’s Roost is a concession stand with almost everything you could ever want to eat at a rodeo. There is also plenty of merchandise on offer, too. Bring cash and your credit or debit card to ensure you have the correct payment type.
Safety
Security
When you attend the Cody Stampede Rodeo, adopt a “less is best” approach. The less you bring into the arena, the faster you can make it through security. Whatever you leave behind in your RV, however, make sure it’s secure and out of sight. Lock your motorhome whenever you leave it unattended. You can also receive assistance for any problems you are having at the Cody Police Department within four miles of the rodeo.
Weather
Even though temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during summer, it’s not uncommon for wind and southwest storms to sneak in at a moment’s notice, too. Keep an eye on your weather app throughout your travels, and make sure you’re prepared for any and all weather conditions. Fortunately, the covered grandstands at the rodeo can provide some protection once night falls.
Medical
It’s never all that fun trying to access medical care away from home, but fortunately, Cody Stampede Rodeo makes it easy. If you have an accident or injury, approach an official in uniform. If it’s an emergency, dial 9-11. You can also pick up medical supplies and receive hospital care both within a three-mile drive of Stampede Park.
