For those who enjoy hitting the water park and spending a hot summer day floating in the cooling water, Wyoming has a treat for you: our own natural lazy river in Carbon County.

Forming a giant horseshoe, the North Platte River flows into Wyoming from Colorado, sweeping north before it curves around and drops back to head southeast and continue on its way into Nebraska. The river takes its time running through gorgeous Wyoming wilderness, providing smooth and easy waters perfect for cooling off on a summer’s day.

Perfectly calm waters for a perfectly relaxing day.

Steve/Flickr The part of the North Platte River that runs through Carbon County has several sections that are perfect floating such as the part that flows between Bennett Peak and Treasure Island and the piece that empties into the Seminoe Reservoir.

Calm enough to wade in.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr The relaxed current of the North Platte River is not only ideal for tubing and rafting, but attracts fly fishing enthusiasts, as well.

Better than a water park.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr No engineers could do a better job of designing this lazy river, with its gentle curves and picturesque scenery.

Row, raft, or tube…

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Row upstream in a boat, or simply hop on a raft or inner tube - almost any basic watercraft will work on this lazy river.

One feature water parks can’t offer.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Keep your eyes open as you float along. You’re likely to spot more than one example of Wyoming wildlife.

The best part is that there are loads of campsites along the North Platte River, so you can spend more than just one afternoon floating, boating, or fishing. Of course, Wyoming has numerous other rivers and waterways. Which one features your favorite natural lazy river?

Steve/Flickr

The part of the North Platte River that runs through Carbon County has several sections that are perfect floating such as the part that flows between Bennett Peak and Treasure Island and the piece that empties into the Seminoe Reservoir.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

The relaxed current of the North Platte River is not only ideal for tubing and rafting, but attracts fly fishing enthusiasts, as well.

No engineers could do a better job of designing this lazy river, with its gentle curves and picturesque scenery.

Row upstream in a boat, or simply hop on a raft or inner tube - almost any basic watercraft will work on this lazy river.

Keep your eyes open as you float along. You’re likely to spot more than one example of Wyoming wildlife.

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