Staying Near Bighorn National Forest: 5 Golf Hotels Compared

The towns surrounding Bighorn National Forest - Sheridan to the north, Buffalo on the eastern edge, and Worland to the southwest - each offer a distinct rhythm. Sheridan is the most developed, with a walkable downtown, dining options, and proximity to Powder Horn Golf Club. Buffalo sits at the foot of US-16, the main highway crossing the forest, making it the most convenient access point for day drives through the mountains. Worland, positioned in the Bighorn Basin, is quieter and less touristed, suiting travelers prioritizing access to Yellowstone and the western Wyoming corridor. Crowd levels peak in July and August, when highway traffic through the forest increases significantly, and accommodations in all three towns book up quickly. Winter travel is limited by road closures, so the viable golf and outdoor window runs roughly from late May through September. Sheridan offers the strongest golf infrastructure, with Powder Horn Golf Club just 3 miles from the main hotel strip - a key advantage for golf-focused stays.

Pros:

• Direct access to Bighorn National Forest via US-16, with scenic drives through Cloud Peak Wilderness reachable within around 30 minutes from Buffalo
• Sheridan's Powder Horn Golf Club and proximity to multiple courses make it a practical base for golf travelers without renting remote cabins
• Lower accommodation costs compared to Jackson Hole or Yellowstone-adjacent towns, with more availability outside peak weeks

Cons:

• No public transit between towns - a rental car is mandatory, and distances between Sheridan and Worland exceed 90 miles
• Services thin out sharply once inside the forest; fuel, food, and lodging are only available in gateway towns
• Peak-season road congestion on US-16 can slow access to trailheads and scenic overlooks, particularly on weekends

Golf hotels near Bighorn National Forest aren't luxury resort properties - they're practical, amenity-equipped chain hotels positioned in gateway towns that happen to sit close to notable regional courses. What distinguishes them from standard roadside motels is the inclusion of amenities that matter after a full day on the course: indoor pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and hot breakfast service. Powder Horn Golf Club in Sheridan, consistently rated among Wyoming's top public courses, is the primary draw for golf travelers staying in the north. Worland's location along Highway 16 also places it within reach of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Hot Springs State Park, making it a dual-purpose base. Room rates at these hotels typically run lower than comparable properties in Colorado or Montana golf destinations, while still offering the core amenities golf travelers expect. Indoor pools and hot tubs are a recurring feature across this selection - a practical recovery asset after 18 holes in Wyoming's high-altitude, often windy conditions.

Pros:

• Sheridan hotels sit within 3 miles of Powder Horn Golf Club, eliminating the need for long pre-round drives
• Hot tub and indoor pool access at multiple properties supports post-round recovery without additional spa costs
• Complimentary hot breakfast at several hotels reduces daily expenses during multi-night golf stays

Cons:

• No on-site golf courses or driving ranges at any of the listed properties - tee times require a separate drive
• Limited fine dining options in Buffalo and Worland; evening meals after golf often mean casual or fast-casual only
• Room sizes are standard chain-hotel scale, not the large suites or resort-style layouts found at dedicated golf resorts

For golf-focused travelers, Sheridan is the strongest base - Powder Horn Golf Club is 3 miles from the hotel corridor, downtown dining is walkable, and the drive to the northern forest entry via US-14 takes under 40 minutes. Buffalo is the better choice for travelers combining golf with forest exploration via US-16, offering quick access to the Crazy Woman Canyon area and Cloud Peak Wilderness trailheads. Worland suits those routing between Bighorn National Forest and Yellowstone's east entrance, though its golf options are more limited locally. Book at least 6 weeks ahead for July travel - all three towns see compressed availability during peak summer weeks, and rates climb noticeably after mid-June. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, Burgess Junction, and Tensleep Canyon are among the most-visited natural attractions, all accessible as day trips from any of the three gateway towns. For budget travelers, Buffalo offers the widest spread of price points, from economy chains to mid-range IHG properties, with free parking standard across all options.

Late June through mid-August is peak season across all three gateway towns, when golf courses operate full schedules, forest roads are open, and accommodation availability tightens most sharply. Rates in Sheridan and Buffalo can rise around 35% compared to shoulder-season weeks in May or September, so booking at least 6 weeks ahead is strongly recommended for summer travel. September is arguably the best month for golf travelers: courses are uncrowded, elk bugling season begins in the forest, temperatures are cooler and more consistent, and hotels have significantly more availability. Winter travel is not viable for golf - US-16 through the forest closes seasonally, and course operations in Sheridan and Buffalo typically end by mid-October. A minimum 3-night stay is the practical baseline for combining golf with meaningful forest exploration - one day on the course, one day driving through the forest to Burgess Junction or Tensleep Canyon, and a flexible third day depending on weather. Last-minute deals are rare in peak weeks but can emerge in early June before the summer surge fully arrives.