Alcova, WY

Alcova is a tiny lakeside community tucked into the red rock landscape of central Wyoming, about thirty miles southwest of Casper. Home to roughly thirty year-round residents, it is a quiet retreat that comes alive every summer around Alcova Reservoir. Boaters, anglers, and campers gather from across the region to enjoy the water, making use of several boat ramps, swim beaches, and lakeside campgrounds.

ATTRmypubliclands / Public domain

Daily life centers on the outdoors, from paddling beneath the towering cliffs of nearby Fremont Canyon to fly fishing along the North Platte River. Major shopping, healthcare, and job opportunities are an easy half-hour drive away in Casper, giving locals a calm, scenic lifestyle with one of the state's favorite recreation lakes right in their backyard.