Dead Swede Campground

🌲 Dead Swede Campground: Discovering a Hidden Gem in the Bighorn National Forest

For those of us who live in Wyoming, we know the Bighorn National Forest holds some of the most spectacular, yet easily accessible, wilderness in the state. If your perfect mountain retreat involves trading highway noise for the sound of a rushing river and exchanging city lights for a sky full of stars, then Dead Swede Campground deserves a place on your list. This remarkable site is more than just a place to park your camper or pitch a tent; it’s a deep dive into the high-elevation serenity and unique history of the Bighorn Mountains.

Nestled along the banks of the South Tongue River at a bracing elevation of approximately 8,400 to 8,550 feet, Dead Swede offers a rustic, peaceful, and beautifully maintained camping experience. It’s intentionally set apart, located five miles off the main scenic highway, ensuring a truly quiet and peaceful atmosphere often highlighted by visiting campers. You’ll be surrounded by a dense forest of lodgepole pine, framed by the craggy peaks of the Bighorns, and in an area known to be full of wildlife. Whether you are an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or simply seeking a place to disconnect, Dead Swede Campground provides the perfect secluded basecamp for your adventures.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Dead Swede Campground is located within the vast expanse of the Bighorn National Forest in north-central Wyoming. Its physical address is Bighorn National Forest, Forest Road #235 (or Forest System Road 26), Dayton, WY 82836, USA.

The campground is situated just off the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14), near the Burgess Overlook and Woodrock areas. Access requires a scenic, approximately 5-mile drive on a dirt road, often identified as Forest Road #235 or Red Grade/Big Goose Road 26. As reviewers note, this dirt road is generally "well maintained" but can feature washboards and potholes, requiring careful, slower driving. This short but worthwhile detour is exactly what shields the campground from "daily traffic," preserving its peaceful character.

Important Altitude Note: Being at an elevation of 8,400 feet and higher, visitors should be mindful of mountain weather—which is highly unpredictable—and the effects of altitude. Cold evenings (lows often in the 40s) are common even in the summer season, which typically runs from early June to early September, depending on snowpack.

🛠️ Services Offered

Dead Swede Campground provides the essential amenities needed for a comfortable yet authentic national forest camping experience. The campground host is known for having the place "always top notch," reflecting a commitment to maintenance and cleanliness.

• Campsites: The campground offers approximately 21 single-family sites, some of which are reservable via Recreation.gov, while others may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site includes a gravel pad, a picnic table, and a campfire ring with a grill.
• Water: Potable water is provided via hand pumps or spigots throughout the campground during the operating season.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible vault toilets (pit toilets) are available on-site. Visitors should note there are typically no flush facilities or showers.
• Firewood: Firewood bundles are often available for sale at the Host Site (Site 1).
• Trash Collection: Designated areas are provided for trash disposal.
• Accessibility: The campground includes two accessible campsites and accessible vault toilets.

Note: There are no electrical hookups available at Dead Swede Campground, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to truly unplug and embrace a more rustic, nature-focused stay.

🌟 Features and Highlights

The features of Dead Swede Campground are deeply tied to the natural and historical fabric of the Bighorn National Forest, offering much more than just a place to sleep:

• Riverfront Camping and Fishing: The campground nestles directly along the South Tongue River, providing prime access for trout fishing (Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout) and the soothing sounds of the water. Many sites are situated right by the river.
• Wildlife Abundance: The remote location and dense forest create a rich habitat, ensuring the "area was full of wildlife," as noted by a customer. This makes it an excellent location for viewing moose, elk, deer, and various bird species.
• Historical Significance: The campground is situated on the site of a historic tie hack camp from the railroad days. The name "Dead Swede" comes from one of the gravesites located within the camp's boundaries, adding a layer of fascinating, if somewhat somber, local history to your visit.
• Proximity to Recreation: The surrounding area is a launchpad for diverse recreation. Visitors have immediate access to hiking trails, scenic jeep roads, and off-road vehicle trails. The nearby Sibley Lake also offers an accessible fishing dock and is open to non-motorized boating.
• Unique Boulder Scramble: The campground boasts a unique natural feature: a 20-foot boulder scramble within its boundaries, offering a fun, minor challenge for the adventurous camper.

☎️ Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, reservations, and seasonal closures, it is best to consult the national reservation system or the Bighorn National Forest Ranger District.

Address: Bighorn National Forest, Forest Road #235, Dayton, WY 82836, USA

Administering Organization: Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds

Tongue Ranger District Office Phone: (307) 674-2600

Reservations: Accepted for many sites via Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777 (recommended, especially during peak season).

✅ What is Worth Choosing Dead Swede Campground

For Wyoming residents seeking an escape that captures the true essence of mountain wilderness, Dead Swede Campground offers an experience that is both quiet and richly rewarding. It’s worth choosing for its intentional seclusion—five miles down a well-maintained dirt road—which acts as a natural filter, ensuring a truly quiet and peaceful atmosphere often missing from campgrounds directly off a major highway.

The location on the South Tongue River is a major draw for anglers and anyone who appreciates falling asleep to the sound of moving water. Furthermore, the combination of accessible basic amenities (clean restrooms and potable water) with the absence of modern distractions (no electricity) makes it an ideal spot for a purist camping experience. Whether you're interested in the area’s tie-hack history, dedicated to fishing the Bighorn’s clear streams, or simply looking for an established place to enjoy the abundant wildlife and star-filled skies, Dead Swede Campground delivers a memorable, high-elevation retreat that embodies the rugged spirit of Wyoming camping. It is truly a remarkable place to camp and a welcome respite from the everyday.