North Tongue Campground

Introduction / Overview: Experience True Wyoming Wilderness at North Tongue Campground

For those of us in Wyoming seeking a truly authentic, secluded mountain experience away from the crowded national parks, North Tongue Campground stands out as a hidden gem within the majestic Bighorn National Forest. Located high in the Big Horn Mountains near Burgess Junction, this small, intimate campground offers a deeply serene environment for campers who prioritize nature and tranquility. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves the sound of a babbling creek, sightings of local wildlife like deer and moose, and the freedom to explore vast high meadows, then North Tongue is the ideal destination for you. It provides a simple, woodsy base camp for enjoying the abundant recreational opportunities of the Bighorns.

Administered by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds, North Tongue is the quintessential dry camping experience. While it forgoes modern hookups for a more rustic feel, it provides clean, essential amenities that enhance your connection with the outdoors. It's a fantastic spot for anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to unplug and breathe the clean, crisp mountain air at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet. The campground operates seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a maximum stay limit of 14 days, allowing plenty of time to explore the area's natural wonders.

Location and Accessibility: High-Mountain Retreat Near Dayton, WY

North Tongue Campground is situated on the banks of the North Fork Tongue River and Big Willow Creek in the rugged Bighorn National Forest of north-central Wyoming. This incredible location places you right where craggy granite peaks create a stunning, dramatic backdrop. The nearest town is Dayton, Wyoming, which serves as a gateway to this part of the Bighorn Mountains.

Accessing the campground is straightforward via well-known scenic routes. From Dayton, you travel approximately 29 miles west on U.S. Highway 14, also known as the Bighorn Scenic Byway. At Burgess Junction—the intersection of Highways 14 and 14A—you'll turn onto Burgess Overlook Road (Forest Road 15 or 158), which leads directly to the campground just over a mile and a half north of the junction. For those traveling the particularly scenic, though steep and winding, U.S. Highway 14A (Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway) from Lovell, the campground is easily accessible just north of where it meets US-14. This is an area beloved by locals for its proximity to numerous outdoor activities and iconic landmarks, including the nearby Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark and Shell Falls Visitor Center.

It is important to note the elevation and the nature of the terrain. The campground sits high up, meaning temperatures can be cool, especially in the evenings, with summer highs typically in the 70s-80s and lows dipping into the 40s. While most sites can accommodate a truck and a moderately sized trailer (up to about 25 feet has been noted as comfortable), campers with larger RVs should proceed with caution due to the limited number of sites and the overall layout designed for a more intimate, primitive camping experience. Parking is limited to two non-towed vehicles per site, with an extra fee for the second vehicle.

Services Offered

• Campsite Furnishings: Each of the 12 single-family campsites is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring that includes a layover grill attachment for cooking.
• Water: Potable water refill is available from hand pumps or spigots located throughout the campground. However, there are no individual water hookups at the campsites.
• Waste Disposal: Trash cans are conveniently located at the campground entrance for easy disposal of refuse.
• Restrooms: Accessible and well-maintained vault (pit) toilets are provided. Customers consistently note the cleanliness and lack of odor for this type of facility.
• Camp Host: A friendly, on-site camp host is available to assist campers, provide information, and even sell bundles of firewood for a modest fee.
• Firewood: Firewood bundles are available for purchase from the camp host at $6 per bundle, encouraging responsible and local sourcing.
• Reservations: Reservations are accepted for the limited sites and are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Features / Highlights

• Secluded Creek-Side Setting: The campground is a small, quiet retreat set alongside a picturesque, babbling creek, with the North Fork Tongue River nearby, providing a constant, soothing natural soundtrack.
• Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: Due to its secluded mountain location, it is a prime spot for viewing local Bighorn Mountains wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose, often right in or near the campground meadow.
• Premier Fishing Opportunities: The North Fork Tongue River and surrounding streams are renowned for fishing, offering anglers the chance to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Many neighboring campers visit specifically for this activity.
• Undeveloped Hiking Access: While official, designated trails are not numerous right at the campground, its location in the National Forest means you can "go pretty much anywhere," allowing for extensive exploration of high meadows and hills—a hiker's dream of off-trail adventure.
• Proximity to Bighorn Attractions: The campground is just a short distance from major attractions, including Sibley Lake (great for fishing and non-motorized paddling) and key scenic roads for jeep, ATV, and motorcycle riding. Nearby lodges offer small shops, cafes, and ATV rentals.
• Starlink Connectivity: A significant feature for modern campers: while cellular signal (like Verizon) is non-existent due to the remote location, campers have reported successful streaming using Starlink satellite internet technology.

What Is Worth Choosing: Unplug and Reconnect with Nature

North Tongue Campground offers a distinct and valuable proposition for Wyoming locals and visitors seeking an escape. It's the perfect choice for those who appreciate the rustic charm of dry camping but still value the essential conveniences of a maintained site, like a picnic table, fire ring, and exceptionally clean toilets. For $20 per night, the value lies not in modern luxuries, but in the unparalleled serenity and access to nature. This is a small, 12-site destination that simply cannot be matched by larger, more developed campgrounds for pure, peaceful seclusion.

Choosing North Tongue means consciously prioritizing quiet time and outdoor activities. You get a perfect launchpad for fishing in the renowned trout streams and unencumbered hiking in the vast wilderness, all without the distractions of internet, phones, or excessive noise. If you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast, an angler, or a family wanting to introduce kids to the true mountain environment where moose might wander past your campsite, this campground delivers. It is a genuine, high-elevation mountain experience, an investment in tranquility and stunning Bighorn views, making it a beloved spot for those who know the region best.

Contact Information

Address: Forest Rd 158, Dayton, WY 82836, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (For reservations through Recreation.gov)