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
Features / Highlights
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)
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
North Tongue Campground was one of our favorite campgrounds during this road trip. High in the Big Horn Mountains near Burgess Junction, we were very secluded in nature. We saw lots of wildlife during our stay, including deer and moose. A small creek runs through the campground, and a river crosses the meadow just outside the campground. Several of our neighbors were there for a few days of fishing. The campground only has 12 sites available. Our site accommodated our truck and 25-foot trailer, but I think larger units could not have fit. The sites have no hookups, but there are water spigots and very clean pit toilets available. We noticed a lot of boondockers throughout Big Horn, but we liked having a good picnic site with a fire pit, fresh water available, and clean toilets. The camp host was fantastic and gave us directions to services in town. We hike a lot, and though there weren't a lot of designated hiking trails in our area, you can go pretty much anywhere you want. As a result, we spent a lot of time just hiking across different high meadows and hills. There are several lodges with small shops, cafes, and even atv rentals available in the area.
A small woodsy campground set alongside a babbling creek. Cost $20 / night Value: 4 We thought it was a little expensive for dry camping, but very serene and worth it. Campground: This is a small campground set on a mountain next to a creek. It has 12 campsites, some wildlife, and views for days. Campsite # 007 Gravel back in with trees and grass between sites. The campsite is mostly level front to back, needed a little extra leveling left to right. Dry camping so no water, no sewer, no electric. Picnic table with grill, a fire ring and a layover grill attachment. No dump station, but there is one in Burgess Junction about 2 miles away. Propane refill is about an hour’s drive. They do offer potable water refill, but it is a hand pump. Also no Wifi. Verizon had no signal. Starlink was able to stream. Noise Level: Mostly quiet. We did get some noise from the road/cattle guard as people went by, but most of the day we got to listen to the creek sounds. Amenities: Pit toilets that look and smell clean. Which is impressive for pit toilets. Trash cans located at the entrance. No laundry, pool, or playground. Stream and river fishing and hiking. There are plenty of trails and Sibley Lake 15 min away that allows fishing and paddling. Dog friendly: They do allow pets but there are no off-leash or pickup stations. The closest trash can is at the front entrance. There is a cattleguard at the front entrance that is not easy for four legged friends to traverse. It keeps the wildlife out, but also keeps the doggos in unless they have some assistance. Camp store: None and the closest is Corner Grocery about 40 min drive. They do sell firewood for $6/bundle. Camp staff interactions: The camp hosts were friendly. Additional info: Open Season: Memorial Day - Labor Day 14 day max stay limit.
A beautiful and peaceful campground. There is a little road noise, but not bad later in the night. Campground host was excellent and available for questions. Bathrooms were remarkably clean. Would recommend this campground.
Very nice Campground. Although the name is incorrect. It's actually just North Tongue Campground and currently closed due to winter. Set to open sometime after Memorial Day and no later than June 6.
US FOREST SERVICE campground close to North Tongue River. Positives: clean, well maintained, on a little stream that sounds heavenly at night, bear box, fire ring with cooking grate, grille, picnic table, lantern hanging bracket. The cutthroat trout in the North Tongue were receptive to dry flies! Great fun.