Tie Flume Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Wyoming locals who cherish the high-mountain solitude and the rich history of the Bighorn National Forest, Tie Flume Campground is a treasured destination. Located deep within the northern Bighorn Mountains at a refreshing elevation of approximately 8,400 feet, this rustic yet well-maintained National Forest campground offers a quintessential Wyoming outdoor experience. Its name is a nod to the area's history, where decades ago, trees were cut to create railroad ties that were transported down the South Tongue River using splash dams and wooden flumes—remnants of which can still be found near the campground.

Tie Flume provides a fantastic setting for both tent campers and those with RVs or trailers seeking a genuine escape from the crowds. Nestled within a forest of stately lodgepole pines, the campground is known for its spacious, back-in sites that offer shade and a sense of privacy. The ambient sound of the South Tongue River flowing nearby enhances the incredibly quiet and relaxing atmosphere praised by frequent visitors. It is an ideal spot for those who prioritize clean air, cool nights, and immediate access to the Bighorn's vast trail systems and premier trout fishing. It is a genuine, no-frills mountain basecamp where wildlife, including deer and even moose, are common, providing an authentic taste of Wyoming wilderness.

With 27 available campsites, Tie Flume maintains a manageable size, fostering a friendly community atmosphere without sacrificing the feeling of seclusion that makes the Bighorns so special.

Location and Accessibility

Tie Flume Campground enjoys a strategic location that is both highly accessible via a scenic route and sufficiently removed from the main highway to ensure peace and quiet. The campground is located within the Bighorn National Forest, accessible from the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14).

The official address lists it near Dayton, WY 82836, USA, but its true access is deep in the mountains:

Scenic Access:

It is situated about 30 to 35 miles southwest of Dayton, along the Bighorn Scenic Byway.

Turnoff and Seclusion:

The campground is found approximately 1.5 miles east of U.S. Highway 14, off the Black Mountain Road (Forest Road #16), a short drive that effectively buffers the site from highway traffic noise.

High Elevation:

The 8,400-foot elevation means visitors should always be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in mid-summer, providing a cool retreat during the hottest months.

While the turn-off is paved, the interior campground roads are gravel. This can create dust, as some guests have noted, but the benefit is a location that is truly "well off the highway," ensuring a wonderfully quiet stay, especially at night. Access is seasonal, typically running from early June through mid-September, depending heavily on snowfall and mountain road conditions.

Services Offered

As a National Forest campground, Tie Flume offers essential, well-kept amenities designed to support a rustic and genuine outdoor experience without unnecessary frills.

Campsites:

27 single-family campsites are available, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (with some sites large enough for rigs up to 120 feet, though checking specific site length is advised).

Site Amenities:

Each individual site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill grate, and a lantern post.

Restrooms:

Clean and well-kept vault toilets (outhouses) are available and accessible across the two loops (Loop A and Loop B).

Water and Waste:

Potable drinking water is provided from hand pumps throughout the campground. Trash collection services are also available.

Camp Host and Firewood:

A friendly, on-site camp host is typically available during the summer season, and firewood is sold to discourage the spread of tree-killing pests.

Utilities Note:

This is a rustic campground; no RV hookups (electric, water, or sewer) are available at the campsites, and cell service is generally nonexistent.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of Tie Flume Campground lies in its natural features, historical connection, and accessibility to prime recreation, making it a favorite for many local Wyoming adventurers.

South Tongue River Access:

The lower loop of the campground parallels the beautiful South Tongue River, providing immediate access for excellent fly fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

Historical Remnants:

The campground is named for the timber industry that once flourished here; visitors can still find and explore remnants of the old splash dams and tie flumes along the river.

Black Mountain Recreation:

A short drive on Forest Road #16 (Black Mountain Road) leads to the trailhead for the historic Black Mountain Fire Lookout, which offers a rewarding hike and stunning panoramic views of the Bighorns.

Wildlife Encounters:

The surrounding lodgepole pine forest and nearby meadows create excellent wildlife habitat, making sightings of deer, elk, and even the occasional moose a common and memorable feature of a stay here.

Proximity to OHV Trails:

The campground is situated near the Woodrock and Penrose Recreation Region, offering access to a multitude of off-road vehicle (OHV) trails, scenic jeep roads, and more rugged routes.

Contact Information

Tie Flume Campground is managed under the Bighorn National Forest's Tongue Ranger District. Reservations are highly recommended during the peak season and can be made through Recreation.gov.

Address: Bighorn National Forest, Forest Road #234, Dayton, WY 82836, USA

Phone (Tongue Ranger District): (307) 674-2604

Mobile Phone (Tongue Ranger District): +1 307-674-2604

For the most comprehensive information, contact the Tongue Ranger District Office in Sheridan, WY, during weekdays at (307) 674-2600.

What is worth choosing

Tie Flume Campground is worth choosing for the discerning Wyoming camper who seeks a perfect balance of accessibility, amenity, and raw wilderness immersion. Its high-altitude location offers an unparalleled retreat from the summer heat and delivers the spectacular scenery and cool, crisp air that are hallmarks of the Bighorn Mountains.

For anglers, the South Tongue River running alongside the campground is a powerful draw, offering convenient access to quality trout fishing. For hikers and history buffs, the close proximity to the Black Mountain Lookout Trail and the remnants of the historical flumes provides meaningful day-trip opportunities right outside your campsite. Furthermore, for those with trailers or large RVs, the spacious, level, and well-designed back-in sites are a significant convenience that is not always guaranteed in National Forest campgrounds. While the lack of cell service and utility hookups is a reality, for many local users, this is precisely the attraction—a chance to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in a clean, quiet, and stunningly beautiful section of the Bighorn National Forest. Tie Flume is your authentic mountain haven where the wildlife roams free and the nights are silent, save for the whisper of the river.