Tongue River Campground

**Introduction / Overview: Your Free, Pristine Gateway to the Bighorns**

For Wyoming residents who understand and cherish the value of high-quality, authentic, and *free* outdoor experiences,

**Tongue River Campground**

is a well-kept secret nestled at the very entrance of the dramatic Tongue River Canyon. This unique camping area, officially managed as a Public Access Area (PAA) by the

**Wyoming Game & Fish Department**

, offers a rare opportunity to camp right beside a scenic, fish-filled river without the need for reservations or camping fees. It is the perfect spot for those who prefer the quiet serenity of primitive camping over the hustle and bustle of developed resorts.

Tongue River Campground embraces a truly rustic identity. Visitors should know that this is an experience centered entirely on nature, which means amenities are basic but functional. The small size, typically featuring

**less than ten designated sites**

, fosters a private and intimate atmosphere. Because it operates on a strictly

**first-come, first-served basis**

, arriving early—especially during peak fishing or summer weekends—is crucial to securing one of these coveted spots. Campers are rewarded with stunning views of the canyon entrance, the soothing, constant sound of the river flowing nearby, and immediate proximity to some of the area's best fishing and hiking trails.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the incredible value: "Free. Second time staying here. I love this place." and "Free primitive camping! Yes, please!" This sentiment is a testament to the campground's commitment to providing accessible public land enjoyment. However, guests are expected to adhere strictly to the rules, particularly the

**5-day camping limit**

and the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos, ensuring this beautiful area remains pristine for all users. The limited development and management philosophy make this a genuine Wyoming escape, perfect for locals seeking a true connection with the Bighorn National Forest environment.

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**Location and Accessibility: At the Foot of the Tongue River Canyon**

Tongue River Campground boasts an enviable location just outside the charming town of Dayton, Wyoming, making it an easily accessible escape from the Sheridan area and points along Interstate 90. The address is simply

**Dayton, WY 82836, USA**

, but its access details are more specific and crucial for smooth arrival.

To reach this scenic spot, visitors typically travel through Dayton and then turn onto

**County Road 92**

from Highway 14. The campground is located approximately

**3.3 miles**

down this well-maintained gravel road, which itself is a short, scenic drive.

The strategic location serves as the entry point for the Tongue River Canyon Public Access Area. The designated camping spots are located near the beginning of the PAA. A critical note for RV and trailer owners: access with

**trailers and large vehicles is limited**

past this point due to the road eventually narrowing and leading to a final parking lot for the trailhead. The maximum RV length that can typically be accommodated is around 30 feet, ensuring the area retains its low-impact, primitive feel. For those seeking even deeper exploration, continuing past the campground for another 1.5 miles leads to the final parking lot and the official trailhead to the Bighorn National Forest (Trail #002). This location makes it an extremely convenient gateway for both day hikers and multi-day backpackers.

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**Services Offered (Basic, Bear-Safe, and Essential)**

Tongue River Campground’s services are deliberately minimal, designed to support primitive camping while maintaining cleanliness and safety in a bear country environment:

• **Free Camping**

  : The primary service is that all designated campsites are offered

  **absolutely free**

  of charge, an extraordinary benefit for Wyoming residents.

• **Sanitation**

  : Clean, developed

  **pit toilets (outhouses)**

  are provided near the camping clusters. Campers often note the surprising cleanliness and maintenance of these basic facilities.

• **Bear Safety**

  : Several

  **communal bear-proof food storage containers (bear boxes)**

  are available, which campers are required to use, helping to protect both campers and the local wildlife, which includes black bears.

• **Fire Management**

  : Campsites are equipped with

  **developed fire rings**

  , and some sites include fire boxes with flip-up grills, ensuring campfires are contained and safe. *Fires are permitted in developed fire rings only.*

• **Campsite Features**

  : Most of the designated spots include a

  **picnic table**

  and a small, level area suitable for tent setup.

• **No Utilities**

  : Campers must be fully self-sufficient as there are

  **no water spigots, electrical hookups, or dump stations**

  on-site.

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**Features / Highlights (Fishing, Hiking, and Scenery)**

The true value of Tongue River Campground is found in its stunning natural features and the recreational opportunities they provide:

• **Blue-Ribbon Fishing**

  : The Tongue River itself is a prized feature, offering high-quality fishing for

  **Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, and Cutthroat Trout**

  . There are miles of prime fishing access available just steps from the campsites.

• **Bighorn National Forest Access**

  : The location serves as the jumping-off point for

  **Trail #002**

  , which leads into the vast recreational areas of the Bighorn National Forest, providing endless opportunities for extended hiking and backpacking.

• **Stunning Canyon Setting**

  : The campground is situated amidst

  **beautiful, wooded canyon walls**

  , providing an incredibly scenic backdrop for camping and photography. The soothing sound of the flowing river creates an exceptionally peaceful ambiance.

• **Wildlife Viewing**

  : The area is frequented by large game animals such as

  **Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, and Black Bear**

  , offering incredible opportunities for wildlife observation (from a safe distance).

• **Dayton Convenience**

  : Despite its secluded feel, the small, historic town of Dayton is only a short drive away, offering minimal services while the larger city of Sheridan is easily accessible for more extensive supplies.

• **Historical and Personal Connection**

  : As one reviewer noted, the campground is a place of enduring memory and tradition, offering a

  **deep personal connection**

  to the rugged, unspoiled landscapes of Wyoming.

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**Contact Information**

As the Tongue River Campground is a free Public Access Area managed by the state, contact should be directed to the regional office for inquiries about conditions, regulations, or wildlife activity.

**Address:** Located off County Road 92 near Dayton, WY 82836, USA

**Managing Agency:** Wyoming Game & Fish Department (Tongue River Canyon PAA)

**Sheridan Regional Office Phone:**

** (307) 672-7418**

**Reservations:**

**Not accepted.**

The campground operates solely on a

**first-come, first-served**

basis. Arriving early on weekdays is highly recommended to secure one of the few available spots.

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**What is Worth Choosing: The Authentic, Cost-Free Wyoming Adventure**

For the Wyoming resident who knows and respects the wildness of the state, Tongue River Campground is worth choosing for one undeniable reason: it is the

**quintessential, cost-free gateway to the Bighorn National Forest**

.

This is where true value meets adventure. You get an exceptional, riverfront campsite with essential safety features (like bear boxes) and sanitation (clean pit toilets), all for the cost of zero dollars. The experience is one of raw, immediate access to some of the best fly-fishing waters and most rewarding hiking trails in the region. Unlike larger, fee-based campgrounds, Tongue River retains an exclusive, quiet atmosphere due to its limited size and primitive nature.

Choosing Tongue River means choosing the sound of the river over the noise of a generator, choosing the security of a bear box over the risk of unsecured food, and choosing the beauty of the canyon over the convenience of a utility pole. It is the perfect choice for the tent camper, the small RV owner, the dedicated angler, or the solitude-seeking hiker who respects the land and adheres to the crucial

**5-day limit**

and pack-it-out ethic. For an authentic, simple, and stunning experience in Central Wyoming, this free PAA is truly unmatched.