North Tongue
4.6869 reviewsFOREST ROAD 158, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA
North Tongue
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard non-electric sites cost $18 per night during peak season. Additional charges apply for extra vehicles ($9/day per second vehicle). Firewood is sold for $6 per bundle.
About this campground
Perched high in the Bighorn Mountains at 8,400 feet, North Tongue Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness experience along the stunning Bighorn Scenic Byway. This intimate, primitive campground has earned devoted followers who return for its pristine facilities, welcoming hosts, and remarkable wildlife encounters. Here, where crystal-clear trout streams tumble through ancient forests and hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas, you'll discover the rugged beauty that defines Wyoming's high country.
North Tongue is a small, primitive campground offering standard non-electric sites suited for tent and RV camping. "This is a small campground set on a mountain next to a creek," one user observed.
Historical SignificanceThe sacred landscapes surrounding North Tongue hold stories spanning millennia. Just 25 miles away, the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark stands as one of North America's most significant Native American ceremonial sites, its ancient stone circle speaking to centuries of spiritual significance. Journey 22 miles southwest to Shell Falls Visitor Center, where thundering waterfalls and interpretive exhibits weave together the natural and human histories that have shaped these mountains for generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain sanctuary into a paradise of clear blue skies and refreshingly cool temperatures, offering welcome relief from valley heat. The dry mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, though passing vehicles on nearby Forest Service roads occasionally stir up dust clouds that settle quickly in the thin atmosphere. When winter arrives, deep snows blanket the landscape in pristine white, creating a dramatically different world where temperatures plunge and the campground becomes a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls.
ElevationAt 8,400 feet above sea level, North Tongue Campground occupies a spectacular perch in the sky where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly. This lofty elevation brings crisp, invigorating temperatures even on summer's warmest days, while panoramic vistas reward those who venture to this mountain sanctuary with scenes that seem to touch the clouds themselves.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere the North Fork Tongue River meets Big Willow Creek, North Tongue Campground nestles into a landscape carved by time and water. Towering granite peaks rise like ancient sentinels above forests of lodgepole pine, while stately Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir create a living cathedral of green. This pristine wilderness serves as a vital corridor for magnificent wildlife - lucky visitors might glimpse a majestic moose browsing streamside willows, hear the haunting bugle of elk at dawn, or spot mule deer delicately picking their way through the forest shadows.
Geological RegionThe Bighorn Mountains reveal their geological drama at North Tongue, where weathered granite peaks tell stories of ancient upheavals and patient erosion. These craggy summits preside over forests perfectly adapted to mountain life - dense stands of lodgepole pine pioneering after historic fires, venerable Engelmann spruce claiming the coolest ravines, and hardy Douglas fir anchoring steep slopes. This diverse ecosystem creates ideal habitat for the region's iconic wildlife while offering visitors a front-row seat to one of Wyoming's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are accessible, and campsites offer gravel back-in parking, though some users mentioned the need for extra leveling. No specific ADA-compliant accommodations for activities are noted.
Sites SizeSites are generally small and compact. "Sites are a little small, requiring the tents to be staked down to the pad," one user remarked.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are semi-secluded, such as campsite #3, described as "the very best site in the campground" with proximity to the river.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #003 is considered one of the best for proximity to the river and semi-privacy. Site #007 offers easy access to toilets and bear boxes.
Best CampsitesCampsites #003 and #007 are frequently praised for their proximity to streams and semi-seclusion. Campsite #012 is noted for wildlife sightings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay limit enforced throughout the year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site. Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 12 gravel campsites, including back-in and pull-through options. Sites are spaced with a mix of trees and grassy areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviews mention first-come, first-served sites available, with two out of 12 sites listed as FF.
Cancellation PolicyRefund requests made through www.recreation.gov incur a $10 processing fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee. Changes to reservations are allowed but incur a $10 fee for date modifications entirely outside of the original reservation dates.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. "Stream and river fishing and hiking. There are plenty of trails and Sibley Lake 15 min away that allows fishing and paddling," noted one camper. Another review highlighted, "Loved proximity to North Tongue, Tie Flume, and Sibley Lake." Non-motorized boating is available at nearby Sibley Lake.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities range from loop trails to treks accessing the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Trails vary in difficulty and provide scenic views of creeks and mountain peaks.Fishing
Fishing in the North Tongue River and nearby Sibley Lake yields rainbow, brown, and brook trout. "Anglers fish for rainbow, brown, and brook trout," and another camper noted, "The cutthroat trout in the North Tongue were receptive to dry flies!"Biking
Biking is possible on nearby trails and scenic jeep roads. Specific details on trail terrain or difficulty are not provided.Boating
Non-motorized boating like canoeing and paddling is available at nearby Sibley Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include moose, elk, mule deer, Sandhill cranes, and Great Horned owls. "Moose everywhere! Even 10 ft from our site upon arrival!" mentioned one reviewer.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby attractions such as Shell Falls Visitor Center and Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark offer educational displays and interpretive trails.Winter Activities
Winter camping is not possible as the campground is closed during winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and paddleboarding are available at Sibley Lake, which is 15 minutes away.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood bundles are available for $6.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards are noted, including occasional bear activity. Traffic on nearby roads creates dust, which some campers found problematic.
Active alertsSeasonal closures occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. No other active alerts mentioned in available materials.
Weather forecast
51
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include: Dayton (29 miles) for police and medical services; Burgess Junction (nearby) for basic first aid; the Shell Falls Visitor Center (22 miles southwest) may provide emergency assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season pricing applies from June 6, 2025, to September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are located at the entrance. Recycling services are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the North Fork Tongue River and Big Willow Creek, with access to fishing and scenic spots.
Common complaintsComplaints include proximity to noisy Forest Service roads, small campsite sizes, and dust caused by high traffic.
HostHosts Leni and Brian are widely praised for their friendliness, cleanliness, and attentiveness. They maintain clean bathrooms and provide firewood bundles for $6.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 158, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA
Driving directionsFrom Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 29 miles west on U.S. Highway 14. At Burgess Junction, turn right on Burgess Overlook Road (Forest Road 15), where U.S. Highway 14A begins. Continue 1.5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible from a paved highway (U.S. Highway 14A) and Forest Road 15. Seasonal accessibility applies as the campground is closed during winter months and opens between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Nearby places
Dayton: 29 miles (approximately 40-minute drive)
Burgess Junction: 1.5 miles (approximately 5-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are at Corner Grocery, which is a 40-minute drive from the campground. Firewood bundles are sold onsite for $6 per bundle.
Camper Reviews
4.7
69 reviews
North Tongue is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, attentive hosts, and serene location, though some users noted the small size of campsites and noise from nearby roads and vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 69 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, friendly and helpful hosts, scenic location next to a creek, and abundant wildlife, including moose and elk.
Based on 69 reviewsCommon Concerns
Small and compact campsites with limited privacy, noise from nearby roads and vehicle traffic, and dust issues from the access road.
Based on 69 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Site #3 is highly recommended for its proximity to the river and semi-secluded nature. Campers also suggest bringing Starlink for connectivity and being prepared for dry camping as there are no...
Based on 69 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the best season to visit, with wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking being popular. Winter camping is not possible as the campground closes after Labor Day.
Based on 69 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Pit toilets that look and smell clean. Which is impressive for pit toilets." "The cutthroat trout in the North Tongue were receptive to dry flies! Great fun." "Moose everywhere! Even 10 ft from our...
Based on 69 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3: "Semi-secluded right next to the river." Site #7: "Conveniently located near toilet and bear box." Site #12: "Saw a bull moose when we arrived." Site #5: "Not a great level spot for a tent...
Based on 69 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are clean and accessible. No detailed reviews about other accessibility features.
Based on 69 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no off-leash areas or pickup stations. Trash cans are located at the entrance. "The cattleguard at the front entrance keeps the wildlife out, but also keeps the doggos...
Based on 69 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025