Dead Swede

Star4.48
146 reviews
FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA
Family FriendlyFishing

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$20.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from June 12, 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dead Swede
$20.50 - $20.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate for standard non-electric campsites is $20.50. Additional fees include a $9/day charge for a second vehicle. Reservation and...
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Standard Site Fee$20.50
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

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Provider
406-587-9054gccampgrounds13@gmail.com
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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 146 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noisecrowded

"User reviews for Dead Swede Campground are generally positive, highlighting the serenity, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. However, complaints about generator noise and ATV dust are recurring themes."

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Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Dead Swede

FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Driving directionsFrom Dayton, Wyoming, travel 26.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 14 to Burgess Junction. Continue 5 miles south on U.S. Highway 14, then turn east onto Forest Road 26 and travel about 5 miles east to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 26, approximately 5 miles east of U.S. Highway 14. The gravel road is generally well-maintained but has some potholes and washboards. Users describe the road as manageable for most vehicles but caution against relying on certain GPS routes that may lead to inaccessible trails.
Nearby places
Dayton (approximately 31.5 miles / ~45 minutes)
Burgess Junction (approximately 5 miles / ~15 minutes)
Shell (approximately 21 miles / ~30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available at Elk View Inn and Bear Lodge near Burgess Junction (~5 miles away). These facilities provide dining, fishing supplies, camping gear, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Dead Swede

Mountain weather here is as dynamic as the landscape itself, keeping visitors on their toes even in the height of summer. While July and August typically bring bluebird skies and comfortable 70-degree days perfect for exploration, nighttime temperatures can plunge below freezing, reminding campers they're truly in the high country. Be prepared for anything—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, and even summer snow isn't unheard of at this elevation, adding an element of wild unpredictability to your mountain adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and accessible in summer; bluebird days and 70°F highs, but busy and ATV activity noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall (campground open to Sept 1) likely scenic and quieter, but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Early-season water availability issues and snow can affect access; opens mid-June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is snow-impacted; closures in winter and reviews note closures/difficulty.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 12, 2025 - September 01, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 12, 2025, to September 1, 2025. Peak season dates are June 12 to September 1.
  • Current Alerts: Users have noted issues such as late potable water availability (usually cleared by late June) and dust from off-road vehicle traffic.

About Dead Swede

Nestled deep in the heart of the Bighorn Mountains at 8,400 feet, Dead Swede Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the gentle murmur of the South Tongue River mingles with the whisper of wind through towering lodgepole pines. This mountain sanctuary beckons adventurers with its network of hiking trails, pristine fishing spots, and rugged off-road paths, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking alpine vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Dead Swede Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with no hookups. Primitive camping features are also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
The maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Dead Swede Campground offers ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle trails. Proximity to the South Tongue River provides fantastic opportunities for fishing and creekside relaxation.
HikingHiking trails in the surrounding area vary in difficulty, with some trails accessing the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Tongue River Canyon hike is particularly recommended for its stunning vistas.
FishingFishing is permitted in the South Tongue River, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Visitors frequently mention moose sightings while fishing.
BikingMountain biking is popular on nearby roads and trails. Certain days see reduced ATV traffic, making them ideal for biking.
Wildlife viewingWildlife frequently seen includes moose, deer, and sandhill cranes. Moose sightings are particularly common near creekside campsites.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include moose encounters and dust from off-road vehicles. Visitors are advised to keep dogs leashed and avoid feeding wildlife.
Active AlertsUsers have noted issues such as late potable water availability (usually cleared by late June) and dust from off-road vehicle traffic.

Weather at Dead Swede

Reviews

4.5
146 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Dead Swede is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dead Swede Campground are generally positive, highlighting the serenity, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. However, complaints about generator noise and ATV dust are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 146 reviews

What Campers Love

Many guests praise the campground's cleanliness, friendly camp hosts, spacious sites, and proximity to the South Tongue River. Wildlife sightings, including moose, are frequently appreciated.
Based on 146 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include generator noise disrupting quiet hours, dust from nearby ATV trails, and difficulty navigating rough access roads. Some guests also encountered issues with water availability early...
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Based on 146 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Popular recommendations include selecting creekside campsites for the best experience, bringing earplugs due to generator noise, and preparing for cold temperatures even in summer. Visitors are...
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Based on 146 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are the most detailed, emphasizing the busy nature of the campground, cold night temperatures, and high ATV activity. Early-season reviews often note water availability issues.
Based on 146 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campground. Get 13-16 for creek side camping. Very clean and relaxing." - Michaela Robbins. "Very clean and nice smelling pit toilets. During our stay (6/23) the water had yet to be...
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Based on 146 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Creekside campsites, particularly sites 13-16 and 21, are frequently recommended by users for their scenic location and privacy.
Based on 146 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and parking areas are praised for their cleanliness and ease of use.
Based on 146 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users are cautioned to keep them leashed due to frequent moose sightings and potential dangers.
Based on 146 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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