How much does camping cost at Dead Swede?

Camping fees at Dead Swede range from $20.5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dead Swede first-come first-served or reservation?

Dead Swede accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dead Swede before I book?

Yes! Dead Swede has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dead Swede?

Dead Swede is open June 12 to September 05. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dead Swede?

Dead Swede does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dead Swede?

Fire policies at Dead Swede: Firewood bundles may be purchased from the campground host.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dead Swede have?

Dead Swede has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dead Swede?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dead Swede. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dead Swede?

Dead Swede offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dead Swede?

Popular activities at Dead Swede include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dead Swede

4.42

146 reviews

FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Featured in:Primitive Camping Wyoming Best Campgrounds Wyoming

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Dead Swede

$20.50 - $20.50 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $20.50; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.50. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.50

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-587-9054support@rusticfreedom.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Dead Swede

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Campground Map

FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Dead Swede

FOREST ROAD 235, DAYTON, WY 82836, USA

Nearby places

Dayton (approximately 31.5 miles / ~45 minutes)

Burgess Junction (approximately 5 miles / ~15 minutes)

Shell (approximately 21 miles / ~30 minutes).

Weather at Dead Swede

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Bighorn National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Groups larger than 20 people must use a Day Use facility; Willow Park, Hettinger, Ranger Creek Recreation Area or Pine Island offer group camping
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee.

Best Time to Camp at Dead Swede

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F) and the fullest suite of trail, fishing, and biking opportunities when Dead Swede is open (campground open June 12–Sept 1). Long daylight and generally stable weather make July and August ideal for exploring high-elevation trails, angling good pools on the South Tongue River, and wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk; note that nights often plunge near or below freezing. Expect moderate ( Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 12–Sept 1; July/August bring stable weather and active campground use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 05. 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.

About Dead Swede

Dead Swede sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Bighorn National Forest near Dayton, Wyoming, operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites along the South Tongue River, where guests fish, hike forest trails, and watch for moose. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables draw families and anglers during the summer season.

Dead Swede Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with no hookups. Primitive camping features are also available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F) and the fullest suite of trail, fishing, and biking opportunities when Dead Swede is open (campground open June 12–Sept 1). Long daylight and generally stable weather make July and August ideal for exploring high-elevation trails, angling good pools on the South Tongue River, and wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk; note that nights often plunge near or below freezing. Expect moderate ( Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation8400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Tongue River defines the campground, creating pools popular with anglers and providing habitat for moose that browse the riverside willows. Dense lodgepole pine forests surround the sites, with granite peaks rising above 13,000 feet in the distance. Deer move through the forest shadows, especially at dawn and dusk. The elevation and vertical relief create shifting light throughout the day, from morning mist to late alpenglow.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations like cabins or hotel-style facilities at Dead Swede Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles allowed per site
second vehicle incurs $9/day fee.

Groups

Group site information is not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityTwo campsites are accessible, equipped with accessible vault toilets, grills, parking, and picnic areas.

Site SizeSites are spacious and well-maintained, accommodating both tents and RVs without hookups.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as secluded and private, with trees adding to the sense of isolation.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesCreekside sites (13-16) offer proximity to the river and picturesque views. Avoid sites near the host to minimize generator noise.

Best CampsitesSites 13-16 and other lower-loop spots near the South Tongue River get recommended most often in reviews. Creek proximity matters here. Reviewers note these fill quickly during peak season.

Need help booking Dead Swede?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dead Swede Campground offers a variety of basic amenities designed to facilitate a comfortable camping experience amidst the scenic Bighorn Mountains. Visitors praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, with its vault toilets, drinking water stations, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided and are described as exceptionally clean by users.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

146 reviews

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...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget-friendly alpine camping with river fishing, wildlife viewing, and spacious sites in Bighorn National Forest.

Skip if

You're sensitive to generator noise or prefer uncrowded, dust-free campsites during peak summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

FOREST ROAD 234, DAYTON, WY, 82836, USA

Tie Flume sits at 8,400 feet in the Bighorn National Forest near Dayton, Wyoming, operated by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds. This small, high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike, fish, bike, and watch for moose and deer in a setting reviewers call beautiful and peaceful, though ATV traffic and bathroom cleanliness draw complaints.