4.2726 reviews
Price
$15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
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State Highway 296, Wyoming
Hikers and horse packers heading into the North Absaroka Wilderness get the most out of this place. Trail #485 starts just across the highway, creek-side sites fill fast on summer weekends so arrive Thursday or Friday, and the vault toilets earn surprisingly good marks from revie
Rigs over 30 feet will find the spur lengths tight and the spacing awkward. No cell signal, no showers, no hookups, and supplies are 45 minutes away in Cody. Summer mosquitoes are heavy enough that reviewers specifically flag them.
Reference information about Dead Indian Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>This campground hosts 10 campsites and a trailhead across State Highway 296. The trail climbs along Dead Indian Creek, through the Absaroka Wilderness, across Dead Indian Meadows, and up to the summit of Dead Indian Peak.</p><p>16-day stay limit<br />Water: Not available<br />This site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments<br />No cell service</p><p><br />Notes: Adjacent corrals at trailhead across Hwy 296. Maximum spur 32 feet.</p>
The elevation is 6,000 ft. The Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is 45 miles northwest from campground. The campground, located directly off State Rt. 296, is divided into two sections, separated by Indian Creek. Most of the camp sites are in the open surrounded by a mixture of conifer trees (including some junipers), a variety of deciduous trees and wild roses. The understory is grass, some of which is manicured. The creek can be heard throughout the campground. One of the ten sites may be occupied by a host. The drive along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is gorgeous. Parts of it trace the flight or retreat of the Nez Perce Indians. Camping is permitted for free with horses across State Rt. 296 at the Trout Peak Trailhead. There are corrals, feeding stalls and hitching rails. This is grizzly bear country; practice safe food storage technique. Use provided bear-proof food storage box. Shoshone National Forest 577
Services provided May 22 through September 15; one loop is open year round while other loop is closed October through May
The parking aprons are grass and gravel.
From Cody, WY, take State Rt. 120 west 15.7 miles to State Rt. 296/Sunlight Basin sign. Turn left onto Rt. 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) and go 21 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into the campground's first section or go 0.1 miles more to the second section. GPS Coordiantes: N44 45.080, W109 25..242
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Summer brings the most reliable access and the campground's full range of activities. Daytime highs typically run 55 to 75°F, with nights dropping to 30 to 45°F at this elevation. Trails to Dead Indian Meadows and toward Dead Indian Peak are usually snow-free by mid-July, when wildflowers peak and fishing on Dead Indian Creek is excellent. Winter blankets the area in snow with temperatures well below freezing. Late spring offers clear skies and warming days. Wind can sweep through the canyon suddenly in summer.
Peak season with reliable access and services (May 22–Sep 15); best conditions for activities.
Dead Indian Campground offers 10 campsites, potable water, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Restrooms are available at the site, and bear-proof food storage boxes are provided. Fire rings are available at each site. The campground is situated near Dead Indian Creek and surrounded by a mix of conifer and deciduous trees. Adjacent corrals and facilities for horse/pack animals are also available across State Highway 296.
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