Dead Indian Campground

Star4.63
26 reviews
State Highway 296, Wyoming

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Clarks Fork Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Dead Indian Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee is $15 per night for single campsites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single sites occupied...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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USFS
Provider
307-527-6921
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquietclean

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"User reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic nature of Dead Indian Campground. Positive mentions include its tranquility, proximity to a creek, and suitability as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Yellowstone National Park."

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Campground Map

State Highway 296, Wyoming

Dead Indian Campground

State Highway 296, Wyoming

Driving directionsFrom Cody, travel north on State Highway 120 for 16 miles. Turn left (west) on Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (State Highway 296). Travel west about 16 miles to the campground. Be advised, steep switchbacks.
The campground is accessible via paved roads but includes steep switchbacks on State Highway 296. Seasonal closures do not apply as one loop remains open year-round.
Nearby places
Cody, WY - 32 miles, approximately 45 minutes driving.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, fuel, and camping gear can be found in Cody, WY, approximately 32 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dead Indian Campground

High-country weather brings dramatic seasonal contrasts to this mountain refuge. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground and temperatures plunging well below freezing. As late spring emerges, the campground awakens under increasingly warm days and brilliantly clear skies, perfect for stargazing and mountain exploration. Summer visitors should come prepared for nature's moods – sudden winds can sweep through the canyon, reminding everyone that at 6,000 feet, mountain weather writes its own rules.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 22–Sep 15) with trail access and full services; popular for hiking and scenic visits.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter shoulder season noted; good solitude and fall color potential though some services end mid-September.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Preseason weather can be variable; services resume late May, so early spring access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round with one loop open but services unavailable; snowy and remote, limited comfort/facilities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 - September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round with services available May 22 through September 15. One loop remains open without services in the winter.

About Dead Indian Campground

Tucked away in the rugged embrace of the Absaroka Wilderness, Dead Indian Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 secluded campsites. This peaceful retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with a trailhead just across State Highway 296 leading to the crystalline waters of Dead Indian Creek. From here, winding paths beckon you deeper into the wilderness, revealing the untamed beauty of Dead Indian Meadows and the commanding presence of Dead Indian Peak. Surrounded by towering conifers and delicate wild roses, this remote sanctuary promises the kind of profound quiet that modern life rarely allows.
Dead Indian Campground offers primitive camping for tents and small RVs. It has 10 combined sites, with no RV pull-throughs or designated RV sites. Equestrian camping is available across the road at Trout Peak Trailhead.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No explicit check-in time stated.
Check-out
No explicit check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
16 days

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Dead Indian Campground can enjoy hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, and scenic vistas. The Trout Peak Trail #485, accessible from the trailhead across the highway, offers day hikes and extends deeper into the Absaroka Wilderness.
HikingThe Trout Peak Trail #485 is a 20-mile trail accessible from the campground. It is suitable for both foot and horse travel, providing access to the North Absaroka Wilderness.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the area, with rainbow and cutthroat trout as the primary catch.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a wilderness area that is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears. Visitors are encouraged to practice safe food storage techniques.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is grizzly bear country, and campers must follow strict food storage practices using bear-proof lockers. Steep switchbacks on access roads may pose hazards for vehicles.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at each site and mandatory for food storage given the presence of grizzly bears.

Weather at Dead Indian Campground

Reviews

4.6
26 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Dead Indian Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic nature of Dead Indian Campground. Positive mentions include its tranquility, proximity to a creek, and suitability as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Yellowstone National Park.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and the presence of a small stream running through the site. Vault toilets are noted for their cleanliness.
Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water during certain times, small campsite sizes, and the absence of trash services after mid-September. Mosquitoes in summer and the need for regular...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water during the off-season and being prepared to pack out all trash. Firewood should be brought along if desired, and mosquito repellents are advised in summer.
Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter and less crowded in the off-season, such as September and October. However, services such as trash collection and water are unavailable during this time. Summer months may...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spectacular scenery and a great little campground." - Mark McIntyre. "Very, berry quiet and great base camp for exploring the area." - Lydia Long. "Not busy in September *Note: no trash services...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The sites closest to Dead Indian Creek are highly appreciated for their proximity to the water and scenic views. However, some campers found the sites too close together.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer noted that the campground is 'handicapped friendly,' but the official description states that the site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no specific mentions of pet policies or pet-friendly features in the available reviews.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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