Camping in the Dayton, Wyoming area ranges from developed campgrounds to riverside sites nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. The Tongue River Campground provides a rustic experience with sites along the water, while Foothills Campground offers full hookups for RVs and renovated cabins. Several campground options connect to hiking trails in Bighorn National Forest, and most accommodate both tent and RV campers. Nearby Tie Flume and Sibley Lake campgrounds provide additional options within forest settings at higher elevations.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many open from late May through mid-September due to mountain weather conditions. The higher elevation sites like Sibley Lake Campground close earlier as snow becomes possible by mid-autumn. Some campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Primitive sites along Tongue River offer fewer amenities but more natural settings with vault toilets and occasional picnic tables. Roads to dispersed sites may become difficult after rain, especially in canyon areas. "The road is paved 90% of the way and the campsites are right next to the creek. Some have picnic tables, others not. We chose one without a table to be right on the water," noted one Tongue River camper.
Riverside camping receives particularly strong reviews, with several campers highlighting the peaceful settings along Tongue Canyon and Tongue River. Camping near water provides both recreational opportunities and scenic value, though some sites require careful navigation. "This is a small quiet campground with toilet facilities, picnic tables and easy access. Most important is the miles of fishing within walking distance," mentioned one visitor to Tongue River Campground. Sites vary significantly in size and accessibility, with some accommodating larger RVs while others are better suited for smaller vehicles and tents. Several campgrounds have seen recent improvements, particularly Foothills Campground, which underwent significant renovation in 2023 with updated facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the area, with morning and evening being optimal times for deer sightings near riparian zones.
$11 - $20 / night
"This is basically a city park, but away from the highway. Vault toilets, and the one near my campsite was reasonably clean. Lots of available sites, even on a Friday in mid-July."
"There is a train track nearby. We only heard 2 though. One late afternoon and one before 10 pm. It was not loud enough to be annoying. Lastly, come prepared."
"Driving form Okc Ok. To Bellingham Wa. and in need of some time off the road. This spot was prefect to get out and stretch the legs and have a nice relaxing campfire dinner."
"Most important is the miles of fishing within walking distance."
"Close to Montana, Big Horn National park, Sheridan, etc. great location! But the staff was just above and beyond- so friendly, so helpful, and we’d stay here again!"
"Right off the highway leading into the mountains. Has a great coffee shop and bakery on the property. The owners are fantastic people as well."
"Just off the highway, this campground is conveniently located close to both historic downtown Sheridan and the remote Bighorn Mountains. There are about 60 RV sites, 25 tent sites, and 10 cabins."
"This place is clean, has a friendly and positive active staff, sides are large enough for the coach, the tow, and additional chairs/tables. Every corner of the park is very well maintained and green."
$40 - $140 / night
"The campground is located right on the Tongue River and is a convenient walk to everything in the town of Dayton. I highly recommend this as a place to stay."
"Their cabins look a little run down, but if you need a cheap, quiet, close to the interstate place to stay with your camper, this is a nice stop. Perfect cell service as well."
"If it hadn’t been for the annual Bighorn Trail race that was happening that weekend we probably wouldn’t have had as many neighbors as we did."
"Great trails nearby, a little river to sit by in the morning/evening. We set up chairs on a small bridge and watched someone fish at sunset."
$21 / night
"Tie Flume Campground is located in the Bighorn National Forest, with scenery and wildlife all around you. You can't beat that! There are also so many activities to do here."
"Make sure you get a spot near the bubbling mountain stream...sites 23 and 24 were right on the waters edge. The camp host and family were awesome. Great hosts."
$21 / night
"We ended up right next to the road. Consistent traffic became background noise if we didn’t pay attention to it. We would have preferred a quieter setting but at least we found a campsite."
"While this site is further away from the creek and closer to the road, it was still quieter than sites on the creek(which were all taken anyway)."
$21 - $26 / night
"Head into the northern side of the Bighorns and you come across Sibley Lake. The campground has electric and non-electric loops. Sites are large and you find yourself under tall trees."
"Plenty to do around the area by foot and vehicle."
"Closed down for season but still has access to sites and vault toilets. fairly level site,with grill and fire pit."
"You can walk to the small, damned lake and explore. We did nearby Black Mountain Lookout trail and it was amazing."
TravelerScaled down version of a bigger Love's. 10 pumps, easy in and out. RV parking lanes, 3 were next to Pump 10, with another 1 in their RV Stop. 2 are full hookups. Dump station,$10... free water spigot by the DogPark. Clean and friendly staff. Quiet as I stayed here on a Friday night.
GuideGreat for Starlink and solar! Lots of spots for any size rig…road can be a little rocky! Only ones here on a Wednesday !
TravelerI needed a couple of days before Yellowstone. The sites are close but full service. Owners have a great bakery on site
GuideSmall number of sites, the pull thru can handle small rig, if big rig you'll have to disconnect and park vehicle side by side. My site #14 wS back in but could handle trailer and truck. Two individual toliet and shower combo. Clean but older. Plenty of room inside shower room. Bakery on site I'll check out in the morning.
TravelerIf I’m ever in the area again this is a spot I won’t hesitate to go to! Secluded with adequate spacing with other campers, great views of the mountains and stars, and super convenient off the highway
GuideThis was a great place to stay after a long roadtrip and in need of comfort. Got the small cabin. Had a bed and ac. Half the price compared to hotel. Had tent, rv, and cabin for spots. Pool during summer. Showers and nice clean amenities. Owners were extremely nice. Close to food, gas and easy interstate access. Definitely hit area attractions.
GuideThe people were very friendly and even gave me a free ice cream.
GuideSites arrangement are a bit confusing. There are upgraded sites that have power and water, and there are dry sites. They’re all sprinkled together. Big rig friendly, two separate toilet buildings, and I saw a dump station right outside the campground. No cell service. Overall nice campground.
ScoutThe campground is very beautiful extremely windy. Note that there is no electricity during the off-season
Camping spots near Dayton, Wyoming range from 1,200 feet to over 8,400 feet in elevation, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the season. Winter snowfall typically closes higher elevation campgrounds by mid-September, while sites below 5,000 feet remain accessible into October. Temperature variations between day and night can exceed 30 degrees even in summer months.
Fishing access points: Multiple fishing locations exist along Tongue River near Tongue Canyon Campground, providing year-round opportunities for anglers. The river maintains consistent flow even in late summer. "Great trails nearby, a little river to sit by in the morning/evening. We set up chairs on a small bridge and watched someone fish at sunset," noted one camper at Tongue Canyon.
Hiking through pine forests: The area features interconnected trail systems accessible from several campgrounds. Trails near Bighorn National Forest Sibley Lake Campground include both day-use and multi-day options. "You can walk to the small, damned lake and explore. We did nearby Black Mountain Lookout trail and it was amazing," reported a Sibley Lake visitor.
Wildlife observation: Early morning and dusk provide prime opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly near water sources. Bear activity requires proper food storage. "We had 4 moose come within about 20 feet of our camp," shared one camper at Prune Creek, adding "bring enough fuel you can go explore and watch moose, elk and deer!"
Riverside camping spots: Sites adjacent to water receive highest demand, particularly during summer weekends. At Tongue River Campground, campers appreciate the water proximity despite limited amenities. "Great BLM sites can accommodate even large RVs. A pit toilet, some sites have views of river. Very nice views and the river is enjoyable to listen to," reported one camper.
Higher elevation escapes: During summer heat, campgrounds above 7,000 feet offer significantly cooler temperatures, with Tie Flume Campground particularly noted for comfortable conditions. "Sites are very spaced out, so it is very private and quiet. Lots of wildlife and pine forest," commented a visitor at Tie Flume.
Historical sites: Several campgrounds provide access to regional historical points of interest. At Connor Battlefield State Historic Site, campers appreciate the combination of history and recreation. "This is a Wyoming state historical site commemorating the 1865 Battle of Tongue River between General Connor and Chief Black Bear of the Arapaho Village. There is both a campground and a day use area," explained one visitor.
Limited supplies and services: Few campgrounds offer on-site stores or services. "Come prepared with what you need for your entire stay. There is NO cell service within 18 miles of the campground. Additionally, there is no grocery store or even stocked service station within miles," advised a camper at Tie Flume.
Seasonal closures and amenities: Operating seasons vary significantly by elevation. "During season the camp host sells firewood. This is a beautiful campground with wonderful backdrop," noted a visitor. Higher campgrounds may close water systems by early September while staying open for primitive camping.
Road access challenges: Unpaved access roads can become difficult after precipitation. "The road is paved 90% of the way and the campsites are right next to the creek," reported a camper at Tongue River, though others noted rough conditions elsewhere: "Rough narrow roads and sites are small and right next to the road; only 1 site is riverside."
Kid-friendly fishing: Sibley Lake provides stocked fishing particularly suited for beginners and children. "Peaceful lake with easy access. Fun fishing for families," noted one visitor to Sibley Lake.
Playgrounds and amenities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated recreational facilities. The Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA includes "a pool and nice playground for the kids. Pet friendly," according to a recent visitor.
Wildlife viewing precautions: While wildlife encounters enhance the experience, proper distance and food storage remain essential. "Beware of moose that will charge you and trample you," warned one camper at Prune Creek, highlighting the importance of teaching children wildlife safety.
Electric access options: Limited electric hookups exist in the area. "Only place that has electric hook ups in the bighorns," noted a camper regarding Sibley Lake, making it a priority destination for those requiring power.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "It took a lot to get us leveled, but we did it. We are concerned about getting out of here; may have to back down the road a ways to get turned around. Our 5th-wheel is 28 feet long," reported an RVer at Tongue River Campground.
Water access points: RVers should plan water access carefully. "The hand pumps at the campground do not allow you to attach a hose. The water was wonderful though," explained a visitor at Tie Flume, suggesting filling tanks before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dayton, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dayton, WY offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Dayton, WY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dayton, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dayton, WY is Connor Battlefield State Historic Site with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dayton, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Dayton, WY.
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