Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bighorn National Forest

Driving through Bighorn National Forest we found TONS of free dispersed camping off route 20.

Sites are primitive… No running water, no electric, no restrooms. Sites consist of previously used dispersed site containing clearing and fire pits. There are camping spots for tents and RVs from large to small. If the first spot doesn’t suit you just keep traveling down route 20 to the next.

Far apart and lots of privacy.

We camped along a stream in a 32 foot RV. We were visited by a mother and baby moose.

If you are seeking privacy, this is your place.

No facilities, stores or cell service. You must be prepared and self sufficient.

Bighorn National Forest is one of my all time favorites to visit in the country. Dare I say that I enjoy it more than Yellowstone? I like it better than Yellowstone, but I do prefer National Forests over National Parks. We stay one night before heading through Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Jackson Hole. This is a very good campsite for the inexperienced and experienced. We had one of the tent sites and it was lovely to wake up next to the creek. There is also great history in the area like a tornado that ripped through the area. Find the plaque that explains more about that wild phenomenon when heading towards Cody. This is a great place to stay one night or fourteen.

We were referred to this campground by some friends who had stayed here previously. We were on our way to Yellowstone during a 10 day road trip through South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado and they insisted we stop and camp here at least one night and I’m so glad we did! This was my first time ever camping in the mountains and I got spoiled! Island Park is small and quiet with only 10 sites. It is near a river with crystal clear water and the most beautiful backdrop. Our friends had stayed here a year or two before we did (we were here in 2017) and mentioned there were moose in the campground. Sure enough, we had not even got our tent sat up and there they were! The Bighorn National Forest is on my list of places to return and if we do, we’ll camp at Island Park again for sure!! I am not a photographer...these pictures were taken with my iPhone and they still don’t do justice.

Honestly, this campground is pretty awesome. I love Wyoming and all the great campgrounds and outdoor activities they have, but this campground is definitely one of my favorites. 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. You can hike, fish, hang around your campfire, and they also have a few historical sites located nearby. When I stayed here, I did a lot of hiking and fishing. I did most of my fishing along the South Tongue River which is within walking distance from the campground. The campground itself is pretty clean and well kept. I'm not sure if they offer big sites for RVs, but we stayed in a single family site which came with a camp fire ring and a picnic table. My family and I really enjoyed making a big campfire and making smores! We also cooked some fish one night that I caught in the river. I hiked Lily Lake Trail which is part of the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Really enjoyed this hike, great scenery and awesome views during the hike and at the top. I would definitely recommend hiking at least one of the days of your stay. Great location, great campground, and great atmosphere!