Dispersed camping options around Dayton, Wyoming offer tent and RV sites at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July and August being prime months when daytime temperatures average 70-85°F. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though facilities are limited and road access can be challenging after snowfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 3.5 miles up Tongue River Canyon offers stream fishing where the water runs clear and fast. "[The] Tongue Canyon River trail is really good," notes Nancy C., who stayed at Tongue Canyon Campground. For lake fishing, head to Sibley Lake where "fun fishing for families" is available on what one camper calls a "glass lake" with "easy access."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife including moose, deer, and various bird species. At Prune Creek, campers report close encounters: "We had 4 moose come within about 20' feet of our camp," shares Bradley & Carin J. Be cautious as "a moose killed a dog recently," according to another camper.
Hiking trails: Black Mountain Lookout trail near Sibley Lake offers spectacular views and moderate difficulty hiking. "We did nearby Black Mountain Lookout trail and it was amazing," writes Veronica S. For a shorter hike, try the Tie Flume trail which is "just a quarter mile down the road" from Tie Flume Campground according to Art S.
What campers like
Natural water features: The sound of flowing water enhances many campsites in the area. Elizabeth R. describes Tongue Canyon as having "gorgeous little gem in nature" qualities with riverside camping. At Tie Flume, Todd S. recommends "sites 23 and 24 were right on the waters edge" where you can enjoy "a bubbling mountain stream."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution at higher elevation campgrounds provides excellent stargazing opportunities. The open areas near Connor Battlefield State Historic Site offer good viewing spots where you can "wake up to the white tail deer in the field in the morning. Osprey flying over the river in the evening," according to Shannon W.
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds fill on weekends but remain relatively quiet midweek. "We were the only folks in the campground April 30th," notes one Connor Battlefield visitor. For those seeking solitude, arrive Monday through Thursday when campgrounds typically operate at 30-40% capacity except during holiday periods.
What you should know
Late arrivals may struggle to find sites: During summer weekends, arrive before 5pm to secure spots at popular campgrounds. Lynsey M. found Connor Battlefield had "plenty of spots at 1030pm" but this is uncommon during peak season. Have backup options ready, particularly for free dispersed sites.
Limited services in small towns: Dayton and surrounding communities have minimal services for campers. Nancy C. warns about Lazy R Campground: "On Wed and Thurs there was no restaurant open. There is no grocery either. There is a smokey bar and a convenience store and a drive thru coffee shop."
Bear safety is essential: Many campgrounds provide bear boxes, but not all sites have individual storage. "They installed one bear box for all on our loop to share. We just kept everything in the car," reports Veronica S. about Sibley Lake. Camp hosts often provide current wildlife alerts upon arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA offers family-friendly facilities including "a basketball court, horseshoe pits, mini golf, swimming pool, and some fun looking tricycles!" Additionally, they have "4 toilet stalls and 4 shower stalls" that are "very modern and clean."
Riverside camping with kids: Several campgrounds offer safe water access for supervised play. Halie N. recommends Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat Management Area: "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."
Entertainment beyond devices: With limited cell service, bring alternative activities. The squirrels at Sibley Lake are "endlessly entertaining" according to Veronica S. who observed "a robin and squirrel playing" near her campsite. Several campgrounds have interpretive signs about local wildlife and history that can engage children.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: For RVers requiring electricity, options are limited but available. Jayme M. notes that Sibley Lake is the "only place that has electric hook ups in the bighorns" with 15 sites offering power. For full hookups, Foothills Campground provides "a pull through spot with full hook up available for $34 for the night."
Road conditions to remote sites: While many forest roads are well-maintained, RVers should research current conditions. Melody M. shares about Tongue River: "It is on about 3-1/2 miles of dirt road, but the road is in pretty good shape. 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."
Size restrictions at primitive sites: Large RVs have limited options at forest service campgrounds. Miki E. warns that Amsden Creek has "very limited" camping space with "very minimal" pull-offs, adding they "had to drive all the way to end of road for a turn around. Left and went to Walmart in Sheridan."
