The drive into Tie Flume requires navigating several miles of dirt roads that climb into the Bighorn Mountains, setting expectations for a more remote camping experience. At 8,400 feet elevation, this Forest Service campground sits alongside the South Tongue River with 27 sites spread across graded gravel pads among pine forest.
Todd S. recommends securing "a spot near the bubbling mountain stream," particularly sites 23 and 24 which sit directly on the water's edge. The sound of flowing water provides a constant backdrop, while elk frequently graze in the adjacent mountain meadow during evening hours. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, with vault toilets maintained throughout the season and drinking water available from hand pumps.
Fishing along the South Tongue River draws many visitors, with the water accessible within walking distance of all sites. The Tie Flume Trail begins just across from the campground, leading into the Cloud Peak Wilderness area. ATV trails branch out from the main forest road, though some campers note the noise from passing off-road traffic during busy periods.
The campground operates from early June through late September, with reservations available through Recreation.gov. No hookups are provided, making this suitable for tent camping and self-contained RVs up to 80 feet. Cell service remains unavailable within 18 miles of the campground, requiring campers to arrive fully stocked with supplies. The camp host sells firewood on-site using an honor system. David B. notes the facility stays "very clean and well maintained" even late in the season.
The elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months, while the forested setting limits solar power potential for those depending on renewable energy sources.
Description
Overview
Tie Flume Campground is located just off the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14) near the Burgess Overlook and Woodrock areas at an elevation of 8,400 feet. The Bighorn National Forest, where the campground is located, offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving and a number of historic sites. The administering organization is Rustic Freedom / Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: support@rusticfreedom.com
Recreation
Off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, hiking, fishing and canoeing are available in the surrounding area. Diverse hikes vary from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks; many trails access the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Nearby Sibley Lake is open to non-motorized craft and offers an accessible fishing dock on the shoreline. Anglers fish for rainbow, brown and brook trout.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family sites each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of the South Tongue River in the Bighorn Mountains, where craggy granite peaks rise over 13,000 feet above sea level. A forest of lodgepole pine covers the area, creating excellent wildlife habitat.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (307) 431-7446.
Nearby Attractions
Decades ago, many trees in the Tie Flume area were cut for railroad ties. Remnants of the old splash dams and tie flumes are found on the river around the campground. Shell Falls Visitor Center, at the overlook of Shell Falls, is about 18 miles southwest. This center offers interpretive trails, scenic views, and educational displays about natural features such as flora and fauna and area history. Bear Lodge, Elk View Inn and other nearby lodges provide guided horseback riding and fishing adventures, off-road vehicle rentals and fishing supplies, as well as dining options, showers and general stores. The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, near the town of Shell, is the largest of its kind in the state and one of only a few in the world from the Middle Jurassic Period. The tracks found here are approximately 167 million years old.
Charges & Cancellations
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This cancellation processing fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fee Info
Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site. The first vehicle is included in the basic fee; the second vehicle will be charged an extra $9.00/day fee at the campground. Firewood bundles may be purchased from the campground host.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBighorn National Forest Tie Flume Campground is located in Wyoming near Wolf
Directions
From Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 26.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 14 to Burgess Junction. Take a left and continue 5 miles south on U.S. Highway 14, then turn east (right) onto Forest Road 26. Travel about 2 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16, where the campground is located.
Address
Forest Road 234
Dayton, WY 82836
Coordinates
44.7152778 N
107.4613889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 53 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 51 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 10 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 47 min from Rapid City, SD
