Map showing campground location near Dayton, Wyoming

Camper submitted image from Tongue Canyon Campground

Tongue Canyon Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Trail runners, mountain bikers, and anglers have reason to seek out Tongue Canyon Campground, a free, dispersed-style area managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department within the Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat Management Area. A small river runs through the canyon, giving campers a place to sit streamside in the morning or watch someone cast at sunset. The access road is paved and in good shape, passing horse farms and river scenery on the way in, and the drive takes less than ten minutes from campgrounds around Dayton.

Sites are marked with small brown tent signs that can be hard to spot, though a map at the entrance shows their locations. Some sites include fire rings and picnic tables; others do not. Pit toilets are on-site. The campground draws a mix of trail users, particularly during events like the annual Bighorn Trail race, so summer weekends can bring more neighbors than expected on a typical visit.

"For free? Doesn't get better than this," noted one camper, pointing to the trails and the riverside setting as the main draws. The Tongue River Campground sits about 1.2 miles east for those who want a nearby alternative. Cell service is listed as available, and reservations can be made in advance. Pets are welcome. Campers who arrive early on a Friday in June have found spots even during busy weekends, making it a workable stop for those passing through on I-90.

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Map & DirectionsTongue Canyon Campground is located in Wyoming near Dayton

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.84717213338159 N
107.33009004799273 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

3 hrs 19 min from Billings, MT
4 hrs 17 min from Casper, WY
4 hrs 38 min from Bozeman, MT
5 hrs 13 min from Rapid City, SD

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Tongue Canyon Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the stunning natural setting with abundant trees and canyon views at this free dispersed camping area. Basic facilities like pit toilets and picnic tables are available, though amenities are minimal.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sid D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2024

Beautiful

For free? Doesn’t get better than this. 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.

Month of VisitJuly

Christine S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2024

Gem

This was a beautiful spot not far off I90. We pulled in on a Friday in June after 5pm and found a spot. 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. Each campsite is marked with a small brown tent sign that can be hard to spot but there is a map at the entrance of the campsite locations.

Month of VisitJune

Nancy C.

Legend

Reviewed May. 7, 2021

Remote on the river

The access road is in good shape. There are not a lot of sites. There is pit toilets, picnic tables and fore rings. But not muc else.. If you are in the area, I highly recommend the Tongue Canyon River trail. Really real l y good

Sitenot numbered

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Elizabeth R.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2020

Bucolic, gorgeous canyon roadside dispersed camping

Unless I missed something, this isn’t a campground but dispersed camping of about 7 spots plus a few extra little spaces to park and camp if you’re in a van before you hit the “no overnight camping beyond this point” sign.

This is a 5 star place for outdoor enthusiasts, mountain bikers, etc. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re in an rv or need anything fancy. It’s just a gorgeous little gem in nature and I was so lucky to find a spot on 4th of July weekend here headed east bound. Looking forward to my run on the trails after finishing my morning coffee watching the sunrise over this canyon!

Some of the spots have fire rings others don’t. Looks like there is a bathroom but in time of covid I’m avoiding those anyway.

Also as a female traveler felt pretty safe coming in here. The road in is gorgeous and bucolic with horse farms and the river. And the other folks camping seem to be here to be here - not to get into trouble.

(4) View All

vanessa G.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

so pretty

very nice place to spend the day...lots of trees

(13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tongue River Campground located and how do I access it?

Tongue River Campground is located in the scenic Tongue Canyon area not far from Interstate 90. The access road is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. The campground consists of approximately 7 dispersed camping spots, with a few additional spaces for parking and camping if you're in a van or smaller setup. There's a point beyond which overnight camping is prohibited, clearly marked with signage. This beautiful spot makes a convenient stopover for travelers on I-90 looking to experience the natural beauty of the Tongue Canyon area.

What facilities and amenities are available at Tongue River Campground?

Tongue River Campground offers basic amenities for a primitive camping experience. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at designated sites. Each campsite is marked with a small brown tent sign for easy identification. The campground is free to use, making it an excellent value for outdoor enthusiasts. There are no electrical hookups, water spigots, or dump stations available, so campers should come prepared with their own supplies. The campground's simplicity is part of its charm, offering a true connection to nature.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Tongue River Canyon?

Tongue River Canyon offers excellent recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Tongue Canyon River trail is highly recommended for hiking and exploration. Mountain biking is popular in the area with various trails accessible from the campground. The small river provides opportunities for fishing, particularly enjoyable at sunset, and serves as a peaceful spot to sit beside in the mornings and evenings. The canyon's natural beauty makes it perfect for photography, wildlife viewing, and simply enjoying the serene forest environment with its abundant trees and scenic vistas.

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