Verified
Established Camping
Dead Swede
Dead Swede, near Dayton, Wyoming, is a picturesque campground tucked away in the Bighorn National Forest, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. With its stunning backdrop of rocks and pines, it’s a prime location for camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The campground offers a serene atmosphere, with sites right by a stream, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. Visitors have raved about the tranquility, with one camper noting, “Beautiful, quiet campground situated near a stream with willows.” You can expect to see moose wandering nearby, adding to the charm of your stay.
Amenities include picnic tables and drinking water, but keep in mind there are no electric hookups or showers. Campers appreciate the well-kept grounds and the opportunity to enjoy campfires under the stars. As one reviewer put it, “It’s worth the 5-mile trip in,” highlighting the rewarding journey to this hidden gem.
For those looking to explore, the surrounding Bighorn Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. Whether you’re casting a line in the nearby river or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Dead Swede is a fantastic choice for a memorable camping experience.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Bighorn National Forest
Overview
Dead Swede 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 offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving and a number of historic sites. The administering organization is Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: gccampgrounds13@gmail.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.
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 pines covers the area, creating great wildlife habitat.
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 nearby river. Shell Falls Visitor Center, at the overlook of Shell Falls, is about 21 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.
Location
Dead Swede is located in Wyoming
Directions
From Dayton, Wyoming, travel 26.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 14 to Burgess Junction. Continue 5 miles south on U.S. Highway 14, then turn east onto Forest Road 26 and travel about 5 miles east to the campground.
Address
FOREST ROAD 235
Dayton, WY 82836
Coordinates
44.6891667 N
107.4466667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 33 min from Billings
- 3 hrs 3 min from Casper
- 4 hrs 14 min from Bozeman
- 4 hrs 28 min from Rapid City
