The rough access road to North Tongue winds through forested terrain before opening to a compact campground where Little Willow Creek flows nearby. This Forest Service facility operates from early June through mid-September, accommodating RVs up to 100 feet across fewer than 15 sites that sit relatively close together.
Campers consistently mention the abundant wildlife and creek access that compensate for the tight site spacing. Two water pumps provide cold drinking water, while vault toilets receive regular maintenance from attentive hosts who also sell firewood through a drop box system. The nearby Bear Lodge Resort offers shower facilities for $2, less than a mile south of the campground.
The Burgess Picnic Area sits within walking distance, featuring waterfalls downstream along the creek. Highway 14 Alternate provides the primary access route, though campers report steep grades that require caution during snowy conditions. Cindy B. calls it the "Best Campground on the north side of the mountain." Cell service reaches some sites, with Starlink reception reported at site 12.
Day traffic on a nearby service road creates occasional noise, though the campground maintains a generally quiet atmosphere. The Tongue River lies within easy walking or driving distance for fishing access.
Description
Overview
North Tongue Campground is located just off the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14) near the Burgess Junction 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 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 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 North Fork Tongue River and Big Willow Creek 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. Englemann spruce and Douglas fir dot the landscape.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (307) 431-7446.
Nearby Attractions
Shell Falls Visitor Center, at the overlook of Shell Falls, is about 22 miles southwest. This center offers interpretive trails, scenic views, and educational displays about natural features such as flora and fauna and area history. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is 25 miles from the campground. This unique geoglyph signifies all creation, and according to tribal beliefs, the circular shape of the wheel represents the earth, sun, moon, cycles of life, seasons and day to night. Bear Lodge and Elk View Inn are nearby, offering off-road vehicle rentals and fishing supplies, as well as dining options and general stores.
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 & DirectionsNorth Tongue is located in Wyoming near Wolf
Directions
From Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 29 miles west on U.S. Highway 14. At Burgess Junction, turn right on Burgess Overlook Road (Forest Road 15), where U.S. Highway 14A begins. Continue 1.5 miles to the campground.
Address
Forest Road 158
Dayton, WY 82836
Coordinates
44.7805556 N
107.5330556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 50 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 15 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 15 min from Rapid City, SD
