Dead Swede Campground

If you’re looking for a great get away spot in The Bighorns, but aren’t wanting dispersed camping, you should check this place out. Right along the Tongue River, it is absolutely gorgeous. Quiet, great campground hosts, clean vault toilets, scenic, and did I say quiet? Be sure to top off your fresh water tank prior to arrival (nearby dump station at Burgess Junction has clean good tasting water). Firewood sold by hosts is very good material. While we were there, there was a mother moose and twin calves. She’s aggressive!! Level, shaded sites with easy access. The road in is a bit choppy, so take it easy and you’ll be fine. Zero cell service, so let your family know that ahead of time or else they’ll be worried like mine after not hearing from you!!

The Bighorns have sites for almost every type of camper. They have RV sites with full hookups, RV/tent sites with access to water but no hookups, and dispersed sites with neither. Check in and fee payment is self service at each campground, and dispersed camping is free. They honor the National Parks Senior Discount and offer 50% off the daily rate (the regular rate is $15). At some of the lodges, which are privately run, they have resort style hookups with access to sauna, swimming pool and restaurants.

We stayed at the frighteningly named Dead Swede campground. No one seems to know the origins of the name but after a couple of beers we could come up with a heckuva story. Site 14 was awesome, but really none of the sites are hurting for beautiful views. We chose 14 because of its proximity to the (pit style) toilets and because it was right next to the South Tongue River. Sites are well spaced out for maximum privacy, and in early June when we went, we practically had the place to ourselves. The campground is a few miles from the road and is very quiet at night, except for the soothing sound of the river. Wildlife abounds and we saw some a moose cow and yearling, a fox den with male, female and 5 kits!, several deer, several mouse, and many animal tracks.

Know before you go:

- the nearest grocery store and normal priced gasoline is at least 50 miles in either direction (Sheridan/Dayton to the East and Greybull to the West)
- night time temperatures are chilly even in the summer, in the low 40's on our stay, and it has been known to snow throughout the summer - take warm clothes!
- there is ZERO cell phone or internet reception so prepare to fully unwind!
- the road in can be pitted and washboardy so go slowly