Pine Island Group Area
4.386 reviewsUS Highway 14
Pine Island Group Area
$65.00 - $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$160.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Rate: $65 for 1-35 people, $85 for 36-60 people, $105 for 61-120 people, $135 for 121-150 people (150 is maximum). Peak season rates are $90 for 1-35 people, $110 for 36-60 people, $130 for 61-120 people, $160 for 121-150 people. Additional fees apply for exceeding listed group sizes.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the South Fork Tongue River, Pine Island Group Area offers an exceptional mountain retreat where up to 150 friends and family members can gather beneath towering peaks. This spacious group campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a sturdy three-sided picnic shelter featuring 30-amp electric hookups, ample picnic tables for communal dining, and a central campfire circle that beckons for evening storytelling. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, including accessible vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash collection. Wildlife frequently wanders through this scenic haven, making every stay a memorable encounter with nature.
Pine Island Group Area is exclusively designed for group camping. It features a single group site for either overnight stays or day-use picnicking.
Historical SignificanceJust a scenic drive away, the mystical Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark awaits discovery—an ancient stone geoglyph that has marked the passage of seasons for countless generations. This sacred site offers profound connections to the natural cycles that govern these mountains. Meanwhile, the Shell Falls Visitor Center provides fascinating insights into the region's geology and ecology through engaging interpretive trails and educational displays that bring the landscape's story to life.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Pine Island into a mountain paradise, with gentle breezes rustling through the pines and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. While winter brings a magical dusting of snow and crisp temperatures that can dip to 10.5°F, the warmer months offer ideal conditions for camping, with daytime highs reaching a pleasant 26.4°F at elevation. The typically dry climate means more sunny days for hiking and exploring, though mountain weather can change quickly, adding to the adventure.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,400 feet above sea level, Pine Island Group Area offers a true high-country experience. This lofty elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mountain air, spectacular panoramic views, and the kind of crisp, clear nights perfect for stargazing around the campfire.
Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork Tongue River serves as your constant companion, its crystal-clear waters dancing over ancient stones while providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Towering lodgepole pines, stately Engelmann spruce, and aromatic Douglas fir create a living cathedral overhead, their branches home to diverse wildlife that make these forests their sanctuary. Dramatic granite peaks pierce the sky in every direction, their craggy faces catching the alpenglow at sunset.
Geological RegionThe magnificent Bighorn Mountains cradle Pine Island in their ancient embrace, where jagged granite peaks soar beyond 13,000 feet into Wyoming's endless sky. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's history, from the weathered granite faces to the dense forests of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and Douglas fir that blanket the mountainsides. Each vista tells a story of tectonic forces, glacial carving, and the patient work of wind and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets and picnic shelters are noted as accessible, with the campground offering features such as serving tables and accessible vault toilets. No explicit mention of ADA compliance standards is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate up to 150 people, with space for several campers and endless tent spaces, as noted by one reviewer.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is enhanced by the exclusive use of the group facilities, as one reviewer stated: "Private party use of facilities is awesome. It is nice to only have to deal with those with whom we are camping."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest bringing extra supplies such as garbage bags and toilet paper due to occasional lack of maintenance. Site 001 is noted for privacy, wildlife sightings, and proximity to facilities.
Best CampsitesReviews frequently highlight site 001 in the Pine Island loop as a standout for group activities.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group sites accommodate up to 150 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 150 people and is equipped with a three-sided picnic shelter featuring 30-amp electric plugs, picnic tables, serving tables, a campfire circle, and grill facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne group site with a three-sided shelter and surrounding picnic and serving tables. Vault toilets and other facilities are centralized.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 5, 2025, through September 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up availability or first-come-first-served sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before scheduled arrival. Refunds are issued minus a $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival for group sites) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Pine Island Group Area are diverse and cater to group and individual preferences. Authoritative content highlights off-road vehicle trails, scenic jeep roads, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. One reviewer appreciated the wildlife: "Nice to see wildlife: a bear, cow and bull moose, etc." Nearby Sibley Lake provides fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
Hiking
Diverse hiking options are available, ranging from loop trails to treks along creeks and over mountain peaks, many of which access the Cloud Peak Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with Sibley Lake offering an accessible dock and opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout.Biking
Biking opportunities exist along scenic jeep roads and trails in the surrounding area, but no specific details about trail difficulty or length are provided.Boating
Boating is restricted to non-motorized craft at nearby Sibley Lake, offering tranquil experiences for paddling enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
The campground’s natural setting in the Bighorn Mountains provides rich opportunities to observe wildlife such as bears and moose, as noted by reviewers.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Shell Falls Visitor Center offers interpretive trails, scenic views, and educational displays about the area's natural features and history.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized watercraft activities such as canoeing and paddling are available at nearby Sibley Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms. Fire rings and grills are available.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards mentioned, though reviews recommend precautions for wildlife such as bears.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
No specific emergency services are mentioned in the provided information.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 5, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but reviews indicate that trash bags may not always be provided: "The camp tender did not supply the bag for that trash can." Another user noted: "We emptied it every night to avoid any bears coming into the area."
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the South Fork Tongue River. Nearby Sibley Lake offers fishing and boating opportunities for non-motorized craft.
Common complaintsSome reviews highlight lack of timely trash and toilet maintenance, requiring guests to provide their own supplies like garbage bags and toilet paper.
HostThe campground host is noted for periodic maintenance such as trash collection and bathroom cleaning during peak stays.
Campground Map
US Highway 14
Driving directionsLocated 27 miles west of Dayton, Wyoming, on U.S. Highway 14.
The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 14, a major scenic byway. There is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain along the route.Nearby places
Dayton (27 miles, approximate travel time unknown)
Nearby supplies
Arrowhead Lodge, Bear Lodge, and Elk View Inn offer off-road vehicle rentals, fishing supplies, dining options, and general stores nearby.
Camper Reviews
4.4
6 reviews
Pine Island Group Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the site’s cleanliness, spacious facilities, and scenic surroundings. However, users noted occasional issues with supply management, such as trash bags and toilet paper.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews frequently praise the cleanliness of the site: "Bathrooms are in good location and very clean." Another reviewer stated: "Room for several campers, endless tent spaces." The covered shelter...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include insufficient trash bags and toilet paper supplies: "The camp tender did not supply the bag for that trash can." Another review noted: "No one came this time. My aunt ended...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra trash bags and toilet paper to ensure comfort, as some users reported shortages. Empty trash cans regularly to prevent wildlife disturbances.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Most reviewers visited during the summer months, benefiting from clear skies and moderate temperatures. Seasonal weather data suggests winter may have snow, affecting usability.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We had a great weekend. Great location, very clean, good price." "Private party use of facilities is awesome. Nice to see wildlife: a bear, cow and bull moose, etc." "I will absolutely return to...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 in Loop Pine Island was frequently noted in reviews for its spaciousness and scenic location.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets and picnic shelters were described as accessible, but no specific feedback from users with disabilities was provided.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, but no detailed reviews about pet-friendly features were provided.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025