Tie Flume
4.3366 reviewsFOREST ROAD 234, DAYTON, WY, 82836, USA
Tie Flume
$20.50 - $20.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.50
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard non-electric sites are $20.50 per night during peak season. Two non-towed vehicles allowed per site; the first vehicle is included in the fee, while the second vehicle incurs a $9/day fee. Firewood bundles available for purchase.
About this campground
Perched at 8,400 feet in the heart of the Bighorn Mountains, Tie Flume Campground invites adventurers to discover a landscape where history meets wilderness. Here, beneath towering lodgepole pines, campers can explore winding hiking trails, cast lines into pristine mountain streams, and trace the footsteps of early loggers who once floated railroad ties down ingenious flume systems. The weathered remains of these historic splash dams and tie flumes still whisper stories of the Old West, while modern off-road trails beckon those seeking rugged mountain adventures.
Tie Flume Campground primarily accommodates tent and RV camping, with no specific group sites or cabin lodging options within the campground.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Tie Flume, where the ghosts of Wyoming's logging era linger among the pines. This mountainside once echoed with the crash of falling timber as loggers harvested trees for the expanding railroads. The ingenious tie flumes and splash dams they built to transport logs down the mountain still stand as monuments to frontier engineering. Just a scenic drive away, the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite offers an even deeper journey through time, where perfectly preserved footprints from the Middle Jurassic Period reveal that giants once roamed these ancient lands.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Tie Flume into an alpine paradise from June through September, when crystal-clear skies frame warm days perfect for exploration. Even in peak season, the high elevation ensures refreshingly cool nights that invite cozy campfires and stargazing. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the mountainsides before winter's arrival brings deep snows and frigid temperatures that blanket this high-country retreat in peaceful solitude.
ElevationAt 8,400 feet above sea level, Tie Flume occupies that sweet spot where the air is crisp enough to invigorate your senses but not so thin as to leave you breathless. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system during summer months, offering refuge from the heat of the plains below. When winter arrives, the high altitude transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, accessible only to the most intrepid cold-weather enthusiasts.
Natural Features and SceneryThe South Tongue River winds through this mountain sanctuary like a silver ribbon, its crystal waters nurturing a thriving ecosystem where moose browse in willow thickets and eagles soar overhead. Towering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral, their straight trunks reaching skyward while filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Beyond the treeline, craggy peaks pierce the sky, offering dramatic vistas that reward hikers with panoramic views of Wyoming's untamed wilderness.
Geological RegionTie Flume rests within the magnificent Bighorn Mountains, where ancient granite peaks thrust more than 13,000 feet into the Wyoming sky. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's history written in stone, from weathered granite spires to sedimentary layers that tell tales of prehistoric seas. The campground's location near the South Tongue River places visitors at the intersection of dramatic mountain geology and the gentle erosive forces that have carved intimate valleys through the lodgepole pine forests, creating a landscape that feels both grand and intimately accessible.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, along with wheelchair-accessible picnic areas and fishing docks nearby at Sibley Lake.
Sites SizeThe campground offers spacious sites with some allowing extra vehicles. User reviews note 'spacious' and 'relatively level' campsites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, but user reviews frequently mention 'remote' and 'private' sites, with room between units.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose riverside sites for best scenery. Avoid sites near roads (e.g., 5-6) due to vehicle noise and dust.
Best CampsitesSites near the Tongue River are often praised for their views, such as sites 10 and 24. Site 22 also noted as optimal in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in rules not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out rules not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-family sites equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills. Sites generally spaced for privacy, though reviews mention overcrowding in peak season.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 6, 2025, to September 15, 2025 (reservable dates begin June 23, 2025).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through www.recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned. Likely limited in peak season due to high demand.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 processing fee. Late cancellations (after midnight 1 day before check-in) also forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Tie Flume Campground include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, off-road vehicle trails, and historical exploration. Canoeing is an option at nearby Sibley Lake. The area also provides access to the Cloud Peak Wilderness and historic features such as remnants of tie flumes and splash dams.
Hiking
Diverse hiking options include loop trails, creekside treks, and mountain peak trails. Some trails lead to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Reviews mention 'Great hiking and fishing in the area' but also note difficulties finding marked trails.Fishing
Fishing is available in the South Tongue River and nearby Sibley Lake. Anglers target rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Some reviews highlight 'fantastic' fishing experiences.Biking
Scenic jeep roads offer biking opportunities.Boating
Non-motorized boating such as canoeing is available at Sibley Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as moose and deer are frequently seen. Reviews highlight moose sightings near the creek and meadow areas.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby attractions such as Shell Falls Visitor Center provide educational displays on flora, fauna, and area history.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned but may include snowshoeing or cross-country skiing due to the area's elevation and potential for snow.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and paddleboarding are available at nearby Sibley Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings provided. Guests advised to burn locally purchased firewood to prevent spread of tree diseases.
- Quiet hours are Reported as 10 PM - 6 AM in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife presence includes bears; campers advised to follow food safety guidelines. Dust and noise from ATV traffic affect campsite experience. Some reviews noted unclean facilities.
Active alertsNone specified.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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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
Emergency services are not explicitly listed. Shell Falls Visitor Center (18 miles away) may have basic information services, but nearest hospitals or police stations are unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6, 2025 - September 15, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided at the campground, but user reviews criticize inadequate upkeep of garbage bins during peak times.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along South Tongue River with creek access. Nearby Sibley Lake offers fishing and canoeing.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include ATV noise, overcrowding, subpar cleanliness of bathrooms, and host enforcement of rules. 'Bathrooms were atrocious,' and 'The campground itself is good, but dust and noise from off-road vehicles ruin the experience,' per users.
HostMixed reviews of campground hosts, ranging from 'helpful and friendly' to 'rude and intrusive.' Specific praise for host Leanne, who assisted guests during car trouble.
Campground Map
FOREST ROAD 234, DAYTON, WY, 82836, USA
Driving directionsFrom Dayton, Wyoming: Travel 26.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 14 to Burgess Junction. Take a left and continue 5 miles south on U.S. Highway 14, then turn east (right) onto Forest Road 26. Travel about 2 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16, where the campground is located.
The access road includes a 3-mile dirt washboard road, which was described by users as challenging for some vehicles. 'Access off the highway is very easy to get campers in and out.' However, other reviews noted difficulty due to road conditions.Nearby places
Dayton (approx. 26.5 miles), Burgess Junction (approx. 5 miles), Shell Falls Visitor Center (approx. 18 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
Bear Lodge and Elk View Inn offer dining options, guided horseback riding, off-road vehicle rentals, fishing supplies, and general stores. Firewood bundles available for purchase from campground host.
Camper Reviews
4.3
66 reviews
Tie Flume is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Tie Flume Campground are highly polarized; some reviewers praised the area's beauty, wildlife, clean facilities, and helpful hosts, while others raised concerns about noise, lack of cleanliness in bathrooms, and excessive ATV activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is described as 'beautiful,' 'clean,' and 'peaceful' by multiple reviewers. Wildlife sightings, including moose and deer, are frequent highlights. Hosts were often praised for being...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Major complaints include ATV noise and dust, poorly maintained bathrooms, and campground crowding during peak times. Some reviewers expressed frustration with hosts' behavior and the lack of...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend choosing sites away from roads to avoid dust and noise from ATVs. Bringing extra supplies, such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer, is advised due to inconsistent maintenance.
Based on 66 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months see high traffic and activity, with complaints about noise and crowding. Winter reviews are sparse but suggest the potential for solitude and snow-based activities.
Based on 66 reviewsCamper Quotes
Direct quotes include: 'Bathrooms were clean and well-maintained,' 'Sites were nice, but noisy due to ATV traffic,' 'The moose sightings never disappoint,' and 'Hosts do a great job keeping...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites like 024 in Loop B received negative reviews due to crowding and overgrowth, while others, such as 010 in Loop A, were praised for their spaciousness and scenic views.
Based on 66 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets and picnic areas are accessible, but no specific mentions of experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 66 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, with one review stating, 'Bathrooms were super clean, pet friendly. We loved it there and will definitely be back!'
Based on 66 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025