How much does camping cost at Dead Indian Campground?

Camping fees at Dead Indian Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Dead Indian Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dead Indian Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability for all 10 campsites. The campground is lightly used and quiet per user reviews.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dead Indian Campground before I book?

Yes! Dead Indian Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dead Indian Campground?

Dead Indian Campground is open May 22 - September 15.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dead Indian Campground?

Dead Indian Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dead Indian Campground?

Fire policies at Dead Indian Campground: Fires are allowed if there are no bans in place.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dead Indian Campground have?

Dead Indian Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Dead Indian Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Dead Indian Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Dead Indian Campground?

Dead Indian Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dead Indian Campground?

Popular activities at Dead Indian Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dead Indian Campground

4.27

26 reviews

State Highway 296, Wyoming

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Wyoming Hiking Camping Wyoming Fishing Camping Wyoming +1 more

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Dead Indian Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fee is $15 per night for single campsites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single sites occupied...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

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Provider

307-527-6921

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Plan a trip to Dead Indian Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquietclean

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"User reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic nature of Dead Indian Campground. Positive mentions include its tranquility, proximity to a creek, and suitability as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Yellowstone National Park."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

State Highway 296, Wyoming

Dead Indian Campground

State Highway 296, Wyoming

Nearby places

Cody, WY - 32 miles, approximately 45 minutes driving.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, fuel, and camping gear can be found in Cody, WY, approximately 32 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dead Indian Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and the campground's full range of activities. Daytime highs typically run 55 to 75°F, with nights dropping to 30 to 45°F at this elevation. Trails to Dead Indian Meadows and toward Dead Indian Peak are usually snow-free by mid-July, when wildflowers peak and fishing on Dead Indian Creek is excellent. Winter blankets the area in snow with temperatures well below freezing. Late spring offers clear skies and warming days. Wind can sweep through the canyon suddenly in summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season with reliable access and services (May 22–Sep 15); best conditions for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 - September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with services available May 22 through September 15. One loop remains open without services in the winter.

About Dead Indian Campground

Dead Indian Campground sits at 6,000 feet in Shoshone National Forest with 10 sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping. The small campground fills on summer weekends but sees moderate use overall. Sites cost $15 per night and can accommodate rigs up to 32 feet. Dead Indian Creek runs through the property, and a trailhead across State Highway 296 leads into the Absaroka Wilderness toward Dead Indian Meadows and Dead Indian Peak.

Dead Indian Campground offers primitive camping for tents and small RVs. It has 10 combined sites, with no RV pull-throughs or designated RV sites. Equestrian camping is available across the road at Trout Peak Trailhead.

Historical Significance

The campground sits along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which traces the 1877 flight of the Nez Perce people led by Chief Joseph as they crossed these mountains seeking freedom.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and the campground's full range of activities. Daytime highs typically run 55 to 75°F, with nights dropping to 30 to 45°F at this elevation. Trails to Dead Indian Meadows and toward Dead Indian Peak are usually snow-free by mid-July, when wildflowers peak and fishing on Dead Indian Creek is excellent. Winter blankets the area in snow with temperatures well below freezing. Late spring offers clear skies and warming days. Wind can sweep through the canyon suddenly in summer.

ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, Dead Indian Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air feels crisp and clean without leaving you gasping. This elevation brings refreshingly cool nights even in summer, perfect for campfire gatherings and deep sleep under star-filled skies. Visitors from lower elevations should take it easy their first day, allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinner air while soaking in the expansive mountain views.

Natural Features and SceneryDead Indian Creek cuts through the campground, providing the constant sound of moving water. Conifers and junipers mix with deciduous trees and wild roses, creating a forest canopy over grassy understory. The creek has carved through bedrock over time, and the surrounding coniferous forests extend up the slopes of ancient volcanic peaks. Dead Indian Meadows lie deeper in the wilderness, where wildflowers bloom across alpine terrain each summer. The campground itself has an open, park-like feel despite its remote location.

Geological RegionDead Indian Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the legendary Absaroka Wilderness, where ancient volcanic peaks rise above pristine valleys carved by glaciers and time. This is a landscape that tells Earth's story in stone and stream – from the rushing waters of Dead Indian Creek cutting through bedrock to the sprawling Dead Indian Meadows where wildflowers paint the alpine canvas each summer. The surrounding coniferous forests cloak mountains that have stood sentinel for millions of years, creating one of the most unspoiled wilderness areas in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Scenic ViewsSpectacular scenery, particularly along Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which traces the historical retreat of the Nez Perce Indians. The Sunlight Basin offers breathtaking vistas nearby.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground does not offer lodging accommodations such as hotels or cabin rentals.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No explicit check-in time stated.

Check-out

No explicit check-out time stated.

Stay Limit

16 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limits provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into two sections separated by Dead Indian Creek. Most sites are open with limited privacy, surrounded by trees and grassy understory. Spacing between sites is tight. Reviews note that site sizes can be difficult to navigate for larger campers, even though the maximum spur length is 32 feet.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability for all 10 campsites. The campground is lightly used and quiet per user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation rules are specified as reservations are not available.

AccessibilityThe site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.

Site SizeMaximum spur length of 32 feet.

PrivacyMost campsites are open and surrounded by a mix of trees and understory grass, providing limited privacy. Some sites are close to the creek.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to Dead Indian Creek for scenic views and proximity to water features.

Best CampsitesSites next to Dead Indian Creek are particularly beautiful, according to reviews. Some campsites are close enough to the creek to hear it clearly.

Amenities available

Dead Indian Campground offers 10 campsites, potable water, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Restrooms are available at the site, and bear-proof food storage boxes are provided. Fire rings are available at each site. The campground is situated near Dead Indian Creek and surrounded by a mix of conifer and deciduous trees. Adjacent corrals and facilities for horse/pack animals are also available across State Highway 296.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Dead Indian Campground can enjoy hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, and scenic vistas. The Trout Peak Trail #485, accessible from the trailhead across the highway, offers day hikes and extends deeper into the Absaroka Wilderness.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is grizzly bear country, and campers must follow strict food storage practices using bear-proof lockers. Steep switchbacks on access roads may pose hazards for vehicles.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at each site and mandatory for food storage given the presence of grizzly bears.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed if there are no bans in place.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Cody, WY, approximately 32 miles away. This includes hospitals, police stations, and general emergency facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are not available after September 13th. Campers are encouraged to pack out their trash during the off-season.

Water FeaturesDead Indian Creek runs through the campground and is audible from most sites. No swimming, boating, or fishing amenities provided onsite.

Camp HostOne of the 10 sites may be occupied by a host. No further details about host services provided.

Weather at Dead Indian Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

26 reviews

Satisfactory

Dead Indian Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic nature of Dead Indian Campground. Positive mentions include its tranquility, proximity to a creek, and suitability as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Yellowstone National Park.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and the presence of a small stream running through the site. Vault toilets are noted for their cleanliness.

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water during certain times, small campsite sizes, and the absence of trash services after mid-September. Mosquitoes in summer and the need for regular...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water during the off-season and being prepared to pack out all trash. Firewood should be brought along if desired, and mosquito repellents are advised in summer.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter and less crowded in the off-season, such as September and October. However, services such as trash collection and water are unavailable during this time. Summer months may...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spectacular scenery and a great little campground." - Mark McIntyre. "Very, berry quiet and great base camp for exploring the area." - Lydia Long. "Not busy in September *Note: no trash services...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The sites closest to Dead Indian Creek are highly appreciated for their proximity to the water and scenic views. However, some campers found the sites too close together.

Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer noted that the campground is 'handicapped friendly,' but the official description states that the site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.

Based on 26 reviews