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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 Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds; e-mail: [email protected] 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. 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. ADA Access: N
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.
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 fee at the campground.
Firewood bundles may be purchased from the campground host.
I have spent at least one evening per week this summer fishing the north tongue south of highway 14a. It is beautiful and the fishing was good more often than not. Given I fished during the week, it was not crowded at all. Avoided a couple of moose.
First time in years I have fished the north fork west of bear lodge over summer and fall. Beautiful and extensive fishery. Very nice trout caught and seen. Can be busy.
