Dead Indian Campground

Open — The south loop remains open year-round for winter camping without services or fees. During the operating season, fees are $15 per night first-come, first-served. Payment by cash or check only.

About

Dead Indian Campground is a small Forest Service facility with 10 first-come, first-served campsites situated along the scenic Chief Joseph Scenic Highway in Shoshone National Forest. The campground serves as a gateway to the Absaroka Wilderness, with a trailhead located across Highway 296 that follows Dead Indian Creek through pristine meadows to the summit of Dead Indian Peak. Adjacent corrals at the trailhead accommodate horse and pack animal users. The campground features vault toilets, hand-pump drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes at each site. Food storage in bear-resistant containers is required due to grizzly bear activity in the area. Maximum spur length is 32 feet, and sites are accessible via steep switchbacks along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. The campground enforces a 16-day stay limit. During winter months, the south loop remains open without services or fees for cold-weather camping. The surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, scenic photography, and backcountry exploration in one of Wyoming's most remote national forests.

Directions

From Cody, travel north on State Highway 120 for 16 miles. Turn left west on Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (State Highway 296). Travel west about 16 miles to the campground. Be advised, steep switchbacks.

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