Chernaya River Valley Battlefield
An inexpensive, first-come, first-served campground in a scenic valley, offering dry camping with river views and mountain backdrops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, river flow
Chernaya River Valley Battlefield
Best Time
Pleasant weather, river flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An inexpensive, first-come, first-served campground in a scenic valley, offering dry camping with river views and mountain backdrops.
"Wonderful overnight spot with great views, perfect for a budget-friendly stop."
🎯 Bring Cash & Pen
Payment is cash-only (or possibly checks). No registration pen provided, so come prepared!
📏 Check Site Lengths
Many sites are short. Ensure your RV or trailer will fit before selecting a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tongue River Campground
Crook of the river
Scenic, inexpensive dry camping with river views and mountain backdrops. Sites 1 & 2 are top picks.
Historical Monument
Camping side of the park
A monument commemorates the battlefield, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Town Access via Bridge
End of the park
A suspension walking bridge provides easy access to the local town's amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Campground Essentials
Location & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash & Pen
Payment is cash-only (or possibly checks). No registration pen provided, so come prepared!
📏 Check Site Lengths
Many sites are short. Ensure your RV or trailer will fit before selecting a spot.
💧 Water Spigots Available
Two water spigots are available for refilling tanks, though hookups are non-existent.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
While grassy areas exist, many dogs are off-leash. Keep your pets secure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash & Pen
Payment is cash-only (or possibly checks). No registration pen provided, so come prepared!
📏 Check Site Lengths
Many sites are short. Ensure your RV or trailer will fit before selecting a spot.
💧 Water Spigots Available
Two water spigots are available for refilling tanks, though hookups are non-existent.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
While grassy areas exist, many dogs are off-leash. Keep your pets secure.
🏞️ Best Sites: 1 & 2
These sites offer the best views of the field and mountains.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Chernaya River Valley Battlefield campground for its scenic location along the Tongue River, offering beautiful views of the valley and mountains at an inexpensive price. It's a quiet, clean spot for an overnight stay, with a playground for kids and easy town access via a suspension bridge. However, the dry camping nature, limited amenities, and potential for off-leash dogs are noted drawbacks.
"Wonderful overnight Spot. Sweet, small, town/state, inexpensive, FCFS campground in crook of river. View of field and deer WITH SNOW CAPPED MNT in background. Pit toilets no power or dump. Water available in summer. Sites 1, 2 are the best. Many sites are short. Wonderful overnight, easy access to Big Horn Mountains. Not much in the town."
Lisa K.
"A beautiful, well maintained state historical park. Not really any historical items available in the park other than a monument on the camping side of the park.
The campground is a first come first serve. For non-residents, the charge is $20.34/nite.
There are 2 spigots available for water in the campground. One is by the pit toilet and second not far, but on the inside of the campground circle. No electric or sewer (dry camping). Playground for children. The Tongue River still had its spring flow and was very high. Nothing to play in at this time in early May. Some railroad noise from trains passing between the village and I-90. Our pull through was gravel and level.
Really think people would really enjoy stopping here to camp."
Abner Shoemaker
"Quiet! Small! Clean, not many bugs!!
Super yummy bakery! Nice visits with other travelers at the bakery."
Denise Patton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The battlefield is located near a small town, accessible via I-90. The campground is situated in the crook of the river, offering easy access to the Big Horn Mountains.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach the Chernaya River Valley Battlefield.
Sheridan, Wyoming is approximately 19 miles away and offers more extensive services and amenities.
The campground provides easy access to the Big Horn Mountains for outdoor activities. The nearby town also has a bakery and other small-town conveniences.
Roads leading to the battlefield and campground are generally well-maintained. However, always check local road conditions, especially during winter months.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the battlefield itself is generally free. The campground has a nightly fee for campers.
For non-residents, the fee is approximately $20.34 per night. It's a first-come, first-served basis.
Water is available in the summer. While the campground may be accessible, amenities like water might be shut off during colder months.
Payment is cash-only or possibly checks. Be sure to bring exact change and a pen for registration as there's no attendant on-site.
Information on specific discounts is not readily available. The stated fee is for non-residents.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers pit toilets, trash cans at each site, and a playground for children. It is dry camping, meaning no electric or sewer hookups.
In early May, the Tongue River can be high and fast-flowing due to spring melt, making it unsuitable for playing. Conditions may vary.
There is no Wi-Fi. Verizon service is reported to be decent, and Starlink can be fast enough for streaming.
Yes, the campground is dog-friendly. However, be aware that many dogs are off-leash, so keep your pets leashed.
Expect some noise from passing trains and I-90, as the campground is located within town limits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The small town has a bakery that is reportedly 'super yummy.' For more options, Sheridan is about 19 miles away.
There is no camp store. A corner grocery is about 7 miles away, and a Walmart is located in Sheridan.
Yes, fire rings with grill attachments are available at the sites, allowing for campfires.
The town is small, so dining options are limited. The bakery is a notable mention for treats.
Picnic tables are available at each campsite.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic campground with river and mountain views, especially with snow-capped peaks. The historical monument is also a key subject.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, highlighting the natural beauty of the valley.
Sites 1 and 2 in the campground are noted for their excellent views. The suspension bridge also offers unique photographic angles.
Deer have been spotted in the area, so keep an eye out for wildlife photography opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley and mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring cash for payment and a pen for registration, as this is a first-come, first-served site. The town is accessible via a suspension bridge, offering a short walk to local amenities like a bakery. It's a straightforward, no-frills camping experience that allows families to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
🚗 RV Travelers
Check your RV length as some sites can be short. Sites 1 and 2 are often cited as the best for views. While there's some train and interstate noise, many find it quiet enough for an overnight stay. The town is easily accessible via a suspension bridge, offering a quick way to grab supplies or a bite to eat. It's a no-fuss, budget-friendly option for a night on the road.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Campground Experience
Planning is key for this campground. Since it's dry camping, you'll need to be self-sufficient regarding power and waste disposal. Water spigots are available for refilling tanks, but there's no dump station. The payment process is also unique: it's cash-only (or possibly checks), and you'll need to bring your own pen for registration. This setup contributes to the campground's inexpensive nature, making it a great value for a short stay.
Despite the lack of hookups, many visitors find the campground to be a quiet and clean spot for a night or two. The presence of a playground makes it suitable for families, and the scenic setting is a major draw. The suspension bridge connecting to town is a convenient feature, allowing easy access to local amenities without needing to move your vehicle.
Historical Significance
Visitors can appreciate the strategic importance of the valley by observing the terrain. The surrounding mountains and river likely played crucial roles in any historical engagements. For those interested in a deeper understanding, researching the history of the Chernaya River Valley Battlefield prior to your visit is recommended. This will enhance your appreciation of the site's historical context and the stories embedded within the landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit