If you’re an avid camper who loves the outdoors and you’ve never been camping at Grand Teton National Park, you’re doing yourself a major disservice.
You’re also doing yourself a major disservice if you’re still tent camping rather than using camping hammocks, as the right camping hammock provides everything a tent does but weighs far less, is much more comfortable, and allows you more options as to where you set up camp (especially at a creek campground).
Whether you are local to the area (living in Southeast Idaho or Northwest Wyoming) or you live on the East Coast, this is a camping destination that should not be left off your bucket list.
The entire park is an outdoor wonderland full of places to set up your tent or hammock, including the Gros Ventre Wilderness area.
The best thing about Grand Teton camping (besides the jaw-dropping views) is that you will no doubt be doing it amongst some of the most experienced campers around. This place attracts people who are passionate about their camping gear and know how to pack light for multi-day trips, so there’s a good chance you’ll be making friends with other avid campers while you’re out exploring this massive expanse of land.
Located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, here are some quick facts you should know about Grand Teton National Park.
Entrance Fees: Private vehicles cost $35; annual pass is $70; America the Beautiful Pass (very valuable) is $80.
Native Lands Include Bannock, Shoshone, Crow, Blackfoot, Flathead, Gros Ventre, Nez Perce
Size is roughly 310,000 acres (485 miles)
Open year round
Established in 1939
Activities include Hiking, horse-back riding, fishing, boating, and climbing
So, What Do You Need to Know Before Teton Camping?
First off, let’s talk about proper equipment
Clothing
- Moisture wicking clothing (long sleeves, tanks, tees)
- Hiking/running shorts
- Workout and/or insulating leggings
- Raincoat
- Wool socks
- Hiking boots
- Swimsuit
Make sure you have the right clothing for after sundown—the temperature drops very quickly at night!
Gear
- Tent or hammock, as well as a sleeping bag and pad if you are opting for a traditional tent
- Sleeping mat
- Tarp/rainfly
- Camping hammocks, which are much better than tents because they are lighter, easier to hike with, easier to set up, more comfortable, less messy, and offer more freedom and options in terms of where you set your camping hammocks up
- Flashlights/Headlamps
Much Needed Protection from the Elements!
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Bug spray
- Hats
- Gloves
Much Needed Protection From Wildlife!
- Be sure to bring bear mace, as this will protect you not only from bears but from basically any animal you may encounter that could cause you harm.
- Bugspray
- Bells and whistles (this typically scares off even the biggest and meanest animals you may encounter while camping in Grand Teton National Park)
- Firearms – While this is not a necessity, it is now legal to carry loaded guns in national parks. That said, they can only be fired in rare circumstances as hunting is illegal in most national parks, including Grand Teton National Park (with few exceptions)
First Aid Kit
Protect yourself from the weather, wildlife, and other backcountry hazards—bring a first aid kit with bandages, compresses, gauze, antiseptic wipes/creams, tweezers (for removing splinters or ticks), sunscreen, etc.
Top 10 Campgrounds In Grand Teton National Park
Mike Harris Campground
The Mike Harris Campground is located on the western slope of Teton Pass, just across from Idaho. A scenic drive from Grand Teton National Park’s Moose Entrance leads to this easy access campground which offers great views and plenty for visitors in a remote location surrounded by national forest land!
The 12 non-electric campsites are perfect for tent camping and car trailers. The shared access to vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables with fire rings makes this an ideal location that’s great when you need space but don’t necessarily want all the hassles associated with electric hookups!
Visitors to Mike Harris can enjoy scenic Mikesell Canyon multi-use trail and trout fishing in nearby Trail Creek.
Campsites available with advanced reservation.
Atherton Creek Campground
Atherton Creek Campground is located near enough to the park that you can escape with your family on weekends. It’s also just far enough outside of crowded conditions, so this area will provide peace for everyone!
Located 40 minutes from Grand Teton National Park’s Moose Entrance gateway by vehicle, Atherton Creek provides an excellent retreat when looking for privacy and quietude in close proximity but not at all within frequent tourist crowds.
The Atherton Creek Campground is an excellent spot for nature lovers. With 22 non-electric sites accommodating trailers up to 26 feet in length, each campsite includes fire rings and picnic tables, not to mention the great views of Lower Slide Lake nearby.
The Atherton Creek Campground is a great place for families to spend time together. Visitors can go fishing or just enjoy an afternoon picnic on one of our many sandy beaches, which are also perfect locations if you’re looking for some picturesque sunsets! And don’t forget the public boat doc for water activities and fishing.
Teton Canyon Campground
The Teton Canyon Campground is a hidden gem of the Grand Tetons, located on an outer edge near Driggs, offering incredible views as well as vault toilets with potable water! 20 sites are available for those who want more space or don’t need electricity at their site—it’s best suited towards car camping enthusiasts but there also exists some options if you would rather have your RV close by while exploring.
Teton Canyon is one of the most popular campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park. The property has a reputation for providing easy access to some really cool hiking trails and opportunities like moose, deer, or bear encounters!
Each site has its own food storage locker so you can store all your goodies while out exploring nearby areas.
Death Canyon Shelf Camping Zone
A backpacking trip in Grand Teton National Park provides incredible views of the American West. Eleven different camping zones are only accessible via foot and require an elusive permit for its protection from overuse—but it’s worth seeking out, as these eleven zones create the rest-stops that you’ll find along the beautiful Teton Crest Trail.
Hikers need to be sure they have everything necessary for backpacking in these zones. All permit holders are required pack out any scraps of food, trash etc., after spending the night at one of these remote camping areas with no amenities nearby . Permits can be obtained online beginning January 8th of same season year round.
The Death Canyon Shelf Camping Zone is the place to go if you want an overnight camping experience that will blow most people’s minds. Located high up on top of scenic cliffs overlooking Death Canyon, this zone provides 16 groups with stunning views and unforgettable sunsets – all while dispersed far enough away from each other not bring too much noise pollution into neighboring campsites!
Curtis Canyon Campground
The Curtis Canyon Campground offers big views of the scenery below and invites you to stay for a while. Located less than 10 miles outside Jackson Hole, this cozy retreat is situated high above National Elk Refuge where it delivers all sorts of adventures.
The Curtis Canyon campground is a serene spot to Reconnect with Nature. Surrounded by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, this 12 site gem has vault toilets and drinking water available for all visitors! You won’t want to miss out on its many amenities like fire rings, food-storage boxes, and picnic tables that are sure bring back memories of your childhood camping trips.
The Curtis Canyon Overlook is a short walk away from each campsite, making it easy for you to explore this scenic area.
It’s also a little more affordable thanks to its location outside the park. With a little more of a drive to access, the campground isn’t as popular but still tends to fill up quickly on weekends.
Lizard Creek Campground
If you’re looking for a campsite that offers privacy and stunning scenery, look no further than this one. The Lizard Creek Campground sits among the trees on an end of Jackson Lake near Grand Teton National Park with plenty to see around them all day long!
The Forever Resorts concessionaire operates this campground. 60 non-electric sites are available to accommodate those looking for a truly rustic experience. The aromatic spruce and fir forest area can be found all along Lizard Creek Campground, where vehicles up to 30 feet long will fit comfortably.
Visitors to the Lizard Creek Campground will be able to enjoy everything that this property has in store, from swimming at Jackson Lake and fishing on its waters for trout or other game fish. Tourists can also take advantage of exploring nearby Mount Surprise which overlooks central Teton Range.
For those who want to make a quick stop at Yellowstone National Park, but don’t have enough time for camping there and need somewhere close by that is still good quality, this campground is located close to some of the Yellowstone National Park.
First come, first serve—so get here early!
Signal Mountain Campground
Signal Mountain Campground is operated by the Forever Resorts concessionaire inside Grand Teton National Park and is located near the south shore of Jackson Lake.
With 81 campground sites that are RV accessible and roughly 30 feet in length, these sites are non-electric and operate as first-come, first-serve, so again—get their early!
The campground is equipped with flushing toilets and cold running water, providing you peace of mind that this won’t be an uncomfortable experience. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring for your convenience in case the occasion calls for cooking over open flame (or just sitting around by one).
With the nearby Signal Mountain Lodge, overnight campers can easily visit the general store and use public showers. The laundromat is an added bonus for those who want their clothes washed with modern equipment in a laundry nearby. A variety of dining options can also be found on site as well.
Colter Bay RV Park Campground
The soothing sound of water lapping against the shoreline can be heard at Colter Bay Campground, where visitors have access to 300 campsites through Grand Teton Lodge Company’s concessionaire. The majority are non-electric sites with potable running freshwater and modern bathrooms available.
Located in the heart of Colter Bay, this campground offers proximity to everything that you need. Showers are just a short walk away with laundry service available for those staying longer than one week and there’s also an excellent general store where anything can be bought or rented on site!
Gros Ventre Campground
One of the most scenic campgrounds near Grand Teton National Park, The Gros Ventre Campground offers a wide range of nearby activities with more than 300 sites.
The Gros Ventre Campground is a first-come, first-served campground that can accommodate both RVs and tents. Located on the southern tip of the park near Moose Entrance and managed by Grand Teton Lodge Company, it has 300 sites for your stay! All sites can take RVs but there is one loop dedicated to tent camping and hammock camping only. Electrical hookups can be found in 36 of these sites.
The campsites typically fill up fast, especially throughout the summer, so be sure to arrive early.
Each site includes a parking spot, picnic table, and fire pit, along with potable water and flushing toilets.
Jenny Lake Campground
The Jenny Lake Campground is located at the heart of Grand Teton National Park. There are some of America’s favorite campsites here, and it’s no wonder why this vacation getaway has become so popular! These park campgrounds features stunning views that make you feel like you’re in paradise on earth—one reason being that the Jenny Lake Campground has 59 sites, including ten hiker/bikers only campsites, and each site can access flush toilets and potable water right next door!
The Jenny Lake Campground is a popular destination for visitors to admire the stunning views of Teton Range.
The campgrounds’ availability usually fills up before 9am so you should grab your spot as early as possible, as there are limited spots available each day with some campground reservations lasting up 14 days in advance.
The Jenny Lake Campground is a wonderfully serene place to camp. The nearby store offers all the essentials you’ll need for your camping adventure, including firewood and snacks! You can easily get around in this park from its conveniently-located location only eight miles away at Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, or drive further on a scenic back road if that’s more up your alley.