Camping near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Camping opportunities between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are available at John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, a scenic connector area managed by the National Park Service. The Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch provides established sites for tents, RVs, and cabins, operating from June through early October. Free dispersed camping can be found along Grassy Lake Road (also called Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road), which features eight designated camping areas with varying numbers of sites. Several mixed-use campgrounds like Colter Bay in nearby Grand Teton National Park offer additional accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.
Road conditions vary seasonally, with Grassy Lake Road typically closed until mid-June. "Grassy Lakes Road still closed on 6/10/24," reported one camper, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before arrival. When open, the graded gravel road is generally passable for standard vehicles, though some sections have washboard surfaces. Campsite availability is extremely limited during peak summer months, with designated sites often filling by early afternoon. Each dispersed camping area along Grassy Lake Road includes amenities uncommon for free sites: vault toilets, bear boxes, trash cans, picnic tables, and fire rings. Mosquitoes can be problematic in forested sites, especially in early summer.
Snake River dispersed camping areas receive consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the blend of wilderness setting and basic amenities. "There are 8 designated camping areas along the snake river heading to Grassy Lake Reservoir," noted one reviewer, explaining that "each camping area has between 1-4 sites, a pit toilet, picnic tables and fire rings." Sites closer to the main highway feature open meadows with mountain views, while those farther down Grassy Lake Road offer more forest cover and privacy. The proximity to both national parks makes these sites strategically located for exploring the region, with the south entrance to Yellowstone just minutes away. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with several campers reporting moose sightings near their campsites.












