The Grand Teton National Park and surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest dominate the camping landscape around Jackson, Wyoming, creating a diverse range of options within a 40-mile radius. Established campgrounds like Gros Ventre offer convenient access to both the national park and downtown Jackson, while dispersed camping areas such as Shadow Mountain and Curtis Canyon provide more primitive experiences with spectacular mountain views. Camping styles vary from full-hookup RV sites at Fireside Resort and Virginian RV Park to tent-only areas at Jenny Lake Campground, where sites are tucked among pine forests. Many locations feature bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of amenities depending on proximity to developed areas.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-May through early October, with weather conditions limiting access during winter months. According to camper Megan V., "When you come up to the elk refuge, it looks like you're in the wrong place, but just continue down the road and watch for elk and swoon over the Teton views." Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest roads, particularly after rain. Bear safety protocols are strictly enforced throughout the area, with proper food storage mandatory at all sites. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with some campers reporting overnight lows of 15°F in spring. Cell service varies dramatically by location, with better coverage in established campgrounds closer to Jackson.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences mentioned by campers staying near Jackson. "We often had moose walking right through the campground," notes Jade G. about Gros Ventre Campground. Sites with Teton views command premium demand, especially those along the first row of loops at Gros Ventre or atop Shadow Mountain. Campgrounds within Grand Teton National Park typically fill by mid-morning during peak season (June-August), while forest service sites offer better last-minute availability. River access for fishing appears in numerous reviews, with campsites along the Gros Ventre and Hoback Rivers particularly valued. Campers consistently mention the strategic positioning between Jackson's amenities and park attractions as a major advantage when selecting sites in this region.
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Round 1 of 5
$78 / night
"Tent site was not drive in so we could not use our car awning on this site . However it had sun in the morning and good shade in the afternoon. Camp ground was busy but quiet at night."
"Not too far from Jackson Hole or from some of the best hiking in the park. Also some real pretty stuff to see just around the campground, a fun little hill to summit with amazing views."
"Just outside Grand Teton National Park in Bridger-Teton National Forest, these sites are a little quieter and a little more spacious than the hustle and bustle below."
"This is an awesome dispersed camping area near Grand Teton National Park."
"Only a few minutes from Jackson and easy drive up a gravel road. No direct view of Tetons from campground but a 5 minute walk down the road and you get the whole range."
"This is a nice little campground close to Jackson, WY, that is much quieter than campgrounds in Teton National Park. It has 12 sites for tents or smallish RVs. No hookups."
"We were in the area on a Wednesday and about half of the spots were taken when we pulled in around 8. It's only a 20 minute (maybe?)"
"Town of Jackson is fairly close. Same great views you'd expect anywhere near the Tetons; trailhead to Goodwin Lake is close by. Full Teton view is better at the trailhead, but its not far."
$13 - $58 / night
"The drive around the campground may be tight for some larger vehicles as it is one-way but is nicely paved. The pull-in for the campsites was very tight for my larger vehicle with bikes on the back."
"The campsites were well spaced and tucked into the trees for some privacy and space. The tent pads were level and each site had a bear box. Facilities were clean."
"We stayed there for three nights to explore Jackson Hole. It was perfectly situated. The back is where the campers are and it was nicely situated. The sites weren’t huge but they were big enough."
"We loved this location to visit Jackson and Jackson Hole. The drive to GTNP is not bad either. Property is kept great. We had one of the premium sites with large trees and we loved it."
"About a half hour outside of Jackson. Pit toilet at the beginning of the road."
"There are about 27 designated spots to camp in this area, you pull off onto toppings lake access and go from there!"
$119 - $129 / night
"The location offers an ideal balance of mountain scenery and access to town."
"Grand Teton was 11 miles away from south…in Jackson…access to anything you need. City bus stop nearby …free shuttle to get around. Library across street."
$17 / night
"Quite little campground close to Jackson hole and several trails on the pass. You can reserve spots here or check out the dispersed camping just past the campground entrance."
"There are beautiful wildflower hikes nearby (bring bear spray for hiking), numerous mountain biking opportunities, and easy and scenic drives on both sides of Teton Pass."
"Up on the ridgeline, you can see the whole Teton range, and Curtis Canyon behind you! One fireput by the road, one other one out just a bit in the second pic."
"Walk down to the creek for some fishing. Bear sign visible."
GuideThis site is isolated from the others and the views are partially blocked by trees. There is a table and fire ring. Okay for our 22’ trailer, anything larger may have trouble turning around.
TravelerI wouldn't call it a campground in the traditional sense, but certainly dispersed. A large area (not in the middle of the reservoir, as the pin suggests) with an expanse of spots to choose from. No picnic tables. The road is very rugged so go slow. Most sites are out in the open with stone fire rings. I chose one closer to the entrance for the tree coverage. It was close to the highway, so there was traffic noise, but it lessened during the night and didn't bother me. Bathroom facilities were clean, as well as the general area. Starting May 1st the number of nights were limited to 5.
GuideThis was a mixed bag, we actually ended up leaving the site because it was too noisy. It’s the first week of may and there were so many college aged kids partying. The bugs were also pretty bad.. however, if it’s not a weekend or maybe not spring/ summer with the bugs. It’s super easy to get too and all clearance vehicles can make it! We didn’t take any pictures because we didn’t stay but we plan to be back in the area in the fall so we will check it out again. Hopefully a better review will come!
GuideThe area has dispersed camping along the road with no fire rings, these are along the river and very beautiful, however low clearance cars won’t be able to go down to many of the sites due to the dips. There were many other sites that were established for free that low clearance cars and non 4 wheele drive cars can make! There were fire rings and no plumbing bathrooms. I have mint mobile and had full internet access. The campsites were a good distance away from one another but still close enough to hear if they were loud. But it was a good site (first week in May).
ScoutViews of tetons are great away from main road easy access even without 4wd.level spots fire rings where great! Close to hiking trails (Shadow mt) bathrooms was locked here in off season.
GuideThis was a nice little spot to car camp, located on a rock road. Got there just before sunset and was able to snag a cute little spot along the river. Fair warning, some spots have are easier to get into than others, so just keep that in mind during busy season, depending on your vehicle. There were less bugs than I expected, but temps were dropping and there was rain in the forecast. Some spots have metal fire rings, while others only have a rock ring. It was very peaceful listening to the river while thunder rumbled gently off in the distance. Beautiful area with some nice hikes nearby, but most of the trails were closed during my stay.
ScoutThe spot is not too far off the highway. Road is in good condition. There are marked spots and fire rings. They had only a portion open but there weren’t many other people. Woke up to the most beautiful view of the Tetons.
ScoutEasy and quick campground to get to off the main stretch of road. I drive a regular Honda crv and did just fine getting in on the dirt road. About 15 campsites, all first come first serve. All have amazing views of the Teton range. One outhouse. All sites have fire rings. Would camp here again!
TravelerWe stopped her for Tetons overnight after our first campsite was closed.. this was simple and a lot easier to car camp than tent camping ( at least where we were)
Camping spots near Jackson, Wyoming range from 6,300 to 8,000 feet elevation, creating dramatic temperature swings even in summer months. Most dispersed sites in the Bridger-Teton National Forest operate under a 14-day stay limit, requiring campers to move locations after two weeks. The national forest encompasses over 3.4 million acres surrounding the valley, providing extensive free camping options for visitors seeking alternatives to established campgrounds.
Mountain biking from camp: Mike Harris Campground offers excellent access to nearby trails. "There are beautiful wildflower hikes nearby (bring bear spray for hiking), numerous mountain biking opportunities, and easy and scenic drives on both sides of Teton Pass," notes Gretchen B. about Mike Harris, located 30 minutes from Jackson.
Fishing access: At Atherton Creek Campground, anglers can fish directly from camp. "This is a great spot for boaters, no matter the vessel. There's a boat ramp but also some pretty easy access for kayaks or SUPs," writes Katherine B. Site #19 is frequently mentioned as having "a beautiful lake view and some good trees for shade," according to Stephanie S.
Winter camping: Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping remains accessible year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for subzero temperatures and significant snowpack. "The road up is bumpy but my Subaru Outback handled it just fine. The site was in an open field but so out of the way that it was very private," reports Ross F., who visited during colder months.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Multiple campers report regular animal sightings at dawn. Ted K. notes that at Gros Ventre Campground, you'll find "wide open spaces between you and your neighbors. Moose in the campground almost daily." Another camper, Taylor H., confirms: "Saw three moose inside this campground. Only stayed for a night but it sure was beautiful!"
Star viewing opportunities: The 8,000-foot elevation at Shadow Mountain creates exceptional night sky viewing. "We got so lucky and got an amazing view. Road is easily doable. If it rains - the top of the road is a mudpit. Slid out in four wheel drive in the wrangler," reports Katelin M. about Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping.
Quiet camping near trails: Jenny Lake Campground offers tent-only sites with direct trail access. "Great views, access to trails, relatively private and quiet!" notes Shannon J. Another camper, David B., appreciates that it's "a perfect location to get away from RVs and Trailers. They offer a wide variety of campsites, some being open and some in the woods."
Early arrival essential: Most free dispersed sites fill by mid-day. "This year, everything is different. It's off-season, but I still had to wait at 9 AM, for about an hour in a line of 20 cars to get a spot," reports Farah C. about Gros Ventre Campground.
Road conditions can change rapidly: Many forest roads become impassable after rain. "The final ascent to the campground was switchbacks and a little uncomfortable for a 12 passenger van. The roads were dry and we made it with no issues," writes Michael S. about Curtis Canyon Campground.
Bear safety is mandatory: All food must be properly stored at all sites. "We appreciated the bear boxes and fire rings. And toilets down below. It was an amazing view to wake up to! It's literally right outside the National Park!!" notes Tara D. about Upper Teton View Dispersed camping.
Accessible sites for children: "This is a great developed campsite ," writes Matt S. about Gros Ventre. "Stayed in the 'tent only' section. It was also generator free side of the camp which was great! Plenty of restrooms. Bear containers as each site. Fire bucks at each bathroom."
Mosquito preparation: The period from June through August sees peak mosquito activity. "Loved all the sites i stayed at! Very clean, well spaced out, and incredible views!" says Brandon R. about Curtis Canyon Campground, but other reviews consistently mention insect pressure during summer months.
Hot showers nearby: Fireside Resort offers day-use shower access for non-guests at $10 per person. "I loved taking a shower in the showers there. They were so clean and it felt nice after being in Yellowstone for a week and a half to have a bit of luxury outside of our camper," notes Sarah J.
Limited full-hookup options: The Virginian RV Park provides in-town full hookups but at premium rates. "Great location and accessible all of the great things to do in Jackson Hole. Great food nearby (King Sushi…if you can get in). Very clean and great facilities," writes Ted N.
High clearance recommendations: Many dispersed sites require vehicle clearance. "If you have a low clearance car or something that doesn't have AWD I would not recommend attempting to get to the higher sites but the ones at the entrance would suite you well," advises Tyler M. about Shadow Mountain.
Dump station locations: Public dump stations can be found at Gros Ventre Campground and the Shell gas station on Highway 89. "We stayed for 3 nights but shortened to three just because we like a little more space and nature. But if you're going to be out and about it's a good place to base camp," mentions Erin A. about balancing hookup needs with location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Jackson, Wyoming?
Jackson Hole offers several outstanding campgrounds. Gros Ventre Campground is ideally positioned between Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, making it convenient for exploring both areas. It accommodates tents, RVs, and motorhomes with bear boxes at each site. For spectacular mountain views, Signal Mountain Campground provides private vistas of the Tetons and easy access to Jackson Lake. Just minutes from town, Curtis Canyon Campground offers a quick escape with Teton views a short walk away. Kozy Campground, about 25 miles from Jackson, provides a peaceful setting along a river. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Targhee National Forest Trail Creek Campground makes a great base with access to both Jackson Hole and Victor, Idaho's dining options.
What amenities are available at Jackson Hole Wyoming campsites?
Amenities at Jackson Hole campsites vary widely. Hoback Campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest offers electric hookups at some sites and riverside camping, though it lacks water stations. Rim Station provides RV sites with a more intimate setting of only 12 campsites. Many National Park campgrounds like Gros Ventre offer bear boxes at each site, restroom facilities throughout, and generator-restricted areas for a quieter experience. Most public campgrounds provide pit toilets or restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. For full hookups and resort-style amenities, private options like The Virginian RV Park near Jackson Hole feature water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Cell service varies by location, with better coverage typically available closer to Jackson.
Is free or dispersed camping available in Jackson Hole?
Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Jackson Hole. Dispersed camping along Cliff Creek in Bridger-Teton National Forest offers beautiful waterside spots with established fire pits just a short drive from Jackson. Campsites are available right along the water, and you can drive in about half a mile to find more secluded tent camping areas. Upper Teton View Dispersed provides another free option with drive-in access and basic toilet facilities. Remember that dispersed camping in national forests typically follows a 14-day stay limit, requires practicing Leave No Trace principles, and means being self-sufficient with water and waste disposal.
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