Best Tent Camping in Wyoming
Tent campsites throughout Wyoming range from established campgrounds to remote dispersed locations, offering diverse landscapes and experiences for tent campers. Grand Teton National Park features the highly-rated Jenny Lake Campground, a tent-friendly area with drinking water and toilets available from mid-May through mid-September. For those seeking free primitive tent camping, Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping provides sites near Moran with spectacular views of the mountains and access to clear streams.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in Wyoming feature basic amenities like fire rings but lack drinking water and shower facilities. Campers should bring their own water supply, food storage containers for bear country, and adequate weather protection. Many dispersed camping areas like Shadow Mountain and Curtis Canyon have informal sites with fire pits, though toilet facilities are rare. Access roads to remote tent sites often require high-clearance vehicles, with several campers noting that 4WD is beneficial, especially after rain. Tent-specific sites often follow 14-day stay limits and may require permits in certain backcountry areas.
Tent campers find exceptional solitude in Wyoming's vast landscapes, particularly at higher elevations with panoramic mountain views. The sites at Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping offer striking views of the entire Teton range. One camper noted, "Amazing views, super private. Views of the Tetons from the front of the tent. Beautiful crystal clear river running right next to the site." These primitive tent sites typically provide more authentic wilderness experiences than developed campgrounds. Spring and fall camping brings fewer crowds but requires preparation for cold nights. Most primitive tent camping areas allow pets and alcohol, but campers should check specific regulations for each location. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly near water sources, so appropriate repellent is essential for comfortable tent camping experiences.
