Looking for the best dispersed camping near Ashton? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Idaho excursion.
Recreation area with activity Dispersed Camping
Upper Teton View Dispersed camping is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy primitive camping and stunning natural scenery. The campsite is located on the east side of the Teton Range in Wyoming, offering a remote and peaceful camping experience with breathtaking views of the Teton Range. The campground is located in a dispersed camping area, but the lack of amenities is more than made up for by the feeling of being immersed in nature. The Teton Range offers hiking trails, mountain biking routes and fishing opportunities. Visitors can also explore nearby Yellowstone National Park, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bison, elk and grizzly bears. Additionally, the campsite is located near several hot springs and natural swimming areas, providing a refreshing and unique way to cool off after a long day of outdoor activities.
Wolf Flats is a dispersed, undeveloped camping area with 25 locations to camp. Some large areas are can accommodate groups of 50 people. There is an adjacent undeveloped boat access to the South Fork of the Snake River. Fees/Rules/Facilities: No fees Pack out toilet and trashNo garbage collection at this facility Do not burn metals, glass, or plastic in the fire pits. Wood products only. Do not cut down trees Only use dead and downed wood (only small diameter) Do not create new camping areas by driving into the vegetation on non-designated routes Portable toilets are located in the large main site
Guide
Free dispersed camping location about 45 minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Open camping area to set up.
Guide
This is an awesome dispersed camping area near Grand Teton National Park. The perfect place to camp for solitude in a busy national park area, with awesome access to the town of Jackson, Shadow Mountain mountain bike trail, and free, dispersed camping.
Ranger
Found on Google Maps
Free dispersed camping in allowed areas.
There are a few fire rings and a pit toilet.
There were quite a few campers but was actually quiet.
Beautiful sunset over the Tetons.
RangerIf your wanting a place that overlooks the Grand Teton National Park this is your place. The views from campsites 1-15 are absolutely unreal and overlook Antelope Flats followed by the Grand Teton's. Some of the other campsites at Shadow Mountain are harder to navigate. Around Shadow Mountain there is about 8 miles worth of 4 wheeler trails that you can bike or walk where the other campsite locations are located.
Shadow Mountain is part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and from May 1- Labor Day you can stay a maximum of 5 days, the other dates you can stay up to 16 days. The camp ambassador has more detailed maps of the camping areas. This part of the national forest allows for FREE dispersed camping but only at assigned campsites. There is a camp ambassador on-site near sites 1-15 to help enforce the rules(this is a busier campsite in the summer as its very close to Jackson and lots of locals come out- kind of a party spot). There is a porta-potty on site on campsites 1-15 but no water or other amenities near other campsites.
The road to get this location can be difficult but maneuverable as there are some large ruts in spots and larger river rock makes slower travel. It can be navigated by pretty much any car type or truck with trailer. If you have an RV it may be difficult to get to this location.
Overall we highly recommend you check out this spot as the view is absolutely gorgeous. There is animal activity in the area Moose, Elk, Grizzly so use proper animal safety,"be bear aware." The camp ambassador mentioned a few weeks prior to our stay a grizzly attached a mom and her baby Moose near campsite 14!
Check out our video review: https://youtu.be/8mVj1dxL5t4
Guide
This is a great location if you are exploring the Teton/Jackson area. It's a little far to camp here and then go to Yellowstone.
There are a lot of camping spots that are dispersed to choose from, but keep in mind that even with the low amount of reviews here it's a well known spot to locals.
We stayed here in June and finally found a spot after passing dozens of filled ones, only to see about half a dozen other vehicles drive by looking for somewhere to park.
This is true back-country camping, pack in and pack out. No potable water is available and no facilities so be prepared with all your needs before coming here. Also note that this is bear country so be prepared with food and smell management to limit attracting them in.
The Sunset over the Tetons was amazing and we would stay here again in the future.
Scout
Perfect free camping spot. 4 official sites although more could fit if needed
LegendA bit of a drive and a rough road, but totally worth it! Off of antelope flat Rd, take a left at the dead end toward the national Forest land. Then you will veer left on the dirt road. There is a camping area at the base of the mountain but if you continue on up the mountain there are many, many dispersed camping pullouts. Beautiful views of the Tetons and excellent wildflowers. There are sites that have some shade and trees but several are pretty exposed. This is a very popular place on the weekends so make sure you get there early to set up camp (or avoid it if you like quite on a Saturday night). No water, no toilets, just a free place to camp with established fire rings! Dogs are welcome.
Traveler
This site does not exist. You can find the correct coordinates if you look at the other dispersed camping spot right beside this pin (see photo)
ScoutGreat spot for camping if you get there early and you don’t mind people driving by looking for spots at any hour. This area should not be advertised as dispersed camping, strict site camping with signs everywhere. We had to drive an hour+ up the road, requiring 4x4, to get to National Forest and legally camp. We slept in our car, uncomfortable with how much human traffic there was and the possibility of bears in camp. Make sure to properly store food, there are only site specific bear boxes after camp 1.
That being said, it was a beautiful drive out in the morning and was a convenient location between Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
LegendThere were many options for camping in Grand Teton, but our choice was by far the most beautiful and remote.
We camped in Bridger-Teton National Forest when we were on our way out of the park, but it would be possible to stay here even while you are hiking and driving your way through the park itself (although you’d add a bit of driving into your day).
Dispersed camping is allowed in the National Forest, so as long as you drive out of the National Park and into the National Forest far enough, you can find a place to set up camp. We found a pull-off (on the right side of the road) that led down to a flat, gorgeous site with established fire rings and a perfect place for a tent. There was a road leading down to this spot, but we opted to park up top and hike down because of our limited 2-wheel drive vehicle. It was only a few hundred feet down.
Camping in dispersed areas are the perfect way to feel alone, even in popular areas like Grand Teton and Jackson Hole.
During our time in the park in May, we still found plenty to do: our highlights included the view from Signal Mountain, early mornings at Schwabacher’s Landing, photos along Mormon Row, hiking to Toggart Lake, and kayaking along Snake River.
You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Grand Teton)
Scout
Great dispersed camp area . Rugged 2 track with established ( flat clearing with rock fire ring) camp spots on both sides. We camped at the very end of the track, about 2 miles in, on the edge of a beautiful rushing stream. Site was level and had a bear box , very peaceful. Other sites were occupied on the way in, area was clean ( no trash) and there was a large group area and trail head just before the end. Area is about 9 miles from the West Yellowstone Park gate. No facilities/ dispersed, so be prepared to pack in/ pack out.
RangerImagine camping under the Grand Tetons... for FREE. This campsite is part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. You go down some long gravel roads to the entrance, where there are some campsites at the base of the mountain. There is a road that goes up the mountain- which is pretty rough. You probably don’t need 4 wheel drive to get up, but a higher clearance would make it less stressful. I still have no idea how my Honda Civic made it up... but she did. The views were worth the stress. The Tetons were right there, right across the valley from us. Gorgeous. Absolutely amazing views. All around.
WARNING Although this is National Forest this area is designated camping only!! There are only a handful of sites at the base and along the road. The rangers are super strict about this as well. We had a Ranger come up to us (right before dark) and tell us we weren’t in a designated campsite. She was super kind about it, and thankfully the folks next to us at a designated spot let us join them! So make sure to get there early folks!!! So worth it!
RangerIn the Bridger Tetons National Forest, thus offering some sensational FREE campsites. Remarkable views of the Tetons at both lower and upper sites. Directions are easy and available online. Bathrooms available near parking spaces at the lower spots. Following the road up the hill leads to more sites. The road is rough, but our manual Honda Civic squeaked up there. There are not many sites available, SO GET THERE EARLY. People will try to cram into little flat spaces, but the forest rangers WILL show up and tell you to leave if you aren’t in a designated campsite.
Rangersaw these reviews and was so worried when we showed up at 8pm to climb these crap roads, low and behold we found the BEST campsite SOMEHOW not taken. check out our views in the pics! so worth it. stayed an extra night just because.
it’s quiet, lovely, and clean. spots are super big and spread out, very different than other dispersed camping.
GuideRoad is a bit rough, but a few sites available for dispersed camping
TravelerShadow Mountain dispersed camping is just a few miles across the way from the Moose, Wyoming, entrance to Grand Teton National Park. I've stayed here several times at different sites and always had a memorable experience. There are great views and relative seclusion wherever you find a place to camp. Bring your own water and plan to dispose of your waste. All the spots I've been to had cell reception, as well. The road is doable (depending on weather) with smaller cars with careful driving. Higher clearance may be more ideal. The best part is that it is free.
GuideAwesome spot. Primitive camping, but neighbors are far apart. You can only Camp in designated spots, road is very rough to campsites but well worth it.
Traveler
I got there early afternoon and every spot along the lake that I could see was available for both campers and tents. Gorgeous lake and Mountain Views, lots of birds! Also has a ramp to put in your boat, kayak, etc. I would recommend and visit again. The entire road in has National forest campsites as well if you want to go in the trees. Saw a few moose, elk, and antelope while camping.
Guide
We drove back 10 miles but pretty sure it went back another 10-15. Great dispersed camping. Roads were well maintained. Drove the pickup back in for tent camping this August. Would recommend for a close spot by Yellowstone National Park.
Scout
Beautiful views and lots of dispersed camping available. Only tip would be to claim your spot with a chair in the morning as it definitely seems to fill up on the weekend. Bumpy road in spots but very doable
Scout
Dispersed Camping space #5 was very nice. We decided to pull our 29' travel trailer only partway into the space to find the most level spot. But we still had some 4 acres all to ourselves! The mosquitos were not fooling around though!
Guide
Shadow mountain dispersed camping has approximately 15 sites in designated areas along a back gravel road that is not for everyone. Site 10 is shared with 10A but site 9 is also along the ridge but more private. Other sites along the road are completely private. Best camping view ever.
LegendAt the top of Shadow Mountain you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tetons for free, presuming you have the 4WD vehicle to access.
Situated on Forest Park Land and therefore not subjugated to National Park fees, this is a dispersed camping location, meaning there are no traditional amenities to be expected. No bathrooms, water, showers, etc. The fire "pits" are really the leftover fire pits of others, with a few places having metal barrels.
You want to camp here if you're looking for some amazing views without a price tag. I drove in late, did the 1,500 or so feet in elevation gain, and awoke to some epic views of the Tetons. I decided to bike around the area, and one could easily hike as well. Either way, you're subjugated to some impressive views of the Rocky Mountain range.
GuideThis was my first dispersed camping trip so I didn't know what to expect. There were ALLOT of.open spots, you have to search for one that fits your needs like if the view is more important or shade. The only downside was the dust it is very dusty, in fact so much so that I couldn't have my windows open. However I had one of the most used sites so it had less vegetation to block dust. Like I said be sure to pick based.on your needs and expectations, had I known more about his huge site I would have picked better. This site is free with just a donation box. It have vault toilets which are surprising clean and not as smelly as most places I have been. All in all O would recommend this site
LegendFirst come first serve, no reservations....you can stay up to five days.
No electric or water, but you trade all of that for the view alone. They do have a fire pit.
I would not recommend something without 4 wheel drive if it's muddy. The roads are a little rough, so would recommend a vehicle that is fine going off road to get up the hill. This is boondocking and you cant beat free!
Had a great time here and would definitely camp here again!!!
Ranger
If you google Pine Creek Pass, that will show you how to get there. There’s a pull off from the hwy that I’ve seen people camp at the base. To get into the dispersed camping you’ll see the driveway in the corner. Take that. It will take you to a long, narrow bumpy road. Beep the horn around corners as some of the road is on a cliff. I’ve seen atv and horses on the road as well. Along the road you’ll find spots to park and camp. I only remember a handful of spots for a camper van.
Traveler
I highly recommend staying here if you’re around Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been on a 2 month road trip around the West and this has been one of my favorite dispersed camping sites. I planned on just crashing here for a night but ended up staying for a couple days because of how beautiful this spot is. If you go, drive all the way down the gravel road and there is a nice place for people to camp out right at the level of the lake. It’s clean and a good place for families to camp out!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ashton, Idaho, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ashton, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ashton, ID is Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 72 reviews.
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