Best Campgrounds near Swan Valley, ID

We stayed here in the fall when there were fewer people, so maybe that's why we enjoyed it so much. We stayed in campsite #10, which we think was the best one due to the views and large campsite area. 

Our video shows each of the campsites so you can get a better idea of what it looks like.

Definitely be bear aware as a ranger came by and told us about some problems they've been having with bears, including grizzlies deeper into the forest. Not to alarm you, just be sure to take it seriously.

We stayed in the first area - upper area was still closed. There is a pit toilet. All kinds of campers (car, van, RV's, etc...) When you wake up in the morning, the lot will be full. The views are amazing! Stayed in May of 2024.

Spread Creek Dispersed Campground sounds like an incredible spot for those who love rustic, no-frills camping with stunning natural views. The open setup and proximity to the creek make it a peaceful getaway, but the lack of amenities means visitors should come well-prepared. Wildlife sightings and Teton views add to the charm, though the area’s popularity can make it busy during peak times. If you’re heading out there, don’t  free streaming app NetMirror forget bug spray and an early arrival for the best spots.

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.

We went in July and it was packed!! We came in at sunset and we drove around for over a hour trying to find a campsite. Everywhere was full but a lady let us stay on her site since it was really big. But everything was perfect! Best views ever!!! I would definitely recommend getting there early to get a spot!

I strongly recommend this site, but can be packed in the summer. I stayed here Dec 20th-21st. Because of season, there was a foot of snow at least. We had to dig out snow at the beginning because a snow plow pushed about 2 feet high. Then it was a mile back to the area, make sure you have really good tires and 4WD or chains. We then used our 4-runner to compact the snow at the site and dug the rest out with snow shovels. It was about 4°F/20°C that night. But nobody was there and the view was beautiful.

**CAUTION STAFF STEALS FROM CAMPS*** Dropped off my cooler at my campground in a bear box. Came back from hike and my cooler packed with food for week was stolen out of bear box. Asked nearby campers who witnessed staff taking cooler. Contacted security/ staff and was brushed off. Got local police involved and the next day cooler was returned empty. Don’t make the same mistake we did. Always lock your stuff up at this campsite and do not trust the staff/ security. Thank you colter bay staff for ruining our trip.

Targhee welcomes vans and RVs in Lot 2(though there are no power or waste hookups), which is an easy walk to the base and all its amenities. Five people and one vehicle can camp up to seven days for$40 per night, with a pool, fitness center, and shower add-on for an extra $15 per day.

$13 (paid $6.50 with senior pass). Camped in site #13 on Sept 22, 2024. Forest Road 582 is washboarded most of the way toward the campground; access to the forest road is from Idaho, east of Ashton. Campground is a short drive from Cave Falls in Yellowstone National Park (NP fee required). Pull thru sites, some leveling required. Some sites are large, some are small. Sites along the river are nice. Clean and stocked vault toilets. Potable water station in center of campground. No electric, sewer or water hook-ups. Each site has a bear box, table and metal fire ring. Site driveways are gravel. Site #13 is a very large campsite with partial view of Fall River. The river is down a steep bank; may be difficult to access. No trails at the campground, although there are excellent trails in the national park.

Free. Coordinates: 44.09981,-111.17306. Camped here on Sept 21, 2024. Set back and above busy Forest Road 582 which heads toward Cave Falls; no issues with dust from forest road. Site is also referred to as Lower Creek Road Campground. Large site, should easily accommodate 3 rigs. A few spots are level. Up on a small hill above Rock Creek. Can't see the creek, but you can hear it. Dirt surface. Tent camping possible. Surrounded by tall trees, but open sky above. Site has a bear box and a rock fire ring. There is also an old lean-to near the fire ring. The access track is pot-holed; may be muddy. No hiking trails. No T-Mobile nor AT&T cell service. It's a nice site; nothing special. Good for a quiet overnight stay if visiting Cave Falls.

Very well maintained campground. Stayed here for a few nights in mid-Sept 2024; no fees - end of summer season. Summer time fee is $17. Mix of pull-thru and back-in sites. Some sites are in the open; others are set back into thick forest. Campground accommodates tent campers, hammock campers, van campers, car campers, truck campers. One camper managed get his big travel trailer into a campsite. Large sites, good spacing between them. Clean vault toilets in different parts of the campground. Water was still turned on during our stay. Usually has a host, but not during my stay. Campsites are level on a gravel surface with a newish table, metal fire ring and a tent pad. Area is popular with hikers. Good trails from the campground. No T-Mobile nor AT&T cell service. The forest road accessing the campground is in good shape; access is from the Idaho side of the Tetons. Stayed in site #2 with a campervan; pull-thru site with a tent pad. A lush forest was directly behind this site. Loved camping here. Look forward to returning.

I wouldn't camp here for a few days, but this is great for a night's stay. Close to the park, 10 minutes on a good gravel road. Large area with a lot of space.

Tami makes this site

What a host.

Found us a site by the river a little secluded and with a great fire pit.

Stay two nights whilst riding in the Gros Ventre mountains

Great views of Tetons. Leaves in full fall mode. Rode bike 12 miles on paved trails to Jackson. My site is electric only. Other loops allow generators.

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.

This free dispersed site was absolutely unreal. We met the most amazing people and go to watch the sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms and rainbows over the Tetons each and every day. Truly an amazing experience and I hope everyone can make it out here some day. We stayed at site #9 and honestly I think it’s the best site on the entire campground. Everyone was wondering how we snagged it and I said “get there earlier in the morning” haha. Enjoy:)