Best Dispersed Camping near Swan Valley, ID

Hi Campers! 

We stopped in this part of the National Forest on our way to Yellowstone by way of Jackson Hole, WY. The access is off of HWY 191. You turn West onto Cliff Creek Rd/Forest Rd 30530 and follow Cliff Creek to many dispersed coming sites. 

This is open range so be aware that there are cattle grazing. Plus, it is of course bear country...so know how to stay safe! 

We stayed here one night so that we could get on the road again in the morning. We found a nice secluded site. It was pretty close to the creek (there are closer sites but they were taken already) and you could easily walk there to get into some fly fishing. 

Our photos are from driving and getting close to the camping area. When we got there it was pretty close to getting dark (just one photo from the site) and we left really early to get on the road. 

We'll stop here again if we're in the area! Can't beat free dispersed camping!

If 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

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.

A 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.