Searching for the best camping near Swan Valley, ID? Swan Valley is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Swan Valley, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Be weary of fire bans"
"There are extra pull offs by the river before the main area, perfect for car camping!"
"It is dry camping so bring lots of water to keep hydrated."
"Good access to the streams. We parked in front of a trailhead that allows motor bikes, horses and hikers. Fire rings along the sites and level land. Peaceful night sleep."
"Threaded with dirt roads and my little private ptions for a camp. I always head to the top of the hill. Views of the three Tetons, Palisades, and Baldy plus sunsets and sunrises."
"There is a large turn off. Two ways to the top up Forest Road 40253. The drive up was not too bad. I’m in a all-wheel-drive Ford transit with a slight lift to it."
"Very peaceful, only one other camper near by for the first 5 days, then had the area to myself. Best view spots need decent clearance."
"Not much shade. There are some very large sites and decently spread out. There are open range cows in this area, and many of them. So there is definitely cow shit and nosey cows."
"Ultimate lake camping; bring your boat for wakeboarding, tubing, or just relaxing. Even human powered vehicles can be enjoyed; especially close to shore. So much to explore!"
"Vault toilet close to the entrance well stocked with tp."
"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."
"Definitely a rough road and can be tougher to find a spot if you come later, but we made it up in a low clearance camper van by taking it very slow and the views are awesome."
"Our first time boondocking in a camper van and we may be spoiled for life! Had a spot right on the water, with an brewery 100 yards away."
"Lots of space available for dispersed camping . Beautiful views and great location in town but still away from all road noise. ATT and Verizon service good ."
"Trailhead draws a lot of visitors during the day. No toilets, dumping, hookups or water. Just the stars and roaring creek. Beautiful back there."
"Great place to rest for a night and close to Jackson. The camp site is easily accessible by cars and vans. We were the only people camping when we arrived late at night."
"there's a nice little creek up near the back, don't know how close the other spots
Grand Teton Brewing is just a couple of miles out."
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.
GuideI have not personally spent the night camping here, but I do work for the Forest Service and wanted to give more information about the Darby Canyon dispersed camping sites. I also had a friend stay here for three nights last September and they had a good time. There are about 10~ sites (I will check and edit when I can) all along the canyon road, some are just right off road and others require a short drive down beaten paths to find the sites. All of these sites (except 2 or so very close to the road) are past the cattle guard. Depending on the time of year, many of these sites may not be accessible. Snow typically stays in the canyon until mid-June and starts collecting in October. The area may also be buggy at the height of the summer (July 2024 had been atrocious). There is limited cell service down most of the road and it completely disappears the closer to the Wind Cave trailhead you get. This area has a 14 day stay limit, meaning that once 14 days (13 nights) have been reached you must move at least 5 miles away to continue camping on forest service land and cannot return to this canyon to camp for 30 days. This is in a bear food storage enforced area and any bear attractants (food, pet food, soaps, sunscreen, etc.) are required to be stored properly in a locked hard sided vehicle or other bear resistant containers. Fires are allowed but must be put out dead (cold to the touch) before leaving a campsite. This canyon is regularly patrolled by Forest Service staff and ranger law enforcement officers, especially on the weekends, to keep up with the food storage and fires out dead orders. Hope this helps weary travelers that are deterred by low-rated reviews.
RangerGreat option if the Curtis Canyon campground is full, or if you would prefer something a little more remote. High clearance vehicles recommended - forest road 30440 is in pretty rough shape. 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. Dispersed sites are spread out with plenty of space; although no one stayed in the site next to us on this rainy evening in June.
To get there, continue past the Curtis Canyon campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest (behind the Elk refuge) as if you were heading to the trail head. You'll start to see marked sites along the extremely rutted forest road. I would not attempt very muddy conditions.
RangerWe spent one night mid May here on the way to Yellowstone. The view was awesome. With that said the upper road to the main camping area was closed off by the forest service at the lower parking area / pit toilet. The view made it worth the trip up. Not sure when the road will open up to the main dispersed site. Be aware that there is only enough room for about 20 campers / vans in the lower area. There is room for about another 15 cars and tent camping. Arrive early! Plenty of hiking and well worth it if you get a spot!
TravelerWe stayed here 3 nights and absolutely loved it. Definitely a rough road and can be tougher to find a spot if you come later, but we made it up in a low clearance camper van by taking it very slow and the views are awesome. It’s quiet and super close to the Moose entrance for the NP. We were higher up (#10) and had great Verizon service. Bathroom all the way at the bottom also. Can only camp in designated spots. Definitely recommend
GuideThe dirt road in is rough steep and narrow. Recommend high clearance as the road has ruts. They will close the road to snow and move the barrier up as it melts. Sites are spread out and numbered. The views are amazing. Spot 1 is in the aspen trees.
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
GuideNice Dispersed Camping. Doesn’t have Grand views of the Tetons but has nice grassy level areas and spots by the creek. If you run stuck there are big grassy sites in the back that could easily accommodate multiple campsites. Some rough road but you’ll be fine with an SUV/truck. Bring bug spray!
GuideFelt like winning the lottery to be driving back in while a friendly camper van was pulling out and told us right where to go for an open site. The views are just outstanding all day long and you feel very much removed from the craziness of the visitors in main areas of the park. Pit toilets are a nice perk and are cleaned once a week I believe. Very nice campground host making sure site guidelines are followed. Worth the 15 min, bumpy as all get out drive past the Mormon Row to get there!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Swan Valley, Idaho, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these areas offer a perfect escape into the wild.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Swan Valley, ID is Wolf Flats Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
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