Best Tent Camping near Swan Valley, ID

Camping on the banks on the banks of the Warm River, which actually is quite cold, can’t get much better than this! There are several options here- tent camping in a tent only walk in area along the river banks and under some pretty good hammocking trees (best sites are #12, 13, 16, and 8 because they have some space from neighbors and are right on the river); RV sites with what looks like at least electric hook ups (best sites for river views and/or privacy are #2, 4, 6, 19); from what neighbors say is pretty good fishing; and an awesome alternative to camping at Mesa Falls if that campground is full. Walk down the road and cross the river to check out a protected area of the river where the fish are HUGE and you can stand with your toes in the river while you feed them bits of bread. The sites all have the usual picnic tables and firepits, with nice level tent pads, clean vault toilets, and firewood for sale from the campground host. The only two downsides are no showers and the campground is wedged between the road and the river, so there is quite a bit of road noise in the day which fortunately dies down once dark sets in. At that point the river covers the road noise (also helpful in the morning). The campground is close to a lot of hiking trails, but there are no trailheads in the campground (so I guess that makes three bummers). All in all, a cool place to camp.

In Swan Valley the name of the game is fly fishing. This small campground is also a fly fishing outfitter and shop. While l was just passing through and I am not a fisherwoman, it seemed to offer pretty good services if that is your thing. I pulled in after hours but fortunately the owner’s dog alerted her to my presence and she was willing to open the office to rent me a tent site for the evening. There are 3ish tent sites(one was being worked on), about a half dozen pull thru RV sites, and 3 or 4 cabins for rent. There is a central bathhouse with two full bathrooms in a trailer for everyone to share. The bathhouse rooms are electronically accessed with codes the host gives you on check in. They were really nice and clean, like bathrooms in a typical modern home, except that one had the water heater tank in it and both had space heaters on the floor to plug in(fire hazard??). The tent site I chose was at the back of the campground so I didn’t have much highway noise, and fell asleep to the sound of the nearby horses grazing. Next door on the other side is a municipal building that appears to be the home base for the sheriff. The view of the back of the office/fly shop is not very picturesque, with boats and atv’s and odds and ends laying about. There are nice trees providing shade, but there is no real privacy between sites, tents, or cabins. The grass was quite lush, so I am wondering when the sprinkler system comes on. This place works as a layover or for someone who will take advantage of the fly fishing services, but not much else.

We spent quite a bit of time in the Colter Bay Village area during our visit to Grand Teton. We split time tent camping and staying in one of the historic Colter Bay Cabins. Reservations are not accepted for the campground and are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. We arrived at the campground to get in line around 7:00 a.m. and were able to get a sight within 15 or 20 minutes of the gate opening. 

We drove into our site and pitched our tent and then headed back out for the day to explore the park. We were so busy trying to get as much in that I didn't get any photos of the tent site. However, the sites are nicely spaced with a good deal of shade. Each site has a nice and clean fire ring, picnic table and ample flat ground for pithing a tent. 

The campground has bathrooms spaced within each loop. They have an area to drain dish water (separate from the bathroom) and flush toilets. I would say that the bathrooms are dated but we didn't experience them being gross or overly dirty as another reviewer mentioned. And yes, the campground is a little expensive which is normal for Grand Teton. In my experience, it is one of the most expensive parks to travel in. 

Our cabin at Colter Bay was wonderful! It was clean and just what we needed for a few nights. The folks in the office were attentive and friendly. The folks in the cabin next to us were a bit loud but it didn't impact our stay much. It wasn't spacious but it was plenty big enough to bring things in, get ready for a backcountry trip, shower and get a good night's sleep. No, they aren't cheap but we didn't mind splurging for a few nights!

Very quiet campground but tent sites are very close together. Tent sites can also get very muddy if it rains because there is very little grass at the sites.

All of the tent sites are not “accessible” by motorcycle, meaning they won’t allow you to try. We were on adventure bikes and were forced to camp in a small group site that I can only describe as a dirt corral. The prices were also ridiculous, however they had free showers and we were tired. Tent sites were $50-$65 and the rustic cabins started at $140. The tent sites are along the river, so there is deep sand and gravel. I would not stay again.

Convenient for location in park. Keep food stored properly from animals and bears. Store, RV sites. I was tent camping.

Forget waking up at 2am to try and snag a site at Jenny Lake. This off-the-beaten-path campground in Teton NF only has 23 sites, with beautiful views of Lower Slide Lake and the mountains.

Best tent site is #19. Awesome view. (Warning: other tent sites can be a little lumpy and hard to find flat ground.)

Bonus: saw a herd of Bison driving to the campground in Antelope Flats.

Would definitely stay here again!

What a great place outside of Jackson. Quiet and cozy cabins. RV sires and Ana big tent sites on the Snake River.

We tent camped with 3 kids for 4 nights in July. It was amazing. A bit loud on the one night and no ranger coming through but the views and beauty outweigh the loud people.

The camp spots are well maintained and its easy to get to. The road in is very winding but is completely paved now.

Seems like it’s more established for trailer camping but we did tent camping and it was great. I would camp here again.

This is a really nice campground. The soft ground made tent camping comfortable. Clean bathrooms that were lit through the night. Some sites close to Jackson Lake beach access which provide stunning views. Arrived at 6:15am on a Sunday and felt so lucky to find an open spot.

This campground was cramped and all the tent sites are practically on top of each other. We also had a bad run (three days) of loud neighbors that made is unbearable and forced us to leave the campground.

We've stayed here twice in the same tent site because we loved it. Very fun wood park for the kids, and the lake access is included in the camping reservation. Our site had running water and a nearby creek. Great place!

This was my very first time tent camping and I was extremely nervous but I can’t imagine a better experience. The amenities were fantastic and the views breathtaking. I was there with my three small kids for 4 nights and we all had a great time. I can’t wait to come back.

Spent a few nights here with my family tent camping. Saw more tents, some rvs, campers etc all able to get to sites. Some Mountain View’s some creek views and access. Beautifully nestled in the woods yet close enough to amenities. The ranger or host at site 5 was helpful and aware of wildlife presence and kept us feeling safe. Can’t wait to come back.

I loved the gorgeous river setting, and the fact that the tent sites seemed to be situated in prime spots along the river and creek. Great atmosphere with lots of kids running around. I had a few special requests and staff were extremely accommodating.

This campground offers everything. You can get full hookups, no hookups, electric only, group camping, tent camping, areas where you can use a generator and areas where you cannot. They have a small grocery store, a restaurant, bar, ice cream. Plenty if hiking trails, boating, boat rentals. If you can't find something to do here your not trying!

I would give this place no stars if I could! All of the spaces are crammed so tight. there is no room for anything. You would open your door into another camper! Do not camp at the tent sites if you have a tent bigger than a one person. Also be prepared to have trouble getting in and out if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Extremely dangerous road down to the tent sites. You can’t see cars that are coming your way and it’s barely wide enough for one car. This place is also the most outrageous campground I have ever stayed at. $65 bucks for nothing. Not even a site big enough for my tent and car. Mold all over the bathrooms. And extremely rude management. They have no idea what customer service is and do not care about you or your safety. Spend the money and stay somewhere else or make the drive and stay in one of the parks. This place is awful and noisy.

We arrived shortly after the office closed but there were still plenty of tent sites available. The self check-in process was a breeze. The sites and facilities were well maintained. Try to get a site that looks towards the mountains.. what a gorgeous site to wake up to!

I car camped here with a friend while we fished and explored Grand Teton.

The campground is tucked into bunches of cottonwood trees and sage brush. The sites offer little cover between spots, so you will see your neighbors.

Sites closer to the access road have great views of the Tetons but the ones in the middle of the loops are less scenic.

Each site has the basics needed with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a large bear box.

Facilities were clean and the staff was friendly.

This campground wins for me as a functional campsite with easy access to the attractions of the southern end of the park, and a fast trip to Jackson.

The tent sites at least for D are quite small. I would avoid site 172 in loop D (where we stayed) as it’s situated right next to the bathroom and the lights hit the tent site all night.

We pulled in for one night of tent camping, saw the tent area and decided to rent a cabin! We felt it was a bit to far from rest of sites and were fairly new to camping in the area so we opted for the safer site. Cabin was nice, nothing fancy but came with a bed, bunk beds, a porch swing & fire ring and was right on the Snake River. Price wasn’t bad considering you’re close to Grand Tetons/Yellowstone.