Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping

This place was so calm and private we weren’t even sure if we were in the right place. We could see some vans and RVs up on a hilltop but we weren’t comfortable taking the FWD 158ext van up the steeply rutted road so we pulled over to a slightly lower spot that we had all to ourselves and yet still enjoyed great views.

Follow Route 31 to Pine Creek Pass. 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. Although the roads were rutted in some places, we made it to the top without incident. There’s a wide level space here with a fire pit. Room for several vehicles. Shortly after I arrived another Van showed up and parked down the way essentially on the road which was fine. You can hear a bit of road traffic from time to time but generally it’s quiet. Beautiful vistas. I enjoyed watching the rain fall and thunder roll over a distant mountain range, the sunset and then the sunrise. Three bars of cellular on ATT.

I've stayed here three times and almost always because I'm cutting a day short and I know this place is nice. 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 are two fir rings I know if, by but I haven't explored everywhere.

Can here off road use sometimes in the distance, and the highway mildly during the day, but I never noticed it at night. can be windy as the top is exposed, but it's always died down at night for me.

Stayed in late July, early October, and late June. The June stay I ran into a shepherd that walks his flock of 2000+ sheep on his way seasonally to the Palisades. Harmless, friendly guy, we mostly kept to ourselves besides the introduction. Seeing the sheep was actually cool, and they came and went without incident.

I'll stay probably everytime I come through this way.

When you pull off into the gravel lot take the road in the left corner up to the top. There are a few pull outs along the way or a lot of space at the top. There are a few premade fire pits. There are a few other campers here but we’re spaced out enough. It’s quiet besides a few dirt bikes coming through.

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.