Wildflowers line the well-maintained trail into Alaska Basin, a free, hike-in dispersed camping area set within Targhee National Forest along the border of Grand Teton National Park. No permits are required, and day hikes or mountain summits inside the park are accessible directly from camp. Creeks and lakes nearby provide water sources, and bear bagging trees are available throughout the area. No pets are allowed. Campers wanting a permit-based alternative can look at Death Canyon Camping Zone, about 2.5 miles south, or browse campsites near Targhee National Forest for additional options in the region.
Description
The hike to Basin Lakes in the Alaska Basin begins from Teton Canyon on the west side of Grand Teton National Park. From Highway 33 in the heart of Driggs, ID, turn eastbound onto Ski Hill Road. At just over a mile you'll reach a fork in the road. Bear left here and continue on Ski Hill Road, heading towards Grand Targhee Resort. Roughly 4 miles from Highway 33 you'll reach the Wyoming state line, and will soon pass through the town of Alta. At roughly 6.4 miles you'll reach the Targhee National Forest boundary. At 6.6 miles, just after crossing over the cattle guard, turn right onto Teton Canyon Road, which soon turns into a gravel road. From the junction drive another 4.6 miles to the South Teton Canyon Trailhead, located at the end of the road. As mentioned, Teton Canyon Road is a gravel road with lots of pot holes and washboard. However, a two-wheel drive vehicle should have no problems making it if drivers take their time.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAlaska Basin Backcountry Camping is located in Wyoming near Moose
Coordinates
43.701039 N
110.85438 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Alaska Basin Backcountry Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 10 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 53 min from Pocatello, ID
- 4 hrs 25 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 32 min from Logan, UT


