Dispersed camping areas near Alta, Wyoming sit at elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet in the Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests. The camping season typically runs mid-June through September, with frost possible even in summer months. Most primitive camping near Alta requires visitors to pack all supplies including water, as nearly all sites lack potable water sources.
What to do
Fishing access points: Teton River offers multiple access points for anglers near Big Eddy Dispersed Camping. "This is a loop that is next to the Teton River. If crowded there would maybe be 20 campers, but there are not any designated spots. There are a few fire rings scattered about- the stone kind," notes camper Kent H.
Hiking Wind Cave Trail: The 3.4-mile trail near Darby Canyon Dispersed leads to unique karst formations. "Up the road in Darby Canyon, site 1A sits on the bluff overlooking the Tetons - beautiful! but extremely windy. Very tight space. Moved up to site 5 which required high clearance 4wd and slow driving. Great spot in the middle of the forest," reports kristi M.
Mountain biking routes: Forest service roads around Pine Creek Rd Dispersed provide excellent mountain biking terrain. "Followed the reviews before us and traveled up the road on the left from the bottom gravel lot. Made our way up to an awesome point at the top of the hill. Take a couple lefts and you'll find it!" shares Becca P.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Many sites offer seclusion for a true wilderness experience. At Pine Creek Rd Dispersed, one camper reported, "Passed one other car but didnt hear or see anyone all night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise."
Bear safety infrastructure: Some dispersed sites include secure storage. A visitor to Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping noted, "We went left and were able to grab a Mountain View in open air. We passed a couple of other spots that had lots of shade as well and a little more privacy. We ending up have the whole spot to ourselves for the night. It also had a metal ring fire pit and bear box at every site!"
Sunrise views: Morning light on the Tetons creates spectacular viewing opportunities. "Best view of the Tetons you can get while camping. Pretty easy to get to with amazing sunrise and sunsets," reports Lee W. about Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for most backcountry sites. A camper at Moose Creek Trailhead Dispersed Area warns, "Close to the Hwy over Teton Pass; but the last mile is clay road & (b/c of recent rain cell) it coated our vehicle."
Weather extremes persist year-round: Cold temperatures affect camping comfort even in summer. "We realized that the site we'd chosen under the trees was rather chilly, especially with the retreating sun. Temps estimated in 30s overnight," notes a September visitor to Moose Creek Trailhead.
Site competition is fierce: Early arrival is critical during peak season. For Upper Teton View Dispersed, one camper advises, "This spot in the National Forest was great for the nights we were visiting Grand Tetons National Park. If you have a pickup truck with a RTT or are car camping you can find a spot here almost any time of the night. It is busy but there are plenty of sites."
Tips for camping with families
Prepare for insects: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near water. "There were swarms of bugs since it is on the river but it works for a quick stay," reports a camper at Big Eddy Dispersed Camping.
Consider higher elevation sites: Upper sites typically have fewer insects and better views. At Teton Canyon Road Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted, "Beautiful view from this one spot. This was about 3 Mi in. If you go further it goes straight down into the woods toward a lake and it's very dark and no light, no stars, and truly scary bear country."
Locate sites near natural water features: Stream access provides both recreation and practical utility. "Cold, clear water makes for a refreshing (very cold!) natural bath," states a Moose Creek Trailhead visitor.
Tips from RVers
Scope out sites before committing: Roads often deteriorate further into dispersed areas. "The dirt road in is rough, steep and narrow," notes a reviewer about Shadow Mountain sites, adding that sites vary significantly in accessibility.
Plan multiple options: Primary sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "The spots up the road from the bathrooms are great but fill up quickly and it seems like people park RVs or leave tents to reserve spots while they are out for the day," observes an Upper Teton View camper.
Consider your vehicle limitations: Even with four-wheel drive, road conditions may exceed capabilities. "We were in my Honda CR-V and it did fine, but if you're not careful, you could easily do some damage," cautions a visitor to Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping.
