Alta's camping region ranges from 6,500 to 8,000 feet elevation, creating variable temperature conditions with summer nights often dropping to 40°F even when daytime temperatures reach 80°F. The eastern slopes near Alta provide excellent tent camping opportunities with minimal light pollution, allowing for exceptional stargazing during clear summer nights. Seasonal access varies with many dispersed sites becoming inaccessible from November through May due to snow coverage.
What to do
Explore hiking routes: The Pine Creek Pass area offers multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "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," notes Jamie C. about Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife observation: Set up at Shadow Mountain for wildlife viewing opportunities. "Along the road you'll find spots to park and camp. I only remember a handful of spots for a camper van," adds Jamie C. The area provides opportunities to spot elk, moose, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Fishing access: Phillips Bench Trailhead provides access to nearby fishing spots. "Easy to find with coordinates no other signage seen. Open space for parking. There are two other vehicles here with us and we are not on top of each other. The creek water sound is nice," reports Eliza G. about Phillips Bench Trailhead.
What campers like
Sunrise and sunset views: Shadow Mountain campsites offer premier views of the Teton range. "In the morning, we walked down the road a bit to watch the sunrise reflecting off the Tetons. Even though our experience wasn't perfect, it was gorgeous, so close to the park, and most importantly, free!" shares Anna B. about Shadow Mountain Dispersed Campsite #10.
Accessible backcountry experience: Open Canyon provides backcountry tent sites with minimal hiking required. "Roughly 3/4 up the Open Canyon trail the trees open up to a good spot to grab water. Just further up the trail this camp site was a 50-75ft hike down to this great open spot for setting up your tent," explains James R. about Open Canyon.
Relative seclusion: Antelope Springs offers designated dispersed camping with more structure than fully primitive sites. "Well kept dispersed camping spot. Only 8 spots in the circle so you have to get here early. They have two clean vault toilets as well," notes Brooklyn O. about Antelope Springs.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require driving on unpaved roads. "The road up is very well maintained. Multiple dispersed spots that are very large with amazing views of the Tetons! Bring your bug spray through!" warns Josh B. about Shadow Mountain.
Weather variability: Conditions change rapidly at higher elevations. "I 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," recounts Dylan B. about Pine Creek Pass.
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping requires permits. "Death canyon trail head is the starting point for the hike. Permit is required. You can get one at the visitor center," explains Jackson M. about Phelps Lake.
Insect activity: Prepare for seasonal bugs, particularly mosquitoes. "The mosquitoes were so bad, we ended up leaving before the night set. Driving through the mountain I did see other great spots with grand Teton views that were already occupied," warns Drifting M. about Shadow Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites first: Colter Bay provides more amenities for family camping. "Colter bay has 200-300 camp sites nestled in under the trees. It's crowed but workable. First come first serve. Get there in the AM and getting a spot is easy. Do not wait till 4pm," advises Jay B. about Colter Bay Tent Village.
Pack weather-appropriate gear: Temperature swings require layered clothing and proper sleeping gear. "I'm Hawaii so I had some cold nights up there lol but it was totally doable. One night got as low as 16 degrees with other nights ranging around the low 30's," reports Matt S. about Shadow Mountain.
Review site specifications: Research tent pad sizes and configurations before arrival. "Loved this campsite! Super pretty, tucked away, close to trails, lakes, visitor center, and camp showers. Highly recommend. Site 7 tent pad is more tucked away and has bigger space. Close to restrooms and trails," details Raina S. about Jenny Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility limitations: Many of the best tent camping near Alta, Wyoming isn't accessible to larger vehicles. "It was a mile back to the area, make sure you have really good tires and 4WD or chains. We then used our 4-runner to compact the snow at the site and dug the rest out with snow shovels," shares Jacob D. about Antelope Springs.
Water management: No hookups means planning water usage carefully. "No amenities, pack out. Very happy to see there's no trash laying around! Some 3G service with T-Mobile. Starlink was perfect out here," notes Brendan about Antelope Springs.
Weather preparedness: Seasonal conditions significantly impact accessibility. "If it rains, that dirt/rocky road turns into pure mud. I hydroplaned the whole 15-20ish minutes down. Thank god for downhill braking systems! Would I do it again for that view? You bet," warns Mati C. about the best tent camping spots on Shadow Mountain.
