Dispersed camping near Bondurant, Wyoming offers primitive camping experiences in the Bridger-Teton National Forest at elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging in the 70s and nights dropping to the 40s. Snow can appear as early as September at higher elevations, making late spring through early fall the most accessible camping season.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Access numerous wilderness paths from Fisherman Creek Road where campers report finding "hidden meadows" and enjoy wildlife viewing. As one visitor noted, "there were many available campsites and it's not far from the main road at all. I had a bar of service via Verizon. Really had the place to ourselves."
Fishing access: The Green River offers excellent angling opportunities near Warren Bridge Recreation Area where designated dispersed camping sits along the riverbank. According to a camper, "Sites are right on the water with good access, fire rings, tables, and vault toilets. Directly across the river from our site is a tall pine with an eagles nest. 2 large Bald Eagles hang out there in the evening... Good fishing as well."
Soak in hot springs: Visit Granite Creek Campground for access to natural hot springs. A camper explains, "Less than a mile from the campground, and easily accessible by bicycle, there is a very nice waterfall. Slightly beyond that is a public hot spring that was made into a pool by the CCC in the 1930s. There are changing rooms and a couple of picnic tables... I think that it was $8 to get in."
What campers like
Mountain views: Campers at Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping consistently mention the panoramic views. One visitor writes, "My best friend and I enjoy camping in our Eno hammocks and one of the locals from JD Highcountry Outfitters recommenced this place to us. It was easy enough to find, close enough to Jackson Hole, but still far enough away that we were off the beaten path."
Wildlife sightings: Many campers report close encounters with wildlife, especially at Gros Ventre Campground where one reviewer noted, "Saw three moose inside this campground. Only stayed for a night but it sure was beautiful! Sites and facilities were clean, office staff was friendly and there is an amazing view of the Tetons!"
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed camping areas offer ample space between campsites. At Fisherman Creek Road, a visitor mentioned, "Found a large spot about a mile up the road, on the left side. The road was pretty good, even for our overloaded car and rented trailer. The spot was large enough to turn around and easily maneuver the trailer... Nobody passed our campsite that whole evening, aside from a deer."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping advises, "The road is easily doable. If it rains - the top of the road is a mudpit. Slid out in four wheel drive in the wrangler... Easy to get to and navigate within the camping area. If you have a low clearance car or something that doesn't have AWD I would not recommend attempting to get to the higher sites."
Weather preparedness: Temperature drops at night can be significant. One camper at Warren Bridge Recreation Area reported, "Arrived very late Friday night after 11 PM and still found a nice spot by the river to setup camp for the night on the way to the Tetons. Nice and quiet with pit toilets and spacious areas to setup camp."
Cell service limitations: Signal is spotty throughout the region. A visitor to Shadow Mountain notes, "We got so lucky and got an amazing view. Road is easily doable... It gets crowded and spots are gone by 4-6pm." At Fisherman Creek Road, campers report intermittent service: "I had a bar of service via Verizon. Really had the place to ourselves."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established facilities: For family camping near Bondurant, consider sites with basic amenities. At Kozy Campground, a camper noted: "This is nice little campground about 35 min from the town of Jackson. There's drinking water and a bathroom available. There are about 10 campsites that are first-come-first-serve. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit. Almost all have bear boxes."
Best pet-friendly options: Many camping areas welcome four-legged companions. At Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping, one visitor shared: "I traveled all the way to the last campsite on the road, miles down from the pay campground. The road was bumpy but my Subaru Outback handled it just fine. The site was in an open field but so out of the way that it was very private. My dog loved it too."
Find sites with shade: During summer months, tree cover provides relief from heat. A Granite Creek visitor advised: "The campground has all the basic amenities. There are waterfalls and a undeveloped hot spring close by but it was too early in the season and the water was too high to cross the river. Tons of spots available midweek but also SO MANY dispersed spots along the dirt road that looked roomy and private."
Tips from RVers
Arrive early: Popular camping areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Curtis Canyon Campground, campers report: "Nice spots, but not a lot of them, road to the top is pretty rough, but it keeps the sprinter vans away." Another notes that "Sprinter Van Camping" is possible with "Fair camp site and fairly level that is near the restrooms and water source."
Know your vehicle limitations: For RV camping near Bondurant, understand road capabilities. A visitor to Rim Station RV Park shared: "All hookups are new and spots are level gravel." Another mentioned it's "Right on the path but good distance from towns… Really like the campsite the owners and the amenities all top notch! Propane fill station, ICE a little store."
Water and waste management: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. Warren Bridge offers solutions: "The bathrooms are very clean, fishing is outstanding. If this is your first visit and you are hauling a RV examine the entry for site 10, it is very rough. Sites 1 & 2 are small."