Dispersed camping near Bridger-Teton National Forest provides access to over 3.4 million acres of wilderness across western Wyoming at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 13,000 feet. Seasonal camping is available from late May through October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather conditions. Nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing even during summer months, requiring proper cold-weather gear regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Granite Creek Road offers multiple creek-side spots for anglers. "We walked the creek in the morning, and the dogs really enjoyed it," notes a camper at Spread Creek Dispersed Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several areas provide consistent wildlife sightings beyond the open range cattle. "On our walk out this morning, we noticed a family of deer munching in the field," reports one visitor at Spread Creek, while Curtis Canyon campers regularly spot moose, elk, and whooping cranes.
Hot springs exploration: Several camping areas provide access to natural hot springs for soaking. One visitor at Granite Creek Trailhead notes, "Drove out there for the hot springs and was pleasantly surprised by all of the dispersed campsites."
What campers like
Mountain panoramas: Most dispersed sites offer unobstructed views of surrounding mountain ranges. A visitor at Upper Teton View Dispersed reports, "I never want to leave this view! We got here about 2:30pm on a Friday. May 30 2025. It had some people in the best spots but we were able to get a spot with a view."
Site spacing: Many campers appreciate the distance between sites. "Wonderfully peaceful, all sites right next to the creek, plenty of options and pretty well spaced out from each other," mentions a camper at Cliff Creek.
Natural cooling: Creek-side camping provides natural temperature regulation during hot summer days. At Fall Creek Road - Dispersed, one camper notes, "We parked right on the creek, biked the road/trail, and loved the solitude."
What you should know
Mosquito populations: Biting insects can be intense during summer months across the region. A camper at Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping warns, "I am a pretty experienced camper. Never in my LIFE have I been swarmed by this many flies and horse flies. Maybe it was just bad luck but this is insane. Truly could not make it out of my tent and car. SWARMS."
Site availability timing: Most rustic camping areas near Bridger-Teton National Forest fill quickly during peak season. "This spot is absolutely beautiful! Only 1 other camper here and we only saw him when driving in and out. Perfect spot to be away from the crowds," reports a visitor at Fisherman Creek Road, highlighting its lower usage.
Food storage requirements: Bear presence necessitates proper food storage. "The park ranger on site was very helpful and alerted us when there were bears in the area," notes a camper at Curtis Canyon, while others mention available bear boxes at certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible sites for children: Some areas feature gentle terrain suitable for families. At Upper Teton View, "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 and plenty of signs that say one more than one person can share a site."
Overnight temperature planning: The significant temperature drops require family-appropriate gear. "It did get down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over night, so pack warm," advises a camper at Cliff Creek.
Early arrival strategy: For families needing specific amenities, timing matters significantly. A camper at Fisherman Creek Road suggests, "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."
Tips from RVers
Road condition assessment: Many dispersed areas have challenging access points for larger vehicles. "We were able to follow the directions easily from The Dyrt app, and road was easy to navigate with a minivan. We found a nice flat area where another car was parked," reports a visitor at Fall Creek Road.
Turnaround accessibility: RV campers should check for adequate maneuvering space. "The spot was large enough to turn around and easily maneuver the trailer," notes a camper at Fisherman Creek Road regarding site logistics.
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation camping areas present different challenges for RVs. At Shadow Mountain, "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 but the ones at the entrance would suite you well."
