Grand Teton National Park camping ranges in elevation from 6,800 feet at lower campgrounds to nearly 8,000 feet at higher dispersed sites, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Even summer campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F at higher elevations. Most forest service dispersed camping areas limit stays to 5-14 days depending on location.
What to do
Lake activities at Jackson Lake: Signal Mountain Campground provides excellent access to Jackson Lake for water recreation. "We rented kayaks from the campground and explored the little lake...the views were absolutely surreal. Great hiking nearby too," notes one camper at Signal Mountain Campground. Multiple water spigots and centralized restrooms make this a convenient base for lake activities.
Explore wildlife viewing areas: The northern campgrounds provide opportunities for wildlife sightings. "Wake up extra early because the sun rises over the mountains and there is a crystal clear reflection on the lake," advises a camper about Lizard Creek Campground, noting the spectacular morning light for photography. Early morning and dusk offer the best viewing times when animals are most active.
Scenic drives on lesser-known roads: Access points like Spread Creek provide alternatives to crowded park roads. "The drive and view were incredible. There was tons of clear postage of free camping for a 5 day limit! It was super close to Yellowstone and grand Tetons," reports a visitor to Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping. Many dispersed camping areas connect to scenic forest service roads with mountain views.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary by campground: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "We were a minute walk away from the lake and a perfect view of the mountains. They had a great general store with decent prices for being the only store around," shares a camper about Colter Bay Tent Village. The tent-only areas typically provide more separation between sites than RV sections.
Early arrival necessity: Competition for prime spots is fierce during peak season. "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," explains a camper at Upper Teton View. For first-come, first-served campgrounds, arriving before noon significantly improves your chances for securing a site with views.
Easy access to hiking trails: Many campgrounds connect directly to trail networks. "Great access to trails along the lake," notes a visitor about Colter Bay. Jenny Lake Campground offers "access to trails, lakes, visitor center, and camp showers," making it convenient for hikers who want trail access directly from their site.
What you should know
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access roads vary considerably in quality. "The road varies in quality: some parts are very smooth, some parts are very rocky (some parts looked very muddy after rain!)," explains a camper about Toppings Lake in Bridger-Teton National Forest. Low-clearance vehicles may struggle on some forest service roads, particularly after rainfall.
Bear safety requirements: All sites enforce strict food storage protocols. "They reminded us to keep all food stored safely in a bear safe compartment (there are none provided at the sites). We kept it in our yeti cooler in the car," notes a Toppings Lake visitor. Rangers actively patrol campgrounds for food storage compliance and can issue citations for violations.
Shower availability limited: Most campgrounds lack shower facilities. "The bathrooms in the campground look like they have never been cleaned or maintained... No hot water, broken cold water faucets," reports one visitor to Colter Bay RV Park. Colter Bay Village offers pay showers at $5-7 per shower, one of the few shower options in the park.
Tips for camping with families
Best campgrounds for amenities: Families benefit from sites with services. "At Colter Bay campground they have a laundromat, showers, grocery store, coffee stand, and gift shop. We were able to use our active military ID for a discount at the campsite," shares a visitor to Colter Bay. Colter Bay and Signal Mountain offer the most complete amenities for families needing access to supplies.
Weather preparedness required: Temperature swings affect children particularly. "It gets pretty windy but worth it!" reports a camper at Jenny Lake Campground. Higher elevation campgrounds can experience strong afternoon winds and overnight temperatures below 40°F even in summer, requiring proper clothing and sleeping gear for children.
Booking strategies for families: Securing suitable sites requires planning. "Check-in was super helpful to a rookie camper. They suggested how we should pull into the site in order to face the correct direction," explains a Colter Bay RV Park visitor. Family-friendly sites with level ground and proximity to bathrooms fill earliest, typically by mid-morning during summer.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric connections are limited to specific campgrounds. "Most sites are pretty uneven so bring blocks. I had to get pretty creative in our super C," notes a visitor to Colter Bay RV Park. Only Colter Bay RV Park, Signal Mountain, and Gros Ventre offer any electric hookups, and they remain in high demand.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling. "Very level boondocking sites with a grand view of the Tetons. You're only allowed to stay for 5 days due to the views," reports a visitor to Toppings Lake. RVers should bring leveling blocks as most sites have some slope, particularly those in national forest areas.
Size restrictions matter: Forest service roads limit viable RV sites. "I have a 40ft class A with no problems getting to site. You just have to travel around 5 mph or slower in some spots," advises another Toppings Lake camper. RVs over 25 feet should stick to established campgrounds or well-documented dispersed areas to avoid difficult turn-arounds.
