Best Tent Camping near Grand Teton National Park
Tent camping areas at Grand Teton National Park offer several options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Jenny Lake Campground provides tent-specific sites with stunning views of the Tetons and proximity to trails. Located at the base of the mountain range, this tent-only campground fills quickly during peak season, often by 8-9 AM according to multiple reports.
Most tent campsites within the park include basic amenities such as bear boxes, fire rings, and tent pads. Jenny Lake Campground features flush toilets and running water, while dispersed sites like Shadow Mountain and Buffalo Valley have no facilities. Tent sites at Jenny Lake are set among trees and boulders, offering some natural separation between campers. Antelope Springs Designated Dispersed Camping includes primitive tent sites with vault toilets but no drinking water. During summer months, mosquitoes can be abundant at lower elevations near the lake.
The backcountry camping experience varies significantly from established campgrounds. A review mentioned that Trapper Lake backcountry site "requires a backpack permit and reservation" and involves "a little over 4 miles to get to," resulting in quieter surroundings and fewer visitors. South Landing backcountry site provides a different experience, with tent campers accessing the site via a half-mile walk from the parking area to a rocky beach with private sites. Backcountry tent campers must use designated bear boxes for food storage and pack out all waste. Wildlife sightings are common near tent sites throughout the park, with campers reporting deer wandering through their campsites at Jenny Lake and moose, bears, elk, and bald eagles visible from backcountry tent locations.
