Campgrounds near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway range from free dispersed campsites along Grassy Lake Road to tent sites, RVs, and cabins at Flagg Ranch, in a connector area managed by the National Park Service between Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch provides established sites for tents, RVs, and cabins, operating from June through early October. Free dispersed camping can be found along Grassy Lake Road (also called Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road), which features eight designated camping areas with varying numbers of sites. Several mixed-use campgrounds like Colter Bay in nearby Grand Teton National Park offer additional accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.
Road conditions vary seasonally, with Grassy Lake Road typically closed until mid-June. "Grassy Lakes Road still closed on 6/10/24," reported one camper, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before arrival. When open, the graded gravel road is generally passable for standard vehicles, though some sections have washboard surfaces. Campsite availability is extremely limited during peak summer months, with designated sites often filling by early afternoon. Each dispersed camping area along Grassy Lake Road includes amenities uncommon for free sites: vault toilets, bear boxes, trash cans, picnic tables, and fire rings. Mosquitoes can be problematic in forested sites, especially in early summer.
Snake River dispersed camping areas receive consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the blend of wilderness setting and basic amenities. "There are 8 designated camping areas along the snake river heading to Grassy Lake Reservoir," noted one reviewer, explaining that "each camping area has between 1-4 sites, a pit toilet, picnic tables and fire rings." Sites closer to the main highway feature open meadows with mountain views, while those farther down Grassy Lake Road offer more forest cover and privacy. The proximity to both national parks makes these sites strategically located for exploring the region, with the south entrance to Yellowstone just minutes away. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with several campers reporting moose sightings near their campsites.
$61 - $125 / night
"Great spot on the outskirts of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks. we stayed in a cabin which was very cozy and clean."
"Right outside Yellowstone and perfectly positioned between the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National parks. I definitely will be coming back."
$122 - $127 / night
"We stayed in the Rv area with full hook-ups and a good sized site which was gravel with a picnic bench and surrounded by shade."
"This site was a very short and beautiful walk to the lake which we loved. Clean bathrooms two sites up the loop with water."
$101 / night
"Surrounded by trees perfect for hammocks. Great designated, flat tent pad. Walking distance to the lake. Not too close to the shops but still close enough to walk to."
"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."
$53 / night
"We came into Grand Teton later in the morning (around 11:00) and still managed to snag a secluded campsite right on the lake."
"This campground is away from the busier and more crowded campsites in the area. There are no hookups but there are water spigots throughout."
$13 / night
"We were here just to fly fish the Snake River for a couple of hours (make sure you have all the right fishing permits for Yellowstone and Wyoming!)."
"A few have more trees and there are horse corrals and two secluded sites next to them. We stayed in #3, one of the more treed sites with plenty of room for our tent, and loved it!"
"Grant village is located incredibly close to many of the nearby attractions you’ll find at Yellowstone. It’s on the southern part of the large ring road you’ll use to visit everything."
"One of the nicest campgrounds I’ve encountered and made new friends here as well. easlily access to all the parts of the park via Automobile."
"Unfortunately, sites are limited, but you have access to bathrooms and bear-proof dumpsters at all the camps!"
"It’s very quiet here and you’re surrounded my nature. There was a fire ring and picnic table. No AT&T service so nice to unplug."
$20 / night
"Nice campground with some good views (we were on the outside of the B loop) and a pretty lake, walking distance away. We had great time."
"This is such a fun campground because you are so close to Lewis Lake which is great to cool off in after a long day outside. My only complaint is size of some sites, they are pretty tight."
$59 - $103 / night
"Get there around 11am to grab a site with a view, there’s only a handful. If those are full get a site near the entrance so you’re close to bathhouses, laundry, store, restaurant."
"Our spot was right next to the bathrooms, which was handy. Though we didn’t love the gravel box meant for the tent pad. Some sites had great views, ours was just trees and neighbors."
"Just outside of Yellowstone, right on the river, clean vault toilet, bear box, fire pit, picnic table, and FREE."
"We drove from west Yellowstone and arrived around noon. There were some camp sites available at camp site 1. It gets crowded at evening."
GuideCame up to Yellowstone early in the season. Nothing was open had snow couldn't get into a remote location. They let us come stay early. It was awesome
ScoutViews of tetons are great away from main road easy access even without 4wd.level spots fire rings where great! Close to hiking trails (Shadow mt) bathrooms was locked here in off season.
ScoutWe visited in April just after a large snow. Without 4x4 I don’t think I could have made it out. There were deep puddles that, a vehicle without 4x4, I don’t believe they could make it. The stars at night were unreal. The proximity to the west entrance of Yellowstone makes this a gem.
ScoutThe spot is not too far off the highway. Road is in good condition. There are marked spots and fire rings. They had only a portion open but there weren’t many other people. Woke up to the most beautiful view of the Tetons.
ScoutEasy and quick campground to get to off the main stretch of road. I drive a regular Honda crv and did just fine getting in on the dirt road. About 15 campsites, all first come first serve. All have amazing views of the Teton range. One outhouse. All sites have fire rings. Would camp here again!
TravelerWe stopped her for Tetons overnight after our first campsite was closed.. this was simple and a lot easier to car camp than tent camping ( at least where we were)
TravelerWe called before hand and was told they’d be open and the duet recommended this site, but by the time we drove 10 hours from SD to sleep here for the night it was closed ? Added an extra hour to try for another site we had saved for the Grand Tetons .. i wanted to be at this site but it clearly wasn’t meant for us - Maybe next year!
TravelerThese roads remain open in winter. I camped here early April. Rough road to enter and was very wet due to snowmelt so off-road tires needed, but should be more accessible in summer. Ideal for vans, pickup trucks and small-medium trailers. Dispersed camping spots are scattered on FR 20120 and the roads coming off it. Some are individual and others are wider areas ideal for group camping.
TravelerCamped here for 2 nights in April when there was still snow on the ground. Road was accessible during winter conditions but lots of potholes on dirt road to dispersed camping. 4wd recommended but not essential.beautiful spot with Mountain View’s and easy access to the stream and hiking trails. 15 min drive to ski resort
Dispersed camping along Grassy Lake Road in John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway provides access points to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The area sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, resulting in a short camping season typically from mid-June through September. Winter conditions can persist into late spring, with snowmelt creating muddy conditions even after roads open.
Kayaking on Jackson Lake: Visitors camping near Signal Mountain enjoy easy water access. "We rented kayaks from the campground and explored the little lake...the views were absolutely surreal. Great hiking nearby too," writes one Signal Mountain Campground visitor.
Wildlife viewing at dawn: The Rockefeller Parkway area connects Yellowstone and Grand Teton habitats. "I saw more moose driving to my campsite than I did driving through Yellowstone," reported a visitor at Snake River Dispersed camping areas.
Fishing the Snake River: Anglers find productive waters throughout the area. "Great fishing in the river a short walk from the campground," notes a reviewer at Sheffield Campground, emphasizing the accessibility of fishing spots near established sites.
Bear-proof amenities: John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway campsites include unexpected conveniences. "Each site has a pit toilet, picnic table and fire pit. NFS stops by DAILY to empty your trash and clean the bathroom. Very kind and respectful - spoils you for sure!" explains a camper at Snake River Dispersed camping.
Proximity to attractions: The central location between two national parks creates an ideal base camp. "Great spot for camping if you get there early... it was a beautiful drive out in the morning and was a convenient location between Yellowstone and Grand Teton," reports a visitor at Lewis Lake Campground.
Private sites: Campers appreciate the spacing between some dispersed sites. "Each pull-off has 1 toilet and 1 trash, but has a firepit, table, and bear box for each designated camping spot. The river seemed perfect for fishing," notes a reviewer at Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road.
Early arrival essential: Competition for limited sites intensifies throughout the day. "Get there in the AM and getting a spot is easy. Do not wait till 4pm," advises a camper at Colter Bay Tent Village, emphasizing the importance of timing.
Road closures common: Access restrictions affect camping plans through early summer. "Not open as of June 11," reported a visitor checking Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road in 2024, highlighting the need to verify conditions before arrival.
Mosquito intensity varies: Some camping areas experience severe insect pressure. "We packed up as quick as possible in the morning and enjoyed that our memory of that mosquito place was now in the past!!" recalled a visitor camping in forested sites along Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road.
Look for amenities near campsites: Facilities vary widely across the area. "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," explains a visitor at Colter Bay Tent Village.
Consider cabin options: When weather conditions deteriorate, sheltered accommodations provide comfort. "Cutest little non-electric cabin. Included full size bunk bed, desk. Plenty of space for your things. Bathrooms were clean, showers available, outlets available in bathrooms for blow dryers," notes a visitor at Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch.
Choose beach access sites: Swimming opportunities help manage summer heat. "There was a beautiful beach about a 7-10 minute walk from the site I was on," mentions a camper at Lizard Creek Campground.
Size restrictions apply: Many roads and camping areas limit larger vehicles. "Weight limit of 5 ton to cross the bridge to get in," warns a Sheffield Campground visitor about access constraints.
Generator regulations vary: Noise restrictions affect power availability. "First [loop] is for RVs and generator friendly. Second loop is for tents and small trailers and is generator free," explains a reviewer describing the layout at Lizard Creek Campground.
Uneven terrain common: Level sites can be difficult to find throughout the area. "Most sites are pretty uneven so bring blocks. I had to get pretty creative in our super C," advises an RVer at Colter Bay RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the designated camping areas in John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway?
The primary designated camping area in John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway is Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch, situated between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. For those seeking dispersed camping options, Snake River Dispersed - Rockefeller Memorial Parkway offers more primitive sites along the Snake River corridor. Additionally, the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road area provides free dispersed camping opportunities. The Parkway's strategic location makes it an ideal basecamp for exploring both national parks while enjoying the less crowded atmosphere compared to the busier park campgrounds.
What amenities are available at John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway campgrounds?
Campgrounds in John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway offer varying amenities depending on location. Fishing Bridge RV Park provides full hookups for RVs, including water, electric, and sewer connections. The park features modern restrooms, dump stations, and potable water sources. For those seeking a more developed experience, Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Resort near the west entrance offers resort-style amenities including wifi, laundry facilities, and a camp store. Dispersed camping areas within the Parkway typically offer basic facilities such as vault toilets and fire rings, but no running water or electricity. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, so proper food storage is essential at all camping locations.
Do I need camping permits for John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway?
Yes, camping permits are required for all overnight stays in John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. For established campgrounds like Lizard Creek Campground, reservations serve as your permit and should be made well in advance, especially during peak summer months (June-August). For backcountry camping in the Parkway, wilderness permits are mandatory and can be obtained from the Colter Bay or Flagg Ranch visitor centers. Colter Bay RV Park follows the same reservation system as other developed campgrounds in the area. All camping areas have specific regulations regarding length of stay, group size, and wildlife protection measures. Permits help manage visitor impact and protect the natural resources of this corridor connecting two of America's most beloved national parks.
Keep Exploring
