Camping near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Camping opportunities between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are available at John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, a scenic connector area managed by the National Park Service. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (244)

    1. Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch — John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway

    46 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (307) 543-2861

    $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."

    2. Colter Bay RV Park at Colter Bay Village — Grand Teton National Park

    64 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 543-2811

    $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."

    3. Colter Bay Tent Village at Colter Bay Village — Grand Teton National Park

    65 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 543-2811

    $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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Lizard Creek Campground — Grand Teton National Park

    29 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 543-2831

    $51 / 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."

    5. Sheffield Campground

    25 Reviews
    John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, WY
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 739-5500

    $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!"

    6. Grant Village Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    84 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 344-7311

    "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."

    7. Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road

    19 Reviews
    John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, WY
    1 mile

    "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."

    "There are about 8 camps along this well maintained gravel road, located just outside the south entrance to Yellowstone. Because of this, they were all taken, of course."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Snake River Dispersed - Rockefeller Memorial Parkway

    14 Reviews
    John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, WY
    1 mile
    Website

    "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."

    9. Lewis Lake — Yellowstone National Park

    26 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 344-2107

    $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."

    10. Signal Mountain Campground — Grand Teton National Park

    41 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 543-2831

    $57 - $101 / 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."

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Recent Reviews near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

2066 Reviews of 244 John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway Campgrounds


  • V.B The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2025

    antelope springs campsites

    November is good.

    A continuation of the shadow mountain campground but this one does not have a bathroom. Some of the spots have bear boxes so that's cool. I showed up here in November and even with all the hunting all around the site was practically empty. There are fire pits at every designated site and it also does not allow you to set up tents. In the winter tho be prepared to be cold!

  • Barbara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Bridge Bay Campground — Yellowstone National Park

    Beautiful tent sites and RV sites near the trees. Evening elk bugles !

    The hosts were great in getting us the perfect sites. H loop is great and in the trees. Near Yellowstone lake. Bathrooms are clean and sites are not to close.

  • Mary K.
    Nov. 15, 2025

    Spread Creek Dispersed Campground

    Peaceful campground with stunning Teton views

    Spread Creek Dispersed Campground perfectly captures the essence of rustic, back-to-nature camping. Because of its wide meadows and tranquil creek, it's the perfect place for campers who value seclusion and natural beauty over modern conveniences. The lack of amenities encourages visitors cineby app to disconnect and completely appreciate the outdoors, enhancing the true outdoor experience.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Stunning view, rough drive out

    For a few miles coming out to the sites, the road is incredibly rough. Like you’ll have to navigate potholes but if you take it slow you’ll be fine— i have a Jeep SUV for reference. Camp sites don’t start until the switchbacks going up the mountain start, camping before that is not permitted according to the signs. Campsites have fire rings and plentiful gravel. Site 1 was a bit tight to turn around in so be mindful if you have a larger rig

  • Hector F.
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Spread Creek Dispersed Campground

    Calm camping with breathtaking views of the Teton

    The spirit of rustic, back-to-nature camping is well encapsulated at Spread Creek Dispersed Campground. It's the ideal location for campers who prefer solitude and natural beauty to contemporary comforts because of its broad meadows, serene creek. The true outdoor experience is enhanced by the absence of facilities, which encourage guests to detach and fully enjoy the outdoors. Use bilibili to find travel guides, wildlife documentaries, and relaxation content that perfectly compliments your outdoor experience if you're planning a trip or just want to relax after an exciting day.

  • Taniya H.
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Spread Creek Dispersed Campground

    Hope to Visit!

    Spread Creek Dispersed Campground truly captures the essence of rustic, back-to-nature camping. With its open meadows, peaceful creek, and close proximity to the Tetons, it’s a perfect destination for campers seeking tranquility and natural beauty over modern conveniences. The lack of amenities adds to the authentic outdoor experience, inviting visitors to disconnect and fully embrace the wilderness. For those planning a trip or wanting to unwind after a day of adventure, consider using Dooflix to explore travel guides, nature documentaries, and relaxation content that complements your outdoor journey perfectly.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Colter Bay RV Park at Colter Bay Village — Grand Teton National Park

    Location location location

    Most sites are pretty uneven so bring blocks. I had to get pretty creative in our super C. It’s also pretty packed in. Don’t expect to have room to maybe even put out your awning. Also very expensive without a lot of amenities. Besides that the location is amazing. The ease of exploring the park makes it worth for at least a couple of night especially if you need to hit a specific area early.

  • Haley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Teton View Dispersed

    Wonderful views!

    Beautiful views of the Tetons. Areas for tents and RVs. Lots of campsites spread out, maybe with less great views but you get more space to yourself. If you’re in a tent, past this spot there are campsites with bear boxes. Information about bears, low impact and fire control is at every campsite. Max stay is 5 days :-)


Guide to John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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.