Best Tent Camping near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Tent campgrounds surrounding John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway offer proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Colter Bay Tent Village provides established tent sites with amenities, while backcountry options like the Yellowstone National Park Backcountry sites (9F1 and 9C1) offer more remote experiences. Multiple walk-in tent sites and dispersed camping areas like Buffalo Valley provide alternatives to formal campgrounds within the region.
Tent campers should be aware that established campgrounds typically provide bear boxes, fire rings, and access to toilets, while dispersed areas generally lack these amenities. Most tent camping areas enforce strict food storage regulations due to bear activity. At Lewis Lake Campground, every campsite includes a bear box, though some tent sites are positioned very close to neighboring campsites. According to one visitor, "There is plenty of flat ground for several tents right along the river" at the 9F1 Yellowstone backcountry site, which includes a pole for hanging food bags and a fire ring. Vault toilets are available at some dispersed camping locations like Antelope Springs, but many backcountry sites have no facilities.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Walk-in tent sites at Jenny Lake Campground offer more privacy than drive-in options. Backcountry tent camping requires permits in Yellowstone National Park, and pets are not allowed in these remote tent areas. A review mentioned that despite being near water, the 9F1 backcountry campsite had "surprisingly few mosquitoes" - an important consideration for tent campers. Dispersed tent camping areas like Shadow Mountain provide free camping with spectacular mountain views. Early morning arrivals are recommended for securing tent sites at popular locations like Colter Bay, where campsites are nestled among trees that provide both shade and privacy.












