Dispersed camping sites near Kelly, Wyoming typically rest at elevations between 6,300-8,000 feet with summer temperatures ranging from 40-80°F. Most locations face strong afternoon winds from the west, especially at higher elevation sites like Shadow Mountain and Curtis Canyon. Seasonal temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with nighttime lows dropping below freezing even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas provide river access for fishing. At Taylor Ranch Road Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "We strolled the creek in the morning, and the dogs really enjoyed it." The small river fishing areas near dispersed sites can be productive for catch-and-release trout fishing.
Wildlife viewing: Kelly and surrounding areas offer abundant wildlife watching chances. At Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping, campers report seeing various animals. One visitor mentioned, "The park ranger on site was very helpful and alerted us when there were bears in the area." Bear sightings are common across all camping areas.
Sunrise viewing: Morning light on the Tetons is spectacular from elevated camping areas. One camper at Shadow Mountain advised, "I recommend getting up early to best enjoy the sunrise, before taking off for the park." Most spots with western views offer this experience, but arriving by afternoon ensures you secure a site with the best perspective.
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: The more remote sites require effort but reward with privacy. At Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping, a visitor explained, "Several of them are only accessible if you have a 4WD with high clearance. Maybe a jeep or taco could get up there." These higher sites provide escape from crowded campgrounds.
River proximity: Camping near flowing water provides both scenery and functionality. One camper described Spread Creek Dispersed Campground as offering "grassy meadows, flowing creek, and wide-open skies make it perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking. I especially enjoyed hearing the creek at night and watching deer in the fields during the morning."
Bear boxes at some sites: Certain dispersed areas now feature bear boxes, eliminating the need to store food in vehicles. A camper at Curtis Canyon Dispersed noted, "Lovely views with a bear box and campfire ring. The sites were also spread out enough that it never felt crowded." These amenities are not universally available but becoming more common at popular sites.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access roads deteriorate significantly after rain. At Upper Teton View, a camper warned, "Partly a gravel road, but right outside of grand Teton. Great views! Nice spread out areas." Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles after precipitation.
Insect pressure: Summer months bring intense mosquito and fly activity. One camper at Curtis Canyon reported, "Never in my LIFE have I been swarmed by this many flies and horse flies. Maybe it was just bad luck but this is insane. Truly could not make it out of my tent and car. SWARMS." Insect repellent is essential from June through August.
Arrival timing: Most sites fill completely by mid-afternoon. A visitor at Upper Teton View shared, "This spot in the National Forest was great for the nights we were visiting Grand Tetons National Park. If you have a pickup truck with a RTT or are car camping you can find a spot here almost any time of the night." Arriving between 7-10am provides best site selection.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural boundaries: When camping with children, select areas with natural containment. At Moran Vista, a camper noted, "Spacious leveled terrain with fire pits and perfect view of setting sun over mount Teton." These level sites with natural boundaries help keep children within sight.
Consider sites with toilet access: Some rustic camping near Kelly offers basic toilet facilities. One camper mentioned, "We have signal. Which is really comforting," when staying at Upper Teton View, which features vault toilets at lower elevations. These minimal facilities can make rustic camping more manageable with younger children.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Mountain camping brings significant day-night temperature changes. A camper at Shadow Mountain noted, "I'm Hawaii so I had some cold nights up there lol but it was totally doable. One night got as low as 16 degrees with other nights ranging around the low 30's." Pack layers and cold-weather sleeping gear even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Site availability for larger vehicles: Certain dispersed areas can accommodate RVs if accessed early. At Bridger-Teton National Forest, a camper with a larger setup explained, "The road is a bit rough but manageable in a class c towing a standard car on a dolly. Best to find your site in the car as turning around there with the road may be difficult."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require significant leveling efforts. One RVer reported, "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." Bring leveling blocks and scout locations before committing larger vehicles to specific sites.
Seasonal access limitations: Spring access is restricted in many areas. A visitor to Upper Teton View warned, "Most of this area is not open in early May, and the part of it that is open is packed with people. Wouldn't recommend in spring." Call the Forest Service office for current road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles.
