Best Dispersed Camping near Kelly, WY

Dispersed camping near Kelly, Wyoming provides exceptional access to Grand Teton National Park through several free primitive sites in Bridger-Teton National Forest. Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping offers numbered sites with spectacular Teton views, while Upper Teton View and Curtis Canyon provide alternative locations with varying terrain and accessibility. According to reviews, Shadow Mountain features "absolutely unreal views overlooking Antelope Flats followed by the Grand Tetons," though the access road requires careful navigation due to ruts and rough conditions.

Most dispersed sites require self-sufficiency with no amenities beyond occasional pit toilets. No drinking water is available, and campers must pack in all supplies. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing many sites, particularly after rain. Several campers noted that while roads can be challenging, most passenger vehicles can navigate them by "taking it very slow." Fire regulations vary seasonally, with established fire rings at designated sites. Forest Service staff regularly patrol to enforce proper fire extinguishing and food storage requirements.

This area constitutes active bear habitat requiring strict food storage protocols. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured in vehicles or bear-resistant containers. Campsite availability follows a first-come, first-served system with a 5-day maximum stay from May through Labor Day, extending to 14-16 days during off-season. Campers report sites fill quickly, especially on weekends, with early morning (7-10am) offering the best opportunity to secure a spot. The mosquito population can be significant during summer months, so adequate insect protection is essential. Forest Service personnel regularly monitor these areas to ensure compliance with regulations and assist visitors.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kelly, Wyoming (99)

    1. Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    83 Reviews
    Kelly, WY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 739-5500

    "A bit of a drive and a rough road, but totally worth it! Off of antelope flat Rd, take a left at the dead end toward the national Forest land. Then you will veer left on the dirt road."

    "Definitely a rough road and can be tougher to find a spot if you come later, but we made it up in a low clearance camper van by taking it very slow and the views are awesome."

    2. Upper Teton View Dispersed

    60 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    10 miles
    Website

    "With that said the upper road to the main camping area was closed off by the forest service at the lower parking area / pit toilet. The view made it worth the trip up."

    "There’s beautiful views of the Teton mountains as people say, the roads are a bit rough and inclined but that’s everywhere in the west really:) no four wheel drive needed at all."

    3. Spread Creek Dispersed Campground

    56 Reviews
    Queens, WY
    12 miles
    Website

    "Nice Dispersed Camping. Doesn’t have Grand views of the Tetons but has nice grassy level areas and spots by the creek."

    "There are 14 campsites dispersed down a four mile long gravel road. Part of the National Forest. Great views of the Tetons from several sites."

    4. Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Kelly, WY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 739-5500

    "Great option if the Curtis Canyon campground is full, or if you would prefer something a little more remote. High clearance vehicles recommended - forest road 30440 is in pretty rough shape."

    "Maybe they just liked my bug spray, I'm not sure. But with the current fire ban, I spent most of my time at these sites indoors."

    5. Shadow Mountain - Dispersed Campsite #10

    10 Reviews
    Kelly, WY
    5 miles
    Website

    "We got there around 1-2pm and every spot was already filled except for 10a. We accidentally missed it the first time but caught it on our way back down."

    "Multiple dispersed spots that are very large with amazing views of the Tetons! Bring your bug spray through!"

    6. Shadow Mountain Campground

    9 Reviews
    Kelly, WY
    6 miles

    "First come first serve, no reservations....you can stay up to five days.

    No electric or water, but you trade all of that for the view alone. They do have a fire pit."

    "This is a great location if you are exploring the Teton/Jackson area. It's a little far to camp here and then go to Yellowstone."

    7. Taylor Ranch Road Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Kelly, WY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 739-5500

    "Very convenient spot for visiting Teton, just outside of Kelly. If you come to the bridge, you’ve gone too far."

    "Recommend high clearance vehicles. Space for 2-3. Right on the river. River is loud in campground. There are a few more spots after crossing the river."

    8. Moran Vista on Forest Road 30290

    15 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    12 miles

    "Great spot, close to the park. I didn’t drive all the way to the coordinates just stopped at a spot by the road. Pretty peaceful, gravel road."

    "We tried to access other dispersed camping locations in the Tetons first, but the roads were difficult to travel on with our RV. This was perfect."

    9. Forest Road 30442

    7 Reviews
    Kelly, WY
    5 miles

    "5 or 6 sites just on the outside of the National Elk Refuge. Flat Creek runs below the sites. Some traffic of people going into the Bridger Teton NF but quiet otherwise."

    "Found this spot after finding another nearby spot was full but this one has more spaces available with a nicer gravel road and better access to get to the Tetons first thing in the morning."

    10. Bridger-Teton National Forest

    18 Reviews
    Moran, WY
    17 miles
    Website

    "I decided to just drive down a Forest Service Road and ended up on FS 30165 in a valley with wonderful views of the Tetons. There was even a creek a short walk away where I could filter water."

    "I stayed in the Bridger Teton National Forest off Buffalo Valley Road to be close to the Moran entrance of Grand Teton National Park. There was a large pullout that had a couple of 'sites' below."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kelly, WY

518 Reviews of 99 Kelly Campgrounds


  • Natalie B.
    Aug. 14, 2017

    Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Awesome view!

    A bit of a drive and a rough road, but totally worth it! Off of antelope flat Rd, take a left at the dead end toward the national Forest land. Then you will veer left on the dirt road. There is a camping area at the base of the mountain but if you continue on up the mountain there are many, many dispersed camping pullouts. Beautiful views of the Tetons and excellent wildflowers. There are sites that have some shade and trees but several are pretty exposed. This is a very popular place on the weekends so make sure you get there early to set up camp (or avoid it if you like quite on a Saturday night). No water, no toilets, just a free place to camp with established fire rings! Dogs are welcome.

  • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Darby Canyon Dispersed

    Darby

    I have not personally spent the night camping here, but I do work for the Forest Service and wanted to give more information about the Darby Canyon dispersed camping sites. I also had a friend stay here for three nights last September and they had a good time. There are about 10~ sites (I will check and edit when I can) all along the canyon road, some are just right off road and others require a short drive down beaten paths to find the sites. All of these sites (except 2 or so very close to the road) are past the cattle guard. Depending on the time of year, many of these sites may not be accessible. Snow typically stays in the canyon until mid-June and starts collecting in October. The area may also be buggy at the height of the summer (July 2024 had been atrocious). There is limited cell service down most of the road and it completely disappears the closer to the Wind Cave trailhead you get. This area has a 14 day stay limit, meaning that once 14 days (13 nights) have been reached you must move at least 5 miles away to continue camping on forest service land and cannot return to this canyon to camp for 30 days. This is in a bear food storage enforced area and any bear attractants (food, pet food, soaps, sunscreen, etc.) are required to be stored properly in a locked hard sided vehicle or other bear resistant containers. Fires are allowed but must be put out dead (cold to the touch) before leaving a campsite. This canyon is regularly patrolled by Forest Service staff and ranger law enforcement officers, especially on the weekends, to keep up with the food storage and fires out dead orders. Hope this helps weary travelers that are deterred by low-rated reviews.

  • Katherine B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2018

    Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Solitude but close to town

    Great option if the Curtis Canyon campground is full, or if you would prefer something a little more remote. High clearance vehicles recommended - forest road 30440 is in pretty rough shape. Town of Jackson is fairly close.

    Same great views you'd expect anywhere near the Tetons; trailhead to Goodwin Lake is close by. Full Teton view is better at the trailhead, but its not far. Dispersed sites are spread out with plenty of space; although no one stayed in the site next to us on this rainy evening in June.

    To get there, continue past the Curtis Canyon campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest (behind the Elk refuge) as if you were heading to the trail head. You'll start to see marked sites along the extremely rutted forest road. I would not attempt very muddy conditions.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2024

    Upper Teton View Dispersed

    Awesome view

    We spent one night mid May here on the way to Yellowstone. The view was awesome. With that said the upper road to the main camping area was closed off by the forest service at the lower parking area / pit toilet. The view made it worth the trip up. Not sure when the road will open up to the main dispersed site. Be aware that there is only enough room for about 20 campers / vans in the lower area. There is room for about another 15 cars and tent camping. Arrive early! Plenty of hiking and well worth it if you get a spot!

  • Sydney C.
    Jul. 26, 2022

    Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Rough road, but worth it

    We stayed here 3 nights and absolutely loved it. Definitely a rough road and can be tougher to find a spot if you come later, but we made it up in a low clearance camper van by taking it very slow and the views are awesome. It’s quiet and super close to the Moose entrance for the NP. We were higher up (#10) and had great Verizon service. Bathroom all the way at the bottom also. Can only camp in designated spots. Definitely recommend

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Gros Ventre Road Dispersed

    Beautiful riverside camping

    We camped here in a 4x4 Sprinter van in early July and it was one of the best dispersed sites we’ve ever experienced. It took about 45min driving East from Antelope Flats Road to reach the site. The service road out to the turnoff is very easy, a 2WD crossover could make it in clear conditions. I wouldn’t be comfortable taking the turnoff itself down to the river without high clearance and 4WD as it’s steep and uneven.

    There were two clearly defined camping spots with primitive fire rings, each directly on the banks of the river with views of the cliff side opposite the river.

    Zero service and amenities but a wonderful experience. We got there at about 6pm on a Friday and the other site was filled.

  • Austin R.
    Aug. 31, 2017

    Bridger-Teton National Forest

    Ranger Review: Klymit Insulated Static V in Bridger-Teton National Forest

    Campground Review

    Alright. I was planning on staying in Grand Teton National Park, but since it was the Thursday before the 2017 Solar Eclipse the Park was full. And I am glad it was. I decided to just drive down a Forest Service Road and ended up on FS 30165 in a valley with wonderful views of the Tetons. There was even a creek a short walk away where I could filter water. The site I picked out was around 8 miles (20 min) from the main paved road into the park and around 50 min from the Visitor Center. Since it is in bear country you need to make sure you have a bear proof cooler or store everything in your car. While I was there the NFS had placed a fire ban due to the sheer number of campers in the area for the eclipse, I believe that fires are allowed otherwise.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - over the summer I tested the Insulated Static V from Klymit.

    I put this pad through the ringer for sure. I used it no less than once per week during June, July, and the first half of August. It still looks good as new. This pad is incredibly comfortable for all types of sleeping positions. At an R-value of 4.4, it packs down to just slightly bigger than a Nalgene water bottle and weighs only 25 oz. The bag that it comes with is slightly oversized, which means that you can actually get it back in the bag with little issues every time even if your roll is slightly sloppy. It also comes with a patch kit so you can fix it in the field should an issue arise, not that I have ever needed it.

    I can also attest to Klymit's customer service as well. Prior to getting the Insulated Static V, I owned one of the original Static V pads. That pad survived from 2012-2016 until the valve developed a slight leak. I contacted Klymit to check out their warranty. They told me pads are covered under a lifetime warranty and after shipping it back to them I received a brand new pad within 2-3 weeks if I'm remembering correctly. So not only are the products great, but they stand behind them too!

  • Scott V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2023

    Shadow Mountain Designated Campsite 1

    Awesome Views

    The dirt road in is rough steep and narrow. Recommend high clearance as the road has ruts. They will close the road to snow and move the barrier up as it melts. Sites are spread out and numbered. The views are amazing. Spot 1 is in the aspen trees.

  • UnnamedAdventures  The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Spot! Rough Road.

    If your wanting a place that overlooks the Grand Teton National Park this is your place. The views from campsites 1-15 are absolutely unreal and overlook Antelope Flats followed by the Grand Teton's. Some of the other campsites at Shadow Mountain are harder to navigate. Around Shadow Mountain there is about 8 miles worth of 4 wheeler trails that you can bike or walk where the other campsite locations are located. 

    Shadow Mountain is part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and from May 1- Labor Day you can stay a maximum of 5 days, the other dates you can stay up to 16 days. The camp ambassador has more detailed maps of the camping areas. This part of the national forest allows for FREE dispersed camping but only at assigned campsites. There is a camp ambassador on-site near sites 1-15 to help enforce the rules(this is a busier campsite in the summer as its very close to Jackson and lots of locals come out- kind of a party spot). There is a porta-potty on site on campsites 1-15 but no water or other amenities near other campsites. 

    The road to get this location can be difficult but maneuverable as there are some large ruts in spots and larger river rock makes slower travel. It can be navigated by pretty much any car type or truck with trailer. If you have an RV it may be difficult to get to this location. 

    Overall we highly recommend you check out this spot as the view is absolutely gorgeous. There is animal activity in the area Moose, Elk, Grizzly so use proper animal safety,"be bear aware." The camp ambassador mentioned a few weeks prior to our stay a grizzly attached a mom and her baby Moose near campsite 14! 

    Check out our video review: https://youtu.be/8mVj1dxL5t4


Guide to Kelly

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kelly dispersed camping located near Grand Teton National Park?

Kelly dispersed camping areas are located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest east of Grand Teton National Park. Popular spots include Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping, which is accessible off Antelope Flats Road - take a left at the dead end toward National Forest land and then veer left on the dirt road. Another option is Gros Ventre Road Dispersed, located about 45 minutes driving east from Antelope Flats Road. These areas offer stunning views of the Tetons while being close to park entrances.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Kelly near Grand Teton?

Dispersed camping in Kelly follows standard Bridger-Teton National Forest regulations. Most sites are free to use with no reservations required. At Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping, you'll find more remote options if the established campground is full. Camping is typically limited to 14 days. Some areas like Upper Teton View Dispersed may have seasonal road closures - for example, upper roads to main camping areas might be closed in early season (May). Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that high-clearance vehicles are recommended for many sites.

What amenities are available at Kelly dispersed camping area?

Kelly dispersed camping areas typically offer very minimal amenities, as they are primitive sites on public land. At Darby Canyon Dispersed, you'll find approximately 10 dispersed sites with no developed facilities. Some areas like Spread Creek Dispersed Campground offer nice grassy level areas for camping. Select locations may have pit toilets at lower parking areas (as found at Upper Teton View), but most have no restroom facilities, running water, or trash service. You must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is generally limited, and sites typically have no designated fire rings or tables.