Located in Wyoming's Teton County, Kelly sits at an elevation of 6,630 feet near the base of the Gros Ventre Range. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F. Camping options range from developed campgrounds with bear boxes to remote backcountry sites where wildlife encounters are common and bear canisters are required for food storage.
What to do
Hiking Table Rock: Access trailheads directly from USFS Teton Canyon Campground, where trails lead into Jedediah Smith Wilderness. "Top Notch campground! There's several camping spots to choose with different coverages—trees, partial, full sun, etc. North Fork Teton Creek runs just east and is a nice little stream. There's a few trailheads to hike also," notes Andy O.
Paddleboarding at Lower Slide Lake: Just a short walk from Atherton Creek Campground sites. "This is a great spot for boaters, no matter the vessel. There's a boat ramp but also some pretty easy access for kayaks or SUPs. This is a busy campground so get there early!" advises Katherine B.
Wildlife viewing near Crystal Creek: The remote location offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw a male elk towards another site in the early morning and the night was very quiet. I like that there was a fire pit with a grate so we could make some ramen over the campfire," shares Sophia A.
Stargazing from yurt accommodations: Yurt camping in Kelly, Wyoming provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Many campers bring telescopes during summer months, when nighttime temperatures remain comfortable enough for extended outdoor activities.
What campers like
Tent sites with mountain views: Jenny Lake Campground offers sites with panoramic mountain backdrops. "You absolutely need to camp at Jenny Lake once in your life. Yes it's tent only so you will be 'roughing it'. But being lakeside at the base of the Grand Teton is nothing short of spectacular," says Shane P.
Quiet camping options: For those seeking solitude away from crowds, Crystal Creek delivers peace. "It was very quiet and peaceful all throughout the visit. I think the only wildlife we saw was a male elk towards another site in the early morning and the night was very quiet," notes Sophia A.
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds remain open during off-season. "After season there is no fee. Sadly with garbage service ended, dumpsters were locked and we witnessed dog walkers emptying poop baggies in vault toilet. Local RVer frequent this campground and warned of bears venturing through campground," shares Audrey F.
Alternative to popular sites: "This off-the-beaten-path campground in Teton NF only has 23 sites, with beautiful views of Lower Slide Lake and the mountains," notes a camper about Atherton Creek, highlighting its value as an alternative when other campgrounds fill up.
What you should know
Bear safety is mandatory: All camping areas require proper food storage. "This is bear country so keep careful. You can kayak, canoe, or boat on the lake too!" advises James D. about camping near Kelly.
Limited connectivity: Most sites have no cell service. At Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch, "Very limited Wi-fi that had to be accessed at the lodge reception area. No cell phone service. A courtesy phone is available at the lodge reception desk," reports Susan R.
Yurt camping in Kelly requires advance planning: Seasonal yurt availability is limited, with units at Colter Bay Tent Village booking up months in advance, especially for summer and early fall.
Weather changes rapidly: Temperatures can swing 30-40 degrees in a single day. "We visited Jenny Lake, August 2014 and absolutely loved it. It is a perfect location to get away from RVs and Trailers. They offer a wide variety of campsites, some being open and some in the woods," notes David B.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with fire rings: Kids enjoy cooking over campfires. "I like that there was a fire pit with a grate so we could make some ramen over the campfire," says Sophia A. about Crystal Creek Campground.
Choose sites with bear boxes: These provide added safety and convenience when camping with children. "Each campsite has bear boxes for your food, grills, and fire ring. You can also buy firewood from the hosts," shares Andy O.
Consider yurt camping for comfort: Yurts at Colter Bay provide a family-friendly alternative to tent camping in Kelly, Wyoming, offering protection from weather while maintaining an outdoor experience. Most units include wooden floors and insulated walls for temperature regulation.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights get cold at elevation. "Nights got down to thirty-four degrees Fahrenheit, making for chilly pees. Would not recommend a RV driving this road, but the drive is worth it," notes Ron M.
Tips from RVers
Arrive early for hookup sites: Premium sites with electricity fill quickly. "We had a pull through hookup site with water and electricity. The bathrooms have flush toilets and free showers. There are dishwashing stations at the bathrooms as well," reports Ashley M. about Colter Bay RV Park.
Watch for road restrictions: Some park roads prohibit larger vehicles. "Word of advice if you are in an RV, don't make a right out of the park, the road into Tetons is closed to all RVs," warns Samantha S.
Consider overflow parking when campgrounds fill: Hatchet Campground offers this option. "We have a big rig and stayed in overflow. This is a home base campground to visit the amazing area. There is dispersed camping down the road, but since there was a lot of rain in the forecast, we opted for the gravel overflow area," advises a reviewer.
Book ahead for specialty sites: RV spaces at Fireside Resort at Jackson Hole offer unique amenities but require reservations. "Not all the sites have water and sewer, but everything has electric. It's clean and the service is amazing," notes Chris H.
