Dispersed camping around Moran, Wyoming offers elevated camping opportunities at altitudes of 6,500-7,500 feet with considerable temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. The area sits at the eastern gateway to Grand Teton National Park, where Bridger-Teton National Forest provides numerous pet-friendly camping options with seasonal road closures typically lasting from November through May. Most campsites remain primitive with basic fire rings and limited facilities.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: At Colter Bay Tent Village, campers report excellent wildlife encounters during morning and evening hours. "We had elk around most nights and could hear the sandhill cranes calling down below," one visitor noted at nearby forest sites. Many campers also report bear sightings throughout the area.
Water activities on Jackson Lake: Rent boats or kayaks for water exploration. "Amazing lake right off the campground where you can swim and rent boats," reports a Colter Bay visitor. Another camper noted that "the area is in bear country and we did see a bear" while enjoying the lake access points.
Hiking trails with dogs: Many pet-friendly camping areas near Moran connect to hiking trails. "We strolled the creek in the morning, and the dogs really enjoyed it," mentions one camper at Spread Creek Dispersed Campground. The Buffalo Valley Road area also offers excellent pet-friendly hiking options.
What campers like
Early morning mountain views: Upper Teton View Dispersed offers unobstructed vistas of the Tetons. "As I lay here writing this review. I never want to leave this view!" writes one camper. "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."
Flexible camping areas: Dispersed camping allows for flexibility and space. "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," writes a reviewer about Upper Teton View. Sites vary in privacy levels, with forested areas offering more seclusion.
Access to coffee and supplies: Signal Mountain Campground offers nearby conveniences. "Signal Mountain campground is my favorite in the park. Some sites have electric and it sits near Jackson Lake so some sites have a nice view," reports one camper. Another mentioned the "coffee bar at store" as a welcome amenity for morning routines.
What you should know
Early arrival essential: Most dispersed sites fill quickly by mid-afternoon. "We arrived around 2PM on our first day and all sites were full, we came back around 8 the next morning and found one site available for us to take," notes a camper at Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping. Midweek arrivals fare better than weekend attempts.
Road conditions vary: Access roads to prime camping spots can challenge some vehicles. "I would not recommend attempting to get to the higher sites" with low clearance vehicles, warns one camper. Another notes that "If it rains - the top of the road is a mudpit. Slid out in four wheel drive in the wrangler."
Mosquito management: Summer brings heavy mosquito activity, particularly near water. "Mosquitoes were bad but bearable," notes one camper who stayed for 5 days. Lower elevation sites near creeks typically experience the worst mosquito conditions, while higher elevation, windier sites offer some relief.
Tips for camping with families
Secure pet food storage: Bear activity requires proper food storage for both humans and pets. "We saw a grizzly, and a moose with her calf, among other creatures," reports a camper at Colter Bay RV Park. Bear boxes are available at designated sites, but not at all dispersed locations.
Weather preparation: Evening temperatures drop significantly even in summer. "It can be windy and it is very dewy in the mornings," notes a visitor to Toppings Lake. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night occur regularly, requiring both sun protection and warm layers.
Toilet planning: Most dispersed camping lacks bathroom facilities. "There aren't basic amenities, so you need to come prepared," notes one camper. At Toppings Lake, "There are no toilets and some of the areas are not very private so you may have to walk up the road a bit to do your business."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Many areas prohibit generators or restrict operating hours. "I would have loved more electric sites to keep from having to run the generator," notes one RVer at Signal Mountain Campground. Check site-specific rules before arrival.
RV site location strategies: For larger RVs, scout locations first in a smaller vehicle. "Most of the tent campsites aren't too isolated from one another," notes a Colter Bay camper. Another RVer at Toppings Lake suggested: "I have a 40ft class A with no problems getting to site. You just have to travel around 5 mph or slower in some spots."
Water management: No water hookups exist at most pet-friendly dispersed sites. "Water not near sites, so be sure to fill up before heading to site," advises a Signal Mountain camper. Many RVers recommend bringing extra containers to minimize trips to water stations.
