Tent campers near Moran, Wyoming have access to several campgrounds within Bridger-Teton National Forest that provide alternatives to Grand Teton National Park. Elevations in this area range from 6,800 feet to over 8,000 feet, causing significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even during summer months. The camping season typically runs from late May through early October, with some higher elevation sites opening later due to lingering snowpack.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Buffalo Valley Dispersed Camping areas provide excellent locations for spotting wildlife. According to a camper, "We woke up to cows breakfasting around our RV!" The area also hosts beaver activity, with one camper noting, "There was a beaver that hung out with us alongside the river bed."
Lake activities: Colter Bay Tent Village provides direct access to Jackson Lake. A visitor shared, "Amazing lake right off the campground where you can swim and rent boats." Fishing and boating are popular activities during summer months.
Hiking trails: Multiple trailheads connect to wilderness areas around Moran. At Box Creek Campground, "There's a map at the front showing all the trails that Box Creek connects to," making it easy to plan day hikes from camp.
What campers like
Unobstructed mountain views: Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping provides panoramic vistas of the Teton Range. One camper noted, "Site #9 was near the top and had near 360 views, perfect for sunset over the Tetons." The elevated position allows for superior sunset viewing opportunities.
Secluded riverside spots: Campsites at Taylor Ranch Road Dispersed Camping offer privacy with river access. A camper described, "We were lucky enough to get a spot with its own private beach," and another mentioned the site was "Very convenient spot for visiting Teton, just outside of Kelly."
Camp amenities: Many dispersed sites include basic facilities despite their remote location. At Antelope Springs, a camper reported, "They have fire rings, and shared food lockers. Only 7 spots in this loop." These designated dispersed sites offer a middle ground between developed campgrounds and completely primitive camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads. For Shadow Mountain, one camper warned, "If it rains, that dirt/rocky road turns into pure mud. I hydroplaned the whole 15-20ish minutes down."
Insect pressure: Summer brings significant mosquito activity. A camper at Buffalo Valley Dispersed Camping reported, "Only minus was that the mosquitoes were unbearable in the evenings," while another advised, "I spent several hours in the tent just to get some relief and make it to sunset. The flies and mosquitoes were horrible!"
Site availability: Competition for prime camping spots is fierce, especially during peak season. A visitor to Jenny Lake Campground noted, "It's worth the early wake up to get in here. It's worse on the weekends but the views make up for it."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access sites: Locations with water access provide natural entertainment for children. At South Landing Backcountry Site, a visitor described, "Easy 1/2 mile walk from parking lot down to rocky beach and private personal or group sites where you'll feel like you have Jackson Lake all to yourself."
Wildlife education opportunities: Many sites offer wildlife viewing suitable for children. One camper mentioned, "Unrestricted views of Mt Moran and very probable sighting of Bald Eagles, Bear, Elk, Moose, and Deer."
Safety considerations: Rangers actively monitor camping areas for wildlife activity. A camper at Colter Bay Tent Village reported, "When we saw the bear was near us there was also 3 rangers following it keeping the campers safe."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Large RVs should consider site dimensions carefully. A visitor to Colter Bay noted, "You pull your trailer, motor home, parallel to the camp site," indicating specific parking orientations at some campgrounds.
Timing arrival: RVs require more setup time and space, making early arrival essential. As one camper advised, "First come first serve. Get there in the AM and getting a spot is easy. Do not wait till 4pm."
Alternative options: For RVs seeking more amenities, consider established campgrounds rather than dispersed sites. A camper mentioned that Colter Bay "had a great general store with decent prices" and "a really nice buffet restaurant with some really amazing servers."
