Dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest offers primitive, free camping opportunities throughout Wyoming's rugged wilderness. Popular sites include Upper Teton View Dispersed, Brooks Lake Southeast Camping, and Spread Creek Dispersed Campground. These areas feature designated sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. According to reviews, some sites require persistence to locate, with one camper noting, "The sites are down such a long road that I almost didn't believe they really existed, but I'm glad I persisted in driving all the way to the coordinates!"
Most dispersed sites in this region lack basic amenities such as drinking water, electrical hookups, or sanitary facilities. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Several campers report that many sites include primitive fire rings where fires are permitted when conditions allow. Bear safety is essential throughout the region, as this is active grizzly country. Proper food storage in bear-proof containers or vehicles is mandatory.
Road conditions vary significantly across the forest. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy and difficult to navigate. Many campsites fill quickly during peak season (June-September), especially those with Teton views. Campers consistently recommend arriving before noon to secure a spot. Mosquitoes are abundant during summer months, making insect repellent essential equipment. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with some campers reporting temperatures as low as 29°F in July. The standard stay limit at most sites is 5-14 days, though enforcement varies by location.
"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."
"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."
"There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough. I've seen smaller camper vans but we couldn't haul our big rig up there."
"Just a plot of land, when I showed up there was already a camper van. Next to the water, Stars were amazing!"
"Three dispersed spots. Spot on the end has the best view. No verizon service. Accessible by Van and pickup. Not sure if a low clearance car would make it down the entrance, but probably would."
"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."
"We had just picked up a 1999 Ford Econoline E350 Camper Van in Seattle Washington to drive back home to ROME GEORGIA."
"The dirt road isn't tooo bad, certainly easier to navigate if you have a high clearance vehicle but manageable for my boyfriends Subaru Legacy."
"Not sure if overnighting in my van here is 100% Kosher as this is basically a trailhead inside the NP. Signs say there are designated rustic camp sites to hike to from here."
"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."
"Cool spot up a dirt road on the way towards the Spence Trial Lawyers' College. We were on a loop by ourselves with a bathroom nearby, kinda surprising since it was dispersed."
"They will take you to someone's private property. After discovering that the given coordinates were incorrect we drove up the road a while more. We reached a fork and veered right."
"This is an amazing little dispersed area, the camps are well maintained and the views are unbeatable. We were able to traverse the whole road in a converted B plus class RV, 20" clearance."
"Road coming in was fine, you'll go past a ranch on the left and see the camp trailhead on the right."
LegendThe road conditions to get up here are a little rough at this point in the year. Lots of rutted-out spots. DIRT IS VERY DIGGABLE. BURRY YOUR POOP! ITs disgusting coming across piles of poop covered in TP. Learn to dig a hole. Its not that difficult.
LegendA little up the road from the better view. But that was filled to the brim with tents and campers. Decent enough view. The road is pretty rutted out(see photo). Temps got below freezing so be mindful this time of year now. The sites do have bear bins.
GuideGreat option for a quiet night or 2 with a great view of the Tetons. Has bear boxes and fire rings and a pit toilet on the forest service road coming in. Just past the pit toilet the road gets pretty rough with a bunch of rocks and dips. Got up there no issue though. Was a lot less busy than some of the other spots nearby.
ScoutI loved this spot, clean easy to get to, there a paved road til you get to the site and pull off before you get to the site . We were perched on a secluded hill with trees, comes with fire ring and views of river and Tetons . There is a cafe nearby. I will be saving this one.
GuideThere are several spots to camp but they are larger spots so other could come in and camp quite close. It overlooks the water and is off a bumpy dirt road. The ground is quite uneven so lower trailers could bottom out on the way up the road. It is extremely quiet but cell service for Verizon is poor.
GuideI arrived Thursday about 1 o’clock at Grand Teton National Park. I found no place to camp at all. I finally tried Buffalo Valley and no one was there. I pulled off in the first part and there was plenty of room and I was all by myself. I overlooked the river and to my right were Tetons. It was quiet. There were a few other campers down further on the road and I heard coyotes every night. It’s a great place.
TravelerBeautiful spot but way overused, even in October. The forest service does a decent job of trying to mitigate damage.
TravelerWe spent so long trying to find a spot at Shadow Mountain and Antelope springs and it was not worth it at all.
This spot however, so worth it! You are just miles from the north entrance of the park. Being up here you skip all the crazy Jackson traffic and you’re able to drive the full length of the park with ease. Close to great sunrise spots.
There’s about 5 tent sites total, with completely separate RV parking across a lot so you’re not up against everyone.
Pretty good views! Can’t see the grand but your can see Moran and the north side of the range from where we camped.
ScoutFabulous view of the Tetons. Some cell service. This place is a gift, please respect the site. Only toilet is at the base of the hill. Pack it in pack it out.
Dispersed camping locations near Shoshone National Forest provide free camping on public lands across elevations ranging from 4,600 to 13,000 feet. Temperature extremes are common throughout the region, with campers reporting overnight lows below freezing even in July at higher elevations. Road access varies seasonally with spring snowmelt creating muddy conditions and washboard roads requiring high-clearance vehicles in many locations.
Fishing access: Buffalo Valley Campsites 4-7 provide direct river access for anglers. One camper notes, "There is a trail that I assume goes down to the river. It is a pretty good sized site." Another visitor observed, "It's a popular fishing spot and you will see a lot of fisherman parking their car by your campsite."
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping offers excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper reports, "There was a beaver that hung out with us alongside the river bed and we heard a bunch of cows in the morning!" Another states, "Elk come out along river almost every evening and it's a short drive to park entrance."
Mountain hiking: Access to hiking trails is available from several dispersed sites. At Sheep Mountain BLM, a visitor notes, "The sheep mountain hiking trailhead is right here and lots of off-roading trails for single and double track." Allow extra time for trail access as "the road to get there is a little rough but made it fine towing our 38ft 5th wheel."
Mountain views: Upper Teton View Dispersed offers panoramic vistas of the Tetons. A camper emphasizes, "Views are amazing and probably none better in the Tetons when camping for free." Another visitor explains, "There is a small parking area at the base of the hill, then a rough gravel road leads up to the top."
River sounds: Camping near flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere. At Pacific Creek Designated Dispersed Campsite, campers appreciate the natural soundscape: "Camped along the stream, very pretty. There is a bear box and fire ring at the site." Another camper confirms, "Great access to and views of the river and it's nice and secluded."
Star visibility: Moran Vista on Forest Road 30290 provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A visitor describes the area as having "perfect view of setting sun over mount Teton." The open terrain at many dispersed sites creates ideal conditions for stargazing away from light pollution.
Arrival timing: Most dispersed sites fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Upper Teton View advises, "It does fill up so get there early, we arrived about 12pm and had our pick of spots." Some campers report success with later arrivals: "I got to the site at 6pm (admittedly) a lil late but all the spots were filled up. Thankfully was able to get in with someone."
Insects: Mosquitoes are a consistent issue throughout summer months. A camper at Brooks Lake Southeast Camping reports, "Mosquitoes were bad but bearable." Another camper states more directly, "Bring bug spray and you'll be fine. No water, no toilet of any kind."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Buffalo Valley sites, "Zero verizon service after you get off the main road." Meanwhile, Sheep Mountain BLM offers better connectivity: "Cell service, ATT was good. I will say I had thunderstorms which helped block the sun and cool down the area since I was here in July."
Bear safety: Most dispersed sites require proper food storage. At Pacific Creek, "Bear boxes are provided, which is why I sought this site out." Campers should verify which sites include bear boxes: "Site 3 does not have a bear box so keep that in mind if you stay there."
Road navigation: Access roads can challenge family vehicles. A visitor to Pacific Creek warns, "Plan ahead for this one, because you'll drive for what feels like forever. I have terrible shocks in my bus, so the gravel roads were slow going for me." Another camper adds, "The road is long and washboard."
Weather preparation: Spread Creek Dispersed Campground experiences significant temperature fluctuations. A visitor explains, "On our walk out this morning, we noticed a family of deer munching in the field; this is a very lovely spot." Families should pack layered clothing as nights remain cool throughout summer months.
Site selection: Larger rigs require careful planning when choosing dispersed sites. A Sheep Mountain BLM camper advises, "We were able to haul our 45-ft fifth wheel and find level ground. There are some additional locations to park higher on the hill but the road to get there is a little more rough."
Turning radius: Buffalo Valley campsites present challenges for larger vehicles. An RVer cautions, "If you're pulling something or drive anything bigger than a midsize SUV, you might have a nightmare of a time turning around. I had barely enough room to a multi-point turn in my 4runner, I can't imagine what it would be like if I was pulling a trailer."
Leveling considerations: Most sites require careful positioning to level an RV. At Pacific Creek, one camper notes, "We decided to pull our 29' travel trailer only partway into the space to find the most level spot. But we still had some 4 acres all to ourselves!" Using terrain features helps avoid the need for extensive leveling blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Shoshone National Forest?
Shoshone National Forest offers spectacular dispersed camping opportunities. Glacier Trailhead Campsites in Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area features beautiful spots next to Whiskey Creek with access to well-maintained hiking trails, though the access road is lengthy. Little Sunlight Camping Area offers some of Wyoming's most breathtaking views, located about 12 miles up Sunset Road. Be prepared for rough, washboard dirt roads and minimal site maintenance. Other excellent options include East Fork Road areas and spots along Green River Lakes Road. The best sites typically feature proximity to water, scenic views, and trail access, though most require traveling on unpaved forest roads that may demand high-clearance vehicles.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest follows standard Forest Service regulations. Camping is typically limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Bridger-Teton National Forest areas (which border Shoshone) exemplify these policies. Camp at least 100-200 feet from any water source to protect riparian areas. Campfires are permitted but may be restricted during high fire danger periods—always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, and use existing fire rings when possible. Some roads close seasonally, particularly in winter and early spring. Motorized vehicles must stay on designated roads and are not permitted to create new tracks or campsites.
Is there free dispersed camping near Jackson, Wyoming in Shoshone National Forest?
While Shoshone National Forest is primarily east of Yellowstone (not adjacent to Jackson), there are excellent free dispersed camping options near Jackson on neighboring national forest lands. Upper Teton View Dispersed offers spectacular views though access roads may close seasonally. Spread Creek Dispersed Campground provides nice level areas and creek-side spots within reasonable driving distance from Jackson. Other options include Gros Ventre Road areas (approximately 45 minutes east of Antelope Flats Road) and Shadow Mountain. These sites are primarily on Bridger-Teton National Forest land rather than Shoshone. For actual Shoshone National Forest camping, you'll need to travel further east, as it's located on the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park.
What amenities are available at Shoshone National Forest dispersed camping sites?
Dispersed camping in Shoshone National Forest is primitive with minimal amenities. East Fork Road Dispersed has some areas with basic vault toilets nearby, but most sites lack facilities. Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping offers about six designated campsites with natural settings but no developed facilities. Generally, dispersed sites throughout the forest do not provide drinking water, electrical hookups, trash service, or shower facilities. Campers should prepare to bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Some areas have fire rings from previous campers, but you should be prepared to practice proper Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in.
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