Tent camping near Shoshone National Forest offers options ranging from high-elevation sites above 9,000 feet to riverside locations along the Buffalo River. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-80°F, with significant cooling at night even in July and August. Rainfall patterns vary throughout the region, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and sites at higher elevations receiving more precipitation.
What to do
Fishing access points: Wind River Lake Picnic Site provides easy access for anglers with a small but serviceable area. One visitor noted, "Small but nice area. Be bear aware here for sure."
Horseback riding trails: Box Creek features both standard camping and dedicated horse camping areas. A camper mentioned, "There's a map at the front showing all the trails that Box Creek connects to," making it easy to plan riding routes.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. At Box Creek, one visitor reported, "Saw a moose and some deer on the way in. Heard someone nearby shooing away an animal nearby."
Day trips to national parks: Flagstaff Road Dispersed sites provide strategic positioning between major attractions. A camper shared, "We used the site as home base to explore Jackson, Grand Teton NP, and Yellowstone NP."
What campers like
Strategic location: Flagstaff Road sites offer proximity to major attractions. One camper noted, "Easy to find, multiple spots with lots of space between them. Great sunset views, made it with a 2WD campervan."
Fire rings and cooking setups: Most dispersed sites include established fire rings. At Shadow Mountain - Dispersed Campsite #10, a camper reported, "Has a fire ring. Plenty of flat areas for a tent."
Weather conditions: The summer climate allows for comfortable camping despite occasional cold nights. A Shadow Mountain camper shared, "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."
Established bear safety measures: Buffalo Valley Designated Dispersed Camping includes bear boxes at some sites. A visitor noted, "We drove down our truck down a dirt path at the turnout and came upon two sites overlooking the Tetons and a winding river... There were prominent bear signs so we locked up all our food in a sturdy cooler in the cab of the truck and had no problems."
What you should know
Insect conditions: Bug activity varies by location, season and proximity to water. A Buffalo Valley camper warned, "You do get to see some People riding horses and there are definitely lots of bugs because you're close to the river but a simple small fire helps with that a lot or just bring your bug spray."
Road accessibility: Most dispersed sites require modest clearance vehicles. A visitor to Shadow Mountain explained, "The road up is very well maintained. Multiple dispersed spots that are very large with amazing views of the Tetons!"
Site availability patterns: Popular areas fill quickly, especially during peak season. One Shadow Mountain camper advised, "We snagged this as the last spot at ~330 on a Tuesday!"
Weather risks: Rain can significantly impact road conditions on unpaved access routes. A camper warned, "Beware! If it rains, that dirt/rocky road turns into pure mud. I hydroplaned the whole 15-20ish minutes down."
Tips for camping with families
Campground facilities: North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park offers family-friendly amenities. One visitor noted, "Great campsite. Lots of room. Facilities were very clean. Ice playground for the kids."
Noise levels: Some dispersed camping areas can be noisy on weekends. A Shadow Mountain camper reported, "We knew it was a Friday night, and we could hear even more partying down the road, but we still wished for peace and quiet."
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. A Buffalo Valley visitor warned, "Heard some howling the other night - be a wary of wildlife. But a great place if you're looking for solitude."
Temperature preparation: Despite summer warmth, nights can be very cold at higher elevations. Pack appropriate sleeping gear rated for at least 20°F, even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Campsite spacing: Colter Bay Tent Village at Colter Bay Village offers good site separation for its size. A visitor noted, "The sites are closer together than we would usually prefer, but not as close as some other campgrounds in National Parks we've been too! Plus there are lots of trees & bushes to split up the sites."
Site types and sizes: North Fork Campground accommodates various RV sizes. A camper explained, "This large State Park campground gets pluses for having both dry and hook-ups sites for RVs, and can accommodate large ones."
Water access considerations: Many dispersed sites lack water, requiring adequate supply planning. At Buffalo Valley, campers must pack in all water needed for their stay.
Hookup availability: North Fork Campground offers water hookups but limited electrical connections. One RVer noted, "We got a pull through site with electricity but no water hookup. Potable water was available throughout the park, however."
