Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Shoshone National Forest? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Wyoming tent camping excursion.
North Fork Campground has 62 campsites and a reservable group camp area. North Fork boasts a playground, shower facility with flush toilets, a large riparian area, abundant wildlife and a large irrigated turf area to recreate in. North Fork generally has less visitor traffic and is better suited for shore fishing and visitors who want to relax with a little more solitude.
Think of Colter Bay Village as summer camp for the entire family. This lovely area is set on the shores of Jackson Lake, and offers practical amenities like laundry facilities, showers, restaurants and a grocery store, as well as purely-for-fun diversions like a marina, gift shop, visitor center, and horse corrals. Colter Bay has an activity for everyone in the family. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking and canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, swimming and beach-going, lake cruises, and ranger-led programs. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Teton mountains, Colter Bay Village is a must-visit. The vast Colter Bay Tent Village at Colter Bay Village is set amidst towering lodgepole pines just a short, picturesque stroll away from Jackson Lake. The Tent Village includes 66 tent cabins, and is open from mid-May to early-September. As with all campgrounds in the park, the Colter Bay Tent Village is very popular and tends to fill up quickly. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan and book early.
Colter Bay and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, including marina rentals, horseback riding, world-class guided fishing, and lake cruises. Stop by our activities desk to find the perfect excursion for everyone in your group! Jackson Lake is a popular area for boating. Several islands float just off Colter Bays shores, and are home to fish, birds, river otters, beavers and other wildlife. Bring your own boat or rent a canoe, kayak, or motor boat from the Colter Bay Marina. Lake cruises are the perfect excursion for the entire family. Cruise around Jackson Lake and learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area while getting up-close views of the spectacular Tetons, which rise majestically from the water. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal cruises offer a delicious opportunity to dine at our private meal site on Elk Island, and a truly unique vantage point for experiencing the park. Jackson Hole has world class fly and lake fishing that you wont want to miss! Whether youre learning to cast a fly for the first time, or are an experienced angler looking for the inside scoop on the best secret spots, our expert guides will provide a fishing experience you will not soon forget. No trip to the Old West is complete without a horseback ride. We offer one- and two-hour rides suitable for all experience levels. Take in beautiful Teton vistas while riding among wildflower meadows. Several easy to moderate hiking trails leave from Colter Bay. Hikers can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, make their way to Swan Lake and Heron Pond for incredible birdwatching and wildlife sightings, or head out to Hermitage Point for a more challenging outing. The Colter Bay Visitor Center is home to the David T. Vernon Indian artifacts collection. The exhibit celebrates Indian artwork and educates on the long history of human habitation in Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Stop by the visitor center to check-out daily Ranger-led programs including a hike to Swan Lake, a lakeshore stroll, a tipi demonstration, Indian arts and culture, wildlife watches, short presentations on park highlights, and a variety of evening programs.
The Colter Bay Tent Village is situated in a lodgepole pine forest within walking distance of Jackson Lake and numerous trails. From the lakeshore, visitors will have views across Jackson Lake to Mount Moran and the northern end of the Teton Range. Colter Bay is home to black and grizzly bears, moose, deer, elk and other large animals, as well as marmots, foxes, bald eagles, and more. Bears are often seen on trails and in the developed areas. Being prepared for an animal encounter can help ensure your safety as well as that of the wildlife that call this special place home.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Grand Teton via the 43-mile Scenic Loop Drive, offering an opportunity to photograph the famous landscape and local wildlife. Make sure you stop at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge for its famous huckleberry milkshakes and spectacular Teton views through 60-foot tall wall-to-wall windows. While youre there, book a scenic raft trip or park bus tour. Then, head about 30 miles south to the town of Jackson, where you can visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art just outside of town, walk under the famous giant elk antler archway in town center, attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo, browse local shops, and dine at one of the many restaurants. In the opposite direction, Yellowstone National Park is within easy reach by car, and has a great diversity of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Changing Reservations: There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. Cancellations: Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first nights rate. No-Shows: A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Early Departures: Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site. If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (11 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. Refunds: Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$105 / night
The Wind River Lake Picnic Site has a vault toilet, four picnic tables, and pull through parking. Drinking water is not available. Ativities nearby include fishing, hiking, and photographing scenery and wildlife.
Scout
Right on the woods inside Shoshone National Forest. We had a spectacular view, and easy access to area attractions. Primitive camping with picnic tables at campsites. Pit toilets available. Self registration. Very private, and outside of grizzly country so you can tent camp.
GuideThe brochure said '10 tent sites', but when we got there, they do not allow tent camping. The ladies in the office were very, very helpful in trying to look up other campgrounds in the area for us.
Traveler
Tent camped for 1 night along the river. The tent sites are close together so it was pretty noisy with people snoring and rustling around in their tents. It’s right off a main road so there’s a lot of traffic noise as well. This spot might be better for RV campers. For tent sites you aren’t allowed to park on the grass so you have to haul everything from your car. Great views all around. Don’t forget bug spray!
Legend
We spent quite a bit of time in the Colter Bay Village area during our visit to Grand Teton. We split time tent camping and staying in one of the historic Colter Bay Cabins. Reservations are not accepted for the campground and are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. We arrived at the campground to get in line around 7:00 a.m. and were able to get a sight within 15 or 20 minutes of the gate opening.
We drove into our site and pitched our tent and then headed back out for the day to explore the park. We were so busy trying to get as much in that I didn't get any photos of the tent site. However, the sites are nicely spaced with a good deal of shade. Each site has a nice and clean fire ring, picnic table and ample flat ground for pithing a tent.
The campground has bathrooms spaced within each loop. They have an area to drain dish water (separate from the bathroom) and flush toilets. I would say that the bathrooms are dated but we didn't experience them being gross or overly dirty as another reviewer mentioned. And yes, the campground is a little expensive which is normal for Grand Teton. In my experience, it is one of the most expensive parks to travel in.
Our cabin at Colter Bay was wonderful! It was clean and just what we needed for a few nights. The folks in the office were attentive and friendly. The folks in the cabin next to us were a bit loud but it didn't impact our stay much. It wasn't spacious but it was plenty big enough to bring things in, get ready for a backcountry trip, shower and get a good night's sleep. No, they aren't cheap but we didn't mind splurging for a few nights!
ScoutThis is one of the most picturesque places to camp. Surrounded by mountains and right on the Shoshone River, this is a bit of Heaven on earth.
There is only one flush toilet/(paid) shower facility in the North Fork campground (none in Lake Side), but there are accessible vault toilets within walking distance from anywhere. The tent sites have HUGE tent pads, plenty of room for our 9x12 cabin tent and solar panels. All sites have large concrete picnic tables and the tent sites have privacy walls which are separate to the tent pads. And the tent sites are spaced very far apart, so you never feel cramped.
Cody, WY is pretty close if you need to stock up on supplies and Yellowstone is just 44 miles down the road.
Traveler
Forget waking up at 2am to try and snag a site at Jenny Lake. This off-the-beaten-path campground in Teton NF only has 23 sites, with beautiful views of Lower Slide Lake and the mountains.
Best tent site is #19. Awesome view. (Warning: other tent sites can be a little lumpy and hard to find flat ground.)
Bonus: saw a herd of Bison driving to the campground in Antelope Flats.
Would definitely stay here again!
Ranger
This campground is about equal distances from the east entrance to Yellowstone park and Cody, WY. By Wyoming standards, it's a large campground (40 sites, many with electric hookup). The campground does permit tent camping, which the campgrounds closer to the east entrance do not. That being said, it lacks the intimacy and atmosphere of many Wyoming campgrounds. One must endure the sounds of generators and the highway. It's definitely a good place to camp while getting from Point A to Point B, but much better options exist for a relaxing camping trip.
Ranger
Bears are a serious threat here so you can’t even camp in a tent. We arrived with tents and were told we couldn’t sleep in our cars either so had to leave. YOU NEED A HARD SIDED CAMPER! We did get good looks at the place when we picnicked and hiked there before leaving. The road is dirt but should be accessible for most cars if it’s not too rainy. It was extra clean since the bears are such a big problem and it’s a little scary with all the bear warnings and visits. Real nice true wilderness feel though, great views, waterfalls, bluffs, on the way to Grand Tetons National Park.
RangerWhat a gorgeous view! This state park has the best view and is a wonderful base camp for Yellowstone. Only 8 miles from Cody! Make sure and stake your tent down there is some wind. The tent sites do have a wind break wall.
Guide
This is a really nice campground. The soft ground made tent camping comfortable. Clean bathrooms that were lit through the night. Some sites close to Jackson Lake beach access which provide stunning views. Arrived at 6:15am on a Sunday and felt so lucky to find an open spot.
Scout
Great view of the Tetons and plenty of space. Close to Park entrance. We pitched a tent in an open area with plenty of spots available. The wind picked up unexpectedly...if you're tent camping, be sure to stake it well! Bugs weren't much of an issue, but we were at a spot out in the open with continual breeze.
ScoutThis was my very first time tent camping and I was extremely nervous but I can’t imagine a better experience. The amenities were fantastic and the views breathtaking. I was there with my three small kids for 4 nights and we all had a great time. I can’t wait to come back.
Guide
16 miles of rough dirt road, I recommend tent camping only. It would be very hard on a RV. I would give 5 stars if road was better. This is one of my favorite places to camp. Clean well kept sites, fishing, hiking trails, and outstanding scenery. This is bear country, be prepared.
Scout
Spent a few nights here with my family tent camping. Saw more tents, some rvs, campers etc all able to get to sites. Some Mountain View’s some creek views and access. Beautifully nestled in the woods yet close enough to amenities. The ranger or host at site 5 was helpful and aware of wildlife presence and kept us feeling safe. Can’t wait to come back.
Ranger
Great spot to re-group... Since we could not get a spot in YS for our rig, we use BBST as a home base. We were able to leave our rig to tent camp in YS. And yes is very windy at times.... Also watch out for the bugs they can be ferocious went the wind does down.
Scout
This campground offers everything. You can get full hookups, no hookups, electric only, group camping, tent camping, areas where you can use a generator and areas where you cannot. They have a small grocery store, a restaurant, bar, ice cream. Plenty if hiking trails, boating, boat rentals. If you can't find something to do here your not trying!
Traveler
This campground is just outside Cody, WY. Easy access for people just passing through, just off a main road. They offer free pancake breakfast in the morning and a very cute store with almost every necessity for campers. tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and TeePees!
Ranger
We tent camped for a few nights over the summer with another couple. The sites were close together and we were right by the road, though it is super convenient to either Yellowstone or Grand Tetons. Also, having a little market onsite was nice to have.. Probably would give it 3 stars if it weren't for the convenience.
Guide
Perfect spot right on the river. Not many spots but found one when I arrived around 6pm. Not positive but I think there are more tent campsites that you can walk to but not drive in at the end/bottom of the road.
TravelerIf you’re looking to be in the heart of the Tetons with water access at your finger tips, this is the campground for you. Spots fill up quick (get there before noon if you can) but if you can snag a tent site close to the lake trail you are just a couple minutes from the Teton mountain range for every sunset.
Dogs are also welcome!
Scout
We came into Grand Teton later in the morning (around 11:00) and still managed to snag a secluded campsite right on the lake. It was a walk back from the parking site and had a great wide area for setting up camp. As it's surrounded by pines we were also able to have both sun and shade to choose between for our tent site
Guide
We saw this campground on Dyrt on our trip through Wyoming to Teton National Park and decided to stay for a night or two. Glad we did! Actually ended up spending 5 nights. Lots of hiking trails, beautiful views, very clean and well dispersed sites. There are electrical hookups in loop A and loop B is primitive. Easy access for RV/Trailer camping and plenty of tent sites as well. First come first serve, but I don’t it gets much use as it is so close to most people’s destination of Yellowstone that they just drive on by. Too bad for them! We had the whole place to ourselves for several nights. Nice waterfall to view also. We will be back!
TravelerYou could spend your entire vacation here without leaving the campground (but don’t do that because there are two incredible National Parks right there). If I had to nitpick l, one thing is that most of the tent campsites aren’t too isolated from one another. When I stayed at the cabins, this wasn’t as much of an issue but still not great privacy. But I’m grasping at straws...I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
GuideGreat location if you plan to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It may be a bit of a drive depending on what you want to do, but we didn’t mind since the amenities were great. These included clean bathroom/showers with hot water, dishwashing station, gas station, convenience store, restaurant, and gift shop. Tent sites have a bear box, picnic table, and fire pit. Our biggest complaints are that the WiFi at the lodge does not work well and the campground is pretty crowded. Other than that, it is quite nice.
RangerWe spent one night mid May here on the way to Yellowstone. The view was awesome. 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. Not sure when the road will open up to the main dispersed site. Be aware that there is only enough room for about 20 campers / vans in the lower area. There is room for about another 15 cars and tent camping. Arrive early! Plenty of hiking and well worth it if you get a spot!
TravelerWe tent camped here and we absolutely loved this campground. I can't remember what site we were in as they are assigned when you check in, but our spot was near the bathroom, but still very private. We walked down to the bay and did the trail down there in the morning and it was absolutely breath taking, but a little scary since there had been bear activity in the area.
We just made sure to take our bear spray and made some noise while hiking.
The site was great, good tent pad, nice fire pit and table and a bear box as well.
The bathrooms were very clean and the grounds were well kept.
Being right in the park was great for easy access to Grand Teton and getting an early start.
TravelerThis is a great campground to stay at if you are going to both Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. It is also the only one that takes reservations. We had a tent site and had plenty of room for a six person tent and canopy to put over picnic table. Site came with bear box, fire pit and picnic table. It is clean and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The lodge is across the road with a nice little store to pick up small things your forget or need. The bathrooms are on the smaller side but it worked for the 4 of us. I will definitely stay here again. No frills but we didn’t need or want that.
Tent camping near Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shoshone National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shoshone National Forest is North Fork Campground — Buffalo Bill State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Shoshone National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Shoshone National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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