Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Star Valley Ranch? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Seasonal dates are approximate. Contact the Ranger Office for details on closures. Curtis Canyon offers 23 designated dispersed campsites located about 10 miles east of Jackson, Wyoming. This area is managed by Bridger-Teton National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/recarea/?recid=71397 and is a popular site for camping near the https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/recarea/?recid=71647 and https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm. Campers should be aware that Curtis Canyon Dispersed Campsites have a https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/PA_WIDContribution/simplegetfile?dDocName=STELPRDB5444487&url;=/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5444487.pdf May through early-September, campsites are first-come-first-served and do not have developed facilities or potable water (dry/primitive camping). The access road to the camping area is very rough, small high-clearance vehicles with 4x4 recommended.
Palisades Reservoir is in a scenic valley with forested hillsides rising from the water to the towering snowcapped mountains which form the background. The reservoir has about 70 miles of shoreline and six access roads have been built. Public use facilities include five campgrounds, five picnic areas, and six boat ramps. Two boat clubs have facilities on the reservoir and private cabins have been constructed under permit from the Forest Service. Fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating are all popular activities on the reservoir.
The Jackson Ranger District offers an incredible abundance of recreation areas and activities to choose from for all visitors. From internationally recognized skiing to world-famous fishing to wildlife watching, the variety is endless. The District contains the Gros Ventre Wilderness, hundreds of miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers including the famous Snake River, and many more areas that are all amazing. Because of the large variety and expanse of options, we have tried to make it easier for you to find and choose a place to recreate by breaking the Jackson Ranger District down into ten different areas, each providing more detailed information about specific trailheads, river access, camping and more. Click to learn more: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=cbb801efefc0496992ea3a1788b10e6e Type: Open Dispersed Camping Water provided: no; creek nearby
The Greys River Corridor encompasses the area surrounding the Greys River itself and the Greys River Road, and offers numerous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, OHV riding and horseback riding. The Greys River Road is one of the most popular forest roads on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, running for almost 60 miles from Alpine south to Tri Basin Divide. The Greys River Corridor provides access to several trails in the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges. All campgrounds in the Greys River Corridor have a 16 day stay limit, and those with water and toilets are $10 per night (those without services are free of charge). No reservations are accepted for any of the campgrounds. The main season of use is between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Diamond Creek Guard Station is located 30 miles east of Soda Springs, Idaho. The current building was constructed in the early 1990 ??s as a snowmobile warming hut. The cabin is accessible by car in warmer months and by snowmobile in winter. The cabin provides a few conveniences; however, guests should be prepared to bring the supplies and equipment they need to make their stay more comfortable.
The Bear Canyon OHV Trail is about two miles north of the guard station . Hikers and mountain bikers will also find trails nearby. The area surrounding the cabin is a playground for snowmobilers and skiers in the winter months. Anglers can fish in nearby Diamond Creek. The surrounding area also attracts big game and game bird hunters.
The cabin sits in a meadow at an elevation of 6,900 feet surrounded by the peaks of Dry Ridge and the Webster sub-range in southeastern Idaho. Stands of aspen and lodgepole pine dot the landscape. Wildlife in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest includes black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears , mountain lions and pronghorn.
$35 / night
Remember to LNT in dispersed areas and always respect any "no camping" signs you find.
There are no reservations for any of the campgrounds (dispersed or developed). They are all "first come first serve."
Legend
Coordinates: 42.78898,-110.68746. Free. Camped here Sept 17, 2024. One of several dispersed campsites along Greys River Road (Forest Road 10138). Large dispersed site, set back from forest road; no concerns with dust coming into the site from passing vehicles. Should comfortably accommodate 3 or 4 rigs. Clean rock fire ring. Mostly level, dirt surface. Easy access from forest road. Open site surrounded by trees. Next to Grey's River; easy access for bank fishing. There is a set of trees that may accommodate hammock camping. Tent camping also possible. Area can get muddy after rain. Solar recharging possible in middle of afternoon. No T-Mobile nor AT&T cell service. Loved this spot.
Traveler
Very peaceful, only one other camper near by for the first 5 days, then had the area to myself. Best view spots need decent clearance. Great view of some of the Tetons from the west side, overlooking the small town of Victor.
Scout
We camped just before this road and got a spot that was private off the road. Lots of dispersed camping off the main road in the bridgerton- Teton Forrest.
Traveler
Stayed the last weekend of August. The area was amazing, moderate traffic but hardly any issues at night. The campground host Kevin was AWESOME and very attentive to all the sites. We had a nice view, no issues with bugs - just a mouse that was climbing ALL OVER the tent (: We would definitely stay here again. Road to get here is a little rough. Took my Subaru to the top point, definitely need more than a sedan to reach some areas! I believe we camped at #11. (Larger lot with the fire pit in the middle).
ScoutWe got to the campsite around 6:30. Good number were taken, but a couple left. Road was a little muddy in the AM after rain. Very quiet and peaceful.
Guide
(October 5th, 2023) Camped in the backyard of a brewery! Got here after dark and it wasn’t totally clear where to find the camp spots, but after some exploring we got to the best site (43.1666131, -111.0380217). Great beer (and bathrooms) were just a quick walk away!
Guide(October 6th, 2023) Not sure how, but we got to spots 5-6 on the most damaged road I’ve ever been on. I wouldn’t even try again unless they’ve fixed it since last year! That being said, it was SO quiet and remote up there, we were actually afraid a bear was going to sneak up on us. Saw some mule deer, a fox, and so many stars at this beautiful site. We couldn’t see the Tetons themselves, but were surrounded by stunning views and forest, with not a single person in sight.
Guide
pulled in pretty late at night but found a riverside spot within first 5 mins. the dirt road goes for quite some distance & is all around a gorgeous spot! there are free range cutie cows along the road and I even woke up to a small herd by the tent which absolutely made my morning. no service but fairly close to Jackson which has everything you could need to restock on. some pretty gnarly potholes but overall a really well maintained road.
TravelerCamped at the end of the service road. There was an outhouse to use at the trailhead. Woke up to cows at the campsite! A horse trailer rolled up to take some people on a ride. The cliff falls trails is amazingly beautiful with changing landscape around every bend.
Guide
my friends and i were in the tetons and headed to another dispersed sight nearby around 6. drove on a decently sketchy road for awhile to have zero open spots. ended up coming here as the sun was setting. it was a little crowded but were able to fit all 3 vehicles for the night. great view of the tetons for sunset and close enough to jackson/tetons.
Scout
Beautiful place to camp. The water is shallow and surrounded by mountains. You have to wade through mud to get to the water (which is also muddy). You can also still hear the highway traffic, but not bad. We visited in August, so the fires made the area hazy. The up sides: lots of space and privacy. Camp sites are super far apart in comparison to others. Fire pits are available and drift wood is everywhere. Some spots have trees for hammocks. Pet friendly and lots of bird watching.
TravelerGreat serene views of the mountain range with a nice river running nearby good for cooling off on a hot day
Traveler
We had a great night stay in this area. We parked next to the creek. Quiet. No phone signal. Really nice to hear the water from the creek. The road is not paved but cars can get by. It is about 3 miles off highway 26. Exact coordinate is (43.3293839, -110.7970236)
Scout
Long dirt road with lots of trails leading to nice spots. The road and most of the campsites are fit for large RVs. Most spots have shade and fire rings. I came in late July and there were lots of motorcycles and ATVs. It was quiet from 7 PM to 7 AM.
TravelerNice spots along the river. The road in isn't too bad. There were several other campers around but we managed to get a nice spot on the river. Amazing stars at night. Friendly neighbor stopped by with three delicious breakfast burritos in the morning.
GuideCame here out of desperation, couldn’t find another open site in the area. It’s sort of just a little area you can camp wherever at the end of the main road. Didn’t see any designated camp sites. The flowing creek makes a nice white noise which was lovely.
Guide
I have not personally spent the night camping here, but I do work for the Forest Service and wanted to give more information about the Darby Canyon dispersed camping sites. I also had a friend stay here for three nights last September and they had a good time. There are about 10~ sites (I will check and edit when I can) all along the canyon road, some are just right off road and others require a short drive down beaten paths to find the sites. All of these sites (except 2 or so very close to the road) are past the cattle guard. Depending on the time of year, many of these sites may not be accessible. Snow typically stays in the canyon until mid-June and starts collecting in October. The area may also be buggy at the height of the summer (July 2024 had been atrocious). There is limited cell service down most of the road and it completely disappears the closer to the Wind Cave trailhead you get. This area has a 14 day stay limit, meaning that once 14 days (13 nights) have been reached you must move at least 5 miles away to continue camping on forest service land and cannot return to this canyon to camp for 30 days. This is in a bear food storage enforced area and any bear attractants (food, pet food, soaps, sunscreen, etc.) are required to be stored properly in a locked hard sided vehicle or other bear resistant containers. Fires are allowed but must be put out dead (cold to the touch) before leaving a campsite. This canyon is regularly patrolled by Forest Service staff and ranger law enforcement officers, especially on the weekends, to keep up with the food storage and fires out dead orders. Hope this helps weary travelers that are deterred by low-rated reviews.
Scout
I am a pretty experienced camper. Never in my LIFE have I been swarmed by this many flies and horse flies. Maybe it was just bad luck but this is insane. Truly could not make it out of my tent and car. SWARMS.
GuideNumber of dispersed sites along the waters edge. The spots are spread out nicely.
Leading up to the water is a bit muddy but overall great place. Not much shade.
ScoutBeautiful views but I hope you either like the inside of your tent/rv or are not bothered by swarms of flies. Roads a bit washed after the first stretch of sites. Not my favorite but the views were nice and the price was hard to beat.
TravelerWe camped at spot 5 which is a little harder to get too. the road too 5,6 is pretty rough. only attempt if you have 4wd, it looks like a pretty washed out road either way lots of holes. Service isn’t bad it’s enough to stream. The flies are the only down fall and the bugs once it gets dark but for a night while you’re exploring the tetons it’s great.
TravelerFollowed the reviews before us and traveled up the road on the left from the bottom gravel lot. Made our way up to an awesome point at the top of the hill. Take a couple lefts and you’ll find it!
GuideDirections are clear but seem sketch when following, but you will know when you arrive. Tight area with several campers adjacent to a resevoir and huge hills of gravel ate the entrance to the brewery.
Traveler
We stayed here the night before our weekend trip to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. We were able to follow the directions easily from The Dyrt app, and road was easy to navigate with a minivan. We found a nice flat area where another car was parked. Site even had a fire pit. Lots of mosquitos, but common for this area. Great find!
GuideI was lucky enough to get a spot with its own private beach. Other than a few cars coming down looking for a spot (and a family of 8 on two Razr's stopping and walking through my camp, waking me up from my post-hike nap in my van with the back does partially open, urinating IN my campsite, walking down to the private beach and hanging out for about 15 minutes) it was very quiet and had an incredible sunset.
A friendly fox came poking down to the river while I was sitting there.
ScoutAbsolutely loved this campsite! Lovely views with a bear box and campfire ring. The sites were also spread out enough that it never felt crowded. We got to the campsite around 4:00 pm and had no issue finding one but they did fill up pretty quickly after us so I wouldn’t get there too late.
TravelerWe loved this campground and the view it has of the Teton’s. When driving up the gravel road you first come to the Curtis Canyon campground ($10/nightly) but if you continue on the road you will come to the Curtis Canyon dispersed campsites (free). We stayed in site 10 and it has a beautiful view of the mountains. I believe there are 18 dispersed sites on this road and we didn’t have trouble finding one (arrived around 2pm). Each site has a fire pit and ample room for tents or trailers. The park ranger on site was very helpful and alerted us when there were bears in the area. We will be back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Star Valley Ranch, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Star Valley Ranch, WY is Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Star Valley Ranch, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 dispersed camping locations near Star Valley Ranch, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
