Equestrian camping near Teton Village, Wyoming offers limited but accessible options for those traveling with horses. The area sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet in the western Wyoming mountains, creating distinct challenges for horse owners. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months, with July temperatures sometimes falling to mid-30s at higher elevation sites.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The area surrounding Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch provides access to numerous riding trails. One visitor notes, "We stayed at headwaters for 5 nights while visiting the Grand Tetons. It was a bit further to tour Jackson (an hour and a half) but we did twice anyway."
Fishing with pack horses: Backcountry fishing spots become more accessible with horses at Moose Creek Trailhead. A camper reports, "Quiet, scenic spot right by the creek. Perfect for vanlife or tents. Cold, clear water makes for a refreshing (very cold!) natural bath."
Wildlife viewing: Horse travelers should be prepared for wildlife encounters while camping. At Palisades Creek Campground, one camper shares, "This campground has a small number of lots, and when we were there in July most were filled by RVs. Only one had a noisy generator;) our spot was right next to the roaring Palisades Creek."
What campers like
Secluded horse-accessible sites: While horse facilities are limited, Death Canyon Camping Zone offers backcountry opportunities. A visitor explains, "A favorite hike-to of ours. A beautiful 8 mile hike up the mountain finished with secluded sites with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of wildlife, a bear cannister is required and provided at the parks Visitors Center."
Natural water sources: Horses require water access, making creekside locations valuable. At Phillips Bench Trailhead, a camper describes, "Easy to find with coordinates no other signage seen. Open space for parking. There are two other vehicles here with us and we are not on top of each other. The creek water sound is nice."
Spacious parking areas: Horse trailer parking requires more room than standard vehicles. According to one visitor, "This has I think 12 spots. It's a little rough in the beginning but not bad after that seen Subarus up there. Some wild life it is grizzly country but one of my favorite spots by Wilson wy."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Equestrian campers must follow strict bear safety protocols in this region. At Trapper Lake Backcountry Camping, a camper advises, "Need a backpack permit and reservation. It's a little over 4 miles to get to. Not a ton of foot traffic makes it that far so it's pretty quiet. Great view of Mt Moran. There is a Bear Box for food storage here."
Temperature fluctuations: Plan for significant temperature drops overnight, even in summer. One camper at Phillips Bench Trailhead notes, "Clean camp area. The creek water sound is nice but the highway noise is loud so be aware, although the noise almost stops completely by 9/10pm."
Permit requirements: Many areas require advance permits, especially for overnight horse camping. At Death Canyon, visitors must obtain "a backcountry permit. A bear cannister is required and provided at the parks Visitors Center when receiving your backcountry permit."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: For families with horses, established campgrounds offer more amenities. At Headwaters Campground, "Clean bathrooms and showers. Beautiful setting as well. Good for using as a base like we did, or for hanging around the campsite."
Look for multi-use trails: Family-friendly horse trails offer shorter routes. At Palisades Creek, a visitor notes, "Adequately spaced sites, next to a creek. Well maintained, nice hiking trails. $12/night. Allows dogs and has good cell service. Picnic tables and fire pits."
Consider weather protection: Weather changes quickly in the Tetons, affecting horses and riders alike. One camper at Moose Creek Trailhead explains, "We realized that the site we'd chosen under the trees was rather chilly, especially with the retreating sun. Temps estimated in 30s overnight."
Tips from RVers
Trailer access limitations: Horse trailer maneuverability is restricted on many forest roads. A visitor to Teton Canyon Road warns, "If you go further it goes straight down into the woods toward a lake and it's very dark and no light, no stars, and truly scary bear country."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring runoff and fall weather affect road conditions for trailers. At Moose Creek Trailhead, a camper notes, "the last mile is clay road & (b/c of recent rain cell) it coated our vehicle. And, this is the trailhead; we encountered pack horses coming off the trail—they were quick to load & be gone."
Limited hookup availability: Horse trailers with living quarters have few full hookup options. At Headwaters, "We had a pull through hookup site with water and electricity. The bathrooms have flush toilets and free showers. There are dishwashing stations at the bathrooms as well."
