Dispersed camping areas near Wilson, Wyoming range from 6,200 to 8,000 feet in elevation, with most sites situated on Forest Service roads throughout Bridger-Teton National Forest. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day with nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F even in July. Many rustic camping locations remain covered in snow until late May or early June, with higher elevation sites sometimes inaccessible until mid-June.
What to do
Hike nearby trails: Goodwin Lake trail is accessible from Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping, offering a moderate 6.2-mile round-trip hike with 1,700 feet of elevation gain. "We took the first spot and had stunning views of the Tetons. There was a nice flat-ish place to park a fire ring made from rocks left by previous campers," notes one camper at Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping.
Fishing opportunities: Access the Hoback River from Fall Creek Road dispersed sites for trout fishing. "We camped right off the main road before the bridge but saw more campsites off a side road further up, which looked a little rough to try with our rig. It was a pretty area and besides the car noise, quiet," mentions a visitor at Fall Creek Road - Dispersed.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Wake before sunrise for optimal moose and elk sightings. "On our walk out this morning, we noticed a family of deer munching in the field; this is a very lovely spot," reports a camper from Spread Creek area.
Natural swimming: Cool off in creek waters during hot summer days. "The river was very cold, but it felt great for a quick dip after a long day hiking in the Tetons," shares a visitor at Moose Creek Trailhead Dispersed Area.
What campers like
Variety of accessibility options: Some sites accommodate standard vehicles while others require more capability. "Curtis Canyon Campground sits atop a hill about 20 min outside of Jackson in the National Elk Refuge. The drive there offers some of the best panoramic views of the Tetons and is quite breathtaking to witness during sunset," explains a camper.
Solitude at certain locations: Less-trafficked areas provide quiet camping experiences. "Passed one other car but didn't hear or see anyone all night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise," reports a visitor at Pine Creek Rd Dispersed.
Proximity to town conveniences: Many sites offer wilderness camping with nearby access to services. "So close to DT Jackson, very convenient spot. No other options for free this close to town," notes a Curtis Canyon camper.
Fire rings at established sites: Most popular dispersed areas feature stone fire rings. "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," explains a camper at Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All food and scented items must be properly stored. "We ended up have the whole spot to ourselves for the night. Highly recommend this site. It also had a metal ring fire pit and bear box at every site!" notes a camper at Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Spring and fall bring additional challenges to already rough roads. "Road is easily doable. If it rains - the top of the road is a mudpit. Slid out in four wheel drive in the wrangler," cautions a Shadow Mountain visitor.
Limited designated sites: Popular areas fill quickly, especially Thursday through Sunday. "We got so lucky and got an amazing view. It gets crowded and spots are gone by 4-6pm," warns another Shadow Mountain camper.
Elevation affects temperatures: Prepare for cold nights even in summer. "Sites with valley vistas are particularly sought after, with some sites more exposed than others," notes one review.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Look for spots near shallow creek sections for safe play. "We strolled the creek in the morning, and the dogs really enjoyed it," shares a Spread Creek visitor.
Arrival timing: For family camping, arrive before 2pm to secure suitable sites. "We went in July and it was packed!! We came in at sunset and we drove around for over a hour trying to find a campsite," warns a Shadow Mountain visitor.
Safety considerations: Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and bear deterrents. "Great place to rest for a night and close to Jackson. Be cautious of bears as we arrived and found large bear droppings," advises a Moose Creek visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some dispersed areas offer vault toilets. "The spots up the road from the bathrooms are great but fill up quickly and it seems like people park RVs or leave tents to reserve spots while they are out for the day," explains a visitor at Upper Teton View Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many dispersed sites limit access for larger rigs. "If you have a low clearance car or something that doesn't have AWD I would not recommend attempting to get to the higher sites but the ones at the entrance would suite you well," advises a Shadow Mountain visitor.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "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," shares a Fall Creek Road camper.
Arrival strategies: Scout potential sites before bringing large rigs up difficult roads. "We parked right on the creek, biked the road/trail, and loved the solitude. Road is minimum maintenance so it's a tight fit but we got a class A with trailer and a 36ft bumper pull back past the creek crossing," reports a Fall Creek Road visitor.
Generator considerations: Limited flat spaces available for solar-dependent setups. "Spots are spacious. Cell signal very spotty," notes a Spread Creek camper.
