Tent camping near Wilson, Wyoming offers year-round access in key areas with seasonal considerations for backcountry sites. Many dispersed options operate with 14-day limits and contain natural tent pads on rocky forest surfaces. Camping elevation ranges from 6,200 feet in the valley to over 8,000 feet in backcountry sites, creating significant temperature variations with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing even in summer months.
What to do
Swimming spots: Phillips Bench Trailhead features a "beautiful waterfall fed pond" that offers relief during hot summer days. A visitor noted it's located at a "steep 3 miles up highway outside Jackson. Pull off on RIGHT small area with a beautiful waterfall fed pond!"
Fishing access: Taylor Ranch Road Dispersed Camping provides direct river access for fishing. One camper shared: "Very convenient spot for visiting Teton, just outside of Kelly. If you come to the bridge, you've gone too far. Once you turn off, there is a large spot at the end of the little road, down by the river."
Wildlife viewing: Shadow Mountain serves as a prime location for wildlife spotting. Visitors reported: "A friendly fox came poking down to the river while I was sitting there" and others mentioned frequent wildlife sightings during early morning hours.
Hiking trailheads: Open Canyon provides direct trail access from camp. A backpacker described: "Roughly 3/4 up the Open Canyon trail the trees open up to a good spot to grab water. Just further up the trail this camp site was a 50-75ft hike down to this great open spot for setting up your tent."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Curtis Canyon Dispersed Camping offers varying degrees of seclusion. One camper advised: "There are only 16 spots at this site. Several of them are only accessible if you have a 4WD with high clearance. If have this on my sprinter van and attempted but quickly realized it was not going to work."
Sunset views: Shadow Mountain Dispersed Campsite #10 provides exceptional evening scenery. A camper explained: "In the morning, we walked down the road a bit to watch the sunrise reflecting off the Tetons. Even though our experience wasn't perfect, it was gorgeous, so close to the park, and most importantly, free!"
River sounds: Taylor Ranch Road features ambient water noise that some find soothing. A visitor noted: "River is loud in campground. There are a few more spots after crossing the river."
Bear boxes: Antelope Springs Designated Dispersed Camping provides essential safety amenities. A reviewer confirmed they "have fire rings, and shared food lockers. Only 7 spots in this loop. 2 of them isolated and the rest are close together."
What you should know
Road conditions: Curtis Canyon access requires planning. One camper warned: "The road is sketchy for a moment then it levels out. (I made it with my Nissan Sentra)."
Weather impacts: Shadow Mountain can become challenging in rain. A visitor cautioned: "Beware! If it rains, that dirt/rocky road turns into pure mud. I hydroplaned the whole 15-20ish minutes down. Thank god for downhill braking systems!"
Insect activity: Jenny Lake Campground and surrounding areas experience seasonal pest issues. A camper reported at Shadow Mountain: "I spent several hours in the tent just to get some relief and make it to sunset. The flies and mosquitoes were horrible! Beware."
Winter conditions: Antelope Springs requires winter preparation. A camper shared their December experience: "Because of season, there was a foot of snow at least. We had to dig out snow at the beginning because a snow plow pushed about 2 feet high. Then it was a mile back to the area, make sure you have really good tires and 4WD or chains."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Jenny Lake Campground offers family-friendly options. A camper detailed: "Site 7 tent pad is more tucked away and has bigger space. Close to restrooms and trails. Site 8 has space, close to restroom, and trails. Site 11 not much space, and tent pad closer to where the car is parked."
Bathroom access: Colter Bay Tent Village provides maintained facilities. A visitor explained: "They had a great general store with decent prices for being the only store around. And a really nice buffet restaurant with some really amazing servers."
Wildlife safety: Colter Bay maintains ranger presence. A family noted: "When we saw the dear was near us there was also 3 rangers following it keeping the campers safe."
Arrival timing: Antelope Springs fills quickly during peak season. A camper advised: "Only 8 spots in the circle so you have to get here early. They have two clean vault toilets as well."
Tips from RVers
Parking dimensions: Curtis Canyon has limited RV options. A visitor noted: "Several of them are only accessible if you have a 4WD with high clearance. Maybe a jeep or taco could get up there. The rest of the sites were more accessible."
Leveling challenges: Taylor Ranch Road requires setup preparation. A camper mentioned: "Sites were not very level but the views are unreal."
Group camping: Antelope Springs offers varying site configurations. A visitor described: "They have fire rings, and shared food lockers. Only 7 spots in this loop. 2 of them isolated and the rest are close together."
Weather preparation: Colter Bay experiences significant temperature fluctuations. A camper from Shadow Mountain shared winter experience: "It was about 4°F/20°C that night. But nobody was there and the view was beautiful."
