We were so lucky to stumble upon Pinnacles Campground en route to Grand Teton National Park. We were actually looking for another campground nearby, but passed the sign for this campground and pulled in to check it out. 

This is a national forest campground, so amenities are few. There are pit toilets, water spigots, and dumpsters, plus you can buy firewood from the campground host. Other than that, you're on your own. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and a bear box. The night we camped here, there was bear activity and the campground host was reminding everyone to be on high alert and to be careful on one of the nearby hiking trails as there was a carcass that a bear had been feeding on. 

There are 21 sites, all with pretty amazing views. Many are located right on Brooks Lake with views of the mountain range beyond. Some of the sites are more wooded, but even these have some cool views of the "pinnacles," which are cool rock features. There's a trail you can access to hike Pinnacle Butte. We did not attempt this because of all the bear activity. 

What we loved about Pinnacles Campground:

1. I think $16 per night is pretty awesome for a waterfront campsite

2. The campground hosts were very friendly

3. Brooks Lake and the stream outlet are great for fly fishing

4. This campground is less than an hour from Grand Teton National Park

5. The views were amazing - during our stay we saw a great sunset, full moon rising, and a rainbow

What we didn't love about Pinnacles Campground:

1. The mosquitoes were probably the worst we've ever experienced

2. All the bear activity was a little nerve-wracking

We happened upon the Pinnacles Campground by fluke, coming out of Dubois we saw the sign for Brooks Lake and just decided to take a peek. So glad we did!

It's a gravel road and we made it in a Kia Sorento just fine.

The first night we scored a spot (#4) across from the lake on the interior of the campground. In Grizzly Country, we fondly refer the interior campsites as surrounded by the 'Bear Buffer Zone' (aka exterior campsites ;) When we woke in the morning, the RV that was in the lakeside spot (#5) across from us left, so we scooted our stuff over for the lakeside spot. Got to be THE best view for morning coffee we've ever had!

The camp hosts, Joe and Deb make it a priority to make everyone feel welcome and at home (please see photo of vault toilet; Not your average outhouse!)

Things to know: It is windy! The wind dies down overnight and the morning is calm, but the wind picks up midmorning and keeps up till sunset. Mosquitos…PLENTIFUL and aggressive! The wind and temperatures don't seem to affect their determination to swarm your face constantly. But, effective bug repellant will keep them from biting you.

Also good to know (and we didn't): We are strictly tent campers. No one said anything to us, but I've since read that in that area it is supposed to be hard-sided camping only. (Yay Bear Buffer!)

Last but not least: If you are looking for a shower and a chance to wash your clothes, Dubois is about 23 miles South with a retro shower/laundry facility. Best $3.25 worth of hot water I've ever had :)