Shadow Mountain/Ditch Creek Area, near Grand Teton National Park, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying stunning views of the Tetons. This area offers a mix of tent and RV camping, with sites that provide a sense of privacy and a chance to connect with the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, especially from the lower campsites that boast unobstructed views of the mountains. One camper noted, “It was a little bumpy on the ride up, but 110% worth it!” The location is perfect for dark sky photography, making it a favorite for those wanting to capture the night sky.

While there are no formal amenities like fire pits or picnic tables, the rugged charm of the area is part of its appeal. Campers appreciate the opportunity to set up in a wild, less-traveled environment, with some sites nestled among trees that offer a bit of shelter from the wind. Just be prepared for a bit of a rough road to get there; a four-wheel drive is recommended for those venturing up.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the surrounding area is known for its wildlife, including grizzly bears, so food storage is crucial. Whether you're here for a quick overnight stay or a longer retreat, Shadow Mountain/Ditch Creek Area provides a unique camping experience that’s hard to beat.

Shadow Mountain road network - the following designated FS roads are open for motorized use between May 1 through November 31 annually. These roads are lightly maintained gravel and dirt roads which during wet conditions that can be difficult to travel on (caution advised). 30340, 30340B, 30340C, 30340D, 30344, 30350 (exception June 1 - Nov 30), 30352 North Shadow Mountain OHV Trail System - This area offers over 11 miles open to Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches width between June 1st through November 30th. This area is characterized by heavily timbered routes interspersed with small meadows and narrow gorges, as well as high ridgelines with spectacular views of the Gros Ventre Mountains and the Teton Range in nearby Grand Teton National Park. This trail system can be accessed by two trailheads along the north side of Shadow Mountain off of the Shadow Mountain Road- Rd #30340. Riders with a valid drivers license can access an additional 8 miles of roads open to all vehicles in the Shadow Mountain Area. (Caution: Unlicensed OHV's are not allowed on roads in Grand Teton National Park.) Upper North Shadow Mountain Trailhead - Located 25 miles northeast of the town of Jackson, Wyoming along the Gros Ventre Road (Rd#34100) Lower North Shadow Mountain Trailhead - Located 24 miles northeast of the town of Jackson, Wyoming along the Gros Ventre Road (Rd#34100). Note: Accesses OHV trail system via 1 mile of Shadow Mountain Road (Rd #30340) and best for parking large trailers. Ditch Cr Road Area - Roads #30350 and #30352 can be ridden by licensed OHV riders between the dates of June 1st and November 30th. No motorized trails are located in the Ditch Cr Area. (Caution: OHV's are not allowed on the western part of the Ditch Cr Road--#30350 which begins within Grand Teton National Park.

Shadow Mountain/Ditch Creek Area

Kelly is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Kelly. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Kelly, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Kelly

The Best Camping Near Kelly, Wyoming

A little bumpy on the ride up, but 110% worth it! We stayed at several different campsites over a few days and it seemed like the lower campsites had better views of the Tetons, without trees in front. I'd recommend trying to get a site early and setting up tent before exploring for the day. It was a little smokey while we were there, so the pictures don't even do it justice.

BEST VIEW OF THE TETONS

Initially didn’t want to review this as I don’t want the secret to get out - but it’s too late / it’s already out.  IF you can find a spot - amazing views of the Tetons - especially if you’re lucky and can find a site up on the mountain.  2 loops at the bottom and I’m guessing 20 or so spots along the road going to the top.  I was in a 4wd Sprinter and had no issues but the road is seriously rutted out and I have no idea how anyone without 4wd / AWD could make it - until a minivan pulled up next to me later in the day (turns out the guy was a local - so he knows the road).  

Views are spectacular - woke up to watch the sun rise - see photos.

If there were only 6 stars...

The Ditch Creek valley borders the eastern side of shadow Mountain. This is a wild, rugged and little visited area, with no services, famous for its grizzly bears habitat. Food storage restrictions apply and are enforced.  There are no formal camping assets ie. fire pits, picnic tables, toilets site pads available.

There is no camping allowed along or adjacent to the Ditch Creek Road within Grand Teton Nat’l.  Park.  Upon leave the National Park and travel through a section of private land you will be within US forest service lands. The road from here on is a class III, unpaved, gravel and mud, with little or no Maintenance.  Four-wheel-drive is necessary in the event of any moisture. 

Turnarounds for larger RVs are difficult to nonexistent.  Mosquitoe spray will be necessary in the summer.

There are four or five dispersed campsites, with no Teton views within the first 1/2 mile.  Camping opportunities beyond that point are very limited to nonexistent. Safe storage of food is required and of critical importance.￼

Ditch Creek Valley

This place was great for overnight camping! Right across from Teton park with a beautiful view of the grand Teton. It fills up quick, so set up camp early! 

Right outside Teton park

Dispersed campsite #8 does not have the same views as 9 or 10 does but it is a large protected site and can still see the Tetons through a few trees. Brush around the site to protect it from winds and has a nice meadow below it with a great view. Good open area for dark sky photography. 

Huge private site #8

The secret of this spot is definitely out. IF you can find a spot, expect a mix of easy dirt road driving and more serious 4x4 driving on washed out parts of the road. 

We talked to some locals who said that it’s been extremely hard to find a spot here since about 2020. 

The views are gorgeous, campsites tend to have fire pits. The spots are  flat, and some are big enough for large groups. 

Smaller RVs could reasonably access  about 1/3 of the spots. 4x4 vans could get to almost all of it, I’d imagine. 

If you manage to secure a spot, enjoy this beautiful location and clean up after yourself please! 

Crowded but beautiful

I got there late on a Friday at the end of September and got one of the last spots way up at the top of the hill. Definitely a busy place so plan ahead. The views were gorgeous, if you’re on the front side of the mountain you have a stunning view of the Tetons. I was on the back side and the view was great back there too. I drove a low clearance sedan and the road was passable for me but barely. I’m sure it depends on weather and time of year. Took me a solid twenty-ish minutes just to drive from the base of the mountain to my site. Highly recommend. 

Beautiful views!! 

We did show up in a Saturday midday in the middle of July, so we had low hopes for a spot. We ended up getting one up the hill. Had a fire pit and a walk way up to the most perfect views of the mountains. 
It was packed from the bottom to the top of the mountain, and you need a car with great tires and 4WD to get up the mountain with some of the washed out spots. 

Great Spot if you can get one

It’s your average campsite, has fire pits, a toilet, and bear bins but nothing else, but the view is incredible- directly east of grand teton, just a lush field separating you from the mountains. Can’t beat the sunrises and sunsets here.


Photos of Shadow Mountain/Ditch Creek Area

Real photos from real campers