Are you looking to immerse yourself in the majesty of Grand Teton National Park camping? A welcome mecca for hikers, campers, and nature lovers alike, the Teton Range arguably boasts one of the most beautiful mountain stretches in the U.S., featuring the winding Snake River, two hundred miles of trails, alpine lakes, and insane vistas.
History of the Grand Tetons
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Evidence of human life dates back at least 11,000 years with Native Tribes including Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce peoples. Before colonization, these tribes lived in harmony with this miraculous land that has a spiritual meaning.
Grand Teton National Park Camping
As of 2021, all park campgrounds that were once first-come, first-serve are now using an advanced reservation system. You can book online at Recreation.gov and be sure to plan because visitors can book these sites up to six months in advance. There are over 1,000 campsites for tents and RVs at the seven park campgrounds, managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Or, you can purchase a permit and go backpacking in the more remote backcountry.
The gateway to the Tetons is the town of Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is where you can stock up on supplies, camping gear, food, and water before you head out on your camping adventure. There are also fantastic lodging options for those wanting to stay in the city for their visit.
Colter Bay Campground
A lovely, quiet, peaceful tent site by Jackson Lake in the Grand Teton National Park by Lisay via Getty Images
Located in Colter Bay in a lodgepole pine forest near Colter Bay Village, Colter Bay Campground is a larger campground with 324 total camping sites (including group sites). Flush toilets, on-site staff, trash collection, dump stations, a general store, laundry, and other services are available seasonally. While not directly on the shores of Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Campground is just a stroll to Colter Bay Village, which offers a visitor center, restaurants, stores, cabins, and a marina.
Colter Bay RV Park
Also near the village just above the shores of Jackson Lake, Colter Bay RV Park has 112 total RV sites, all with full hookups. Take a short trail to beautiful views of Mount Moran and the northern Teton Range. Seasonal services are available.
Gros Ventre Campground
Equipped with 279 tent camping sites (and group sites) near the Gros Ventre River, Gros Ventre Campground is the largest park campground found in the southeast region of the National Park. The lovely meadows of sagebrush and grasses cover the ground, while cottonwoods and blue spruce trees hang above. Seasonal services are available.
Headwaters Campground
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Headwaters is one of the only campgrounds that have facilities for both tent campers and RVers. Nestled in the John D. Rockefeller, JR Memorial Parkway, Flagg Ranch is only two miles south of Yellowstone and five miles north of Grand Teton. Headwaters is fitted with 34 tent sites, 97 full-hookups, pull-through sites, and 40 camper cabins for rent. This is the only campground in the park where cell phone service is questionable.
Lizard Creek Campground
This 60-site campground is in a more remote part of the park, located 11 miles south of Yellowstone and eight miles north of Colter Bay Village providing easy access to both parks. The sites are nestled on the shores of Jackson Lake in beautiful forests of spruce and fir trees with amazing views of the Teton Range. Seasonal services are available.
Jenny Lake Campground
Situated near the east shore of picturesque Jenny Lake, this campground stretch around a glacial moraine that features open forests of lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, and Douglas fir. Jenny Lake offers 61 sites, with 51 places being tent-only. The other 10 sites are accessible only by walking or boating. Please note that vehicles can not be over eight feet tall or 14 feet long and the maximum per site is one tent, one car, and six guests for up to seven nights.
Signal Mountain Campground
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The Signal Mountain Campground is an open lodgepole pine forest located near the Signal Mountain Lodge. Signal Mountain provides 81 sites, with some nestled just above Jackson Lake and some just a short walk away. Take in beautiful views of Mount Moran and the northern part of the Tetons. You can bring your smaller RVs here (up to 30 feet total in length) and tents. This more-developed area features many services, including lodging, restaurants, showers, laundry, and a marina.
Backcountry
And the last piece of Grand Teton National Park camping is the final option: backpacking. To plan your backcountry camping excursion, check out all of the information here.
Important Information
This park is in bear country — always use the food storage containers and bear boxes when provided (or bring your own). Never leave food out on the picnic tables or around your campsite. If the campgrounds are full (which tends to happen), you can camp in the JR Memorial Parkway, National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, or private campgrounds in the local area. You can find more information by contacting the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce by calling 307-733-3316 or visiting their website.
