Best Campgrounds in Grand Teton

You'll find a variety of campgrounds, from small areas where only tents are allowed to full RV parks with all services. If you don't have a tent but want to bring your sleeping bags, you can take advantage of the tent cabins at Colter Bay, where you have a hard floor, cots, and canvas walls for shelter. Standard campsites include a place to pitch your tent or park your trailer/camper, a fire pit for cooking, and a picnic table. All developed campgrounds have toilets and water; plan to bring your own firewood. Check in at National Park Service campsites as early as possible—sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Developed Sites

Colter Bay Campground. Busy, noisy, and filled by noon, this centrally located campground has tent and trailer or RV sites. 2 miles off U.S. 89/191/287, 5 miles north of Jackson Lake Junction, Colter Bay 307/543–3100, 800/628–9988.

Flagg Ranch. In a shady pine grove overlooking the headwaters of the Snake River, these sites provide a great base for exploring Grand Teton or Yellowstone. The showers and laundry facilities are a bonus, and camper cabins are available. U.S. 89/191/287, 20 miles north of Jackson Lake Junction 307/543–2861, 800/443–2311.

Gros Ventre. The park's biggest campground is set in an open, grassy area on the bank of the Gros Ventre River, away from the mountains but not far from the town of Kelly. 4½ miles off U.S. 26/89/191, 2½ miles west of Kelly on Gros Ventre Rd., 6 miles south of Moose Junction 307/543–3100, 800/628–9988.

Jenny Lake. Wooded sites and Teton views make this tent-only spot the most desirable campground in the park, and it fills early. Jenny Lake, ½ mile off Teton Park Rd., 8 miles north of Moose Junction 307/543–3100, 800/628–9988.

Lizard Creek. Views of Jackson Lake, wooded sites, and the relative isolation of this campground make it a relaxing choice. U.S. 89/191/287, 13 miles north of Jackson Lake Junction 307/543–2831, 800/672–6012.

Signal Mountain. This campground in a hilly setting on Jackson Lake has boat access to the lake. Teton Park Rd., 3 miles south of Jackson Lake Junction 307/543–2831, 800/672–6012.

Backcountry Permits

You can reserve a backcountry campsite between January 5 and mid-May for a $25 nonrefundable fee using the online reservation system. Two-thirds of all sites are set aside for in-person, day-before permits, so you can also take a chance that the site you want will be open when you arrive. In that case you pay no fee at all, but a trip to Craig Thomas Visitor and Discovery Center or Jenny Lake Ranger Station is still required for a permit and mandatory bear-proof food storage canister. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort tram provides quick access to the park's backcountry, which can also be reached on foot from various trailheads. 307/739–3443 www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bcres.htm.