The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Grand Teton National Park

There is no greater way to get a jump start on your Grand Teton adventure than camping in Grand Teton National Park. Camping in Tetons allows you to wake up and already be in the park. No driving is needed, no waiting in line at the entrance station, and no delays on the adventure. There are a range of front-country campgrounds spread around Grand Tetons National Park.

Camping will allow you to see the after-hours show in the park. Star-gazing in the Grand Tetons can be spectacular from the campground or reflection from the lake. You can easily attend the evening ranger programs at the campground’s amphitheater.

This post was originally published on July 8, 2018.  It was last updated on January 18, 2021 to account for the recent announcment about first come, first serve camping going to reservations.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here

Grand Teton National Campgrounds at a Glacier

Amenities Key

Getting to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwest Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park. Grand Teton is easily accessed via US Highway 26, 89, 191, and 287. The park can also be accessed from Yellowstone. The are several convenient airport options. The first is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) which is located just outside the park. The another close option to fly into is Idaho Falls, Idaho or West Yellowstone, Montana.

Jackson, Wyoming can be reached via bus. Greyhound Bus line offers service into Jackson and there are shuttles from Salt Lake City, UT.

There is no public transport into Grand Teton National Park. There are private tour operators who can arrange tours of Grand Teton National park

Estimated Drive Time to Grand Teton National Park

• Jackson, Wyoming – 0.5 hours
• Idaho Falls, Idaho – 2 hours
• West Yellowstone, Montana – 2.75 hours
• Bozeman, Montana – 4.25 hours
• Salt Lake City, Utah – 5.25 hours
• Boise, Idaho – 6.25 hours
• Denver, CO – 8.25 hours

Estimated Drive time to Grand Teton National Park from nearby National Parks

• Yellowstone National Park – 1 hour
• Rocky Mountain National Park – 7.75 hours
• Badlands National Park – 8.5 hours
• Arches National Park – 8.5 hours
• Capitol Reef National Park – 8.5 hours
• Great Basin National Park – 8.75 hours
• Canyonlands National Park – 8.75 hours
• Glacier National Park – 8.75 hours

Things to Know about Grand Teton Camping

• Grand Teton National Parks had 5 campgrounds and the John D. Rockefeller National Parkway had an additional campground. Camping is only permitted in these campgrounds and in designed backcountry areas.

• None of the Grand Teton campgrounds are open year-round. There are various opening and closing dates for these campgrounds. These dates are weather dependent. Check the NPS website for the latest on campground opening and closing dates.

• All campsites require a reservation.

• Four Grand Teton Campgrounds have ADA specific sites. Reservable ADA sites are available at Colter Bay RV and Headwaters. The ADA sites at Colter Bay and Gros Ventre are first-come, first-serve.

• The max length of stay is 7 days at Jenny Lake and 14 days at all other campgrounds. No more than 30 per year.

• All campfires are allowed unless fire danger prompts special restrictions. All fires must be contained in park-provided fire pits. Please do not transport firewood. Burn it where you buy it. Firewood can be purchased at the general stores or in Jackson.

• Pets must never be left unattended. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleanup and cleanup supplies.

• Each tent campsite can have up to 6 people. There is space for two tents and one vehicle at the campsite. The campsite has a picnic table and a bear box. Many of the campsites have a fire pit. Please double-check the fire regulations and ensure your fire is completely out before going to bed.

• Plan on sleeping in the cold. The temperatures can drop drastically overnight. Seeing temperatures in the mid 30°F’s isn’t uncommon.

• Store all food items in your car or bear box.  Please do NOT leave any food, utensils out, or any scented items.  This includes toothpaste, toothbrush, chapstick.  Pretty much put everything but what you are going to sleep in your car.  Grand Teton National Park is bear country and do your part to keep the bears and other wildlife safe. Remember a fed bear is a dead bear.

What to pack for camping in Grand Taton National Park

1. Printed Campsite Reservation: Just in case anyone asks for it.

2. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park costs $35 for a 7-day pass.  If you intend to visit more than 3 National Park Services sites in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass will more than pay for itself.
   • Buy your America the Beautiful Pass

3. National Park Passport: The National Park Passport Book is the cheapest and best souvenir of your national park adventures. This book makes it easy to collect the National Park Cancellation Stamps. The cancellation stamps have the date of your visit and make it easy to track when you visited each national park service unit.
   • Learn more about the National Park Passport Program
   • Buy the Passport to Your National Parks©: Classic Edition

3. Tent: This is one of the heaviest and most important pieces of camping gear. It is your shelter from the elements at night.
   • Buy my tent.

4. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is a small, packable inflatable mattress. Here is my favorite closed cell sleeping pad.
   • Buy my favorite sleeping pad.

5. Sleeping Bag: Your sleeping bag is important for a good night’s sleep and preventing you from getting to cold.
   • Buy my favorite sleeping bag.

6. Pillow: An inflatable pillow is a lightweight comfort item that can make getting a good night’s sleep much easier.
   • Buy my favorite inflatable pillow.

7. Camp Stove: This portable mini backpacking stove makes car camping cooking much easier. I’d rather cook on this over a campfire any day.
   • Buy my trusty camping stove.

8. Fuel for the camp stove: I generally by my camping fuel at Walmart or REI on my way to the park. You can’t fly with it so it’s just easier to get on site.

9. Cooler: One great thing about car camping is that you can keep a cooler in your car and it can keep fresh meat cold and provide cold drinks.
   • Buy my amazing soft-sided cooler.

10. Kitchen Set: It doesn’t take much to make an impressive camp meal but having the right tools can make you seem like a gourmet chef.
    • Buy my amazing kitchen set.

12. Cooking Pot: Since I use a camping stove, I have this great set of folding pots that I do most of my camp cooking with.
    • Buy my collapsable pots.

13. Spork: The Spork is the essential eating utensil of the campsite.
    • Buy my favorite spork.

14. Food: If I bring a cooler, I love planning easy to cook camp meals with fresh ingredients otherwise, I use a mix of dry backpacking foods.
    • Buy my favorite dried food.

15. Snacks – There are limited services in the park.  So pick up all your snacks before you go.  Pack a couple of different options so you are prepared for any craving.
    • Fruit:  Pick hard fruits such as apples or pears.  These hold-up in the heat and in packs without getting squished to mush. Another option is freeze-dried fruit. Freeze-dried strawberries are the BOMB.  They are crunchy, sweet and the best part is they are lightweight and yummy.  These are my new favorite trail snack.
    • Vegetables: Cucumbers and carrots hold up well during hiking and in a hot car.
    • Granola Bars:  Take your favorite non-coated in chocolate granola bars.  Anything coated in chocolate will melt and be a sticky mess.  My favorite is a selection of Cliff Bars. They are great even when squished.

16. Refillable Water Bottles – Do your part to reduce litter in our parks by bringing a refillable water bottle with you. A reusable and refillable water bottle can save you a lot of money and really help the environment. Here are my favorite water bottles
    • Buy an engraved National Park map water bottle
    • Buy an Insulated Water Bottle
    • Buy my lightweight Nalgene Bottle

17. Hydration Bladder – If you are hiking longer distances, a hydration bladder is the best way to hike with significant quantities of water. It is a rare hike when I don’t bring a full bladder with me.
    • Buy a 3-liter hydration reservoir

18. Sunscreen – You don’t want to get burned on your visit.
    • Buy sunscreen.

19. Lip balm – Your lips need just as much sun protection as your skin does.
    • Buy Sunscreen Lip Balm

20. Sunglasses – Similar to sunscreen, you need a good pair of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
    • Buy Polarized Sunglasses

21. Hat – Hats are another sun protection device. A hat can keep the sun off your face and neck and help minimize the need for sunscreen while on the trail.
    • Buy a wide-brimmed hat

22. First aid kit – As with any outdoor adventure, accidents happen. It is better to be prepared and have a compact first-aid kit ready to help with any accidents.
    • Buy the MyMedic Solo First Aid Kit
    • Buy the MyMedic MyFAK First Aid Kit

24. Headlamp – Always keep a headlamp handy. You never know when you might want it. It can be used for midnight bathroom runs to sunrise/sunset hikes. A good headlamp makes it easy to operate in the dark.
    • Buy my headlamp.

25. Shoes – Shoes are probably the most important piece of gear to any hiker. Hiking shoes should be seen as an investment. On the trail, your feet are your transportation and a solid pair of hiking shoes help support your feet and can prevent injury.
    • Pick out a quality hiking shoe.
    • Buy quality hiking socks.

26. Hiking Day Pack – A good day pack is the best way to transport all your gear when hiking. I highly recommend getting a backpack that is designed for outdoor use. These packs come with handy pockets and straps. My 40 L day pack has a pocket for my water bladder and a clip to hold the water line in place.
    • Buy my REI Women’s Day Pack
    • Buy REI Men’s Day Pack

27. National Park Obsessed Shirt – Share your love of the National Parks and support National Park Obsessed with a National Park Obsessed T-Shirt.
    • Buy Women’s Shirts
    • Buy Men’s Shirts

Where to camp in Grand Tetons National Park?

Grand Teton Campground Map

Campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park

• Colter Bay Campground
• Colter Bay RV Park
• Gros Ventre Campground
• Headwaters Campground
• Jenny Lake Campground
• Lizard Creek Campground
• Signal Mountain Campground

Campgrounds near Grand Teton National Park

• Atherton Creek Campground
• Crystal Creek Campground
• Curtis Canyon Campground

Getting a Grand Teton Campsite

Grand Teton Camping Reservation

NEW FOR 2021 – All campgrounds in Grand Teton are going to an advanced reservation system. Reservations will open on a six-month rolling basis.

Reservations from Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Lizard Creek can be made at Recreation.gov.

Colter Bay RV Park reservations can be made here for 2021. 2021 Headwaters reservations can be made here. In 2022, these two campground reservations will migrate to Recreation.gov.

Colter Bay RV Park is only really for RVs. Headwater offers both RV and tent reservations. Reservations for camping in Grand Teton can be made 366 days in advance. For example, if you are trying to book a campsite for July 1, 2021, you can book your stay starting on June 30, 2020. If at all possible make your reservation as far in advance as possible. July and August reservations fill quickly.

Grand Teton First-come, First-serve Camping

Sadly, first come, first serve camping is a thing of the past. I’m personally not a fan of making 100% of the sites reservable. It means everything has to be planned out rather than allowing for some flexibility.

Given this new system, its a wait and see as to how difficult it will be to get camping reservations in Grand Teton. I fear it will be like Yosemite where they are fully booked in less than 5 minutes. If planning a last-minute trip, the best bet is to check and see what reservations you can get or plan to stay at the first-come, first-serve sites in the nearby National Forest or the parkway.

Typical Grand Teton Campsite Fill Times before advanced reservations

• Colter Bay Campground – Morning
• Colter Bay RV Park – Reservation
• Gros Ventre Campground – Noon
• Headwaters Campground – Noon
• Jenny Lake Campground – Early Morning
• Lizard Creek Campground – Morning
• Signal Mountain Campground – Early Morning

RV Camping in Grand Teton National Park

There are a limited number of RV hook-ups in the campgrounds of Grand Teton. These electrical hook-ups are available at Colter Bay, Gros Ventre, and Signal Mountain. Colter Bay RV Park and Headwaters offer full hook-ups. Colter Bay RV Park and Headwaters offer reservations.

Here are the Grand Teton campgrounds that can accommodate RVs or truck/trailer combinations:

• Colter Bay Campground – RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 30 ft.
• Colter Bay RV Park – RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 35 ft.
• Gros Ventre Campground – RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 30 ft.
• Headwaters Campground – RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 35 ft.
• Lizard Creek Campground – RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.
• Signal Mountain Campground – RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.

Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds

** All Campground prices are valid as of January 18, 2021.

Colter Bay Campground

Colter Bay Campground should not be confused with Colter Bay RV Park. These are two different places. Admittedly they are both part of the Colter Bay Village on the shores of Jackson Lake. Colter Bay Campground is a large heavily wooded campground with lots of nearby amenities. The trees provide a fair amount of privacy for the campsite. Colter is a popular family campground, and lots of kids will be around. This is one of the best sites for camping in Grand Teton National Park.

There are several group sites for larger parties along with a convenience store, and visitor center. Depending on your cell provider, you may be able to get cell service here.

Sites: 335 sites (160 tent sites, 11 group sites, and 13 electric accessible sites)

Cost: $32 per site for the tent and RV sites and $ 55 for the Electric / ADA sites

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, on a six month rolling basis

ADA specific sites: Yes

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 30 ft.

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, limited WiFi, showers, laundry, fire pits

Season: Colter Bay Campground is Mid May – End of September

Typical Fill Time: Before noon in June to August before advanced reservations

Closest General Store: Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay RV Park

Colter Bay RV Park is the only RV park in the park. It is the most popular place for RV’ers to stay in the park. Make your plans to stay in Colter Bay early. Reservations fill quickly. The park is a short 5-minute walk from Jackson Lake. Several of the regions hiking trails can be found nearby.

Sites: 111 sites (103 pull thru and 9 back-in)

Cost: $71 per pull thru site and $61 per back-in

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, but available space is first-come first-serve

ADA specific sites: Yes

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 35 ft

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, limited WiFi, showers, laundry

Season: Colter Bay RV Park is open Early May – Early October

Typical Fill Time: Usually fully booked via reservation

Closest General Store: Colter Bay Village

Gros Ventre Campground

Gros Ventre Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. It is close to the town of Jackson and is a great base if planning on spending time in Jackson, Wyoming. The campground is on the Gros Ventre River and offers stunning views of the Grand Teton Mountain Range.

Sites: 300 sites (26 sites are electric, 10 are ADA/electric)

Cost: $30 per standard site and $55 per electric

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, on a six month rolling basis

ADA specific sites: Yes

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 35 ft

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire pits

Season: Gros Ventre Campground is open Beginning of May to end of October

Typical Fill Time: Usually between 12 PM and 3 PM during June to August before advanced reservations

Closest General Store: Dornans General Store

Headwaters Campground

Headwaters Campground is located along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. The Parkway sits between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons National Park. It is a bit of a drive back into Grand Tetons to access most of the popular trails, but it is perfect for people transitioning from one park to the other.

Headwaters has a small lodge and offers tent cabins as well as dump station and general store.

Sites: 131 sites (34 tent sites and 97 RV sites)

Cost: $74 per RV site and $37.50 for a tent site

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, but available space is first-come first-serve

ADA specific sites: Yes

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 45 ft in length and trailers are limited to 35 ft

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire pits, shower, laundry

Season: Headwaters Campground is open RV sites – Mid May – End of September and Tent Sites – Beginning of June – End of September

Typical Fill Time: Usually fully reserved from June – September, recommend to make reservations in January

Closest General Store: Headwaters General Store

Jenny Lake Campground

Jenny Lake Campground is one of the most popular sites in the park. The area is home to numerous day hikes and is a hub of park activity. The campground is a short walk from the shores of Jenny Lake and near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

Sites: 49 tent only sites (10 for hikers and bicyclists)

Cost: $74 per RV site and $37.50 for a tent site

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, on a six month rolling basis

ADA specific sites: No

RVs?: No

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire pits

Season: Jenny Lake Campground is open Beginning of May to end of September

Typical Fill Time: Usually by 8 AM before advanced reservations

Closest General Store: Jenny Lake General Store

Lizard Creek Campground

Lizard Creek Campground is the northernmost campground in Grand Teton. It is located on the shores of Jackson Lake. The campsites are spaced out in a spruce and fir forest. This campground is less developed, and if one of the campgrounds is going to have space later in the day, it will be Lizard Creek. This campground makes for a quiet getaway.

Sites: 60 sites (11 for RV’s)

Cost: $30 per site

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, on a six month rolling basis

ADA specific sites: No

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire pits

Season: Lizard Creek Campground is open Mid June – Late September

Typical Fill Time: Usually full by 10 am before advanced reservations

Closest General Store: Colter Bay Village

Signal Mountain Campground

Signal Mountain Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park. The campground is centrally located on Jackson Lake. Its small campsites are secluded by spruce and fir trees. Sites offer both lake and mountain views. The campground makes for a great central location to explore both the north and south section of the parks.

Sites: 81 sites (24 electric)

Cost: $33 per standard sites and $ 55 for the electric sites

Reservations Accepted?: Yes, on a six month rolling basis

ADA specific sites: No

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire pits

Season: Signal Mountain Campground is open Mid May-Mid October

Typical Fill Time: Usually full by 8 am before advanced reservations

Closest General Store: Signal Mountain Lodge

Campgrounds Near Grand Teton National Park

Atherton Creek Campground

Atherton Creek Campground is located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest just outside the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park. The campground is on the Gros Vente Road near the shores of Lower Slide Lake. The campground is away from the crowds of the Tetons. The access to Atherton Creek is paved. This is a great alternative if camping in Grand Teton National Park isn’t an option.

Sites: 11 sites

Cost: $15 per site

Reservations Accepted?: No, first-come first-serve

ADA specific sites: No

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, vault toilets, fire pits

Season: Atherton Creek Campground is open Mid May-Mid October

Typical Fill Time: Usually full by early afternoon

Closest General Store: Dornans General Store

Crystal Creek Campground

Crystal Creek Campground is located on the dirt road past Atherton Creek Campground. The campground sees light traffic all summer long.

Sites: 7 sites plus 2 overflow

Cost: $12 per site

Reservations Accepted?: No, first-come first-serve

ADA specific sites: No

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, vault toilets, fire pits

Season: Crystal Creek Campground is open Mid May – End of September

Typical Fill Time: Usually full by early afternoon

Closest General Store: Dornans General Store

Curtis Canyon Campground

Curtis Canyon is well outside of the park. It is located east of Jackson but is right outside of the National Elk Refuge. It is a quiet campground with amazing views of the Refuge and the Teton Mountain Range.

Sites: 11 sites

Cost: $33 per standard sites and $ 55 for the electric sites

Reservations Accepted?: No, first-come first-serve

ADA specific sites: No

RVs?: RV’s are limited to 30 ft in length and trailers are limited to 20 ft.

Pets: Yes, but please review the Grand Teton Pet Policy

Facilities: Water, picnic tables, vault toilets, fire pits

Season: Curtis Canyon Campground is open Mid May – End of September

Typical Fill Time: Early afternoon

Closest General Store: City of Jackson

Get help planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park

• National Parks of Wyoming
• All about Grand Teton National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Grand Teton National Park

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