The Best Camping in Grand Teton National Park in 2024

Are you planning a camping trip to Grand Teton National Park but aren’t sure which campground to choose? If so, this guide is here to help!

Grand Teton National Park is filled with incredible hikes, scenic drives, and must-do adventures. Plus, there’s no shortage of places to stay near all the best things to do in Grand Teton.

Camping in Grand Teton allows you to stay close to trailheads, save money, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Teton Range.

In this post, you’ll find an overview of the best camping in Grand Teton National Park, plus tips on reserving a campsite and essential information for planning your camping trip.

Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Grand Teton? Check out these posts!

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Grand Teton At-A-Glance

Before diving in, here are a few highlights to help you plan your trip:

Best Time to Visit: Summer is a great time to visit thanks to warm weather and all park amenities being open, but it is also the most crowded time of year. Avoid crowds by visiting in June, September, or early October.
Where to Stay: Grand Teton has 5+ lodges inside the park, plus several campgrounds. The Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Cabins are my favorites, both only a short drive to popular attractions. Outside the park, look for hotels in Jackson, Wyoming.
How to Get There: The closest airport is in Jackson (JAC), serviced by Alaska, American, Delta, and United. Salt Lake City (SLC) is also a budget-friendly option. Use Expedia to browse flights and find the best price.
How to Get Around: The easiest way to get around Grand Teton is by car. Use Expedia to browse deals on rental cars or rent an RV or campervan with Outdoorsy.
Best Self-Guided Tour: My favorite way to learn more about the park is with GyPSy Guides, a narrated self-guided tour perfect for road trips and scenic drives. The Grand Teton Guide and the Yellowstone/Grand Teton Bundle both provide incredible commentary and detail about the history and geology of Grand Teton.
Don’t Forget: Be sure to get an America the Beautiful National Park Pass ahead of time. This $80 pass is valid for 12 months and get you into all 400+ national park sites (including both Grand Teton and Yellowstone!).

Grand Teton Campsites Overview

There are seven campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park: Colter Bay, Colter Bay RV Park, Headwaters, Lizard Creek, Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake, and Gros Ventre.

The National Park Service manages these campgrounds, and you can make reservations via Recreation.gov.

Before diving into the details of each campground, here’s a quick overview of the seven campgrounds inside Grand Teton National Park.

Campground	2024 Dates	Reserve	Sites	Amenities
Colter Bay	5/25-9/26	Yes	357	Flush Toilets, Laundry, Dump Station, General Store
Colter Bay RV Park	5/4-10/7	Yes	112	Flush Toilets, Laundry, Dump Station, General Store
Gros Ventre	4/28-10/14	Yes	322	Flush Toilets, Dump Station
Headwaters	5/12-9/30	Yes	131	Flush Toilets, Showers
Jenny Lake	5/5-9/26	Yes	61	Flush Toilets, Showers
Lizard Creek	6/9-9/10	Yes	60	Flush Toilets
Signal Mountain	5/12-10/14	Yes	81	Flush Toilets, Laundry, Showers, Dump Station, General Store

Do you have to reserve Grand Teton campgrounds?

Yes, all seven campgrounds in Grand Teton require reservations. All reservations are open six months in advance via Recreation.gov. If you don’t want to make a reservation, a handful of campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park or nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest offer first-come, first-served camping.

I recommend making a camping reservation in Grand Teton as soon as possible. Given the short camping season (May to early October), campsites are in high demand.

Read More: 12 Best Campgrounds in Yellowstone

Tent in Jenny Lake Campground in Grand Teton

How to Book a Grand Teton Campground

All Grand Teton National Park campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov. Here are a couple of essential things to note for making reservations:

Reservations open on a rolling 6-month basis. For example, a campsite reservation for July 1, 2024, opens on January 1, 2024, at 8 AM mountain time.
Book these campgrounds as soon as reservations open six months out. Campgrounds book up very quickly. For the best selection, create an account on Recreation.gov in advance and be ready to book at 8 AM on the day reservations open.
Pick your campsite ahead of time. On Recreation.gov, you book a specific campsite. Be prepared to secure the correct type of site for your set-up (tent-only or RV). I recommend picking out a couple just in case the campsite you had your eye on is booked.

Recreation.gov Reservation Tip
Campgrounds on Recreation.gov get booked quickly. I recommend adding a campsite to your cart right away when reservations are released. You can hold a campsite in your cart for 15 minutes before it is released. During that 15 minutes, I go back and check if I can find a more desirable site. If I can, I’ll add that one to my cart. If not, I will book the one I’ve already added to my cart.

Tips for Camping at Grand Teton National Park

A camping reservation in Grand Teton does not cover your park entry fee. I highly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful National Park Pass before your trip. This pass gets you into Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, plus 400 more national park sites! Get your annual national park pass here for only $80.
There are no RV hookups at Jenny Lake Campground or Lizard Creek Campground. All other campgrounds have either electric-only hookups or full hookups.
Dump stations are only available at specific campgrounds. You’ll find dump stations at Colter Bay, Gros Ventre, and Signal Mountain campgrounds.
Campsites for RVs 30+ feet in length are relatively limited. You’ll need to check the restrictions and max lengths for each campground before making a reservation. I recommend booking at Colter Bay RV Park for those with Class A motorhomes.
Fire restrictions can happen in the summer. Typically from July through September, the park may limit when and where you can have fires. These restrictions include wood and charcoal fires in campgrounds. If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend bringing a propane stove to cook your food.
Grand Teton National Park is in bear country. Protect wildlife by storing all food, trash, and scented items (including toothpaste, deodorant, and sunscreen) inside the food locker at your campsite. You can read more here about bear safety in Grand Teton.
Pets are allowed in campgrounds but are not permitted on hiking trails and cannot be left unattended. Therefore, if you plan to bring a pet, you will need to plan for someone to stay with them at the campsite during the day if you plan to hike. Read more about pets in Grand Teton.
Cell service is limited in most areas of the park. Be sure to download your campground details or take a screenshot before arriving at the park.

Looking for more tips on what to pack for your trip? Check out my guides on the best hiking gear, what to pack for a road trip, and essential camping gear for all my favorite gear picks and tips to make packing for your trip a breeze!

Best Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds

There are seven campgrounds located inside Grand Teton National Park. The best one for your trip will depend on your interests, amenity preference, and trip dates. Keep reading for all the details on the campgrounds located in Grand Teton.

All campgrounds in Grand Teton offer picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets.

Colter Bay Campground

2024 Operating Dates: May 23 to September 28
Sites: 357
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: 13 sites with electric-only
Max RV Length: 45 feet
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Laundry, Dump Station, General Store
What’s Nearby: Colter Bay Village, Lakeshore Trail, Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Visitor Center, Colter Bay Cabins

Colter Bay Campground is the largest in Grand Teton National Park. This large, forested campground offers relatively private campsites with excellent access to amenities and restaurants in Colter Bay Village, only a short walk to Jackson Lake.

Here you’ll find 324 standard campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs, plus ten hiker/biker sites, 10 group sites, and 13 campsites with electric hookups. Colter Bay Village is only a short walk away, providing campers access to a general store, several restaurants, laundry facilities, and more.

Reserve a campsite at Colter Bay Campground here.

Colter Bay RV Park

2024 Operating Dates: May 2 to October 9
Sites: 112
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: All sites have full hookups
Max RV Length: No stated maximum
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Laundry, Dump Station, General Store
What’s Nearby: Colter Bay Village, Lakeshore Trail, Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Visitor Center, Colter Bay Cabins

Located next door to Colter Bay Campground, the RV Park is an excellent option for those looking for a campsite with full hookups. This RV-specific campground can accommodate motorhomes of all sizes with both pull-through and back-in sites.

In Colter Bay RV Park, you’ll find 102 pull-through sites with full hookups and ten back-in sites with full hookups. Plus, you’re within walking distance to laundry facilities, restaurants, a general store, and the visitor center in Colter Bay Village!

Reserve a campsite at Colter Bay RV Park here.

Gros Ventre Campground

2024 Operating Dates: April 26 to October 9
Sites: 322
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: 39 sites with electric-only
Max RV Length: 45 feet
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Dump Station
What’s Nearby: Mormon Row, Moose Park Entrance, Craig Thomas Discovery Center

Gros Ventre Campground is located in the southern part of Grand Teton, near Jackson. With 322 sites, it’s the second large campground in the park, second to Colter Bay Campground. The campground sites along the Gros Ventre River providing excellent views of the surrounding region, including the Tetons!

Here you’ll find 279 standard campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs, plus 39 sites with electric-only hookups and 4 group sites. Campers can enjoy a prime location in Grand Teton, plus access to a convenient RV dump station.

Reserve a campsite at Gros Ventre Campground here.

Headwaters Campground

2024 Operating Dates: May 10 to September 30
Sites: 131
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: 97 sites with full hookups
Max RV Length: 45 feet
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Showers
What’s Nearby: Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch, Flagg Ranch Information Station

Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch is located in the far northern part of Grand Teton along John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. This campground is roughly halfway between Yellowstone and Grand Teton, making it perfect for those exploring both national parks on one trip.

The large campground has 34 standard sites to accommodate tents and RVs, plus 97 additional full hookup pull-through RV sites. Campers can enjoy access to the nearby restaurant, lodge, and ranger information station.

Reserve a campsite at Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch here.

Jenny Lake Campground

2024 Operating Dates: May 6 to September 28
Sites: 61 (Tent Only)
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: None
Max RV Length: RVs not allowed
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Showers
What’s Nearby: Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon Trail, String Lake, Leigh Lake, Jenny Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Visitor Center

Jenny Lake Campground is the only campground in Grand Teton that is tent-only. It also has arguably the best location in the park, nestled along the shores of the ultra-scenic Jenny Lake. From your campsite, you can take in incredible Teton Range views and have access to many of the best hiking trails in the park.

With 61 tent-only sites, campers will enjoy a quieter camping experience in the forested campground with excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife. Campers here can enjoy flush toilets, nearby showers, and all that the prime location near Jenny Lake has to offer.

Jenny Lake Campground is easily one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, so be sure to book when reservations are releasable for the best availability.

Reserve a campsite at Jenny Lake Campground here.

Lizard Creek Campground

2024 Operating Dates: June 14 to September 8
Sites: 60
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: None
Max RV Length: 30 feet
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Amenities: Flush Toilets
What’s Nearby: Jackson Lake, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Highway

Lizard Creek Campground is the least developed campground in Grand Teton National Park. While the campground still offers amenities like flush toilets, you won’t find laundry, showers, or RV hookups here.

The campground is heavily wooded with 60 tent and RV-friendly campsites, providing plenty of privacy. If you’re looking for a less crowded, more secluded camping experience, choose to stay at Lizard Creek in Grand Teton.

Reserve a campsite at Lizard Creek Campground here.

Signal Mountain Campground

2024 Operating Dates: May 10 to October 13
Sites: 81
Reservations: Yes, via Recreation.gov
Hookups: 25 sites with electric-only
Max RV Length: 30 feet
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Laundry, Showers, Dump Station, General Store
What’s Nearby: Signal Mountain Lodge, Signal Mountain Summit Road, Jackson Lake

Signal Mountain Campground is centrally located along Teton Park Road in the heart of Grand Teton. Its location near Signal Mountain Lodge offers plenty of amenities, like restaurants and a general store. Plus, its tree-filled campsites provide guests with some privacy.

Here you’ll find 56 standard campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs, plus an additional 25 sites with electric-only hookups. The location of Signal Mountain Campground makes it the perfect home base for exploring all that Grand Teton offers.

Reserve a campsite at Signal Mountain Campground here.

Best Campgrounds Near Grand Teton National Park

If camping in Grand Teton National Park is already full or you are interested in first-come, first-served camping, consider staying in one of the many campgrounds outside Grand Teton.

Nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest offers several options for first-come, first-served camping:

Atherton Creek Campground – Beautiful, quiet campground with 22 campsites along Lower Slide Lake, about 40 minutes from the Moose Entrance of Grand Teton.
Crystal Creek Campground – Small, peaceful campground with seven campsites along the Gros Ventre River and Crystal Creek, located 45 minutes from the Moose Entrance of Grand Teton
Curtis Canyon Campground – Wooded campground with 12 campsites near the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, about 45 minutes from the Moose Entrance of Grand Teton

Dispersed camping is also allowed in Bridger-Teton National Forest. You can read more about boondocking and dispersed camping in the national forest.

Best Backcountry Campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park

If you’re looking to explore off-the-beaten-path, backcountry camping in Grand Teton is an excellent option. Popular backpacking campgrounds include the Death Canyon Shelf, Paintbrush Canyon, and Cascade Canyon camping zones.

Backpackers are required to get backcountry permits year-round. The best way to get permit reservations is via Recreation.gov. Reservations open up at the beginning of January for each summer season and sell out quickly.

After mid-May, reservations are no longer offered, and backcountry permits are only provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Read more here about backcountry camping in Grand Teton.

Where to Stay When Campgrounds at Grand Teton National Park Are Booked

If you find campgrounds in Grand Teton are already full for your trip dates, consider staying at a campground or hotel outside of the park instead.

It’s also worth checking to see if any of the seven lodges inside Grand Teton have any availability.

Typically, accommodation outside the park doesn’t fill up as far in advance. Plus, staying outside the park tends to be more budget-friendly.

This interactive map can help you search all the available hotels and rental properties near Grand Teton National Park! Simply scroll and click the map below to see what is available!

Lobby of Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel — The Lexington at Jackson Hole
Source: Hotels.com

These are the best hotels near Grand Teton National Park:

The Lexington at Jackson Hole is a 3-star hotel near Jackson Town Square with 89 guestrooms, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and an indoor pool.
Homewood Suites by Hilton is a pet-friendly 3-star chain hotel with a spa, 41 guestrooms, complimentary to-go breakfast, and an indoor pool.
Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole is a mountain hotel with a restaurant, 69 guestrooms, hot tub, and fitness center near Jackson Town Square.

Read More: Best Hotels Near Grand Teton

There are also several affordable Airbnb rentals in the area. Read more about the best Airbnbs near Grand Teton & Yellowstone here.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Campground in Grand Teton National Park

Can you camp anywhere in Grand Teton National Park?

You can only camp at designated campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park. All Grand Teton campgrounds are reservation-only. However, you can dispersed camp and find first-come, first-served campgrounds in nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Are there bears in Colter Bay Campground?

Both grizzly bears and black bears can be found in campgrounds in Grand Teton, including Colter Bay Campground. You should practice proper bear safety, including storing all scented items in bear lockers.

Can you camp in Grand Teton in the winter?

All seven campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park are only open during the summer. You cannot camp in Grand Teton in the winter except in the backcountry with proper permits. Camping can also be found at nearby campgrounds outside the park in the winter.

Can you camp for free in the Grand Tetons?

All seven campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park require reservations and charge a fee to camp. Camping is only allowed in designated campsites in Grand Teton. However, you can find free, dispersed camping in nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Final Thoughts on the Best Camping in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is an excellent camping destination. There’s a wide selection from campgrounds near popular Jenny Lake to more private sites at Lizard Creek.

You’ll find the best camping in Grand Teton National Park at these campgrounds:

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

If you want to learn more about Grand Teton National Park, check out these posts!

Where to Stay: 35 Best Places to Stay in Grand Teton
Best Things to Do: 25 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton
Hikes: 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton
Itinerary: 7-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Itinerary

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