Top Campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

While Ansel Adams didn’t single-handedly popularize Grand Teton National Park, he certainly didn’t hurt it. You’ve probably seen the photo he took of the Teton Mountain Range overlooking the Snake River, even if you haven’t realized that’s what the photo was of. If you haven’t seen it, look it up. It’s really an incredible piece of art. Either way, Mr. Adams is certainly intertwined with the legacy of Grand Teton National Park.

Beyond being a muse for artists, Grand Teton National Park is known as one of the best places for mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and all things rugged outdoors. Interestingly enough, the Teton Mountain Range is the youngest section of the Rocky Mountains at a spry 10 million-years-old and still continuing to rise. The rest of the Rocky Mountain Range is roughly 50 million-years-old.

Jenny Lake

This is probably the main thing Grand Teton National Park is known for—except, of course, the Teton Mountain Range. Jenny Lake is one of the most popular spots in the park to visit, so expect the area to be crowded. Of course, if you want to beat the crowds, get there early and head out on one of the several trails that take off from the Jenny Lake trailhead. If you aren’t planning on hiking, you can also experience Jenny Lake via boat.

Scenic Loop Drive

If you drive through the loop that runs through the entire park, it’s about 42 miles long. This scenic loop is the best way to see the entire park, and you can make as many stops as you like. It’s also a great way to see some of the lesser-known spots in the park, especially on the east side. You can take as much time as you like on this drive, but if you want to stop at least semi-frequently, allow for five or so hours. If you drive straight through, it’ll take you less than two hours, and if you make more stops, you could easily take the whole day.

Snake River Overlook

If you want to see the Ansel Adams photograph for yourself, the famed photographer took the shot from the Snake River Overlook. As the name suggests, the spot overlooks the Snake River and also has incredible views of the Teton Range. As viewpoints go, this is the most famous, and arguably best, viewpoint in the park.

Like most national parks, June to September is the time to be here. Summer temperatures tend to be in the mid-60s to mid-70s during the day, dropping into the upper 30s and low 40s overnight. Even in the summer, be sure to bring layers because it’ll get chilly. July has the highest average nighttime temperature, but even that is just 41 degrees.

Crowds tend to congregate most during the mid-summer, so July and August tend to see the biggest influx of visitors. If that’s the only time you can visit, it’s still completely worth it. If you can swing for June or September, though, it won’t give you the place to yourself, but there will be a lower crowd density.

The shoulder seasons here are an option for some campers as well, but the colder season comes in early and stays late, so not everyone is going to love the idea of camping in late spring or early fall in the Tetons.

Overnight lows in May are around 29 degrees, but the daytime high is very pleasant in the upper 50s. October is similar, with overnights in the mid-20s and daytime temperatures in the low 50s. The snowy season in the Tetons goes from early October to early May, so expect travel to be a bit more difficult and for higher elevations to have snow for most of the year.

There Are No First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds Here

Reservations are your only option in Grand Teton National Park. Luckily, you can get them up to six months in advance. Still, you’re going to have to be quick if you want to get a reservation, especially at the more popular campgrounds like Jenny Lake. While a spot by either of the lakes is beautiful, consider expanding your search and looking for spots at all campgrounds to increase your shot at getting a reservation.

You’re Surrounded by National Forest Land

This really only matters for those who enjoy boondocking, but it’s worth noting. There is a ton of national forest land nearby, and your interagency pass covers entry into U.S. National Forest sites. You can disperse camp in National Forest land for free, but you’ll be going completely primitive in the process. If that sounds like a tradeoff that’s worth it to you, you can camp in pretty good proximity to the park for free.

There Are a Surprising Number of Campgrounds Here

It feels like popular national parks just don’t have enough campgrounds to keep up with the demand. Arches National Park comes to mind as an example. Grand Teton National Park doesn’t have that issue—at least, not as much. There are more than 1,000 standard sites here (not including cabins for rent), so you’ve got a decent shot at grabbing a site somewhere.

The only thing here is that with about 3 million annual visitors, lots of other people want one of those campsites as well. Reserve early, of course, but you’ve got a half-decent shot at one of the further campgrounds if nothing else. Campgrounds like Colter Bay and Jenny Lake tend to go fast as they offer some of the best views alongside some of the most convenient locations.

Start Early

While some popular parks are introducing timed-entry systems, Grand Teton National Park is not one of them. This is either a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. The bad thing is that you don’t have a defined entrance time making your entry a little smoother. The good thing is that, if you’re willing to get up early, you have a pretty good shot at getting into the park before the crowds.

You’re pretty much in control of your own destiny when entering Grand Teton National Park. While you might get unlucky and just happen to be surrounded by Type A campers who got up at 6 a.m. to beat the rush, the odds of that are low. If you can get in before 9 a.m. (though earlier is better), you maximize the likelihood of a smooth entry and parking situation.

Give Wildlife a Brake

There are plenty of twists and turns in the roads here. You’re going to come upon some blind corners and, yes, some traffic. That’s just a part of the experience, though. Expect that when everyone wants to be in Grand Teton, traffic will be here.

Don’t speed through the park because it just isn’t getting you anywhere faster, and it’s making absolutely no one happier. Plus, the faster you go, the less reaction time you have. Do you really want to start your Grand Teton National Park trip by hitting a bear? That sounds like hyperbole, but it genuinely happens. Visitors speeding through the park don’t have time to react to wildlife on the road (and you will likely see wildlife on the road), so slow down and enjoy the ride.

Take Your Time

This is generally just an extension of my previous point, but worth noting. There are several roads throughout the park, but the Teton Park Road is really the main road you’ll be on. Unless you’re heading to some of the less trafficked areas of the park, you’re gonna be on the Teton Park Road basically the whole time. You and everyone else will be, so just expect things to take longer.

While none of them are first-come, first-served, there are a ton of campsites in Grand Teton National Park. Reserve well in advance and expect that you might need to go with a campground that isn’t your first choice. Really, a third-choice campground in Grand Teton National Park is better than a first-choice campground almost anywhere else, so it isn’t so bad.

While camping, don’t forget that you’re in bear country. Both black and grizzly bears call the park home. Bear sightings are actually pretty rare here, and bear attacks are even rarer, so you’re perfectly safe. Really, the only thing you need to actually worry about is proper food storage.

You are incredibly unlikely to be in danger from a bear, but a bear may decide that any food left out is an invitation to join you for a midnight snack. Bears can get habituated to food, which is dangerous for both you and for them, so don’t leave out anything with a smell.

Grand Teton is known as a rugged park, perfect for the seasoned explorer. While you don’t have to be a veteran outdoor guide to enjoy the park, a little planning here ensures you have an unforgettable Grand Teton National Park experience.