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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Dec 31, 2019 · Updated: Aug 3, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Ultimate Grand Teton Camping Guide

    Grand Teton National Park is one of the most sought-out places in the northwestern United States. Camping here is popular and encouraged. We hope you enjoy this Grand Teton Camping guide! 

    The most striking feature of this park is its namesake, the Teton Mountain Range. Rising over 7,000 feet from the park floor, this collection of peaks is one of the most photographed in the world. Pristine lakes and natural forests often stop campers and hikers in their tracks.

    TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
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    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    Grant Teton Camping

    There’s also Grand Teton wildlife. Home to many wild animals, Grand Teton National Park is famous for moose, elk, bears, bison, birds, and fish. You’ll be hard-pressed to go a day in the park without seeing some form of wildlife.

    If you camp in the late summer and fall months, expect to hear elk bugling while you’re wrapped tightly in your sleeping bag. Wolves and coyotes can be heard howling as well.

    There is nothing quite like a Grand Teton Camping Trip to make you truly appreciate our National Parks.

    Fees and Campgrounds

    There are six main campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park: Colter Bay, Flagg Ranch, Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Lizard Creek, and Signal Mountain. Single-night stays range from $14 to $60 depending on the campground.

    There are several backcountry camping areas where camping is allowed in the park. Permits are required for backcountry stays. Backcountry sites can be reserved in advance through May 15. A nonrefundable service charge of $25 will be charged for advance reservations.

    In the backcountry, it is important that you follow all park regulations regarding site setup, food storage, and general safety.

    Grand Teton Camping Safety

    Food and toiletries must be stored in bear-proof containers. You can purchase these containers at sporting goods stores, or use park-issued ones free-of-charge in GTNP backcountry.

    Backcountry campers especially should carry bear spray, a potent pepper spray that can be used in the event of a bear encounter. These can be purchased both in and outside of the park.

    Keep a close eye on children and pets at all times, and note that pets must be restrained throughout their stay in the park. Make sure you know GTNP rules for bringing your pet in the park prior to your visit.

    Clean up after yourself, your children, and your pets at your campsite, as any unfamiliar smell can attract a bear, even in well-traveled areas.

    Park Wildlife

    While the park may be full of people during peak summer months, the park’s wildlife lives there year-round and is no less wild in the summer than when the park is empty. Do not approach wildlife. Carry bear spray and consider putting bells or some other noise-maker on your backpack when you go hiking.

    Camping in Grand Teton National Park is a must for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. Fees for camping in the park are affordable and ensuring your safety is easy if you follow all park regulations and clean up after yourself.

    And lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera!

    Camera Gear we use

    We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.

    Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.

    Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.

    Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.

    Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.

    Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.

    Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards

    Colter Bay Campground

    Location: 25 miles north of Moose, Close to Jackson Lake 

    Elevation: 6,831 feet 

    Open: May  – September

    Number of sites: 335 sites, 11 group sites, 13 electric hookup sites

    Accessible Sites: 13 electric accessible sites.

    Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities:  22 restrooms with running water in the campground.  Fire rings, picnic tables, great location within Grand Teton National Park.

    Showers and coin-operated laundry services are available for an additional fee at the Colter Bay Launderette

    RVs allowed?:  up to 45 ft. length motor homes or trailers.

    For more information and photos check out our post on Colter Bay Campground

    Colter Bay RV Park Campground

    Location: Near Colter Bay Village

    Elevation: 6,887 feet

    Open: May  – October 

    Number of sites: 103 sites

    Accessible Sites: There are 14 accessible sites at Colter Bay RV Park Campground

    Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities: showers and coin-operated laundry is available at the Colter Bay Launderette.

    RVs allowed?:  Yes, No restrictions with size. Full hookups 

    For more information and photos check out our post on Colter Bay RV Campground

    Gros Ventre Campground

    Location: closest campground to the town of Jackson, Wyoming. 

    Elevation: 6,565 feet

    Open: May - October

    Number of sites: 300 sites, 5 groups sites, 36 electric hookup sites

    Accessible Sites: Yes, #169, 173, 174, 204, 206

    Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, make your reservation online at Recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities: Close to Jackson Hole, wildlife viewing, access to Mormon Row. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, access to a bathroom with flush toilets. 

    RVs allowed?:   Yes, Thirty-six sites have electricity, 10 of which are ADA compliant with an adjacent restroom. RVs up to 45ft

    For more information and photos check out our post on Gros Ventre Campground

    Headwaters Campground and RV Park at Flagg Ranch 

    Location: Located in John D Rockefeller Parkway between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park

    Elevation: 6,300 feet

    Open:

    • RV Sites:  May - September
    • Camper Cabin and Tent Sites:  June  – September 

    Number of sites: 131 campsites and 40 cabins

    Accessible Sites: Most sites are accessible to wheelchairs. Restroom facilities are accessible. One fully accessible shower is available. 

    Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, campsites can be reserved online at Recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities:  24-hour showers, laundry facilities, 

    RVs allowed?:   Yes, pull-through RV sites with full hook-ups (including 20, 30, and 50 amp electricity)

    For more information and photos check out our post on Headwater Campground at Flagg Ranch

    Jenny Lake Campground

    Location: Next to Jenny Lake 

    Elevation: 6,783 feet

    Open: May  - September 

    Number of sites: 49 individual tent campsites and 10 sites designated for hikers and bicyclists.

    Accessible Sites: There are three accessible sites within the campground (Sites 3, 5 and 6)

    Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, reservations can be made online at recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities: Each campsite has a picnic table, a fire pit, and nearby flush toilets and food storage.

    RVs allowed?:   No, Campground is a tent-only campground 

    For more information and photos check out our post on Jenny Lake Campground

    Lizard Creek Campground

    Location: 17 miles north of Signal Mountain Lodge on Highway 89, about 10 miles south of the South Entrance into Yellowstone National Park.

    Elevation: 6,827 feet

    Open: June  - September 

    Number of sites: 60

    Accessible Sites: Currently, there are no accessible sites. 

    Cost per night: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, reservations can be made online at recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, generators permitted, 

    RVs allowed?: Yes,  RVs up to 30 feet in length. 

    For more information and photos, check out our post on Lizard Creek Campground 

    Signal Mountain Campground

    Location: located on the Signal Mountain Lodge property

    Elevation: 6,824 feet

    Open: May 8 - October 18, 2020

    Number of sites: 81

    Accessible Sites: Sites 43, 44, and 46 were designated ADA sites.

    Cost per night:  Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Reservations?: Yes, reservations can be made online at recreation.gov

    Campground Amenities: The campground is very close to a general store, gift shop, laundromat, and showers.  Flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits in each site. 

    RVs allowed?:   Yes, RVs up to 30 feet in length.

    For more information and photos check out our post on Signal Mountain Campground

    We hope this Grand Teton Camping Guide helps you plan an amazing trip to the park. 

    Additional Grand Teton National Park Information & Resources

    Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    Join a local naturalist and guide for a ride in an open-air safari vehicle (seasonal) on dirt roads and on paved highways within Grand Teton National Park, where you scour the landscape at dawn or dusk for wolves, moose, and elk. Look for eagles soaring overhead or deer walking through the woods, and there's even a chance that you can spot a bear roaming near the road. The guides also discuss the areas' ecology, history, geology, and culture, and also stop so that you can take photos.

    Half-Day Group Sunrise Wildlife Safari
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-5 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    Get to know the ecosystem of the Greater Yellowstone area on the half-day wildlife-focused safari, beginning at sunrise. With a guide to show you the best wildlife spotting areas, you will have the greatest possible chance of encountering a bear, moose, pronghorn, bison, and elk. Listen to insightful commentary on the area's history and geology as you travel, learning much more than you would simply exploring on your own.

    Half-Day Group Sunset Wildlife Safari
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-5 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    Visitors flock to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to see wildlife, but are often limited to observing from loop roads and car pullouts. This tour, which takes visitors to scout for wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem - one of the last remaining nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone - makes it easier to encounter bison, elk, bears, eagles, and, with luck, wolves.

    Grand Teton National Park Lodging Options

    Lodging in Grand Teton National Park

    Grand Teton National Park has several National Park lodges, including Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Headwaters at Flagg Ranch,  Triangle X Dude Ranch, and Colter Bay Village Cabins.

    Signal Mountain Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Signal Mountain Lodge -> Click Here

    Why Book here? How about rooms with jaw-dropping EPIC Views of Jackson Lake in the foreground and the Tetons in the background! There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee watching sunrise. The Signal Mountain Lodge is open from Early May to mid - October.

    Jenny Lake Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Jenny Lake Lodge -> Click Here

    Why stay here? This is by far, the closest accomodations to Jenny Lake and all of its wonders! Now you can get to the parking lot early and beat the insane crowds trying to get to this piece of heaven. The cabins are secluded and located east of Jenny Lake, this resort is a high-class destination for the well-pampered traveler. The dining room offers a prix fixe menu with a local and international flair. Open Early June to Early October.

    Jackson Lake Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Jackson Lake Lodge -> Click Here

    Why stay here? The main lodge area is absolutely EPIC with sweeping panoramic views of the Teton Range and Signal Mountain from the full wall of windows! Don't forget to hang out by the fireplace and stop in a restaurant to enjoy the full lodge experience.

    With spectacular dining in the world-renowned Mural Room, shopping opportunities in its three gift shops, guided activities, and a comprehensive conference facility. Its easy to see why this lodge draws thousands of guests from May through October each year.

    Headwaters at Flagg Ranch

    🏨Ready to Book the Headwaters at Flagg Ranch -> Click Here

    • Season - Early June to Late September

    Why stay here? Location, Location, Location! The Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is actually located on the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway just South of Grand Teton National Park, and just North of Yellowstone National Park. The cabins are very nice and makes it easy to explore both parks in one convient location.

    Colter Bay Village Cabins

    🏨Ready to Book the Colter Bay Village Cabins -> Click Here

    Why stay here? these cabins are so cute and give the log cabin feel! They also provide easy access to the Colter Bay Marina and village. The historic cabins are over 90 years old and feel like you are stepping back in time but still have modern amenities. Open from Late May to Late September.

    Lodging near Grand Teton National Park

    Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

    🏨Ready to Book the -> Click Here

    Do you want to stay in a hotel with 5-star old luxury charm, phenomonal spa treatments, concierge, and delicious dining? Consider a stay at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and take advantage of the nightclub, and a terrace. Yoga classes are offered at the health club. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a hair salon and an arcade/game room.

    Fireside Resort

    🏨Ready to Book the Fireside Resort -> Click Here

    Why Stay here? Super cute small cabins right off the Moose-Wilson Road! Cabins feature a spa tub, coffee/tea in a common area, and concierge services. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are onsite. All 20 cabins boast fireplaces and offer free Wi-Fi and kitchens. Patios and living rooms are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with cable channels.

    Click on the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging options near the park.

    Grand Teton National Park Entrance Fee

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

    $25.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

    $125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

    $200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

    $300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Additional Grand Teton/Yellowstone Resources

    Jackson Lake Lodge - Room photo and video, find out what it is like to stay at this great lodge.

    Yellowstone Camping Guide - Breakdown of every campground in Yellowstone with site photos, reservations and more. 

    Top things to do in Yellowstone - All the things you don't want to miss during your trip. 

    Wyoming National Park - Check out the other great parks you can visit in Wyoming

    Top things to do in Grand Teton

    Grand Teton Camping Guide

    Mormon Row Guide

    Grand Teton Lodging Guide

    Grand Teton Wildlife

    Yellowstone Lodging Guide

    Yellowstone Wildlife Guide

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

    More US National Parks

    • Yellowstone National Park Tours
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      California National Parks Road Trip to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, & Yosemite
    • campsite in Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park
      Sunset Campground Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
    • Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park
      Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park

    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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