Jackson Hole's Camping Guide

 
Camping Guide
for Public Lands
 
 

• Grand Teton National Park 
 (307) 739-3399


 • Yellowstone National Park
 (307) 344-7381


• Bridger-Teton National Forests
BTNF Visitor Guide PDF (Camping info) 
Jackson RD: (307) 739-5400
Blackrock RD: (307) 543-2386

 
• Caribou-Targhee National Forests 
Visitor Guide PDF (Camping info) 
Driggs, ID: (208) 354-2312 


Shoshone National Forest
Visitor Guide PDF (Camping info)
Dubois, WY: (307) 455-2466

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 
Travel Maps 
 

Highways Surrounding Jackson Hole


 
A few of the many airports surrounding Jackson Hole  
 
 
There are at least 9 airports within 60 or so miles of Jackson Hole and many more non-commercial airstrips. Some nearby airports with instrument procedures are shown below. 

 
KDIJ - Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (18 nm NW, ID)
KRXE - Rexburg-Madison County Airport (48 nm W, ID)
KAFO - Afton's Municipal Airport (55 nm S, WY)
KIDA - Idaho Falls Regional Airport (58 nm W, ID)
KPNA - Pinedale's Ralph Wenz Field Airport (63 nm SE, WY) 
 
(^distance is flight line^) 


 
 



The Jackson & Blackrock Ranger Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest are very popular destinations for campers visiting Jackson Hole. The Blackrock Ranger District used to be called the Buffalo Ranger District. You might see that name on older maps.

The highway from Moran, WY to Dubois, WY, runs through the Bridger-Teton National Forest to the top of Togwotee Pass at which point it enters the Wind River Ranger District of the Shoshone National Forest. Public land along the highway provides many options for free and fee-based camping.
 
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is on the west side of the Tetons. It provides camping and trail access to Grand Teton National Park.
 
Yellowstone National Park is just to the north of GTNP. It is a popular gateway to Jackson Hole with fee-based camping options. Between Yellowstone and GTNP is the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway which has both free and fee-based camping. Depending on the location, those camping options might be managed by the forest service or GTNP.


Let's look at three maps that show campground options in each National Forest. We will look at free dispersed camping options later.

Bridger-Teton National Forest Campgrounds 
 (the BTNF's Box Creek, Angles, and Red Hills campgrounds are no longer in service)
 
 
Download the BTNF Visitor Guide to see the above map and more camping information. The visitor guides are rarely updated and they may be unavailable in the near future (past 2024). They are old and it's unknown if they will continue to be published. Of course, the respective forest service websites have plenty of information. They have been greatly improved since 2020. Many third-party websites and apps are outstanding resources.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest has first-come, first-served options at fee-based campgrounds and at their free dispersed camping locations. There are at least 260 road-accessed and authorized Forest Service campsites north of Jackson on the Bridger-Teton. Many other camping spots (free or fee-based) are outside of the valley. Usually, the large-group sites, and cabins, can be reserved in advance.
 
In regards to the camping options outside Jackson Hole, many more options present themselves.  On the western side of the Tetons is the Caribou-Targhee National Forest surrounding the towns of Driggs & Victor, ID, and including Alta, WY (just east of Driggs). Other options are found south of Jackson Hole in Hoback Canyon and the Snake River Canyon.  To the east of Moran, WY (Moran is within GTNP) are free and fee-based camping options in the BTNF; and even further east up Highway 278 / 26 toward Togowtee Mtn Lodge and Togowtee Pass, you can find many dispersed locations to camp.

There is a Forest Service website with an interactive USFS map that is a nice portal for maps and information. There is also the Forest Service App & the very nice Avenza Mapping App (download free FS MVUM maps  from inside the app). There is also a special forest service website for camping on the BTNF's Jackson & Blackrock Ranger Districts. 

 
BTW, the Teton Range, Wind River Range, Wyoming Range, etc are all a part of the BTNF

 
Shoshone National Forest Southern District Campgrounds


There are several dirt parking lots just off highway 26/287 heading to Jackson. One is near the Brooks Lake turnoff and another is further west. One has a pit toilet. Both are located in the SNF just before you cross over into Teton County and the BTNF. They are mostly used by snowmobiling sledheads during the winter but you can car camp overnight if need be.

 
 NW Wyoming & SE Idaho Campgrounds


Let's look at a map showing campground options in GTNP...

BTNF, GTNP & CTNF Campgrounds
Click (tap) to Enlarge image in new tab





The area marked "Moose" on the above map is at the primary southern entrance to the park. You will find the main visitor center, administration offices, park housing, a Snake River boat launch, a post office, and the Dornan's shopping and dining area. Moose is just north of the Jackson Hole Airport.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest office in Jackson and the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center (just north of the BTNF offices) have knowledgeable staff that can also help you find various camping options.

BTNF
340 N. Cache St,  Jackson, WY 83001
 (307) 739-5500
 
JH & GY Visitor Center
532 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733-3316 (Chamber #, no listed # for VC)
 
GTNP's Moose Visitor Center
1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012
(307) 739-3399

 
In late 2022, a few national parks started dropping mandatory advance reservations for all campgrounds and returned to a system where same-day, walk-in reservations could be made for unused campsites. GTNP might return to using that preferable system so check their website for the latest information if you need last-minute, same-day reservations. In 2024, reservation windows appeared to change for GTNP. Please contact them for new details.

As with many national parks, campgrounds are often booked months in advance and competition for other camping options is high. All campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park require advance reservations. There are over 1000 individual campsites  at developed campgrounds in GTNP and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (managed by GTNP). Additionally, there are many backcountry camping sites. 
 
For backcountry camping options in GTNP, the park sets aside two-thirds of the sites for walk-in, first-come, first-served campers. One-third can be reserved in advance. No campgrounds are open during the winter but you can car camp at Colter Bay for a small fee (usually $5, ask at entrance or call). Winter backcountry camping is free in GTNP but you do need a permit.
 
 
 
Car Camping around Jackson


More than a few people who work in Jackson during the summer will live out of their vehicles. Maybe 100's. Based on reports from Bridger-Teton officials, well over 300 people were living illegally in the 3.4-million-acre BTNF that wraps around three sides of Jackson Hole. The forest services does enforce its stay limits especially near very popular areas. A few employers let car-camping employees park on their property but it's often illegal (not always). Many summer jobs in the park come with housing or RV slots. Horribly small dorm rooms are common, shared with another adult.

While you might get away with sleeping inside your vehicle within town limits during the summer, it is, nonetheless, illegal on public property. Illegal car camping is pretty common and it's pretty obvious, especially with vans or fogged-up windows. Law enforcement may choose to ignore your illegal camping but you shouldn't count on it. Especially in neighborhoods. They have been dealing with illegal car campers for decades. They know your modus operandi. As does everyone in town. And people regularly complain about car campers near homes. 

If you wish to find "real" housing, keep in mind that many of Jackson's workers live in Driggs or Victor, ID. Many also live down valley in Alpine, WY, at the southern end of the Snake River Canyon. Some live at the eastern end of the Hoback Canyon near Bondurant, WY. It's usually difficult to find housing in all of these locations, and expensive.
 
The highway pullout just south of the Smith's Grocery Store is a pretty common place to see car campers for a night or two. Also semis. In the past, none seemed to care if you stopped for the night but we're sure someone will in the future.

Overnight parking on town streets is illegal during the winter - no cars are allowed anywhere on public streets after the bars close (between 3 and 7 am).


The following map shows some of the most popular free camping locations near GTNP (highlighted with green lettering or lines)
 

Free and fee-based camping around Jackson Hole
 
 

More Details
BTNF Camping Options



WARNING!


4WD And/Or High Clearance Vehicles Are Required In Many Forest Service Locations! Always Check Road Conditions Beforehand (call the Forest Service offices).

A 5 day stay limit (link to info & pdf map) is in effect from May 1st through Labor Day on the Bridger-Teton's Jackson Ranger District and within certain areas of their Blackrock Ranger District (Moran area). It's usually 5 days with in a 30-day period but that can change. Check their website for newer information. 

Areas of the Blackrock Ranger District where a 5-day camping limit is currently enforced from May 1 to Labor Day include the Toppings Lake Road and the Spread Creek Road. Both are just north of the Triangle-X Ranch. 
 
The Pacific Creek Road (north of Moran) and Colter Dump Road (further north and past Pilgrim Creek) on the Blackrock Ranger District also have a 5-day limit. You must enter GTNP to access these two camping areas and pay an entrance fee. These roads can be closed by the park service at their whim without notice.
 
Other areas east of Moran may also get a 5-day limit going forward. Policy changes are possible at any time. All of the places mentioned above are shown below.

BTNF message boards are located near the entrances to dispersed camping areas. They show maps and rules for dispersed areas. You might find a permanent vault toilet or portable toilet at a few dispersed camping locations due to an overwhelming number of irresponsible campers (Shadow Mountain and the Toppings Lake areas come to mind). Some dispersed areas (Shadow Mountain, etc) might be turned into paid campgrounds in the future. The BTNF might add more developed sites to the Curtis Canyon Campground in the future.

Most of the FS roads shown on the next map have dispersed camping. And fee-based camping is usually nearby (highlighted with a red dot)
 

BTNF Campgrounds North & South of Jackson
 

Mileage from Town of Jackson
 
 
Mileage from Jackson

Maps with the campground number are shown below....


See mileage info above to match camping location number

 
While many free dispersed camping spots available within the valley called Jackson Hole, the biggest problem is often finding the open spot or having the right vehicle to get there. The popular areas are close to town, both fee-based campgrounds and free dispersed areas. They are usually too popular. You may end up wasting lots of time looking for a spot that simply isn't available. This is especially true after 9 a.m. There are many great places to avoid the crowds and to see some beautiful public lands but it takes effort - and often local knowledge gained from experience - to nail down your best options for any given time, type of vehicle, and location in Jackson Hole.
 
 
The information directly below came from the JH Chamber of Commerce:
 
 
FREE
 Dispersed Camping
 
 
BTNF's FREE dispersed camping
CLICK to ENLARGE
 
 
Close-up view

We highlight this area because the camping sites can be approach via different roads and one is better for big RVs. The Topping Lake Rd is not suitable for long trailers as discussed below. The Spread Creek Rd goes to the Moran Vista RV site. That site will cost ya $10 during high season (usually free Oct & Nov when the road is open). It is more suitable for large RVs. Beyond the M-V site, the road is less suitable for large RVs. That area has free dispersed camping. As always, 4x4s with good clearance are more suitable on most forest service roads.

"If you arrive in Jackson Hole after 6 p.m. don’t plan on getting a spot at any of these designated dispersed camping areas. If you’re set on staying in the valley, instead consider Moran Vista or Blackrock Meadows. These undeveloped campgrounds in the northern part of the valley are first-come/first-served, often don’t fill up, offer space for large recreational vehicles and porta-potties and are $10/night." FOTBT




 
Some old advice from the Forest Service follows...
 
 
The following dispersed camping areas are usually filling by mid-morning
 

Spread Creek Rd / Toppings Rd (north of Moose)
 
Shadow Mountain (north of Moose)

Curtis Canyon (close to Jackson)
 
 
These developed campgrounds ($$$) are usually filling by mid-day (sometimes earlier) and are a little further away from the Town of Jackson (some are out of the valley)
 
 
Atherton (Gros Ventre)
Crystal Creek (GV)
Pacific Creek Via GTNP & North of Moran
Sheffield Via GTNP & North of Moran
Hatchet (East of Moran)
Turpin Meadows (East of Moran)
East Table (Snake River Canyon)
Station Creek (SRC)
Hoback (Hoback Canyon)


Dispersed campers should also consider the following options which see a little less action. Most are a good distance from town
 

East of Moran

Hatchet Road (Near Hatchet Resort)
Flagstaff Road (Near Togwotee Mtn Lodge)


Gros Ventre area

Ditch Creek - (was CLOSED in 2021)
Slate Creek & beyond 
 
The Gros Ventre Corridor (sounds like "grow vont") has dispersed camping options but some require high-clearance vehicles. Many other dispersed areas have poor roads or are subject to changing conditions. Sometimes you can get by with a low-hanging car, sometimes not.  


South of Wilson on the Fall Creek Road

North Fork Fall Creek
Coburn Meadows
Pritchard Pass


Hoback Canyon & Bondurant

Cliff Creek (Hoback Cyn)
North and South Fisherman's Creek (Past Bondurant) 
 


Larger vehicles and RVs should consider the following options
 
 
It is wise to always check with the BTNF about road conditions and how well your vehicle will manage the challenges. Even 'recommended' places are often unsuitable for travel under some circumstances.

• Blackrock Meadows Trailhead & RV Camp (a dirt parking lot with pit toilet) which cost $10/night in 2021: This is located 15 miles east of Moran junction, or ½ mile west of Togwotee Mountain Lodge on the north side of HWY 26/287. 
 
• Once again, the Spread Creek gravel pit is a big dirt 'parking lot' at the Forest Service boundary with GTNP. It is good for big RVs. The Spread Creek road is south of Moran between the Moose Head Ranch and the Triangle X Ranch. It's an east turn onto the dirt road off of HWY 26/89/191. These areas are marked on the BTNF motor vehicle travel maps.
 

• Turpin Meadows Campground ($, East of Moran, try earlier in the day).  
 
• Flagstaff Road (BTNF near Togwotee Lodge). This road is not always friendly for RVs! Inquire with the BTNF ahead of time. Blackrock Ranger District office

• Slate Creek - check on road conditions! (BTNF up Gros Ventre)

• Cliff Creek (BTNF Hoback Canyon)

• North and South Fisherman’s Creek (BTNF Past Bondurant) 
 
• Wolf Creek Campground ($, Snake River Canyon)
 


High clearance/4WD/dirt road-friendly vehicles
 

• East of the Atherton Campground ($) and up the Gros Ventre Road has a lot of space 
 
• Hatchet Road (located behind Hatchet Campground, south of HWY 26/287)
 
• Flagstaff Road (located south of HWY 26/287)

• Granite Creek Road (Hoback Canyon)

• North Fork Fall Creek/Pritchard Pass (Fall Cr. Rd and NW of Pritchard Boat Launch)

 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 

 
 

 
The free dispersed camping areas in the valley have designated sites for camping. You can't camp anywhere you want. There are specific sites for each vehicle. Again, they fill up quickly. 
 
You can often find free dispersed camping near many fee-based campgrounds. Call the BTNF to confirm availability or stop by the Jackson Visitor Center and inquire.

   
 
Click to enlarge

Above is another overview of campgrounds north of Jackson but it includes some free dispersed Camping Areas (in yellow) like Shadow Mtn, Ditch Creek, Flat Creek, Curtis Canyon, Toppings/Spread Creek, Buffalo Valley).

BTNF Campgrounds North of Jackson - Fee Charged

 
 


 
 
The free Flat Creek and Curtis Canyon camping areas are highlighted in yellow. The others are not highlighted in yellow but they are marked as "Dispersed Camping". Areas such as Fall Creek can be difficult to safely travel through with a small car.
  

BTNF Campgrounds Jackson & South of Jackson - Fee Charged


 
National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps


The maps below are edited Motor Vehicle Use Maps. They show most of the camping locations in nearby national forest and the roads used to access them. We added comments, edited out some information and highlighted dispersed areas on the BTNF maps. If you click on the map, you can download the enlarged version. 
 
The original maps are available from the Forest Service website. They have more information about each Forest Service road and regulations, and have embedded GPS coordinates to help you track your location. They are GeoPDFs. MVUMs are updated fairly often so be sure to get the latest map (always free - printed or pdf). Please confirm camping locations and accessibility with the local ranger district. All camping locations can change over time as areas are retired or improved.
 
Our maps will still provide some guidance as the roads rarely change. Again, signage is usually placed at dispersed camping locations.


 
 BTNF JACKSON RANGER DISTRICT MVUM
Click to Enlarge all MVUM maps
 
 

BTNF BLACKROCK RANGER DISTRICT MVUM
 Click to Enlarge all MVUM maps
 

 
More BTNF Dispersed Camping Info 
 
 
(Undeveloped Camping)

The Forest Service uses the term "Dispersed Camping" to mean that visitors to the Forest are camping outside of a developed campground facility.  This means that visitors are simply finding a place in the forest where they can drive to in order to camp for free where no development other than a road exists. It's camping (Tent, Car, or RV camping) anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. In undeveloped areas of the forest, there are no services (such as potable water and trash removal) and generally no facilities (such as tables and restrooms).

 
Stay limits on the Bridger-Teton National Forest
 
Stay limits are generally 16 days with the exception of the Jackson Ranger District and certain areas near Moran in the Blackrock RD (5-day limits - as discussed previously). After 14 days you must move 5 road miles from your original campsite. After an additional 7 days, you my return to your original campsite if desired.

Jackson and Moran Dispersed Camping:

Again, a 5-day stay limit is in effect from May 1st through Labor Day on the Jackson Ranger District and within certain areas of the Blackrock Ranger District.
       
Due to over use and high impacts, certain dispersed camping areas in the Jackson Hole Valley have had designated sites numbered for use.  This is to help lessen the amount of impact on the resource. 
 

These designated sites are:
 
 
And these areas may have designated sites in the future:
 
Buffalo Valley
Fall Creek Rd
Upper Gros Ventre (Slate Creek and beyond)
 

How to Pick a Campsite/ Camping Etiquette

Be respectful of natural setting. Minimize your impact by using established camps, camp on hard surfaces, avoid being directly next to water, and leave the site better than you found it. Be respectful of other campers, keep a decent distance from other campers when possible.  
 
 
Be Bear Aware

Food Storage Order (pdf) is in effect from March 1 through December 1 (order can be extended.) in most of the Pinedale, Blackrock, Grey’s River, and Jackson Ranger Districts.  All food, attractants, and refuse must be acceptably stored or acceptably possessed during daytime hours. 
 
Storage methods:

1) Bear Canisters (certified and properly used)
2) Within Secured vehicles and hard sided trailers (no open top jeeps/ pickup beds)
3) Properly Hung from trees/ poles (10ft up off the ground and 4ft from vertical pole)
 
 
Campfires
 
DO NOT START A CAMPFIRE IF YOU DON'T HAVE WATER TO PUT IT OUT. How to put out campfires. Fire restrictions are common during fire season and campfires may be illegal at those times. Do not make a campfire near flammable hazards like dry grass, or have a fire when winds are whipping around.

 
BTNF Remote Camping   
 
These are trails in the BTNF that can be used to access more remote camping. The BTNP List Of Backpacking Trails. And here is the BTNF List Of Horse Camping Locations.
 


CTNF Camping Options
 
 
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest (Idaho/WY)
  CTNF - TETON BASIN RANGER DISTRICT MVUM
Click to Enlarge all MVUM maps 
 
 
Contact Information
 
 
 
Physical Address:
 495 S. Main St. Driggs, ID 83422
Mailing:
PO Box 777, Driggs, ID  83422
Phone:
 208-354-2312     Fax:  208-354-8505
Office Hours:
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
 
 
 
Popular Campgrounds in the CTNF's Teton Basin District
 
 
 
 
The CTNF's Mike Harris camping area is in Idaho and near the WY-ID border. It is just off the highway that takes you to Jackson via Teton Pass. On the Wyoming side of the border is the CTNF's Trail Creek Campground. It is also on the western side of Teton Pass. They are the closest CTNF campgrounds to access the eastern side of the Tetons and Jackson Hole.  

Unlike the BTNF, as of 2022, you can make a reservation for several CTNF campgrounds.
 

Fee-based Campgrounds in the CTNF


Notice that the CTNF's Teton Basin RD is in Wyoming & Idaho. And on the western side of the Tetons.
 

Here's a camping tip for private plane owners: The Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ), located on the Idaho side of the Grand Tetons has a grass tie-down area for under-wing camping. 


 
..not everyone owns a jet, and one hundred low lead is expensive
 
 

SNF Camping Options 
 
 
Shoshone National Forest MVUM
 
Shoshone National Forest MVUM
(near Teton & Fremont County Boundary)
 Click to Enlarge all MVUM maps
 


The Shoshone National Forest (America's first national forest) has 5 Ranger Districts. If you look on their website, you will see north & south zone maps. The north zone map shows the Clarks Fork, Greybull, and Wapiti Ranger Districts. And the south zone map (side 2 seen above) shows the Washakie and Wind River Ranger Districts. The Wind River Ranger District is administered from Dubois, Wyoming (maybe 1 hour from GTNP). The Washakie Ranger District is administered from Lander, Wyoming. SNF Ranger Districts Tele Numbers.
 
Are you traveling from Dubois, WY, to the Tetons and need a quick, free, easy-to-find place to car camp overnight? There are "snowmobile" dirt parking lots that are free to use at the moment (subject to change). They are near the border of the Shoshone National Forest and the BTNF. The Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area is the actual border line. The Falls Campground in the SNF is also close to the highway if you want a campground.

 
 
Typical "snowmobile" parking lot near Togwotee Pass - this one has a toilet.
 
 
On the western side of Togwotee Pass is a BTNF National Forest "scenic view" parking area called Vista View which, currently, has no signs prohibiting overnight parking.
 
There is plenty of dispersed camping that goes unused around Togwotee but it does get a fair amount of traffic. It is PRIME grizzly bear habitat. It is kinda far from Jackson but many travel by there to get into Jackson Hole. BTW, the scenic view area just above Togwotee Mountain Lodge doesn't allow overnight camping. Just below the lodge is a snowmobile dirt parking lot with a pit toilet that can be used for overnight camping for a small fee. You will see a big sign for the parking area.


 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 

More Details
Grand Teton National Park 

      
Campgrounds In GTNP

 
 
 
 
Camping at all campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway was by reservation only in 2022; however, we have seen first-come, first-served options available on the day of arrival (or day before) if campground spots are unused. We saw this for Colter Bay at www.recreation.gov/. Call the park service or your campground to confirm your options. The AAC Climbers' Ranch in GTNP has rustic cabins with bunk beds. The ranch is south of the Lupine Meadows trailhead. You might get a last-minute reservation there. Ranch reservations are accepted starting April 15, 2024. The Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch Season runs from June 8, 2024 - September 15, 2024.
 
 
2022 Campground Opening Dates
 
 
 
Lodges in GTNP
(excluding dude ranches)
 
Dornans (private inholding)
 
(Run by Vail Resorts)
 (Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, Headwaters Lodge and Cabins) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Backcountry Camping in GTNP
 
 
By Reservation & Walk-In  

 
 

We added camping spots (light greenish blobs) in the North Fork of Garnet Canyon to this map. Camping is also available in the South Fork. GTNP has special backcountry regulations for Garnet Canyon. We assume they don't highlight those camping areas on their official backcountry map for that reason. Also, all camping permits in Garnet Canyon are handled by the Jenny Lake rangers. That is not the case for other backcountry camping areas. The canyon is the most commmon route for climbers to access the Grand Teton from the valley floor. And there is a fair amount of commercial traffic from climbing concessionaires compared to other areas in the park.  
 
The campground at Bradley Lake is for "loop-trip camping only" (return to same trailhead). We have no idea what that really means in the grand scheme of backcountry camping. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
~ 2022 Backcountry Permit Sites ~
List of GTNP Backcountry Permit Sites
 
New interactive backcountry camping map on the GTNP website. It does NOT include Garnet Canyon which has special regulations.
 


2024 Camping Permit Fees
 
 
See the GTNP webpage on backcountry camping permits. 
 
Permit Fee: $20 flat per permit (non-refundable)
Nightly Fee: $7 per person, per night (refundable until five days before the permit start date)
 
 
Change Policy
 
 
Once a reservation has been made no changes can be made by the customer. Contact the Grand Teton National Park Permits Office at (307) 739-3309 for assistance.
 
 
Cancellation Policy
 
 
Once a permit reservation is completed, it is non-refundable. As a courtesy to others, please notify the park as soon as possible if you decide not to use your reservation.
 
 
No Show Policy

 
If the permit is not picked up by 10:00 a.m. MT the day of arrival, the customer will be considered a "no show." The permit will be canceled and is not refundable.

You may call to inform us, (307) 739-3309, if you will be late to collect your permit. 
 
Permit and Season Information
 

A permit is required for all backcountry camping trips in Grand Teton National Park. All persons who intend to sleep overnight, camp, or bivouac in the backcountry, or who are in possession of equipment designed for overnight use in the backcountry, must obtain a backcountry permit and carry it with them. Permits are used to minimize the impact on park resources, and backcountry camping permits are limited. 
 
One permit can include up to 10 consecutive nights of stay in multiple campsite zones. Once you have determined the areas you would like to visit during your backcountry trip you will need to reserve a campsite for each night.  One-third of all backcountry campsites and all of the group sites may be reserved in advance, online, beginning the first Wednesday in January through May 15. The remaining sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis in person at park permit offices no more than one day before the trip begins. 
 
The permit is valid only for the number of people, dates and locations indicated. Campers must use all nights on a permit for the permit to remain valid. 
 
 
Important Dates
 
 
Advance backcountry permit reservations can be acquired in early January for the coming season.

Backcountry camping permits are only available in person on a first-come first-serve basis. All summer permits for backcountry camping while climbing must be picked up from the Jenny Lake Ranger Station during the summer. You can pick up permits during the summer one day ahead of your trip (if available). Call to check on availability the afternoon before your arrival. The option to make a last-minute reservation 2 days before your trip if unused permits are available seems to have been made available in 2024. Please check to confirm this.
 
Backcountry camping permits not involving climbing are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, the Colter Bay Visitor Center, and the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Check location for hours and seasonal dates. Visitor centers are closed during the winter


Quotas For Backcountry Permits
 

Within Grand Teton National Park, backcountry camping is managed with quotas for designated sites and camping zones. The party size, length of stay, and the number of people or parties allowed in a camping zone per night, have been calculated and regulated to provide for resource protection and visitor enjoyment. 
 
Individual parties consist of one to six people, and may use lakeshore campsites, designated mountain campsites and mountain camping zones. Zones are marked with a sign on each end and hikers with a valid permit have the freedom to choose where they wish to camp once arriving at the zone, although occupying previously used campsites is strongly encouraged. 
 
Groups consist of seven to 12 people and must camp in designated group site. Large groups may not split into smaller groups and camp in the same zone together.


Early Season Snow Conditions
 

Snow usually melts from valley trails, approximately 6,700 feet by mid-June but remains in parts of the high country through much of the summer. Safe travel over Paintbrush, Static Peak and Moose Basin Divides, and Hurricane, Mt. Meek and Fox Creek Passes requires an ice axe and knowledge of its use as late as August. Snow conditions vary from year to year. If you are planning to cross any divides before late July, and do not have the skills for safe use of an ice axe on steep snowfields, consider an alternate route. Crossing a divide or pass is essential when traveling on the Teton Crest Trail and for loop trips. However, there are still opportunities for a rewarding "in and out" trip utilizing any of the major canyons. Weather can be extreme and change rapidly, impacting climbing trips to the Teton Range. It's important to check current local weather and mountain conditions prior to your visit.


Bear Country


All backcountry campers are required to carry Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved bear canisters unless a bear proof metal box is installed at the campsite. Canisters can be checked out at all permit issuing stations free of charge with a backcountry permit. 


Plan Your Backcountry Trip Carefully


Consider how many miles you want to go each day, how much elevation change, and keep in mind the skill levels of all the members of your group. Use the Backcountry Planning Map (PDF) to plot each night of your trip's point to point mileage. Elevation high points are indicated on this map. For more specific information, consult a topographic map or hiking guide. Review the Backcountry Camping Areas for a description of camping zones and sites. 
 
We encourage all backcountry users to pack out what they pack in including packing out human waste from this fragile alpine environment. Bags are made available to those who are camping at the Lower Saddle and the Caves campsites in Garnet Canyon from the JLCR. Permits are subject to review and violations may result in the permit being revoked. 


Additional Information
 
 
 
 
If you have any questions about permits or require trip planning assistance, please contact a ranger at Grand Teton National Park (307) 739-3309. 
 
GTNP Backcountry Camping Areas 
 

Jackson Lake Camping: The sites along the shores of Jackson Lake, many are accessible only by boat. 
 
Leigh Lake Camping: The sites along the shores of Leigh Lake, accessible by canoe, kayak, or foot. 
 
Mountain Camping Zones: The park's most popular camping areas and Teton Crest Trail zones including all three Granite Canyon camping zones, Open Canyon, Death Canyon and Death Canyon Shelf, Phelps Lake, Surprise Lake, South and North Forks of Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon campsites. Also includes Alaska Basin, Bradley Lake, and Marion Lake.

Mountain Group-Camping: All individually marked group sites for 7 to 12 people within the major camping zones.

Northern Canyons Camping: The areas within Webb Canyon/Moose Basin, Berry Creek Canyon, and Owl Canyon.

South Fork Garnet Canyon: The climber/bivy camping zone for accessing climbs in the South Fork of Garnet Canyon (Middle & South Tetons)


Meadows & Platforms: The climber/bivy camping zones in the main fork of Garnet Canyon.

Lower-Saddle, Moraines, and Caves: The climber/bivy camping zones for accessing the Grand Teton and other nearby climbs. The camping zones are in the north fork of Garnet Canyon.

Technical Climbing Sites: The climber/bivy sites for technical mountaineering objectives.



Food Storage Notice

(For Leigh Lake/Bearpaw Lake/Trapper Lake and Jackson Lake permit holders)


The Leigh Lake and Jackson Lake areas are very popular destinations for campers and day hikers and are also home to black and grizzly bears. Occasionally campers arrive at their Lakeshore campsite with more food than the provided bear-resistant food storage devices can accommodate. As a result, bears in the area have received human food rewards from improperly stored food. This has led to food conditioned and often habituated behavior by bears, and aggressive actions that make them dangerous to people. When this occurs, bears must be destroyed.

Bear conservation, your safety and that of others are at stake. Please help us in our efforts to protect bears by adhering to the following rules and guidelines:

All food, garbage, drinks, and any item with an odor must be stored in a bear-resistant food storage locker (bear box) or Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) approved canister when not in immediate use. Grand Teton National Park provides IGBC approved bear canisters at no charge.

Coolers, cans, bottles, etc., are not bear-resistant and must be stored properly.

The bear boxes provided measure approximately 48 x 20 x 20 inches and can typically accommodate one medium-sized cooler and enough food for several days.

Food items may not be hung in trees or left in boats. Light items can be hung on bear poles where provided and must be a minimum of 10’ from the ground.

Items that cannot be properly secured must be returned to your vehicle. Remember to secure food items in the provided bear boxes when portaging between String and Leigh Lake. Secure all food items immediately upon arrival at your campsite.




GTNP Lakeside Campsites & Campgrounds map


Natural water sources are near the Grassy Lake camping spots (see top of map) and they probably need filtering. Hot springs aren't too far away either (see GTNP rules). Carry bear spray - prime grizzly country. The road conditions can be 4X4-Truck-Worthy the further west you travel on the Grassy Lake Road (summer-travel only).

The Flagg Ranch/Headwaters area has a campground and token-operated showers. The fee-based Sheffield Creek camping site in the Teton National Forest is just south of Flagg Ranch. It is not shown on the map. Campers' cars must ford a creek to reach the campground. Usually passable with dry weather and low water levels by all cars—even a Honda Civic. Most trucks can handle it on the worst days.

The backcountry and frontcountry lake sites are popular in GTNP. Try booking a reservation in January.


Backcountry Camping
In Garnet Canyon

Garnet Canyon water map & camping zones 
(water only shown along the climbers' trail to Lower Saddle)

The climbers trail is mostly well defined all the way to the Lower Saddle but it does disappear in a few spots. Check our webpage covering the approach to the Lower Saddle for more information. 



Published Distance
(GPS values differ on distance) 
 
4.1 miles to Platforms Camping Zone at Garnet Creek

4.7 miles to Meadows Camping Zone

5.5 miles to Petzoldt's Caves Camping Zone

6.2 miles to Morainal Camping Zone

7.0 miles to Lower Saddle

 
 
Common Backcountry Camping Sites for Grand Teton Climbers
 

The above map is from the recreation.gov website where you can book a reservation and examine backcounry permit rules. The majority of Garnet Canyon's backcountry camping sites are set aside for first-come, first-served, walk-in permits starting the day before your trip. The remaining sites are set aside for advanced reservations starting in early January and ending in mid-May, as of 2022.


Lower Fork Zones:  Platforms, Meadows

North Fork Zones:  Caves, Moraine, Lower Saddle

South Fork Zones:  South Fork of Garnet Canyon


Special Rules for Garnet Canyon


Garnet Canyon Stay Limits


Parties are limited to two nights per fork of the canyon (Lower Fork, South Fork, North Fork), with a maximum stay of six nights per outing.  Between June 1 and September 15, campers may stay in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park a maximum of 10 nights.
 

Party Size

All camping in Garnet Canyon is limited to parties of 1 to 6 people. Call for information about group camping involving more than 6 people.
 

Human Waste Disposal

All overnight campers at the Lower Saddle & Caves Camping Zones are required to take "Rest Stop" bags to pack out their human waste. Campers are also encouraged to use "Rest Stop" bags when staying elsewhere in Garnet Canyon.  Bags are available for issue with a camping permit at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Semi-permanent plywood structures on the west side of the Lower Saddle help to facilitate use of the bags. Chemical polymers breaking down the solid waste allow for the bags to be deposited in any garbage can back on the valley floor.  Additional information on proper use can be obtained at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station.  We also request that people urinate on the west side of the Lower Saddle to help maintain a clean and pristine camping area and to prevent contamination of the water source on the east side.
 

Food Storage

All food, garbage, toiletries, and any other odorous item that may attract bears or other wildlife MUST be stored  in a bear-resistant food storage canister or box when not in immediate use, day or night.  Bears, marmots, ravens, and other scavengers frequent Garnet Canyon and can cause significant damage to tents, sleeping bags, packs, and other camping equipment if food and garbage is not properly stored.  Approved bear-resistant food storage canisters are required at the Moraine and South Fork Camping Zones.  Canisters can be checked out with a camping permit for free at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station.

Bear-resistant food storage boxes are available at the Platforms (1), Meadows (3), Caves (1), and Lower Saddle(1).
 
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Winter Camping
 

Backcountry winter camping permits are free (subject to change). Contact the park to pick up a permit.
 
Park campgrounds are closed during the winter. Primitive winter camping is allowed on the parking lot next to the Colter Bay Visitor Center from December 1 to April 15, with a $5 per night fee which can be paid at the Moran Entrance Station. They used to have a fee deposit box next to the Visitor Center restroom in case you arrived late. It may still be there.

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Yellowstone National Park



Miscellaneous Stuff
 

 
 
USGS 7.5 min Quad Map Index for the Tetons
 
 
 
GTNP Trail Maps
 
 
 
 Other Maps
 
 

 
Jackson ORV Map - BTNF roads/trails
 
 
This map is free to download and is free at many visitor centers. It is one of the better off-road maps. The downloadable map is in a GeoPDF format for use with your smartphone's GPS to locate your position on the map even when cellular service is not available. There is also a plain PDF map available.
 
 
Teton County, WY Map
Click to Enlarge
 


https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/btnf/recreation/camping-cabins
The Popular Dispersed Areas - You Have Been Warned

 
Map of Public Land Status NW Wyoming



Federal Wilderness Lands Surrounding Jackson Hole
(Does not include Wilderness Study Areas)
 



 
 
 Enjoy Safe Climbing