The Best Camping in Grand Teton National Park | Wet Sounds

Stars dotting the night sky above a crackling fire, gorgeous view of the lakes and mountains during the day — the best camping in Grand Teton National Park makes for an unforgettable experience. I've put together this list of six of my favorite campsites in the park to take the guesswork out of planning a camping trip to Grand Teton National Park. The area boasts campgrounds for tent camping and RVs, not to mention some truly extraordinary backcountry camping experiences, so there's something for everyone here.

Jenny Lake Campground

Image via Unsplash by achidu

Jenny Lake Campground is not only one of the best camping spots in Grand Teton National Park, but it also ranks at the top of the best campgrounds in all of Wyoming. The Grand Teton Lodge Company operates the grounds. The central location plays into why this campground is so popular. With upwards of 50 campsites, including 10 campsites reserved for hikers and bikers only, there's something for everyone here.

The campsites all share potable water and flushing toilets located close to the sites. The Jenny Lake Campground is for tent camping, and a nearby store sells essentials like ice, firewood, and snacks. It's easy to access the rest of the park from the campground, too. Jenny Lake Campground is very popular so I like to reserve my spot early to make sure I'll have access to some of the best views out there. After all, this campground offers some extraordinary scenery, including Jenny Lake to the side and the Teton Range at the horizon.

Colter Bay Campground

Nestled on the shores of Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Campground offers a great option for campers headed to Grand Teton National Park's northern portion. The Grand Teton Lodge Company also operates this campground, which features over 300 campsites. This is where I go when I want easy access to life beyond the park as well. The campsites are situated close to the Colter Bay Marina and Colter Bay Village, putting campers in easy reach of things like a general store, showers, and laundry service.

That also means Colter Bay Campground offers the perfect base for further adventures, making it easy to rent a boat, go on a guided fishing tour, or enjoy chuck wagon rides. The campsite itself splits into some sites for tents and others for RV parking spots. All campsites have access to modern bathroom facilities and potable water, but most are non-electric.

Gros Ventre Campground

The Gros Ventre Campground is also operated by the Grand Teton Lodge Company. It's one of the largest overnight areas available around the Tetons, boasting over 300 campsites along the Gros Ventre River. That picturesque setting comes together with the cottonwood trees to create an appealing campground that gives campers immediate access to plenty of attractions within Grand Teton National Park.

The Gros Ventre Campground is located at the southern tip of the park, close to Moose Entrance. While there's a loop designated for tent-only campers, the sites can accommodate RVs. Some of the sites offer electrical hookups. I enjoy bringing my outdoor audio gear to take the experience here to the next level. Campsites also come with parking spots, fire pits, and picnic tables. Potable water and flushing toilets are available close to the campsites.

Signal Mountain Campground

Signal Mountain Campground sits on Jackson Lake, offering some gorgeous vantage points for taking in the Teton Range. The campground is also a central location that makes getting to both the northern and southern sections of Grand Teton National Park easy. While the sites are relatively small, many do offer picturesque views of the lake.

There's a boat launch close to the campground, so I often look to this campground when I want to spend some time kayaking or canoeing during a camping trip. Signal Mountain Campground is also close to Jenny Lake, making it great for campers looking to mix some socialization in with solitude. This campground is operated by Forever Resorts.

Lizard Creek Campground

Another campground operated by Forever Resorts, Lizard Creek Campground is the place I go when I'm seeking peace and quiet amidst some breathtaking scenery. The campground is located in the northern portion of Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Lake.

Spruce and fir trees surround the 60 non-electric campsites that make up the campground. The adjacent Jackson Lake translates to plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing, not to mention just relaxing with the Teton range as a beautiful backdrop. The campsite is also close to many top spots in Yellowstone National Park, so I choose this campsite when I'm planning to transition between national parks during my camping trip.

Backcountry Camping in Grand Teton National Park

With an extensive backcountry trail system, Grand Teton National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for adventure. The trail system boasts 11 permitted camping zones in the southwest region of the park that create places to stop along the Teton Crest Trail. This iconic trail treats campers to some of the American West's best mountain scenery.

The camping zones here are only accessible for campers with a permit, which are available online beginning in January of the same season. These are truly zero-amenity, backcountry camping zones, so I make sure to pack everything I need before setting out. Hikers are also required to pack everything back out after a night here.

The Death Canyon Shelf stands out, so campers looking for the best camping in Grand Teton National Park for a backcountry experience should have this area in mind. Death Canyon Shelf is located high above Death Canyon, delivering views of the canyon below that have to be seen to be believed. This is also the place to go for memorable sunsets bathing the peak of Grand Teton in fading light.

Grand Teton National Park offers a range of camping opportunities, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. From easy access to nearby towns to a truly backcountry experience, it's all possible at this amazing park. No matter which site I choose for a given trip, I know the best camping in Grand Teton National Park will always deliver a memorable experience thanks to unparalleled views and breathtaking nature.