Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is a rugged wilderness destination, full of outdoor recreational opportunities. A fitting location for the active traveler, the park offers camping in several areas, all of which are in close proximity to hiking trail heads, climbing areas, and fishing and boating opportunities. Make sure you are prepared for the high elevation and potentially extreme weather when setting out on your various wilderness adventures in the Tetons.

Colter Bay

The Colter Bay area provides access to hiking and water activities along the Snake River, as well as several lakes, including Two Ocean and Jackson Lakes. If you plan on doing any fishing, boating, or back-country camping from Colter Bay, make sure you obtain the appropriate licenses. Camping is available here at the Colter Bay Campground, a first-come first-served (as are all of the campgrounds in Grand Teton) campground with 350 individual sites as well as amenities such as groceries, dump stations, showers, and laundry. As of August 2010, Colter Bay campsites ranged in price from $4 to $20 per night, depending on your circumstances and the campsite of choice.

Lizard Creek

For solitude and privacy, make your way out to the Lizard Creek Campground, one of the few campgrounds in the area that rarely fills. It is located approximately 30 miles from Moose in the northern reaches of the park. The camp opens in mid-June and is one of the more rugged of the camping options, as it is eight miles from the nearest groceries and services and also lacks showers, laundry, and dump stations. Bring your fishing gear and licenses here, as the campsites are adjacent to Jackson Lake.

Gros Ventre

The Gros Ventre River area is home to fishing and hiking opportunities, as well as camping at the Gros Ventre Campground, the closest campground to the town of Jackson. The campsites are near the river and among cottonwoods and sagebrush. Approximately two miles from the nearest groceries and lacking showers and laundry, the campsites are equipped with a dump station. As of August of 2010, the cost for campers with a vehicle is $20.

Jenny Lake

According to the National Park Service, camping in the Jenny Lake area provides access to some of the park's most popular hiking, such as Cascade Canyon and Hidden Point. Just about every outdoor activity is possible in the Jenny Lake area, from climbing and hiking to boating, fishing, and biking. The Jenny Lake Campground is for tent-camping only and not suitable for vehicles beyond 14 feet in length. Just a short distance from Jenny Lake itself, the campgrounds are situated among glacial boulders and evergreens. Get there early, as sites have a tendency to fill up fast.

Back Country

Camping in the back country of the Grand Teton National Park requires both significant preparation and a wilderness permit. Depending on your intentions, camping in the back country not only allows you to hike in relative solitude, but also to access fishing areas in remote lakes and to climb on desolate peaks. Make yourself aware of the inherent risks of back-country camping, such as the presence of bears, the unpredictability of the weather, and the need for water purification. You can get permits, advice, and maps from several visitors centers, including Colter Bay, as well as the Jenny Lake ranger station.