Grand Teton National Park, in northwestern Wyoming, is often overlooked by travelers because of its proximity to the much larger and more famous Yellowstone National Park. However, Grand Teton has picture-perfect snow-capped peaks and plenty of trails and wildlife that make it a worthwhile destination on its own. Camping or staying in an RV is not a problem in the park, but the campgrounds don't take reservations, so plan to come early.
About Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park was created to preserve the area surrounding the stunning mountains that give the park its name. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., scion of the steel magnate, helped purchase large amounts of land that now make up the park, which is why the road between Grand Teton and Yellowstone bears his name. Grand Teton has plenty of hiking, biking and wildlife watching, just like its northern neighbor. Visitors can also enjoy boating or climb up to the Teton's glacier.
Planning a Visit
You will have no trouble filling multiple days in Grand Teton. There are many miles of hiking trails, while biking and horseback riding are also possibilities. Ranger-guided tours combine knowledge with exercise, while experienced climbers can take a crack at climbing the mountains themselves. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are obviously winter-only activities.
About the Campgrounds
There are five campgrounds within Grand Teton National Park: Colter Bay, Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Lizard Creek and Signal Mountain. They don't take reservations, so get there early to secure a spot. Flagg Ranch Campground, just five miles north of the park's border, takes reservations. All of the campgrounds open in May and close in either September or October. However, even in the off-season its wise to arrive early in the day, as many of the camps are convenient to hiking trails and waterways that you will want to enjoy before dark.
Colter Bay Campground
This campground is a popular choice as it is close to the Colter Bay visitor center, which has interpretive exhibits as well as stores, a restaurant and a nature trail that quickly gets hikers away from the crowds. Guided star walks with a ranger are available at night during the summer months. The campground is also quite close to Jackson Lake, making it a good site if you want to boat or fish. It has 350 sites, 11 of which can accommodate groups.
Jenny Lake Campground
Jenny Lake Campground is the park's most popular. As the name suggests, it is near Jenny Lake, which makes it a good option if you want to boat or fish. There are also a number of trails in the area that you can reach from the campsites, so it is a good choice for hikers as well. There are 49 sites, but the campground does not accommodate RVs.
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