Lodging and Camping in Grand Teton National Park

Planning Your Road Trip Through Grand Teton National Park

 

Planning a visit and searching for lodging or camping in Grand Teton National Park?  Well, we just got back!  And we’ve packed this Tetons travel blog with lots of good tips for how to make your road trip more enjoyable!

 

When to Visit Grand Teton National Park

 

Whether you’re planning on hiking, biking, or rock climbing, the best months for camping in Grand Teton National Park are May through October.  Keep in mind though, this is when most families visit, so plan ahead by booking your campground or lodging a few months in advance.  We camp in early spring or late fall whenever possible.

 

Winter in the Tetons

 

Winter is also a great time to visit the Tetons!  Especially if you’d like to see more wildlife and fewer tourists.  In fact, the park is open all year round!  However, heavy snow or icy road conditions could lead to road closures.  In addition, some roads may be closed entirely to motorized traffic.  But, you could make your way through the Tetons in the wintertime by:

• Skiing, whether cross-country or ski touring
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Fat Biking

 

There are even dog sledding, sleigh rides, and snow coach tours!  However, there are no campgrounds open during the wintertime in the Tetons.  So, make sure you check out both the Grand Teton National Park website and the Grand Teton Lodge Company site if you plan to visit in the winter! 

Before we dive further into the Tetons’ camping and lodging details, one question we are always asked?  Are there bears in Grand Teton National Park?  So we wanted to take a bit of time to talk about what you might see, and how to protect yourself and your family.

 

Bears in the Tetons

 

YES!  You can see both grizzlies and black bears in the Tetons.  Bears thrive throughout the park, and so an encounter with a black bear or grizzly bear can happen at any time.  Anywhere.  Bears may appear docile, minding their own business, but can move quickly and can be aggressive.  In addition, black bears and grizzlies can run at speeds of up to 35mph!  If you don’t believe how fast they can move, just check out YouTube or watch this black bear chase a mountain biker downhill in Whitefish, Montana!

Sightings are rare, however, ‘a fed bear is a dead bear.’  Not sure what is meant by this?  During our recent trip through Glacier National Park, a curious 4-year old female black bear began entering campsites at the Many Glacier Campground and stealing food.

 

Tips on keeping a bear-free campsite and staying bear-aware:

 

• Use the bear box!  Put all items with a scent in the bear box.  This includes soaps, lotions, sunscreen, even water bottles.
• Do not leave cooking utensils, dishes, or stoves on your picnic table at your Tetons campsite.  It will guarantee unwanted visitors.  And not just a large bear.  Squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and deer will raid your campsite for any items that look and smell like a treat!
• Carry bear spray at all times.  Especially when hiking or biking.  And, read the NPS Guidelines on how to use bear spray effectively.
• Keep a safe distance from bears if you spot one.  Especially if it’s a mother and her cubs.  300ft. is what’s recommended.  Resist the urge to approach for a better photo.

If are you reading this and you’re already in the park and forgot to buy bear spray, not to worry.  You can buy bear spray at most stores near the park, even the Albertsons in Jackson, Wyoming!

 

Dogs and Pets in the Tetons

 

The next animals we get asked lots of questions about are dogs.  Yes, dogs are allowed in Grand Teton National Park.  However, just as in all National Parks, your dog must be leashed at all times.  And, they cannot leave the pavement.  So if you want to hike with your dog in the Tetons, plan to hike on paved trails.  In addition, dogs cannot be left unattended while camping in Grand Teton National Park.

 

Top 6 things to see and do in Grand Teton National Park:

1. Relax and Enjoy the Wildlife

Pack binoculars, a good camp chair, be patient, and settle in to spot elk, bison, moose, and bears. Plus dozens of species of birds and smaller animals. Check out our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a full list of what we bring!

 

2. Drive or Bike the Jenny Lake Loop

Jenny Lake is the best place to find solace and be inspired by the gorgeous Tetons looming overhead.  Even in the summer months, there are not as many tourists in this part of the park.

 

3. Paddle Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend is the perfect place for wildlife spotting while stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing.  Put in on the Snake River just north of the Jackson Lake Dam for the easiest and least amount of paddling…let the current take you there!  Make sure you have a lifejacket for each person, both children, and adults!  Check out the Park’s Boating and Floating Resouce Page for outfitters and guides that will not only rent you kayaks or SUPs but also drop you off at the put-in and pick you up at the end.

 

4. Take up Flyfishing

Flyfishing is as good as it gets around Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Gros Ventre River, or on the other lakes and streams that crisscross the park.  Fish species found in the Tetons include rainbow, brown, lake, and cutthroat trout.  Check out the Grand Teton National Park website for all the rules on catch limit, bait, license requirements, etc.

 

5. Climb the Grand

Grand Teton National Park is named after its tallest peak- The Grand Teton.  There are numerous routes up the Grand, or climb one of its sister summits- like the Middle Teton or the Teewinot.  If you plan to take on any of these routes, you should be an experienced climber or higher a guide.  The best guide service in the Tetons area for rock climbing is Exum Mountain Guides.

On the topic of rock climbing in the Tetons, did you know there is Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch in the Park?  Maintained by the American Alpine Club and numerous volunteers, the Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch is where climbing legends and armchair mountaineers come together.  In communal cabins or dormitory-style living, climbers young and old share meals, beers, and of course their stories of failure and triumph.  And, you can book your stay through the American Alpine Club for about $20/per person between June to early September.

 

6. Have cocktails at the Jackson Lake Lodge

Visit the Blue Heron Bar at the Jackson Lake Lodge around sunset for some of the best views of the Tetons, and a great cocktail or glass of wine!  Inside the Lodge, you will also find several restaurants, a gift shop, and a lounge to relax and check email- yes, there is wifi here!

 

Other activities to fill your Grand Teton Vacation: 

Mountain Biking or Road Cycling in the Tetons

As with most National Parks, trails are primarily designated for hiking in the Tetons.  However, Grand Teton National Park does have the most paved trails compared to all other National Parks!  You can ride your road bike through the campgrounds, along the main roads, and all the way down to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort!

There are no designated mountain bike trails within the Tetons, however, there is very good mountain biking around Jackson and Teton Pass, which crosses between Wilson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho. There is also lift service for mountain biking at Snow King, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort.  

 

Swimming in the Tetons’ lakes and rivers

You could swim at Grand Teton National Park, but water temperatures rarely get above 60 degrees!  In addition, the swift-moving currents of the rivers, combined with the cold make it extremely dangerous.  Always remember to wear a lifejacket when you are paddling!  And unfortunately, dogs are not allowed to swim in the lakes and rivers within Grand Teton National Park.

 

Where to stay at Grand Teton National Park

 

Lodges and Cabins in the Tetons

 

If you do not plan on camping in Grand Teton National Park, you can book a hotel, lodge, or cabin stay through Grand Teton Lodging Company and select one of the following:

 

• Jackson Lake Lodge– Jackson Lake Lodge is a full-service lodge with a gift shop, bar, restaurants, gas station, and other services. There is no true access to Jackson Lake as this lodge is located on the Willows Flat.
• Jenny Lake Lodge– Jenny Lake Lodge is smaller, quieter, and away from the crowds. Here you’ll find accommodations and a restaurant, along with day picnic areas and access to Jenny Lake.
• Colter Bay Village– The Colter Bay Village area has both lodging and camping, a grocery store, gas station, boat launch, and beach access to Jackson Lake.
• Signal Mountain Lodge– Just west of Signal Mountain, this lodge is located on Jackson Lake and offers both camping and lodging, a boat launch, a gas station, and a grocery store.
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch- the last accommodations and services in the Tetons, just before crossing into Yellowstone National Park, is at Headwaters. Here you will also find a gas station, grocery store, and a restaurant.

 

Best Camping at Grand Teton National Park

 

All park campgrounds that used to be first come first serve are now available for booking online through Recreation.gov.  There are both standard tent camping sites and those with electric hookups available for RVs.  Here are the campgrounds from the South Entrance of the Tetons to the Northern boundary where you exit the park on the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway and head towards Yellowstone:

 

• Gros Ventre– Gros Ventre campground is the southernmost campground near Moose Junction and provides easy access to the Gros Ventre River.
• Jenny Lake– The campground at Jenny Lake is near the Jenny Lake Trailhead and Jenny Lake Visitor Center, but not adjacent to the Jenny Lake Lodge. There is a grocery store here as well.  Camping at Jenny Lake will provide you with the closest access for hiking and climbing in and around the Grand Teton.
• Signal Mountain– Camping at Signal Mountain will give you easy access to Jackson Lake, grocery store, boat launch, gas station, and restaurants.
• Colter Bay Village– our favorite campground and the one with the most services is at Colter Bay Village. Camping here gives you access to Jackson Lake, a gas station, grocery store, boat launch, and restaurant.
• Lizard Creek- the most remote campground at the north end of Grand Teton National Park, Lizard Creek Campground has the least amount of services but is located just minutes away from the southern entrance to Yellowstone National Park.  And, it’s also right on Jackson Lake.
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch– the last campground in the Tetons, just before crossing into Yellowstone National Park, is at Headwaters. Here you will also find a gas station, grocery store, and a restaurant.

 

 

Where to Stay Outside Grand Teton National Park

 

 Planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park but would rather stay close to town?  Look for accommodations at one of the following towns that border the Tetons:

• Anywhere in Jackson, Wyoming!
• Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is technically is located outside of Jackson.  Between Jackson and Wilson.  It’s a great option if you’re visiting in the winter when camping in the park is closed but the resort is still open for skiing and snowboarding!
• Wilson, Wyoming is a small town located on the East side of Teton Pass, just west of Jackson and therefore easily accessible to the Tetons.  There’s not as many accommodations here as in Jackson, but you can expect lower prices. 
• Victor, Idaho is the town located just on the west side of Teton Pass. If there’s not much snow on the ground, Victor would be a great base for visiting the Tetons and the surrounding area. And, you can expect lower prices than Jackson, Wyoming.
• Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming is another great resort nearby.  But, keep in mind that Grand Targhee is not only on the west side of Teton Pass, it’s well over an hour away from the Teton Park Entrance.

 

How to get to Grand Teton National Park

 

Driving directions to Grand Teton National Park will often take you into the park from Jackson, Wyoming.  Coming from the north?  Well, then you will pass through Yellowstone National Park first before heading south on the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway to reach the Tetons.  There are a few other, smaller roads into the park, but most are quite remote.

 

 

Last Few Tips for Your Tetons Camping Trip

 

Check out our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a list of what we pack!  For this trip, even in the summer, plan on lots of layers.  Temperatures change rapidly.  Thunderstorms are quite common.  And morning temps can be in the 40s, even in the summertime!  There’s definitely a lot to plan when camping in Grand Teton National Park, so we hope this gets you excited for adventure.

Looking for more travel tips?

• Oaxaca, Mexico Travel Guide
• Cuba Libre
• Adventure Travel in Spain
• California’s Eastern Sierras and Yosemite National Park

 

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy camping!

 

– Meredith McConvill