Grand Teton Camping: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Grand Teton

In brief: Grand Teton National Park has five public campgrounds run by the NPS, plus one private campground operated by the park concessioner. Reservations through Recreation.gov are required for the most popular sites, though a few campgrounds still operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan on $25 to $65 per night, depending on the type of site.

Campgrounds in the park (8)

• Campground Gros Ventre Campground recreation.gov · 279 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Jenny Lake Campground recreation.gov · 61 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Signal Mountain Campground recreation.gov · 81 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Colter Bay Campground recreation.gov · 324 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Colter Bay RV Park see NPS · 112 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Colter Bay Tent Village recreation.gov · 66 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Lizard Creek Campground recreation.gov · 60 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Headwaters Campground see NPS · 171 sites Directions ↗

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Can You Camp Inside Grand Teton?

Yes, and it's one of the park's signature experiences. The official campgrounds are spread throughout the park, from the shores of Jackson Lake to the foot of the Tetons. Outside designated sites, camping is strictly prohibited in the frontcountry. Backcountry camping is allowed only in remote areas and requires a permit.

Campgrounds in the Park

Five NPS campgrounds and one private campground make up the options. Start by choosing based on your itinerary, not just what's available.

Jenny Lake Campground

Jenny Lake is the park's most sought-after campground, with 49 tent-only sites a short walk from the lake and the trails leading up to Cascade Canyon. No RVs are allowed, even small ones. Sites disappear within minutes when reservations open. Open from mid-May through late September.

Signal Mountain Campground

Eighty-one tent and RV sites, with no hookups, offer partial views of Jackson Lake from some sites. The marina and Signal Mountain Lodge restaurant are less than a mile away, which is handy if you don't want to cook every night. Open from early May through mid-October.

Colter Bay Campground and Colter Bay RV Park

The Colter Bay area has two separate campgrounds. The tent and RV campground, with about 350 sites and no hookups, works for all types of campers. The adjacent RV Park offers sites with water and electrical hookups. It's one of the few places in the park where RVs can connect to utilities. The General Store, laundry, and showers are on-site. Open from late May through early October.

Gros Ventre Campground

The park's largest campground has more than 300 sites on the east side, along the Gros Ventre River. Tents and RVs are welcome, and some sites remain first-come, first-served. Arrive on a weekday before 10 a.m. to improve your chances of getting one of these sites, which can't be reserved. It's also the campground closest to Jackson if you're dropping someone off at the airport. Open from May through October.

Lizard Creek Campground

Sixty sites at the north end of the park, along Jackson Lake, accommodate tents and smaller vehicles. There are no hookups. It's quiet, sees few large groups, and works well if you're continuing on to Yellowstone just to the north. Open from mid-June through early September.

Headwaters Campground (Flagg Ranch)

Operated by the GTLC concessioner near the north entrance, Headwaters offers tent and RV sites along with glamping options. Rates are slightly higher than at the NPS campgrounds. Its practical advantage is that it often has availability when everywhere else is full during peak season.

RV or Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

RVs and camper vans can stay at Colter Bay RV Park, with full hookups, or at Signal Mountain and Gros Ventre, which have no hookups and accept vehicles up to about 33 to 36 feet long, depending on the site. Jenny Lake is tent-only, no exceptions. A motor vehicle will be turned away at the campground entrance. For exact vehicle dimensions, maximum lengths, and available amenities, see the Grand Teton RV camping guide.

Camping Nearby: Options Outside the Park

In July and August, the park is regularly full. Private campgrounds around Jackson and in the adjacent national forests, including Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee, fill the gap. They often offer more comfortable amenities, such as full hookups and sometimes a pool, but the drive to the trailheads may be twice as long. For lodges, cabins, and hotels in the area, the Grand Teton lodging guide covers all the options.

Backcountry Camping and Overnight Trips

Backcountry camping is allowed in Grand Teton's designated areas as long as you have a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Backcountry Office in Moose or online through Recreation.gov for some numbered sites. Campfires are prohibited in the backcountry. The Grand Teton hiking guide covers routes and designated camping areas. The essentials are simple: permits are required, leave no trace, and a bear-resistant food container is required in most areas.

How and When to Reserve a Grand Teton Campsite

Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, with a booking window that opens 6 months before your arrival date at 7 a.m. Pacific Time. Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain sell out within minutes on high-demand days.

Three ways to improve your chances:

• Create your Recreation.gov account well before reservation day.
• Log in at 6:55 a.m. so you're ready when reservations open.
• If the campground is full, check for cancellations every day. They appear regularly, especially seven days before arrival.

Gros Ventre and Lizard Creek keep some sites first-come, first-served, making them viable options outside peak season.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Grand Teton?

These fees are added to the park entrance fee, which is $35 per vehicle and valid for 7 days. The America the Beautiful pass costs $80, covers entrance fees, and pays for itself starting with your second national park visit of the year. The Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Grand Teton is home to black bears and grizzlies. The basic rule is simple: don't leave food accessible. The NPS requires food storage in every campground. Store all food, drinks, cosmetics, and scented products in a locked vehicle or in the bear boxes provided at the sites. Your tent is not a food locker.

Four practical habits to follow:

• Put food away immediately after eating, every time.
• Prepare and eat meals in the campground's cooking area, never right next to your tent.
• Keep bear spray accessible during hikes, not buried at the bottom of your pack.
• Stay at least 75 feet from bison and elk. They can charge without warning.

For all of the park's wildlife safety rules, see the Grand Teton wildlife guide.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

To plan your entire trip, the complete Grand Teton guide brings together all the park's essential sights and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions