If you love the rugged splendor of the West, there’s no better place to visit than Grand Teton National Park. This stunning attraction is like no other place in America. Brimming with wildlife, it’s the perfect spot for RVers who love exploring nature the way it used to be. Stick around to find out what you need to know about Grand Teton RV camping.
Grand Teton RV Camping Reservations Tips
Planning a camping trip always requires some forethought and preparation. When you’re going to a national park destination, it takes even more RV trip planning. Take the right steps and plan ahead for a worry-free RV getaway to one of the most beautiful places in America.
Book Your Camping Spot Early
First things first: You need to make sure you can get a camping spot. Gone are the days when Grand Teton RV camping was offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Today, your trip must be planned ahead of time. Reservations for a camping spot must be made far in advance if you want to visit the park. The park requires advance reservations all year long.
Make your reservation as early as possible! This is a popular RV destination in the west and it fills up fast. Take time to visit the Grand Teton National Park website to learn more about the reservations process.
Prepare For Changing Weather Conditions
Next up, you need to choose the right season to visit. Summer is the busiest time of year for most national parks, and Grand Teton is no exception. Many of the businesses, restaurants, and activities are dependent on the weather and time of year. Some are only open during the summer months, while others are available only in the winter. Check all of the schedules for any destination you hope to visit.
You’ll also want to prepare for changes in weather. Wyoming is a beautiful area, but the mountain weather can change on a dime. Make sure you bring lots of layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations, and it certainly couldn’t hurt to install a four-seasons package in your RV.
Plan Your Grand Teton Activities
There’s nothing worse than looking forward to a day on the river or a hike in the mountains, then having to change your plans at the last minute because of construction or road closure. RV trip planning is an essential part of Grand Teton RV camping. Trails, facilities, and activities often change. Even if you’ve visited this park before, you can’t rely on anything to stay the same.
To stay on top of it, do some research before you head out. Grand Teton updates its website frequently, so you can stay informed on trail closures, natural hazards, and seasonal information. Along the way to your tourist spots, the popular RV LIFE Trip Wizard app can plan an easy road trip itinerary to make your drive easy. The app helps users find safe routes, and popular pit stops that are close to you.
Top Rated Campsites and RV Parks Near Grand Teton National Park
The next thing you need to decide is where you’re going to camp. Luckily, there are lots of campgrounds and RV parks in and around Grand Teton National Park. A wide variety of amenities, sizes, and hookups are available, so explore your options carefully.
Gros Ventre Campground
One of the most popular destinations for Grand Teton RV camping is the Gros Ventre Campground. Pronnounced “Gro Vant,” this is a big RV campground in the park. In addition to accommodating RVs up to 45 feet long, the campground also offers a dump station and electricity hookups.
Gros Venture is located in a beautiful area. It’s hard to beat the secluded, natural camping sites which are known for their incredible views and wildlife sightings. The park offers 279 campsites and is open from April to October.
Colter Bay RV Park
The full-hookup Colter Bay RV Park is another great option. Run by a national park concessionaire (private company contracting with the park system), Colter Bay RV Park is especially appreciated by RVers who want to camp in style. This park has no limit on vehicle length. They also offer laundry facilities and hookups. Fill up at a nearby gas station and prepare to head into the backcountry for some exploring.
Open from May to October, this park is a perfect spot for campers who just want to relax and enjoy themselves. Shopping and restaurants are available in Colter Village and the area has a cozy, rustic feeling. There are 112 sites with full hookups, but you will still need to reserve a spot early, as this is a popular destination and sites fill up fast.
Colter Bay Campground
As you might have guessed, the Colter Bay RV Park and the Colter Bay Campground are connected to each other. Colter Bay Campground is rustic, and best suited for tent camping or dry RV camping. The campsites here are huge. You get the same amenities as the RV park like flush toilet restrooms and hot showers, but no hookups. If you can’t find a spot in the RV park, or you prefer the traditional camping experience, this could be a good choice for you.
There are 324 sites here and the camping area is open from May through September. You can enjoy a wide range of facilities, shops, and dining options, so it’s a great option to consider.
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
The Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch is located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone. This is a great choice for RVers wanting to explore both areas. Wooded and secluded, it helps you experience the essence of Grand Teton National Park.
Here you’ll find 97 sites with full hook-ups, as well as 40 cabins and 34 tent camping sites. The only things that this campground lacks are a dump station and wi-fi. However, most RV sites in this area don’t offer wi-fi, so it might be nice to just unplug and enjoy nature!
Signal Mountain Campground
Another beautiful, scenic RV camping place is Signal Mountain Campground. It’s located near Jackson Lake, one of the most iconic Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park attractions. This campground is a bit smaller than the others on this list, but it offers spectacular views and a nice sense of seclusion. There are 81 campsites here and 25 of them offer electric hookups for RVs.
Campers enjoy amenities like showers, laundry services, restaurants, and a nearby marina. There is even decent wi-fi and cell phone service here. Make sure you call ahead to reserve one of the limited spots in this popular campground.
Fireside Resort Jackson Hole Campground
Finally, there’s the Fireside Resort Jackson Hole Campground. This is one of the oldest campsites in the area, but it’s been well-maintained and updated for modern visitors. They offer a variety of sites and many of them have full hookups. Guests can enjoy the bath and shower house, on-site laundry, and easy access to all the shops and restaurants in the Jackson Hole area.
The Fireside Resort Jackson Hole campground is about 20 minutes away from Grand Teton. It’s a bit further from the park than the other RV campgrounds in the area. But this campground is a great place to relax after a long day. You’ll never run out of places to visit and shops to explore.
Things To Do Near Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are renowned for its spectacular scenery and thriving wildlife. Explore lakes, mountains, nature trails, and lots of things to explore in nearby towns. So, whether you’re an active adventurer or just like to kick back in a hammock, there’s something for everyone.
Some popular Grand Teton RV camping activities include:
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting/Boating/Kayaking
- Fishing
- Scenic Tours
- Wildlife Centers and Art Exhibits
- Skiing and Snowshoeing
- Shopping and Dining
Leave some open room in your schedule so you have time to explore these entertainment options. You never know when you’ll find a new favorite hiking trail or local restaurant.
Plan Your Grand Teton RV Camping Trip, the Easy Way
Not sure how to start planning your Grand Teton RV camping getaway? RV LIFE Trip Wizard has everything you need for a customized itinerary. From Point A to B, and all the pit stops along the way, it’s the app that gives personalized RV-safe driving directions, fuel stop locations, awesome campgrounds, and popular points of interests just for you.
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