Reach these free campsites by turning onto Grassy Lake Road (Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road) from John D. They’re also well spread apart for plenty of privacy. Setting up camp on Grassy Lake Road makes an excellent home base for exploring both Grand Teton and Yellowstone.Īlthough it’s not exactly dispersed camping (you must camp in one of 20 marked campsites in one of 8 camping areas), the campsites here are completely free. My favorite campsites here are those set on Teton Creek ( 43.757293, -110.966259) just before the Reunion Flat Group Campground. And scout ahead on foot before pulling into your spot as many of the roads into the campsites are much rougher than the access road. Several campsites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers. It’s always quite rough with regular washouts, but should be passable by most passenger vehicles (high-clearance or 4WD aren’t necessary). That said, this is a popular dispersed camping destination, so arrive early to secure a spot, especially on summer weekends.Īs an unpaved forest service road, the condition of Teton Canyon Road varies wildly depending on when you visit. In the peak summer months, I recommend arriving in the late morning (when the previous night’s campers are packing up), ideally on a weekday, for the best chance of snagging a spot.Īfter staying at hundreds of free campsites across the country, Shadow Mountain remains one of my all-time favorites (although my last stay was before designated campsites were implemented).ĭispersed camping along Teton Canyon Road offers a unique perspective on Grand Teton.Īlthough it’s quite a drive (about an hour and a half) to the national park itself, many of the campsites here boast impressive views of the backside of the Teton Range – and those that don’t are just a short walk away from such views.īetter yet, these campsites are typically much less busy than those on the other side of the mountains such as Spread Creek and Shadow Mountain. Get here as early as possible to snag a campsite. Whether you camp at the base of the mountain or along its flank, you’re in for absolutely incredible views of the Teton Range far across Antelope Flats (I highly recommend waking up for sunrise). Although small RVs and trailers might make it to the campsites at the base of Shadow Mountain, only passenger vehicles (high-clearance is all but essential and 4WD is helpful) should attempt to climb the mountain.īut those willing to brave the rough drive are in for a real treat. The roads here are much rougher than those at Spread Creek. ![]() Unfortunately, like most other nearby dispersed campsites, camping is now restricted to designated dispersed campsites (about 45 in total) – you can no longer set up camp anywhere you want. Shadow Mountain is hands down the most scenic place for dispersed camping near Grand Teton National Park. It’s also common for people to park alongside the access roads to sleep in their vehicles overnight (although this is prohibited). Several sites sit right next to the creek while others are tucked away into the privacy of the woods.īecause of its closeness to Grand Teton National Park, Spread Creek fills up extremely quickly in the summer. But even those that don’t are very pleasant. ![]() Many of the campsites here have views of the Teton Range in the distance. There are even a handful of group campsites which can accommodate a couple RVs or trailers each. Spread Creek is a decent option for RV and trailer boondocking since the gravel access road is well-maintained. Spread Creek is one of the most popular spots for free camping near Grand Teton.Īlthough actual dispersed camping was allowed once upon a time, the area’s popularity means it’s now a “restricted camping area.” You must now camp in one of 40 designated dispersed campsites (which are still free) rather than anywhere you please.
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