JACKSON, Wyo. — Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times to camp in the national forests, and recreation staff from Bridger-Teton National Forest and Caribou-Targhee National Forest have worked to open select campsites for the holiday weekend.
The U.S. Forest Service reminds those planning to camp that all campsites are first come, first served, and often fill early in the day.
As of Friday, May 24, most Bridger-Teton campgrounds will be open, except for Curtis Canyon (due to road work), the forested portion of Granite Creek, Sheffield and Pacific Creek. Dispersed campsites are available at the base of Shadow Mountain and the lower mountain, but the upper mountain, the north side, Phillips Canyon and Mosquito Creek are still snow-covered. Some campgrounds will not have access to water yet.
BTNF shared that the best options for dispersed camping this weekend are Spread Creek, Fall Creek, Buffalo Valley, Lower Gros Ventre and Lower Granite Creek areas. The base of Shadow Mountain will likely fill early.
Additionally, Granite Hot Springs opened on Friday, May 24, but the road is still rough, and could become slick if it rains.
According to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, due to recent snow and winter-like conditions, some campgrounds will remain closed, while others will be open with limited resources and available sites. Recreation staff asks visitors to bring extra water because some sites that are designated as “limited” might not have the water turned on.
The chart below lists the current status of Caribou-Targhee campgrounds starting on May 24.
The U.S. Forest Service says that as snow continues to melt, travelers could encounter forest roads that are slippery and dangerous, and to avoid muddy roads.
“The region is still experiencing below freezing temperatures overnight, so you might consider staying indoors this weekend and waiting for more suitable conditions before heading out on the forest,” Caribou-Targhee National Forest posted on Facebook.
The U.S. Forest Service reminds all recreationists that bears, including black and grizzly, are active on the forest. To prevent human-bear conflicts, never leave food unattended, keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up. Additionally, properly store garbage until it can be deposited into a bear-resistant dumpster. Do not eat or cook in the tent, and never keep food or other scented items in the tent.
