JACKSON, Wyo. — The post-pandemic travel frenzy is in full swing and Jackson is a prime destination for those emerging from a year at home.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has noticed that popular camping areas around Jackson have been filling up quickly over recent weeks especially when the valley sees an influx in visitation.
Camping is an activity that both locals and visitors can indulge in over the summer months. But what happens if you load up your car, drive all the way up to Shadow or Curtis, and can’t find an open campsite?
Due to the spike in use, visitors are struggling to find Forest locations to camp, often searching for hours for a place to park and set up. Highly trafficked camping grounds in the Jackson and Blackrock Districts are filling by early to mid-morning.
The best way to assure an open campsite is to get there very early in the day. Many sites are taken early, leaving few options available in the afternoon. You can also do your research prior to camping. As of last year, all campsites in the park require a reservation. The National Park Service website (NPS) provides extensive details on campsites in Grand Teton National Park and surrounding areas.
Not only is it inconvenient to load up your car and drive up rough dirt roads only to find out there are no available sites, but more people camping are creating additional problems as well.
“The higher use is also resulting in an increase in violations and resource concerns, most notably building new fire rings, abandoned campfires, proper food storage in bear country, human waste, and off-route motorized travel,” said the USFS.
As a reminder, if you are unable to find a campsite, do not make your own. The USFS explains that this does not only put your life at risk but the abundant wildlife that surrounds many of the campgrounds in the parks.
The USFS reminds the public that when enjoying a campfire, always keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby. When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, stir with a shovel, and never leave a fire until it is cold to the touch.
Additionally, it is crucial to remain cognizant of fire danger in the valley. Right now, fire danger is very high. Fire managers are implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge starting Thursday, July 1.
Further information on camping areas in the Bridger-Teton National Forest around Jackson is also available online. And if you do manage to snag a campsite around Jackson, don’t forget to follow these tips for a successful camping experience provided by the Forest Service.
