JACKSON, Wyo. — With summer’s arrival, popular camping areas around Jackson have filled up quickly, especially paired with the recent influx in visitation due to closures in Yellowstone National Park.
With increasing numbers of visitors in the valley, some 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.
So what happens when you load up your car, drive all the way up to Shadow or Curtis, and can’t find an open campsite?
The best way to ensure 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 2020, 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.
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 Forest Service 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 low.
Further information on camping areas in the Bridger-Teton National Forest around Jackson is 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.
