Camp sites in Grand Teton and Yellowstone?

[Okki]

Going to be camping in Grand Teton and Yellowstone the first week of June. Does anyone have any insight / recommendations on specific camp grounds or good sites in a specific camp ground? We're ground camping ; one tent.

What about bear / food /trash control? Are there lockers? Should I suspend my food in an Alu-box between trees?

Any input is appreciated!
Okki

 

[BenSD]

There are a lot of campgrounds in Yellowstone, and many of them book up fast. I've always preferred Canyon Campground because it has some nice facilities and is situated in a lodgepole pine forest. It books up very fast though. Last year I was able to get somewhat last minute reservations at Grant Village which was fine, and a bit quieter, but I did prefer Canyon.

With regard to bears, there aren't any food lockers because the bears in Yellowstone don't know how to break into vehicles like they do in the Sierras after several generations of people being idiots and feeding the bears, and then the bears learning that they can get people food by breaking into cars.

In yellowstone, they tell you to keep your food in a hard sided vehicle, but don't keep ANYTHING scented in your tent.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Going to be camping in Grand Teton and Yellowstone the first week of June. Does anyone have any insight / recommendations on specific camp grounds or good sites in a specific camp ground? We're ground camping ; one tent.

What about bear / food /trash control? Are there lockers? Should I suspend my food in an Alu-box between trees?

Any input is appreciated!
Okki

Family and I are taking Recon1 (our teardrop) to Yellowstone on July. I recommend going here Yellowstone National Park Lodges - Rediscover The Magic Of The World?s First National Park and it will lead you to the Xanterra website for booking. There are a few first come, first serve sites available but I would book if you know when you're going to be there.

There are bear lockers at pretty much every campsite. There's no dispersed camping in the park so you won't need to worry about hanging food or trash.

I would plan on being at Yellowstone for a minimum of 3 days. It takes one full day just to drive around the 2 loops. And that's only if you were going to drive them and not stop for pics or a few hikes. I spent almost 3 days there on my trek to Vancouver and it wasn't enough time even with getting up at the crack of ass to get some good hiking time in.

 

[Bourbonator]

Yellowstone, depending on what areas of the park are open/closed, can be an awful tourist trap. Stay away from the main roads if you can.

Jenny Lake campground in the Tetons is awesome, but I think it's first-come first-served. You can check. I spent a couple weeks out there last summer, so my thoughts are if you're arriving mid week, you might find a camp spot. If you can get a reservation, do it, and do it well in advance. There are several camp sites in the area, you can't go wrong. We spent most our time camping backcountry at higher elevations, and permits are super easy to get. The ranger station has bear cans if you go that route, although all you really have to worry about up high are the marmot. They chew backpack straps if you're inattentive. There are even bear lockers at some backcountry sites. All the camp sites around Jenny/surrounding areas have bear lockers. Have fun - I'll be back out that way early June, too!

Edit: re specific camp sites: I think the reservations.gov or whatever the website is should have pics of most of the camp sites as you're making your reservation. I usually refer to the campground layout map and individual site pics to get an idea of which sites are best, ie close to bathrooms = high traffic noisy area, or convenience, depending on your preferences.

Edit 2: 3 days at Yellowstone if you enjoy walking around gabs of typical Americans, yokels in jean shorts, and girls who shouldn't be wearing mini skirts. That's my opinion, though. I prefer trees to people.

 

[internski]

In Grand Teton I'd recommend Spaulding Bay on Jackson Lake. It's technically a backcountry site but has a unpaved road as an option to access the two sites.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

Bears - Big problem in Yosemite, but still need to be bear safe in WY/MT - They will peel the door off of your truck to get at the skittle that rolled under a seat or the chapstick you left in the car. Everything with a scent, not just food, goes in to the bear locker that each camp should have.

Otherwise Black Bears are just big, fuzzy, chickens. Unless there are cubs, then GTFO.

 

[Highwaystreets]

Damn good timing on this thread! Also heading to Yellowstone in June. Booked a couple of nights in Bozeman and then gonna do a couple in the Yellowstone area.

 

[GSPRunner]

In Grand Teton I'd recommend Spaulding Bay on Jackson Lake. It's technically a backcountry site but has a unpaved road as an option to access the two sites.

I second Spaulding Bay. Only a few sites but it seems to be largely undiscovered for whatever reason.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Good luck in June/July in Yellowstone. As Dave Matthews says "Got more cars than a beach got sand". And many of the tourists are stupid and will stop right in the middle of the road when they see something like a rabbit to take pictures. Add to that honking at buffalo and .....

Like I say, good luck. Bring your patience.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Good luck in June/July in Yellowstone. As Dave Matthews says "Got more cars than a beach got sand". And many of the tourists are stupid and will stop right in the middle of the road when they see something like a rabbit to take pictures. Add to that honking at buffalo and .....

Like I say, good luck. Bring your patience.

Do not even think about using the restrooms at the major sites. Bus loads of foreigners are there and the lines are very long. Go down the road a ways where the buses do not stop and go there. I was there last summer and it will
probably be my last time. Way to over crowded and the foreigners that drive go about 5 mph and will not pull over to let you by. Check road construction also. Last summer I was stopped in construction zones for what seemed like hours and some of the roads were closed. Probably best to go early or late in the season.

 

[itsdchz]

I agree with the crowded statements above. If you can go in late season, once the cold hits, the tourists leave. We went last year in late October, and saw most of what we wanted. If you can time it right before the first big snow, you will have the best of both worlds, no crowds and able to see it all.

I agree with Spaulding Bay as well.

For bears- Always remember to keep your toothpaste tucked away- They LOVE the scent of toothpaste, and many people forget about that!

 

[MasonCO]

ditch the tent, get a backpack and spend a couple nights in the backcountry.

You'll thank me later ;-)

(notice - Slough Creek, not my picture. You will be all alone, except for the occasional grizzly, and maybe a wolf or two. Guaranteed no crowds).

 

[Friggin Idiot]

Need to get details from [MENTION=118909]MTgirl[/MENTION] she gave me some great intel for my trip up that way and was out camping at least one of the weekends while I was out there.

 

[MTgirl]

Going to be camping in Grand Teton and Yellowstone the first week of June. Does anyone have any insight / recommendations on specific camp grounds or good sites in a specific camp ground? We're ground camping ; one tent.

What about bear / food /trash control? Are there lockers? Should I suspend my food in an Alu-box between trees?

Any input is appreciated!
Okki

read and get back to me:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mtgirls-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-travel-thread.302102/

Camping IN Grand - I recommend Jenny Lake. Tents only, very busy, got to be there around 8am to poach a site from someone leaving. Nice and quiet and right on the lake.
There are forest service camps just outside of the park as well and are usually only frequented by "locals". There is a nice CG at Gros Venture just outside of the park as well. THey have a couple tent only loops and I usually stay there if I have to be in a campground. There are campsites behind Flagg Ranch inbetween the parks. They are first come first served and are usually busy but are really nice. Not a lot of traffic back there and the FS keeps things really clean - each site has its own outhouse, table and fire ring.
In Yellowstone I would recommend either Lewis Lake at the south end or Madison near the West entrance. Madison takes reservations but act now if you want to go that route. I would avoid Norris and Indian Creek as there is road construction nearby and the crews work 24/7 so you'll be listening to back up beepers and diesel engines running all night. There are a few FS campgrounds outside of the park's NW entrance at Gardiner and W entrance along Hebgen Lake - some take reservations.
Bear rules - you'll get the run down when you check in to any of hte park run camps but basically nothing is to be left out. No coolers, marshmallows sticks, empty water bottles, stoves/grills, toiletries, trash, etc. If you do leave something in your site you'll come back to find a note directing you to the camp office/host where you will either be warned, fined, or escorted out of camp for good. Most campgrounds have bear boxes if you choose to leave stuff behind at camp. Hanging stuff from the trees is only acceptable for backcountry sites, not developed campgrounds. Storing everything in your car is good too

Family and I are taking Recon1 (our teardrop) to Yellowstone on July. I recommend going here Yellowstone National Park Lodges - Rediscover The Magic Of The World?s First National Park and it will lead you to the Xanterra website for booking. There are a few first come, first serve sites available but I would book if you know when you're going to be there.

There are bear lockers at pretty much every campsite. There's no dispersed camping in the park so you won't need to worry about hanging food or trash.

I would plan on being at Yellowstone for a minimum of 3 days. It takes one full day just to drive around the 2 loops. And that's only if you were going to drive them and not stop for pics or a few hikes. I spent almost 3 days there on my trek to Vancouver and it wasn't enough time even with getting up at the crack of ass to get some good hiking time in.

I'd say keep an eye out for me but I tend to avoid the park in July - too busy!

Yellowstone, depending on what areas of the park are open/closed, can be an awful tourist trap. Stay away from the main roads if you can.

Jenny Lake campground in the Tetons is awesome, but I think it's first-come first-served. You can check. I spent a couple weeks out there last summer, so my thoughts are if you're arriving mid week, you might find a camp spot. If you can get a reservation, do it, and do it well in advance. There are several camp sites in the area, you can't go wrong. We spent most our time camping backcountry at higher elevations, and permits are super easy to get. The ranger station has bear cans if you go that route, although all you really have to worry about up high are the marmot. They chew backpack straps if you're inattentive. There are even bear lockers at some backcountry sites. All the camp sites around Jenny/surrounding areas have bear lockers. Have fun - I'll be back out that way early June, too!

Edit: re specific camp sites: I think the reservations.gov or whatever the website is should have pics of most of the camp sites as you're making your reservation. I usually refer to the campground layout map and individual site pics to get an idea of which sites are best, ie close to bathrooms = high traffic noisy area, or convenience, depending on your preferences.

Edit 2: 3 days at Yellowstone if you enjoy walking around gabs of typical Americans, yokels in jean shorts, and girls who shouldn't be wearing mini skirts. That's my opinion, though. I prefer trees to people.

you've been here before for sure.
I love to people watch too. Always fun to find the "parka people" wandering around in 100* heat in July bundled up like they're getting ready to summit Everest....where the hell do they come from that 100* is cold?!??!

In Grand Teton I'd recommend Spaulding Bay on Jackson Lake. It's technically a backcountry site but has a unpaved road as an option to access the two sites.

Spauling would be nice but those sites have to be reserved and are usually booked well in advance. I've tried for 2 years unsuccessfully

Bears - Big problem in Yosemite, but still need to be bear safe in WY/MT - They will peel the door off of your truck to get at the skittle that rolled under a seat or the chapstick you left in the car. Everything with a scent, not just food, goes in to the bear locker that each camp should have.

Otherwise Black Bears are just big, fuzzy, chickens. Unless there are cubs, then GTFO.

Keeping stuff in your locked vehicle is acceptable here still. The bears haven't figured out how to break in yet.

Damn good timing on this thread! Also heading to Yellowstone in June. Booked a couple of nights in Bozeman and then gonna do a couple in the Yellowstone area.

:wave: Hi from Bozeman

Do not even think about using the restrooms at the major sites. Bus loads of foreigners are there and the lines are very long. Go down the road a ways where the buses do not stop and go there. I was there last summer and it will
probably be my last time. Way to over crowded and the foreigners that drive go about 5 mph and will not pull over to let you by. Check road construction also. Last summer I was stopped in construction zones for what seemed like hours and some of the roads were closed. Probably best to go early or late in the season.

More road construction this year as well as some early closures.

Need to get details from [MENTION=118909]MTgirl[/MENTION] she gave me some great intel for my trip up that way and was out camping at least one of the weekends while I was out there.

:spy:

 

[MTgirl]

and I was going to give you some links to some helpful sites but I see they've gone through a redesign and the links aren't currently working. will report back when i can.

 

[Okki]

Lots of great information so far. Thanks everyone. Got all the hotels booked for the trip last night. Will hopefully get the camp sites locked up tonight. I have the Wyoming 4x4 trail book which lists some routes in both Yellowstone and GT. So we'll be focusing on those during our stay. Already did the highlights once as part of a bus tour.

Okki

 

[grin]

Been there last August. Stayed at Norris campground - very nice. Bear boxes everywhere, and ranger will sure remind you. Crowds are normal in all NPs now, not so bad unless you go to the Old Faithful

Night temp was a big surprise for me - well below freezing in August:

You easily can get some snow in June - my friends actually had to move out quickly because of snowstorm a few years ago, so be prepared.

 

[alfonzo]

I like Chico Hots Springs Lodge which is very close to the cabins at Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone. The swimming pool is filled with fresh thermal springs every day. The dinners are very good. Even if you do not stay there, you can pay a few bucks to swim. There is a smoke house within a few miles that smokes with many varieties of fruit trees.

In the winter you can avoid crowds; ski Big Sky and x country ski yellowstone. Even with crowds, you can have fun.

enjoy

 

[MTgirl]

forest service camps if you want to go that route
hebgen/west entrance area. bakers hole isn't bad, about 5 minutes from town
Custer Gallatin National Forest - Hebgen Lake District
gardiner/nw entrance. nothing fancy, just a flat place to set up, fire rings and a good view
Custer Gallatin National Forest - Gardiner District
jackson/teton area. great views from curtis canyon. natural hots springs and swimming pool at granite hot springs but about a 30 minute drive to Jackson/45 to the park
Bridger-Teton National Forest - Jackson Ranger District
in yelly (some CG's don't allow tents)
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
in grand teton
https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/camping.htm

 

[Okki]

Well.. it's been quite the evening. Managed to make reservations for both the Tetons and Yellowstone. Not wanting to chance "first come, first serve" the Mrs and I settled on reservation campgrounds.

Yellowstone we ended up with a "large tent" site as the last one available! But we got one and it's at Canyon Campground. Pretty central and close to the "Old Gardiner" and "Blacktail Plateau" drives that we'll do.

Grand Teton was harder still, but we reserved a spot at Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch. It's a bit further north than what we wanted, but the only place offering reservations.

Anyway... We have all our lodging booked for the trip AND I got my order placed with CBI ... Now it's just counting down the clock till we drive off Memorial Day weekend!

Okki