Gros Ventre Campground: 279 Sites, Hookups, No Showers

A VW camper van with a plaid shirted individual looking out into the park.

Gros Ventre is Grand Teton's largest campground, sprawling across sagebrush flats in the park's southeast corner with cottonwoods and blue spruce for occasional shade. It's a developed, roadside-style camp with 279 sites ranging from dry tent pads to electrical hookups—popular with RVers and families who want a base for exploring the Tetons and spotting bison and moose. The Gros Ventre River runs nearby, and some sites frame views of Grand Teton and Blacktail Butte. This is a functional, high-turnover campground, not a wilderness escape.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months in advance
Reservation Tips: Set alarm for exactly 6 months before your target dates—sites release at 7 a.m. Mountain Time on Recreation.gov and vanish within minutes for June-August. Weekdays book slower than weekends. Consider shoulder months (May, September) for easier booking and more solitude.
Season Dates: Late April through early October (typically April 27 to October 9; closed mid-October through late April)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: 6 months in advance
Reservation Tips: Set alarm for exactly 6 months before your target dates—sites release at 7 a.m. Mountain Time on Recreation.gov and vanish within minutes for June-August. Weekdays book slower than weekends. Consider shoulder months (May, September) for easier booking and more solitude.
Season Dates: Late April through early October (typically April 27 to October 9; closed mid-October through late April)
Fills Up Speed: Books quickly during summer; June through August often full
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful annual pass ($80); park entrance fee ($35 private vehicle, 7 days)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 279
Site Types: Tent, RV
Site Type Breakdown: 39 sites with electrical hookups, 240 dry camping sites, 4 group sites
RV Max Length: 45 feet
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 4 group sites
Hookups: Electrical hookups at 39 sites; dry camping available at remaining sites
Site Features: Metal fire grate (required for campfires), bear-proof food storage locker, picnic table, gravel pad
Ground Type: Compact gravel and dirt
Site Privacy: Moderate privacy; sagebrush screening varies; neighboring sites visible in many areas; typical roadside campground density

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets (seasonal)
Showers Available: No showers available
Potable Water: Spigots available (seasonal)
Dump Station: Yes (seasonal)
Trash Service: Dumpsters available (seasonal)
Camp Store: No camp store on site; ice available for purchase seasonally
Firewood Availability: Available for purchase (seasonal); downed and dead wood gathering permitted within campground
Cell Service: Good cell signal year-round (coverage varies by provider)
Nearby Facilities: Jackson (12 miles): full groceries, fuel, restaurants, lodging, medical (hospital); Moose area closer (3-4 miles): visitor center, restrooms; Flagg Ranch (20 miles north): small services

Access

Road Type: Paved
Road Conditions: Paved internal roads, mostly level with minor inclines; all-season access for standard vehicles
Vehicle Restrictions: Trailers and RVs up to 45 feet allowed
Clearance Needed: Standard
Distance From Entrance: About 12 miles southeast of Jackson; approximately 15 miles from Moose park entrance
Nearest Gas Services: Jackson (11-12 miles south via US 26/89/191): full fuel, groceries, restaurants
Accessibility: Paved campground loop roads are mostly level with minor inclines and declines; 10 ADA-accessible sites with electrical hookups; wheelchair-accessible restrooms; amphitheater routes paved but have inclines and are somewhat uneven
ADA Accessible Sites: 10 ADA-accessible sites with electrical hookups; paved loop roads mostly level with minor inclines; accessible restrooms available

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Bear-proof food storage lockers provided at each site; all food and odorous items must be stored at all times
Fire Restrictions: Campfires allowed in metal fire grates only; no open fires. Downed and dead wood gathering permitted.
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: 6-foot leash required within 30 feet of roadways; not permitted on multi-use pathways, trails, or in backcountry
Max Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum per stay; 30 nights cumulative across all Grand Teton campgrounds
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Ranger-led evening programs (amphitheater, seasonal), fishing in Gros Ventre River, wildlife viewing
Trailheads Nearby: Multiple trailheads within 5-15 minute drive: Jenny Lake Loop (15 min), Hermitage Point (20 min), Inspiration Point (10 min), Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail (25 min)
Fishing Details: Fishing available in Gros Ventre River for cutthroat and snake river fine-spotted cutthroat trout; Wyoming state fishing license required
Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of bison, moose, and mule deer in and around campground; maintain 100-yard distance from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife
Shade Coverage: Mixed—cottonwoods and blue spruce provide pockets of shade; open sagebrush areas expose many sites to full sun
Scenic Views: Some sites frame views of Grand Teton and Blacktail Butte; Gros Ventre River accessible from camp
Noise Level: Generally quiet daytime; river background noise; seasonal amphitheater programs may create evening activity
Best Time To Visit: June and early September—warm daytime temperatures, cool nights, fewer bugs, fewer crowds than July-August peak
Vibe Check: PARKING LOT CAMPGROUND—not a wilderness experience. Developed, roadside-style layout with high site density; minimal privacy between neighbors; sagebrush views instead of forest. Feels functional and social, with ranger programs and river access adding activity. Popular with families and RV tourists, not solitude-seekers. Expect moderate crowds June-August, quiet shoulder months.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You're piloting a big rig and want electrical hookups, you have kids who need ranger programs and river play, or you want a central base for Grand Teton day trips—don't mind roadside density. ❌ SKIP IF: You need showers and real privacy, you want a tucked-in forest experience, or you hate crowds—head to Lizard Creek or Signal Mountain instead.
Tips Advice: Book 6 months ahead on Recreation.gov; summer dates vanish fast.
No showers—plan for creek baths or solar shower (bring 5-gallon bag).
Bring firewood or purchase on-site; fire grate required.
Stake tents securely (wind exposure in open sites).
Gravel pads drain well but bring a groundsheet.
Cell signal is solid year-round for weather apps.
Visit amphitheater ranger program for park knowledge and evening entertainment.
Store all food in bear boxes—no exceptions.
Drive slowly through campground; watch for kids and wildlife.

More details

Park Area: Southeast Grand Teton (near Jackson)
Sites Group: 4
Family Friendly Notes: Excellent family camp with ranger-led programs, river access for wading and play, frequent wildlife sightings, and mostly level terrain. No showers mean washing up in the river or with a solar bag—doable for families used to camping. Open sagebrush setting is safer for spotting hazards.
Amphitheater: Yes (seasonal) - hosts ranger-led interpretive programs
Boat Launch: No boat launch; Gros Ventre River nearby for hand-carry access only
Nearby Attractions: Grand Teton peaks, Blacktail Butte, Oxbow Bend (scenic turnout), Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Visitor Center (20 miles north), Jackson town (12 miles south)
Terrain Type: Flat to gently rolling sagebrush flats
Temperature Ranges: July-August: Warm days (70s-80s°F), cool nights (40s-50s°F). April-June: Mild days (50s-60s°F), cool nights (30s-40s°F), frost possible. September-October: Sunny days (50s-60s°F), cold nights (20s-30s°F).
Snow Season: Mid-October through late April; snow and frost possible any month
Monsoon Season: Afternoon thundershowers common July and August
Wind Exposure: Exposed in open sagebrush areas; cottonwood/spruce groves offer wind break
Bug Season: Mosquito activity peaks mid-summer (July-August); bring insect repellent
Setup Strategy: All internal roads paved; sites are back-in and pull-through mix. Most pads level, few require leveling blocks. RVs/trailers up to 45 feet fit; wide roads accommodate big rigs. Gravel surface drains well. Pull in, locate your site, back in or park, and deploy. Some sections semi-wooded with low branches—watch for fitment.
Bath Laundry Recon: NO SHOWERS, NO LAUNDRY on-site. This is the tradeoff for the location. Plan for: creek baths in Gros Ventre River (cold, refreshing), solar shower bag (heat water in sun, hang from tree), or car travel to Jackson (12 miles) for gym/laundry. Bring biodegradable soap if creek bathing.
Review Summary: Campers praise the location, river access, and wildlife viewing opportunities; central to Grand Teton exploration. Common notes: sagebrush sites offer little privacy, no showers require planning, but electrical hookups and reasonable cost make it popular for families and RV travelers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a reservation?

Yes, strongly. Recreation.gov opens bookings 6 months out. Summer dates (June-August) book within minutes. Walk-ups possible in shoulder seasons (May, September) or during bad weather, but don't count on it.

Will my 40-foot RV fit?

Yes—max length is 45 feet, roads are paved and wide, and sites accommodate pull-through and back-in. Check your rig's height for low-hanging branches in wooded sections.

Are there bears here?

Yes. Black bears and grizzlies frequent the area. Use bear boxes at your site, cook away from camp, and never leave food unattended. Maintain 100 yards from any bear you spot.

No showers—what do I do?

Creek bathe in Gros Ventre River (cold but doable) or pack a solar shower bag. Jackson is 12 miles away if you need a hot shower midway through a long stay.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, on a 6-foot leash required within 30 feet of roads. Dogs are not allowed on trails or multi-use pathways. Keep them leashed at all times.

What's the best site type if we're a family?

Electrical hookup sites (39 total) are popular for RVs with kids; they offer power for fans, lights, and charging. Dry sites are fine for tents if you don't mind a creek bath. Group sites available if you have a larger party.