Headwaters Campground

white camper trailer with slideouts extended and picnic table partly shaded by conifers

Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch offers 171 sites split between tent camping (34 sites), full-hookup RV sites (97 sites), and camper cabins (40 units). Sandwiched between Grand Teton (5 miles south) and Yellowstone (2 miles north), this developed campground sits in meadow-forest along the upper Snake River. It's built for family comfort and RV access: seasonal showers, coin laundry, fire rings, and bear-proof food lockers at every site. Expect moderate activity due to the two-park location—this is a reliable base camp, not backcountry solitude.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Most sites available via Recreation.gov; book as early as possible for May-September peak season
Reservation Tips: Most sites available through Recreation.gov. Book as early as possible for May-September peak season. Plan for 14-night maximum per stay. Shoulder seasons (early May, late September) have better availability than July-August.
Season Dates: May 10 - September 29 (seasonal operation)

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Most sites available via Recreation.gov; book as early as possible for May-September peak season
Reservation Tips: Most sites available through Recreation.gov. Book as early as possible for May-September peak season. Plan for 14-night maximum per stay. Shoulder seasons (early May, late September) have better availability than July-August.
Season Dates: May 10 - September 29 (seasonal operation)
Per Night Cost: $59 tent sites with vehicle; $117 full-hookup RV sites (45ft or smaller); $102 camper cabins. Senior and Access Pass discounts available (exact rates not published).
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80); Senior and Access Passholder discounts apply

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 171
Site Types: Tent, RV, Camper Cabins
Site Type Breakdown: 34 tent sites, 97 RV sites (full hookups), 40 camper cabins
RV Max Length: 45 feet
Group Sites Available: 0
Group Site Capacity: None—no group sites available
Hookups: Full hookups (water, sewer, electric 20/30/50 amp) on RV sites; tent sites and camper cabins dry camping only
Site Features: Fire ring (metal grate only), picnic table, bear-proof food storage locker. RV sites: water, sewer, electrical hookups (20/30/50 amp). Camper cabins: bunk beds and lantern (no electricity or private facilities). All sites have nearby flush restrooms.
Ground Type: Compacted gravel
Site Privacy: Moderate—sites scattered throughout campground with visual separation from tree cover; compacted gravel roads connect loops

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets (seasonal)
Showers Available: Hot showers (seasonal, included with camping fee). One fully accessible shower available.
Potable Water: Spigots available throughout campground (seasonal)
Dump Station: Yes (seasonal)
Trash Service: Dumpsters (seasonal)
Camp Store: Yes (seasonal)—ice and firewood for purchase; coin-operated laundry at campground office
Firewood Availability: Firewood for sale at camp store (seasonal). Downed and dead wood collection allowed at campground.
Cell Service: No cell service. No internet. Download offline maps and apps before arrival.
Nearby Facilities: Jackson, WY (~30 miles south): full services (restaurants, hospitals, shops, fuel, groceries). Flagg Ranch on-site: camp store with ice, firewood, laundry. No services immediately adjacent to campground.

Access

Road Type: Compacted gravel
Road Conditions: Well-compacted gravel roads, mostly level with gentle slopes. Standard vehicles suitable in good weather. Surface may be washboarded after rain. Unpaved.
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs and trailers up to 45 feet allowed. Trailers and RVs welcome.
Clearance Needed: Standard (compacted gravel, no high-clearance requirement)
Distance From Entrance: 2 miles south of Yellowstone South Entrance; 5 miles north of Grand Teton North Entrance; 22 miles north of Moran Junction via US 89/191/287
Nearest Gas Services: Jackson, WY (~30 miles south) for full services. Flagg Ranch camp store on-site for ice and supplies.
Elevation: Approximately 6,400 feet (Moran area)
Accessibility: Most campsites are wheelchair accessible. Restroom facilities have accessible flush toilets; one shower is fully accessible. Camp roads are well-compacted gravel, mostly level with gentle slopes. Gravel surface may challenge mobility devices in wet conditions.
ADA Accessible Sites: Most campsites accessible to wheelchairs. Restroom facilities are accessible with flush toilets. One fully accessible shower available. Camp roads are well-compacted gravel, mostly level with gentle slopes; amphitheater routes on compacted gravel with gentle slopes.

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Bear-proof food storage lockers provided at every site. All food and odorous items must be properly stored at all times.
Fire Restrictions: Campfires allowed only in designated metal fire grates. Downed and dead wood may be collected. Fireworks banned at all times.
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash required—6 feet maximum. Must remain leashed within 30 feet of roadways. Not allowed on multi-use pathways, park trails, or backcountry.
Max Stay Limit: 14 nights per stay; 30 nights cumulative across all Grand Teton campgrounds per calendar year
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Ranger-led programs (seasonal amphitheater), wildlife viewing, Snake River access, hiking to nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone trails
Trailheads Nearby: Flagg Canyon Trail at Flagg Ranch; Grand Teton trails within 5-10 miles south; Yellowstone trails within 2 miles north
Fishing Details: Snake River fishing available at campground. Wyoming state fishing license required.
Wildlife Viewing: Moose, bears, wolves, elk, bison. Maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves; 25 yards from other wildlife. Food storage and leash rules apply.
Stargazing Quality: Good—remote mountain location with minimal light pollution from nearby cities (Jackson 30 miles south)
Shade Coverage: Moderate—mix of open meadow and conifer forest shade
Scenic Views: Snake River meadows, conifer forest, distant mountain peaks. Open landscape prevalent.
Noise Level: Moderate—developed campground with fellow campers and ranger activity. No highway traffic but not remote.
Best Time To Visit: Late July through early September: warm days (70–80°F), cool nights (40–50°F), lower mosquito pressure, reliable services. Shoulder seasons (early May, late September) offer fewer crowds and earlier booking availability.
Vibe Check: Developed campground, parking-lot style. Not wilderness camping. Moderate activity with ranger programs, families, and summer tourism buzz. Compact gravel roads and sites relatively close together. RV-centric vibe with hookup infrastructure visible. Good basecamp energy for accessing two parks—not backcountry solitude.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want full RV hookups, included showers, convenient base for Yellowstone and Grand Teton day trips, and family-friendly services. ❌ SKIP IF: You're seeking backcountry solitude, prefer tent-only campgrounds, need winter camping (closed December-May), or want to avoid crowds and RV traffic.
Tips Advice: Bring quarters for coin laundry—no bills accepted.
Pack heavyweight tent stakes for gravel—regular sand anchors won't hold.
Download offline maps before arrival—zero cell service here.
Store ALL food, toiletries, and trash in bear boxes immediately; don't test the system.
Secure tent and position for drainage before afternoon thunderstorms (July-August).
Fill water containers before late September closure.

More details

Park Area: Flagg Ranch (within John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway)
Sites Tent Only: 34
Sites RV Only: 97
Family Friendly Notes: Good for families. Seasonal ranger programs available. Open meadow areas safe for kids to play and run. Showers and laundry convenient for family needs. Moderate noise level from community activity, not quiet backcountry.
Senior Access Discounts: Discounts available (exact rates not published)
Amphitheater: Yes (seasonal)—staff or volunteer ranger host typically onsite for evening programs
Boat Launch: Snake River access nearby; specific boat launch facilities unknown
Nearby Attractions: Yellowstone National Park (2 miles north), Grand Teton National Park (5 miles south), John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway scenic drive, Jackson Hole area (~30 miles)
Terrain Type: Mostly flat to gently rolling meadow with mixed conifer forest. Upper Snake River flows through.
Temperature Ranges: July-August: Days 75–85°F, nights 40–50°F, afternoon thunderstorms common. May-June & September: Days 50–65°F, nights 30–40°F, rain and snow possible. December-April: Days 20–35°F, nights 0–20°F, heavy snow. Frost possible any month.
Snow Season: Late September through May; roads may be snow-covered December-May
Monsoon Season: July-August—afternoon thunderstorms common. Seek shelter during storms; secure tent for drainage.
Wind Exposure: Moderate—open meadow setting; some wind exposure in exposed areas
Bug Season: Peak mosquitoes June-August, especially near water and meadow edges. Bring insect spray and consider bug net for tent.
Setup Strategy: Pull-through RV sites available for 45-ft rigs—no difficult backing required. Compacted gravel roads and loops are level and wide. Check site number upon arrival; some may have subtle slopes requiring leveling blocks. Tent stakes must be heavy-duty—regular stakes fail in gravel. Surface may be dusty in dry weather or muddy after rain. Arrive early for best site selection and to scout terrain.
Bath Laundry Recon: Hot showers available seasonal, included with camping fee. One fully accessible shower. Shower hours and water temperature consistency not detailed. Coin-operated laundry at campground office (seasonal); machine count and hours unknown. Plan laundry use before late September closure.
Review Summary: Campers appreciate the full hookups, included showers, and strategic location between two major parks. Common notes: convenient for families and RVs, somewhat crowded in peak season, gravel surfaces require appropriate vehicle maintenance and tent stakes, no cell service appeals to those seeking disconnect. Reliable, well-maintained, developed campground feel—not wilderness.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will my 45-foot RV fit?

Yes. 45-foot limit applies exactly. Pull-through sites available with full hookups. Consult the Recreation.gov listing for specific site dimensions before booking.

Are there bears here?

Yes, this is bear country. Food storage lockers required at every site—use them. Maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves; 25 yards from other wildlife.

Can I find a site in summer?

All sites are reservable on Recreation.gov. Book as early as possible for May-September peak season. Shoulder seasons (early May, late September) offer better availability than July-August.

Do camper cabins include bedding?

No. Cabins include bunk beds but NOT linens or pillows. Bring sleeping bags or sheets and pillows.

What's the cell and internet situation?

No cell service. No internet. Download offline maps, weather, and apps before arriving.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Dogs must be on a leash under 6 feet, kept within 30 feet of roadways, and not allowed on trails or backcountry.

Are showers really included?

Yes, hot showers are included with camping fee (seasonal, May-September). Laundry is coin-operated at the camp store office.