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JAC1982's avatar
JAC1982
Explorer
Jun 05, 2020

Grand Tetons first come first serve

Note: This question is NOT for me and the rig listed in my signature. It is for my parents who will be traveling in an 18' camper van.

My parents decided to take a last minute trip through WY, UT and CO here in a couple weeks in an 18' camper van. They've gotten reservations everywhere for their trip but at the Grand Tetons. They are looking to be there a Tuesday-Thursday. What is their chances of getting one of the first come first serve campgrounds there such as Gros Ventre or Jenny Lake? They do not necessarily need hookups and I would assume could fit even in a tent site due to the small size of their van.

I'd hate for them to get there and be stuck with no place to park. As a planner, this whole trip of theirs is giving me anxiety :-D
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2020
    JAC1982 wrote:
    Note: This question is NOT for me and the rig listed in my signature. It is for my parents who will be traveling in an 18' camper van.

    My parents decided to take a last minute trip through WY, UT and CO here in a couple weeks in an 18' camper van. They've gotten reservations everywhere for their trip but at the Grand Tetons. They are looking to be there a Tuesday-Thursday. What is their chances of getting one of the first come first serve campgrounds there such as Gros Ventre or Jenny Lake? They do not necessarily need hookups and I would assume could fit even in a tent site due to the small size of their van.

    I'd hate for them to get there and be stuck with no place to park. As a planner, this whole trip of theirs is giving me anxiety :-D


    If they don't need hookups, there are some BLM/USFS/ACOE free places near GTNP that might work for them. Try looking at freecampsites.net or Campendium. I don't recall exactly where they are, but they've been mentioned elswhere before.
  • vermilye's avatar
    vermilye
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2020
    I've alway found a non hook up site at Gros Ventre, even on holiday weekends.
  • JAC1982's avatar
    JAC1982
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2020
    Thank you both! This helps me feel better :) And helps me plan for a future trip of my own.
  • JAC1982's avatar
    JAC1982
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2020
    Old Days wrote:
    Colter bay village campground also its close to town


    Yup they have that one on their list too. It's just a little nervewracking doing first come first serve this time of year. They're staying in Pinedale the night before so they'll be able to get up there pretty early.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2020
    Gros Ventre would be most apt to fill up late in a day on the weekend. If they show up on a Sunday through Thursday by mid-afternoon, getting in should be a slam dunk, I think.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2020
    We have been to Gros Ventre many times over the years and never had any difficulty getting a site. There is one loop with electric. Gros Ventre is about 10 miles from Jackson, Colter Bay is about 40 miles from town.

    FYI, Jenny lake Campground is tents only, no RVs.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Jun 06, 2020
    Stop at the park office in Jackson they have maps of boondocking sites in the park. We stayed at one last year and it was great there are at least 3 sites
  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2020
    We stayed at Gros Ventre in the middle of July last year with our 40 footer. We got a site that was more than large enough to fit the motorhome and towed vehicle. There were several open sites. We got there about noon to 1pm, which I would suggest doing as people pulled in off and on all afternoon.

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