Beginning This Season, Wyoming's Second Most Popular Park Will Be Reservation-Only
By Kim Magaraci|Published March 08, 2021
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Every year, more than three million people travel to visit Grand Teton National Park. While it’s often overshadowed by Yellowstone, farther north, the Tetons have a ton to offer hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to get out and explore the mountains. Due to the remoteness of the park, millions of visitors stay in the park’s famous campgrounds. While previously many of these campgrounds were first-come, first-serve, the 2021 season has converted each campground to a reservation system for the first time ever.
The breathtaking scenes you'll encounter in Grand Teton National Park are sure to leave a lifelong impression. The park's remarkable sunrises are absolutely legendary...
Since lodging outside of the park is a decent drive away, and most people want to see the early morning light and dark, starry skies, the park offers plenty of camping options that make it easy for visitors to enjoy the best views, skies, and wildlife watching opportunities.
Since they were established, Jenny Lake, Gros Ventre, Signal Mountain, and Lizard Creek Campgrounds were operated as first-come, first-served locations.
While this allowed for last-minute visitors to find a place to stay, it also meant long lines starting early in the morning, and uncertain plans for anyone who wanted a shot at staying the night.
Jenny Lake, the most iconic campground, typically filled up long before 9 a.m. every morning - which made things harder for short-term or late-arriving campers to have their shot to stay on the shores.
Reservations began opneing up in January, and will continue to be released on a rolling six-month basis. You can find more information and availability at Recreation.gov.
Each campground has something different to offer - Jenny Lake has sunrise views, and Gros Ventre offers the best chance to see a moose. Signal Mountain is right in the middle of the action, and Lizard Creek provides easy access to Yellowstone for anyone looking to visit.
