Overnight in Jackson, WY

We’re driving in a campervan from SLC to the Tetons next week. We booked the campground for all but the first night, so we’d need to crash one night in Jackson before entering the park. Is there anywhere safe where we can park and sleep for one night? Supermarket parking lot or something similar? Cheers

You should be able to camp for free pretty much anywhere in Bridger Teton National Forest. It’s just a matter of picking a forest service road and finding a good spot. I’ve tent camped there but can’t remember exactly where. This map might help: fs.fed.us/ivm/

The Albertsons is pretty relaxed during the winter, I am not sure if it is the same in the summer. Park in the row furthest from the store.

Alex Maiorella wrote:

You should be able to camp for free pretty much anywhere in Bridger Teton National Forest. It’s just a matter of picking a forest service road and finding a good spot. I’ve tent camped there but can’t remember exactly where. This map might help: fs.fed.us/ivm/

Thanks! I was hoping to grab dinner in Jackson and sleep in town, so we could leave early morning for the park!

Alex Maiorella wrote:

You should be able to camp for free pretty much anywhere in Bridger Teton National Forest. It’s just a matter of picking a forest service road and finding a good spot. I’ve tent camped there but can’t remember exactly where. This map might help: fs.fed.us/ivm/

Bouncing off of this.  Check out this place.  There is camping, toilets, and a hot spring.  You'll need cash for the hot spring and camping.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/recarea/?recid=71639

thats the oposite direction of the park.  after dinner in town head twords the park, take a right after  moose jction. look at your map and find the the forest service land. make shure you go far enough out into the grovonts to be legal.  lots of free and paid campsites out there.  

Nick's pointing you in the right direction. Check out Shadow Mountain. Some great spots with some great views of the Tetons. fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/re…;

shadow mt you need high clearance skills but not nessicairly 4x4 as I have seen 2wd sprinters in there. head out past the gross slimy hot springs (used to be nice in the 80s) and you will find better roads and more sites some of them  payed some free. its a bit farther to the park but very cool as well 

Might be some rougher spots, but as of last year, I made it up Shadow in my FWD Nissan Rogue. 

Things are pretty crowded this year.  Check out https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/environmental/on-the-bustling-bridger-teton-every-day-is-like-the-eclipse/article_dacd5749-cdd6-59d9-a476-08e1a7adf232.html.

Try not to be like this guy at Lupine Meadows: 

Food and trash stored outside, sleeping next to truck. Unused (?) bed in open camper. 

Camping isn't allowed at GTNP trailheads but many will crash there on short notice. This kind of camping gets the rangers really happy and results in more attention toward illegal camping from the park service, and understandably so.

Gros Ventre Rd.

Hson P wrote:

Gros Ventre Rd.

Ask the US Forest Service about the latest dispersed camping options. They closed the Wedding Tree site up the GV and they have been making changes at others. You can pay for camping at the Atherton Creek Campground by Slide Lake up the GV. There are a few hideouts up the GV that are good for one night & early am exit. The only free dispersed site in JH that the FS shows on their website is Shadow Mtn. Spread Creek was always a favorite - easy car access and not too many people, free. Why it is no longer on their dispersed camping list is unknown. It is still available for dispersed camping.

most of the places I crash around there are full of employes and the forest circuis comes around and hassels them specifically. 

I used the Dyrt a lot for finding spots it’s a pretty great app for finding spots 

https://buckrail.com/btnf-responds-to-overcrowded-camping-areas-with-modified-regulations/

Here is a list just published of possible camping sites and new rules.