If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to mountain silhouettes and stargazing from your car, Grand Teton National Park is calling your name. I went solo car camping in Grand Teton National Park and spent three unforgettable days, navigating winding but surprisingly open roads, spotting moose at sunrise, and hiking to alpine lakes.
Whether you’re planning your first solo national park trip or want a detailed camping itinerary, this post breaks it all down: where to camp, what to pack, what to see, and how to do it confidently on your own.
Why Grand Teton Is Perfect for Solo Car Camping
When I decided to build a sleeping platform in the back of my Ford Escape and give car camping a shot, the first thing I did was make a list of national parks within driving distance. Grand Teton National Park was the closest and quickly became my first choice. I’m honestly still in shock that I’ve lived within 8 of hours the park my entire life, and am just now making it there (at 35 years old).
A Minor Car Setback
I actually ended up having some car issues before the trip, but thankfully, my parents have the same make and model. My platform was easy to move from my vehicle to theirs, and good thing because I was determined to go solo car camping in Grand Teton National Park and this allowed that plan to stay intact.
Getting There: Driving from Boise or Flying into Jackson
The drive from Boise, Idaho, to Grand Teton was straightforward and surprisingly enjoyable. Even Teton Pass wasn’t as daunting as I expected. Of course, you can also fly into Jackson Hole if you’d rather skip the drive or are coming in from somewhere far away.
If you’re flying in but still want to camp, you can use Ship&Play, which will ship your camping and adventure gear to your destination for you. This saves you the hassle of packing the gear in your luggage or having to rent unfamiliar gear. You’ll land, pick up a rental car, grab your gear, and start exploring without hassle.
The Views Start Before You Even Enter the Park
One thing I loved right away was how beautiful the park is before you’re even officially inside it. Whether you’re flying or driving in, the mountain views are immediate and unforgettable. I visited the last weekend of May and didn’t have to worry about road closures or snow, but if you’re planning to visit earlier in the spring or later in the fall, be sure to check conditions ahead of time.
Road Conditions: Easy to Navigate, Even Solo
The roads in Jackson and inside the park are well-maintained and easy to navigate, which helped me feel safe as a solo traveler. While a few roads, like Moose-Wilson Road, are rougher and more narrow, most of the main park roads are fine even for lower-clearance vehicles. I was relieved to find that I didn’t need to take any sketchy back roads to enjoy the scenery.
Gros Ventre Campground: A Safe and Scenic Base
One of the reasons I felt so comfortable car camping alone here was the balance between wilderness and accessibility. I stayed at Gros Ventre Campground, which had open space and beautiful surroundings, but didn’t feel so remote that it made me anxious.
This was my first true solo camping experience, and it felt like the perfect way to ease into it. Dispersed camping options offer more privacy and fewer fees, but for my first time, I appreciated being somewhere with established sites, bear boxes, and other people nearby.
Hiking Alone in Bear Country (and Feeling Okay About It)
As for hiking, I was definitely nervous at first. I trail run alone frequently, but usually in familiar or well-populated areas. Hiking alone in bear country felt like a different level of risk. But the truth is, if you go during the busier months, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever be completely alone. While I did have moments where I couldn’t see anyone else, I felt confident that there were people nearby if I needed help.
Make sure you grab yourself a solid pair of hiking boots before this trip because you’ll be logging plenty of miles and want to stay comfortable and injury-free. I was also glad to have my Stio Cacher Backpack for storing my snacks, water, and a change of clothes.
Cell Service Helped Me Feel Safer
One huge plus for my peace of mind was having Verizon cell service in most areas of the park. Even when I lost service, I usually picked it back up within a few minutes of walking or driving. That helped me feel a lot less isolated.
Tips for First-Time Solo Hikers in Grand Teton
If you’re feeling nervous about solo hiking, I recommend sticking to well-trafficked trails like Jenny Lake or Taggart Lake and going mid-morning, around 11 AM. Yes, they’ll be busy, but that’s kind of the point. You’ll never feel completely alone, and you’ll get to enjoy some of the park’s most iconic views.
I personally avoided the busy times and went earlier or later in the evening because I didn’t want to have to park far away and walk a mile before the hike even started (it gets a little wild).
Where to Camp in Grand Teton National Park
There are nine main campgrounds in and around Grand Teton National Park that don’t require a backcountry permit but do require a reservation. Some are tent-only, while others allow RVs, campervans, and car camping, with varying levels of amenities and hookups. There’s even a boat-in camping option on Jackson Lake, if you’re feeling adventurous.
In addition to the reservation-only campgrounds, there are hike-in backcountry tent sites (which require a backcountry permit) and dispersed camping areas, though you’ll need to do a bit of internet digging to find those. Many are outside the official park boundaries but still offer beautiful views and a peaceful experience.
Basically, if you want to camp in Grand Teton, there’s an option for you. I didn’t fully understand the layout or regulations until I got there. Now that I’ve been, it makes a lot more sense. The park clearly marks areas where camping is prohibited (like pull-outs and along main roads). You can’t just sleep in your car on the side of Teton Park Road or near major trailheads, but there are smaller forest roads and dispersed areas where car camping is allowed.
Whether you’re wanting to go solo car camping in Grand Teton National Park, RV camping, or tent-only camping, there is a campground for almost every type of traveler.
Here’s a quick look at the main options:
- Gros Ventre Campground – Large, good for car camping, close to Jackson
- Signal Mountain Campground – Popular, wooded, near Jackson Lake
- Jenny Lake Campground – Tent-only, first to fill, very close to trailheads
- Colter Bay Campground – RV-friendly, large, with nearby services
- Colter Bay RV Park – Full hookups, advanced reservations required
- Headwaters Campground (Flagg Ranch) – Convenient between Grand Teton and Yellowstone
- Lizard Creek Campground – Quieter, tent and RV-friendly, at the park’s north end
- Leigh Lake Backcountry Sites – Accessible by boat or long hike, permit required
- Spalding Bay & Jackson Lake Boat Camping – Boat-in only, permit required
Gros Ventre Campground
I used Recreation.gov to search for available sites and compared a few campgrounds based on distance from the main attractions. I was surprised by how much availability there was, especially considering I booked less than a week in advance. I guess I got lucky with timing, since it wasn’t quite peak season yet.
I chose Gros Ventre Campground because I found a site that looked like it had a mountain view, and I knew I’d be allowed to sleep in my car. It ended up being a great choice. I briefly considered Signal Mountain Campground, but it was farther from both Jackson and the southern areas of the park I wanted to focus on. I had plans to drive up to Signal Mountain Viewpoint, but ultimately skipped it since it would have been almost an hour and a half round-trip from my site.
Overall, I really liked staying at Gros Ventre. That said, I paid nearly $60 a night, just to sleep. I spent almost no time at the actual site outside of eating one dinner, lunch, and breakfast there and getting ready for bed.
It felt expensive, especially since I was solo and not using most of the amenities. But it did include a bathroom, picnic table, bear-proof food storage, fire ring, and access to wood and ice. My site (#230) even had some decent Teton views and my neighbors weren’t right next to me, which was great for a newbie solo car camping in Grand Teton.
What About Dispersed Camping?
Next time, I’d absolutely stay at Gros Ventre again, but I’d also be open to trying out a dispersed camping area, especially during shoulder season, when I wouldn’t have to stress as much about finding a spot without a reservation. It’s free, and it gives you a more remote experience, which is appealing if you’re comfortable with fewer amenities.
The catch is that dispersed campsites aren’t clearly marked on park maps. You’ll need to do some research ahead of time, especially on where camping is allowed in the Bridger-Teton National Forest or nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. I’ve read that you can find spots off Shadow Mountain Road and along other forest service roads east of the park.
If you’re new to dispersed camping, just keep in mind:
- You usually won’t have cell service
- There are no bathrooms, water, or bear boxes
- You’ll need to be 100% self-sufficient and follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
For a first-timer like me, I was glad to start with an established campground. But next time, if I want more solitude (and to skip the $60/night fee), I’d definitely consider dispersed options.
What to Pack for Solo Car Camping in the Tetons
I definitely overpacked for my solo car camping trip in the Tetons. But honestly, I’d rather be over-prepared than under-prepared. Here’s what I found most useful when it came to gear, bear safety, and food prep.
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Car camping gear essentials
For a basic car camping setup, there are a few must-haves specific to sleeping in your vehicle. First, you’ll need a front window shade and magnetic side window covers. These not only provide privacy, but they also help block sunlight and keep the interior temperature down. Make sure to choose shades that fit your specific vehicle model and block visibility from outside.
Rear window shades can be harder to find, so I use a car privacy curtain across the back area. It works well and still allows for airflow.
For sleeping, I’ve been using a double sleeping pad that fits in the back of my Ford Escape, as long as the front seats are scooted all the way forward. It can be inflated by foot, which is great in a pinch, though I usually cheat and use a pump for speed. For bedding, I just use pillows and blankets from home, plus the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set from SIJO, which I love for camping. The sheets are antimicrobial and breathable, which helps a lot on warmer nights.
Lighting is another important piece of your car camping gear. Campgrounds get really dark at night, so I bring a few small camp lantern-type lights with handles and adjustable brightness settings. I prefer these over flashlights, honestly. I also use retractable string lights inside my car for some cozy ambiance, and a rechargeable stand light for cooking or hanging out outside the vehicle.
These few items alone made a huge difference in comfort and sleep quality. If you want to see my full setup, check out my detailed car camping gear post (link coming soon).
Bear safety gear
Bear spray is 100% non-negotiable. It’s pricey, but necessary. You’ll see signs all over Grand Teton reminding you to carry it and know how to use it. I didn’t buy a special holster; I just slid mine into the water bottle holder on my running vest, which worked great.
There are also bear horns (for scaring a bear off if it gets too close) and bear bells (to let wildlife know you’re nearby). I didn’t bring either, but now I know better. When I was hiking alone, I kept my phone playing music in my pocket to make sure I wasn’t surprising anything.
If you’re staying in a developed campground, most sites have bear-proof food storage lockers, so you don’t have to worry about that. But if you’re doing any dispersed or backcountry camping, you’ll need your own bear-resistant food container. Some backcountry permit offices will let you borrow one, but it’s worth having your own if you plan to camp more often. I saw one hiker carrying a hard-sided bear canister that looked very secure.
Food storage and cooking setup
To be honest, I avoided cooking with pots and pans entirely. I didn’t want to risk attracting wildlife or struggle with cleanup. Instead, I prepared a foil packet meal and camping pouches, plus sandwiches and plenty of snacks.
I would recommend avoiding perishable food, mostly to skip the need for a cooler. It’s just easier (and safer) not to worry about temperature-sensitive items or messy cleanup.
The one thing I did ‘cook’ was coffee every morning using a coffee percolator, which only needed a quick rinse to clean. I kept it simple, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
3-Day Grand Teton Itinerary at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at how I spent three days solo car camping in Grand Teton National Park. This itinerary balances scenic viewpoints, hiking, wildlife viewing, and time in town, which is perfect for solo travelers looking for adventure and flexibility.
Day 1: Arrival, Scenic Stops, and Sunset
- Set up camp at Gros Ventre Campground (midday arrival)
- Visit Mormon Row for classic Teton photos
- Walk the lakeshore near Jenny Lake Visitor Center
- Stop at Jenny Lake Overlook for panoramic views
- Drive Moose-Wilson Road for wildlife spotting
- Return to Mormon Row for sunset behind the Tetons
Day 2: Sunrise, Back-to-Back Hikes, and Town
- Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing (arrive 45-60 minutes before sunrise)
- Scenic stops: Snake River Overlook, Elk Flats, Oxbow Bend
- Hike to Taggart Lake
- Lunch and souvenirs at Dornan’s Trading Post & Deli
- Afternoon hike: String Lake Loop to Leigh Lake
- Dinner in Jackson at Local Restaurant
- Sunset photos at the Grand Teton sign
Day 3: Iconic Trails and a Final Farewell
- Coffee and sunrise at camp
- Hike Jenny Lake Loop to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
- Lunch and dinner at Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Company
- Wildlife viewing on Moose-Wilson Road
- Hike Death Canyon Trail to Phelps Lake
- Final sunset near Lupine Meadows Road
Full itinerary posts coming soon. Enter your email to have this printable version sent to your inbox.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Grand Teton
Traveling solo in a national park comes with some extra responsibilities, especially when wildlife is involved. The good news is that Grand Teton is one of the more accessible parks for solo adventures, and with a little prep, it’s easy to stay safe and confident during your trip.
Wildlife precautions
Wildlife encounters are part of what makes Grand Teton special, but they also require awareness. Carry Bear spray at all times, especially when hiking or exploring quieter areas of the park. Make sure it’s easily accessible (not buried in your backpack) and take a minute to learn how to use it before you hit the trail. It’s honestly a bit more complicated than I thought.
Avoid hiking alone at dawn or dusk when animals are most active. I really would have loved to catch the sunrise and sunset at some of the more secluded lakes, but I was way too scared to do that alone.
Make noise on the trail if you’re in a more remote area. This can be as simple as clapping, talking out loud, or playing music from your phone. You don’t want to surprise a bear or a moose. I was singing and squeezing a noisy plastic water bottle as I walked, and I did indeed see a bear.
If you’re staying in a designated campground, use the provided bear boxes to store all scented items, not just food.
Cell Service in the Park
Cell service in Grand Teton National Park is surprisingly decent in many areas, especially along Teton Park Road, near the major visitor centers, and around Jenny Lake. I had at least one bar of Verizon service almost everywhere I went. Even in low-signal areas, it was usually possible to walk or drive a few minutes and reconnect.
That said, it’s still smart to download offline maps through Google Maps or the AllTrails app before you arrive. You won’t always be able to rely on real-time GPS or texting in more remote parts of the park. I actually used AllTrails quite a bit; they have some cool new features.
Checking Weather and Trail Closures
Weather can change quickly in the Tetons, so it’s a good idea to check conditions before you head out each morning. The Grand Teton National Park website posts up-to-date alerts on trail closures, road conditions, and weather-related updates. You can also call the park’s recorded information line or stop by any visitor center for current trail and wildlife advisories.
Make a habit of checking both weather forecasts and trail alerts before every hike and pack accordingly. Snow, flooding, or wildlife activity can close areas unexpectedly, even in late spring and early summer.
You should always make sure you have plenty of water, electrolytes, and a few snacks on hand just to be safe. An emergency blanket, small first aid kit, and water filter straw aren’t bad ideas either.
Final Thoughts: Why I’d Solo Camp Here Again
Grand Teton National Park was the perfect place for my first true solo camping trip. The park is scenic, well-marked, and easy to navigate, which made me feel safe and confident even while traveling alone. The mix of accessible roads, well-maintained campgrounds, and popular trailheads made it feel adventurous but never overwhelming.
If you’ve been thinking about solo camping and aren’t sure where to start, I’d absolutely recommend Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area. You get big mountain views, wildlife sightings, peaceful mornings, and the kind of quiet that lets you feel totally free. It’s hard to explain the sense of total peace I felt in several different instances. I was actually only going to stay two nights, but I extended my trip to 3 because I just hadn’t had enough time!
It’s normal to feel nervous (my anxiety was on high when I first arrived), especially when you’re camping alone for the first time. But with a little preparation, you can create a trip that feels both exciting and manageable. I’m already thinking about going back (or hitting up the next driveable national park). Maybe this time I’ll try one of the dispersed camping spots I mentioned or stay a little longer.
If solo car camping in (or around) Grand Teton National Park (or somewhere similar) is something you’ve wanted to try, this is your sign. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to go.
Check out my social platforms for plenty of Grand Teton content, or if you want more National Park content, check out my post about my girls’ weekend in Moab and visiting Arches National Park.
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