Yellowstone/Teton Base Camp Recommendations

[bootcamp]

For those of you that are familiar with YS park and Teton park I need some information on what single campground would be a good base camp for visiting both parks over a total 6 day visit? Traveling from Livingston MT and heading South, I currently have reservations first at Bridge Bay in YS for 3 days and then continuing South to Headwaters CG for 3 days before heading towards the Grand Canyon. Both will accomodate my 38 ft MH. Bridge Bay has zero hookups so I was thinking about just staying the entire time at Headwaters if it is a reasonable distance to "must see" attractions in both parks. Anyone out there that can provide insight on this idea please chime in. Thanks.

[jimbo2013]

stayed 3 weeks


Gros Ventre Campground Road, Jackson, WY, United States, Gros Ventre Campground Rd, Jackson, WY 83001

[fisher99]

My personal opinion is that with only 6 days, there isn't a single destination that will allow you to do both parks justice and keep your sanity. While it may look like a fairly short distance between the two, you will likely find the roads and the traffic more than you will want to deal with on a back/forth commute. It could be done, but I wouldn't enjoy it personally.

For campgrounds in the Teton area, I second JIMBO2013's recommendation of Gros Ventre campground. We stayed there 3 days and loved it, although if you prefer more upscale RV parks rather than more primitive parks, it may not be your cup of tea. We will definitely go back again though.

And while you are in the Tetons and Jackson Hole area, be SURE to drive Moose Wilson road at dusk, where you are highly likely to encounter moose, elk, and bear.

[twogypsies]

I'd recommend keeping your reservations for Bridge Bay and Headwaters although Colter Bay RV is much better than Headwaters if you could get in there. Staying in one spot to do both parks is too much repetitive driving.

[Matt D]

We've had good luck finding last minute cancellations at Coulter Bay, which will be booked at this time of year for the summer. That is a great spot to drive into YNP.

While we do like fancy "Resorts", we also feel Gros Ventre is a fantastic place to explore the Jackson/Teton area. Frankly, I feel it is the high water mark for CGs in that area. If choosing Gros Ventre, plan an early arrival as you will have the best choices of spots. Plan Water and Elec., with a good dump station.

Good luck on your trip,

-Matt

[twogypsies]

Keep in mind that there are very few campsites in Gros Ventre that have electric. Also, there are 300 sites which rarely fill. If you get there early in the day you'll get a site. We always have. We don't need electric though so dry camping is just fine with us.

[fisher99]

36 sites at Gros Ventre with electrical, acording to the website, so about a tenth of the sites.

[jimbo2013]

A solar system may have a quick ROI

[wingnut60]

Most of the CGs have a tree problem for solar...or at least the ones I have stayed in did.

[bootcamp]

Thanks to all the feedback everyone. We have decided to keep the reservations we have now. Due to its close location to Yellowstone, Headwaters CG will allow us to head back into Yellowstone if we decide to, and still see some of Teton. Unfortunately, we are limited on time because of reservations made at other locations before and after these two stops.

[Superslif]

Just before Memorial Day Weekend, at what time should I arrive to get a site at Gros Ventre with electrical? After driving across the country I'm looking to arrive on Wed. or Thur. 10am, 11am or noon?

The day after Memorial day (tue) I have reservations in Yellowstone for a two week period. Those will be dry camping, so I at least want to start off with a fully charged battery. I'll only have 100 watt portable solar panel once on my 2 week dry campsite stay.

[twogypsies]

All I can suggest for getting an electric site at Gros Ventre is to get there as early as you can. Also, Memorial weekend shouldn't be as popular as July 4 weekend so that will be a plus. Good luck!

[jimbo2013]

Jim my guess is 1 in a million

[BFlinn181]

In campgrounds without reservations it's best to claim a site by being at the entrance at 8:00 am or earlier. You wait in line, as a campsite opens up, you drive in and claim it. People leaving campsites usually pack and get on the road early, so waiting until 10:00 am or later reduces chances of getting a site.

Bridge Bay and Headwaters are only 40 miles apart. The road between is 2 lane, 45 mph. It does twist and turn along the Snake River Gorge and subject to BHM jams (Big Hairy Mammal) that occur when a BHM is spotted and everyone stops to observe.

Unless you like to hike, GTNP is pretty much a "Stop and Snap" photo place. There are many things to see, but unless you hike or rent a boat, many folks just zoom through to shop in Jackson.

YNP has many more varied sights and will take up more of your sightseeing and travel time. It's a big park!