Grand Teton National Park - Full Datasheet for Van Travelers

Grand Teton National Park, situated in northwestern Wyoming, is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, dominated by the jagged peaks of the Teton Range. Rising abruptly from the valley floor, the Grand Teton, the highest peak, reaches 13,775 feet, creating a breathtaking landscape that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. The park’s alpine lakes, such as Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, reflect the towering mountains, while the Snake River meanders through the valley, offering some of the most iconic vistas in the American West. Grand Teton’s rich history, tied to Native American tribes, early explorers, and the conservation movement, adds depth to its natural beauty.

For camper van travelers, Grand Teton National Park provides an unparalleled mix of adventure and tranquility. The park offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds with modern amenities to more remote sites where solitude reigns. The park’s extensive trail system ranges from easy walks along lakeshores to strenuous climbs into the high alpine zones, making it accessible for all types of adventurers. Wildlife viewing is a highlight in Grand Teton, with common sightings of moose, elk, bison, and even grizzly bears. The Snake River is also popular for fishing, boating, and scenic floats, allowing travelers to experience the park’s landscape from a different perspective.

Camping in Grand Teton National Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in one of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Developed campgrounds such as Colter Bay, Jenny Lake, and Gros Ventre offer easy access to the park’s lakes, rivers, and trails, while backcountry camping provides an even more secluded experience. The park is also conveniently located near the town of Jackson, where visitors can enjoy a variety of dining and entertainment options after a day of exploring. Whether you’re hiking the rugged mountains, canoeing on a tranquil lake, or simply soaking in the views of the majestic Tetons, Grand Teton National Park offers a perfect combination of outdoor adventure and natural beauty.

Park's Official Name: Grand Teton National Park

Location:
State: Wyoming
Nearest Major City: Jackson, Wyoming 
GPS Coordinates: 43.7904° N, 110.6818° W
Park Size, in Acres: 310,000 
Annual Visitors: 3,500,000 (approx.)
Website:  https://www.nps.gov/grte
Phone Number: (307) 739-3300

Social Media Accounts:
Instagram: @GrandTetonNPS
Facebook: Grand Teton National Park
X: @GrandTetonNPS

Entrance Fees:
Vehicle Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle Fee: $30 per motorcycle (valid for 7 days)
Pedestrian/Bicyclist Fee: $20 per person (valid for 7 days)
Annual Pass: $70 for Grand Teton-specific annual pass
Fee-Free Days: Select days throughout the year (such as National Park Week or Veterans Day)

Operating Hours and Seasons:
Open: Year-round, though many facilities and roads are closed in winter due to snow
Visitor Center Hours: Typically 9 AM to 5 PM during peak season, shorter hours in winter
Best Times to Visit: Summer and early fall (full access to park roads and trails, milder temperatures)

Camping & Overnight Stays:
Campgrounds:
Colter Bay Campground: Located near Jackson Lake, offering modern amenities, open seasonally
Jenny Lake Campground: Tents only, located near Jenny Lake, open seasonally, first-come, first-served
Gros Ventre Campground: Located near the Snake River, open seasonally, offering RV and tent sites
Lizard Creek Campground: Located on Jackson Lake, open seasonally, more secluded

Fees: $20-$45 per night for standard campsites.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and dump stations.
RV Size Limits: Maximum RV length: 45 feet depending on the campground.
Backcountry Camping: Permits required for backcountry camping; available online or at visitor centers.

Overnight Parking:
Overnight Parking: Allowed only in designated areas and campgrounds.
Stealth Camping: Not permitted within park boundaries.

Hiking & Trails:
Popular Trails:
Jenny Lake Loop Trail: Easy, 7.6 miles round trip, offering stunning views of Jenny Lake and the surrounding peaks
Taggart Lake Trail: Moderate, 3 miles round trip, leading to a peaceful alpine lake
Cascade Canyon Trail: Strenuous, 9 miles round trip, leading into the heart of the Tetons
Phelps Lake Trail: Moderate, 4.2 miles round trip, offering scenic views of Phelps Lake
Paintbrush Canyon Trail: Strenuous, 19 miles round trip, offering some of the park’s most dramatic mountain scenery

ADA-Accessible Trails:
Portions of the Colter Bay area and the Jenny Lake Overlook are accessible.

Points of Interest:
The Grand Teton: The park’s tallest and most iconic peak, visible from various points throughout the park
Jenny Lake: One of the most popular spots in the park, offering hiking, boating, and stunning views of the Tetons
Jackson Lake: A large alpine lake offering boating, fishing, and scenic views
Schwabacher Landing: A famous photography spot with stunning reflections of the Tetons in the Snake River
Mormon Row: A historic district featuring iconic old barns with the Tetons in the background

Permits and Regulations:
Permits: Required for backcountry camping, commercial filming, and special events.
Fire Regulations: Fires allowed only in designated fire rings at campgrounds.
Leave No Trace: Strictly enforced to protect the park’s delicate ecosystems.

Wildlife & Safety Information:
Common Wildlife: Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, and a variety of bird species.
Safety Tips: Carry bear spray, stay on designated trails, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Poisonous Plants/Insects: Watch out for mosquitoes in summer and be cautious of ticks in grassy areas.

Weather & Climate:
Summer: Mild and dry, with highs of 60-80°F; best time for hiking and exploring.
Fall: 40-60°F, with cooler mornings and evenings; vibrant fall foliage and fewer crowds.
Winter: 0-30°F, with snow and ice; ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Spring: 40-60°F, with blooming wildflowers and melting snow; some trails may still be snow-covered.

Weather Preparedness: Bring layers for varying temperatures, especially in higher elevations, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Activities & Attractions:
Hiking: Numerous trails offering scenic views, access to lakes, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Watching: Opportunities to see grizzly bears, moose, bison, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Camping: The park offers a variety of campgrounds for both front country and backcountry camping.
Photography: Grand Teton’s dramatic peaks and alpine lakes make it a paradise for photographers.
Boating: Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake offer canoeing, kayaking, and boat tours.

Accessibility:
ADA-Accessible Areas: Visitor centers, portions of the Colter Bay area, and some picnic areas.
Accessible Restrooms: Available at visitor centers and campgrounds.

Facilities & Services:
Visitor Centers: Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, Jenny Lake Visitor Center.
Restrooms: Available at visitor centers, major trailheads, and campgrounds.
Dump Stations: Located at Colter Bay and Gros Ventre Campgrounds.
Picnic Areas: Available near visitor centers, along scenic drives, and at trailheads.
Medical Services: Nearest hospital in Jackson, WY.

Leave No Trace Guidelines:
Visitors are required to pack out all trash, follow trail regulations, and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.

Cell Service & Connectivity:
Cell Service: Limited, especially in remote areas of the park.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available at some visitor centers.
Off-Grid Preparedness: Download maps and bring GPS.

Nearest Towns and Supplies:
Jackson, WY: The nearest town with grocery stores, restaurants, and services
Driggs, ID: Located about 30 miles from the park, offering more amenities

Closest National Park to This Park:
Yellowstone National Park, approximately 10 miles away

Photography Tips:
Best Times: Early morning and late evening for the best lighting on the mountains and lakes.
Top Locations: Jenny Lake, Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and Jackson Lake.

Park-Specific Rules and Regulations:
Drones: Prohibited within the park.
Pets: Allowed in developed areas and campgrounds, but not on trails or in the backcountry.
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 6 AM in campgrounds.

Emergency Contacts:
Park Rangers: (307) 739-3300
Nearest Hospital: St. John’s Medical Center, Jackson, WY
Emergency: Call 911

Special Events:
Ranger-Led Programs: Seasonal talks, guided walks, and evening programs focusing on the park’s natural and cultural history.

Sustainability Initiatives:
Zero Waste Initiatives: Recycling bins available at visitor centers and campgrounds.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Located in Jackson, WY.

*Please note that all information provided, including park details, fees, and regulations, is subject to change without notice and may vary depending on park management policies, seasonal conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.