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Camp at the Jenny Lake Campground

Alta, Wyoming

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Christina Adele Warburg-Hon

This tent-only campground is centrally located on the shores of Jenny Lake, and is close to many of the main hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park. 

The Jenny Lake campground is by far the most popular campground in Grand Teton National Park, and there are several reasons for that. However, be aware that it is extremely crowded and will oftentimes fill before 8 AM. If you are looking for a campground with solitude or easy access, this is not the campground for you.

Many consider Jenny Lake to be the jewel of Grand Teton, and it is indeed a gorgeous lake. There are many close hiking trails such as Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon that depart almost directly from the campground. In addition, the Lupine Meadows trailhead -one of the main trailheads for the Teton backcountry- is about a mile away. This makes the campground one that is extremely desirable to hikers, especially since all the other campgrounds in the park are over a half an hour drive from these trailheads.

Another reason for it's popularity is that it is strictly a tent only campground. In theory, this means that the campground is quieter and more peaceful which appeals to people. However, as previously mentioned, this is one of the most popular and crowded campgrounds, so that is not always the case. While the scenery surrounding campground is gorgeous, be aware that the campground itself is not always in the best shape as it is on the verge of being loved to death. This also prime bear habitat (as is all of Grand Teton), so make sure to be extra careful to follow all proper food storage regulations.

There are 49 sites available on a first come-first serve basis. As mentioned, it often fills early in the morning, so make sure to get there early if you are set on camping here. All campsites have a picnic table, a fire pit, and nearby flush toilets. There is also a campfire circle that offers ranger programs and Christian worship services on Sundays. Check your park guide for information regarding these. Prices and open dates can change each year, so make sure to check the link below for the most up to date information regarding that  http://www.gtlc.com/camping/je...

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Features

Canoeing
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Kayaking
Swimming
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Lake
Wildlife
Swimming Hole
ADA Accessible

Reviews

As others have stated, get there early. This place fills up super fast. They are nice clean campsites close to one of the most popular lakes

Jenny Lake campground was the most memorable camping experience of my life. Go early, as mentioned. I was at the campground by 5am waiting for someone to leave. Had planned to stay 2 nights, ended up staying a 3rd, would have stayed longer had I not made plans in Bozeman. The amount of wildlife I encountered was insane just at the campground (bear, elk, deer). It's also a 5 minute walk to Jenny Lake. It's tough to beat.

As it mentions in the overview, this is a popular spot, and for good reason. It's gorgeous, near awesome hiking trails, and is centrally located for exploring Grand Teton National Park. We stayed on a summer weekend, and even with every site taken, it did not feel crowded at all. There was ample space between sites and the campground mostly clears out during the day because there's so much to do nearby. The process to secure a site was super easy. You do not have to drive around asking people if they're leaving. The campground host lets people in one at a time to choose a spot from the ones that are marked unoccupied (even if there are people currently camped there). You choose the one you want, pay for it, and then head off on an adventure. Your campsite will be ready for you at 11 am when you come to check in.

Great campsite, seems like everyone knows it too. Get there early and bag a spot.

If you plan on camping here during the weekend, get here early. We got a campsite for the July 4th weekend (first come first serve) and got a campsite by 6:45 AM... pretty sure they were all sold out around 7:30. Once you get a site though you won't regret it. a few hundred feet to the lake and Jenny Lake Trail.. You couldn't beat it. Paid $28/night

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Lake Solitude

Hike to Lake of the Crags

Hike to Jenny Lake's Inspiration Point

Hike to Hidden Falls, WY

Photograph on Cottonwood Creek

Explore Jenny Lake, WY

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