Jenny Lake Campground is Grand Teton National Park's most coveted camping location—a small, tent-only facility with 49 sites positioned directly beneath the Cathedral Group peaks with walking access to the park's best hiking. Unlike larger park campgrounds, Jenny Lake offers an intimate, quiet experience limited to tents and small RVs (14 feet or less), operating on a first-come, first-served basis that requires strategy and early arrival during peak season.
Quick Facts:
Sites: 49 (tent-only, small RVs under 14 feet)
Reservations: None—first-come, first-served only
Cost: $37/night (2024)
Season: Early May through late September (weather dependent)
Maximum Stay: 7 days (14 days after Labor Day)
Elevation: 6,800 feet
Location: 8 miles north of Moose Junction on Teton Park Road
Why Jenny Lake Is Special
Unmatched Position: Jenny Lake sits closer to the Tetons than any other campground—you're camping literally at the base of the Cathedral Group with Mount Owen, Grand Teton, and Teewinot visible from many sites. From your tent, you can walk toCascade Canyon,Inspiration Point, and theJenny Lake boat shuttle in under 10 minutes.
Tent-Only Philosophy: The 14-foot vehicle limit and generator ban create a peaceful, backcountry-adjacent atmosphere. This isn't a destination for RV comfort—it's for climbers, hikers, and backpackers who want maximum immersion in the Tetons with minimal infrastructure.
Climbing Access: Jenny Lake is the staging area for Teton climbers. The Lupine Meadows trailhead (starting point for Grand Teton's Lower Saddle camps) is 5 minutes by car. Cascade Canyon provides access to technical climbing on Storm Point, Symmetry Spire, and countless alpine routes.
Getting a Campsite: The First-Come Strategy
How It Works
No Reservations: Jenny Lake cannot be reserved throughrecreation.gov or any system. All sites are first-come, first-served daily.
The Reality:
Peak season (July-August): Sites fill by 8:00 AM, often earlier on weekends
Shoulder season (June, September): Sites fill 9:00-11:00 AM
Checkout time: 11:00 AM
Check-in time: Anytime after vacated (no set time)
Securing a Site: Proven Tactics
Arrival Strategy:
Peak Season (July-August):
Arrive at campground 7:00-7:30 AM
Drive through campground looking for sites marked "AVAILABLE" (yellow tags)
If no sites available, park at entrance and wait
As people check out (10:00-11:00 AM), available sites get tagged
First person at site claims it—no queue system
Register at self-service station within 30 minutes
The Waiting Game: Many campers arrive at 7:00 AM, find no sites, and wait in parking area. Between 10:00-11:00 AM, sites become available as campers check out. Staff place "AVAILABLE" tags on vacant sites. First person to physically reach that site claims it. This means:
Stay near your vehicle, ready to move
Watch for rangers placing tags
Drive through campground periodically
Be prepared to wait 2-4 hours if necessary
Weekday Advantage: Tuesday-Thursday significantly easier than Friday-Sunday. If flexible, avoid weekend arrivals.
Shoulder Season: June and September (especially post-Labor Day) offer much easier access. Arriving by 10:00 AM typically sufficient.
Alternative Strategy: Camp atGros Ventre or Signal Mountain (both reservable) for your first night, then arrive at Jenny Lake by 7:00 AM the next morning to secure a site for remainder of stay.
Campground Layout and Site Selection
Site Types
Standard Tent Sites (Most sites):
Tent pad (gravel or dirt)
Picnic table
Fire ring with cooking grate
Bear box (mandatory food storage)
Parking spur (1 vehicle)
Walk-In Sites (Sites 10-16):
Park in designated lot
Carry gear 50-200 feet to site
More privacy and quiet
Smaller, more intimate
Best for backpackers and minimalists
Small RV Sites (Limited):
Maximum 14 feet vehicle length
No slide-outs
Level sites limited
Most sites too sloped or tight for RVs
Best Sites
For Views:
Sites 3, 5, 7: Teton views through trees
Sites 22, 24, 26: More open, better views
Walk-in sites 10-12: Peaceful, partial views
For Privacy:
Walk-in sites (10-16): Most secluded
Sites 40-49: Farther from entrance, quieter
Sites near creek: Natural sound buffer
For Convenience:
Sites 1-9: Closest to trailheads and lake
Sites 17-25: Central to facilities
Avoid if you want quiet (more foot traffic)
Sites to Avoid (If Possible):
Sites on main loop road (traffic, dust)
Sites near bathrooms (foot traffic, can be odorous)
Sites 28-32 (close together, less privacy)
Recommendation: Take any available site. In peak season, being selective means not camping at Jenny Lake. You can always move to a better site if one opens during your stay.
Facilities and Amenities
What's Available
Bathrooms:
Flush toilets (modern, clean)
Running water sinks
No showers (nearest:Colter Bay, 20 minutes north)
Water:
Potable water spigots throughout campground
Fill bottles at spigots or bathrooms
Safe to drink (tested regularly)
Bear Boxes:
Metal bear-proof storage at every site
MANDATORY for all food, toiletries, trash, scented items
Large enough for multi-day supplies
Violations result in citations and eviction
Dump Station:
None at Jenny Lake
Nearest:Gros Ventre Campground or Colter Bay
Camp Store:
None at Jenny Lake
Nearest: Jenny Lake Lodge (limited),Jackson (20 minutes)
Stock up before arrival
Firewood:
Purchase at Jenny Lake Visitor Center (when staffed)
Available from camp hosts (limited)
Dead/down collection prohibited
Bring from outside park (followfirewood regulations)
Camp Host:
On-site throughout season
Located near entrance
Available for questions, emergencies
Coordinates with rangers for issues
What's NOT Available
Showers
Hookups (water, electric, sewer)
Dump station
WiFi
Cell service (very limited/none)
Camp store
Laundry
RV sites (over 14 feet)
Generators (prohibited)
Rules and Regulations
Critical Regulations
Bear Safety (ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY):
ALL food, toiletries, trash, scented items in bear boxes when not actively in use
Cooking 100 feet from sleeping area recommended
Never store food in tent or vehicle
Clean cooking areas thoroughly
Violations = $150+ citation and immediate eviction
Length of Stay:
7 days maximum (early May through Labor Day)
14 days maximum (after Labor Day)
Must leave park completely if returning
Quiet Hours:
10:00 PM - 6:00 AM (strictly enforced)
No generators ever (tent-only campground)
Respectful volume at all times
Site Occupancy:
6 people maximum per site
1 vehicle per site (overflow parking near entrance)
2 tents maximum
Pets:
Allowed on leash (6 feet maximum)
Not allowed on trails or backcountry
Never unattended
Clean up waste immediately
Fires:
Permitted in fire rings only
Fully extinguish before sleeping or leaving site
Fire restrictions possible during dry periods
Supervision required always
Checkout:
11:00 AM checkout time
Leave site clean (pack out all trash)
Close bear boxes
Notify camp host if leaving early
Location and Access
Getting There
From Jackson (20 minutes):
North on Highway 89/191
Enter Grand Teton National Park at Moose entrance
Park entrance fee: $35/vehicle (7 days) or useannual pass
North on Teton Park Road
Jenny Lake Campground entrance on right (8 miles from Moose)
From Jackson Lake Junction (15 minutes):
South on Teton Park Road
Jenny Lake Campground entrance on left (before Jenny Lake Visitor Center)
GPS Coordinates: 43.7569° N, 110.7286° W
Nearby Attractions (Walking Distance)
Jenny Lake:
0.3 miles to lake shore (7-minute walk)
Swimming (cold but refreshing)
Canoeing, kayaking (no rentals at Jenny Lake—bring your own)
Photography (best sunrise/sunset)
Jenny Lake Visitor Center:
0.5 miles
Climbing rangers (route beta, conditions)
Books, maps, permits
Ranger programs
Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle:
0.3 miles to dock
$20 round trip, $12 one-way
Shortcut to Cascade Canyon (saves 2 miles hiking)
Operates May-September (weather dependent)
Trailheads:
0.3 miles to trailhead
7.6 miles loop around lake
Easy, flat
Can take boat one direction
0.3 miles to trailhead (or take boat)
9.4 miles to Lake Solitude (from campground)
Moderate to strenuous
Park's most popular hike
Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point:
0.3 miles to trailhead
5.6 miles round trip (or take boat 2.2 miles round trip)
Moderate
Park's most popular short hike
1 mile by car (5 minutes)
Trailhead for Grand Teton climbs
Amphitheater Lake day hike
Garnet Canyon access
Activities and Day Trips
Hiking from Jenny Lake
Easy Hikes:
Jenny Lake Loop: 7.6 miles, 3-4 hours, flat
Leigh Lake: 5.4 miles round trip via String Lake, easy
Moderate Hikes:
Hidden Falls/Inspiration Point: 5.6 miles round trip (2.2 with boat), 2-4 hours
String Lake Loop: 3.7 miles, 1-2 hours, flat/easy-moderate
Strenuous Day Hikes:
Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude: 18.8 miles round trip (14.4 with boat), 8-10 hours
Amphitheater Lake: 10 miles round trip, 6-8 hours, 3,000 feet gain
Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop: 19 miles, 10-12 hours, 3,800 feet gain
Alpine Climbing
Jenny Lake is the climber's basecamp. TheJenny Lake climbing rangers provide route information, conditions, and permits.
Popular Objectives:
Grand Teton: via Owen-Spalding or Exum Ridge
Middle Teton: via Southwest Couloir
Disappointment Peak: preparation climb
Symmetry Spire: excellent moderate alpine route
Teewinot: steep scramble with exposure
Permits: Overnight climbing requiresbackcountry camping permit for Lower Saddle camps. Visit Jenny Lake Ranger Station.
Wildlife Viewing
Common Sightings Near Jenny Lake:
Black bears: River corridors, berry patches (June-September)
Moose: Willow flats, lake edges (dawn/dusk)
Pika: Rockslides along trails (listen for squeaks)
Birds: Ospreys, eagles, varied thrush, Steller's jays
Safety:
Maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves
25 yards from other wildlife
Never feed animals
Bear spray recommended on trails
Fishing
Jenny Lake:
Cutthroat and lake trout
Wyoming fishing license required (buy online)
No motors allowed (hand-powered boats only)
Catch-and-release encouraged
Nearby Rivers:
Snake River (15 minutes south)
Gros Ventre River (20 minutes)
Photography
Best Locations:
Jenny Lake shore (sunrise on peaks)
Cascade Canyon mouth (reflection shots)
String Lake (calm water reflections)
Inspiration Point (overlooking Jenny Lake)
Best Times:
Sunrise: Alpenglow on peaks, calm water, fewer people
Sunset: Golden light, but crowds
Blue hour: After sunset, dramatic light
Seasonal Guide
Summer (July-August)
Conditions:
Highs: 75-85°F
Lows: 40-50°F
Afternoon thunderstorms common
Peak crowds
Campsite Availability:
Fills 7:00-8:00 AM daily
Weekends even more competitive
Be prepared to wait hours
Trail Conditions:
All trails clear of snow
Full access to high country
Crowded (especially Cascade Canyon)
Wildlife:
Bears active (berries ripening)
Moose in willows
Birds nesting
Shoulder Season (June, September)
June:
Highs: 65-75°F, Lows: 35-45°F
Snow lingering on high passes
Mosquitoes emerge mid-month
Campsite availability: Fills 9:00-11:00 AM
Fewer crowds
September:
Highs: 60-70°F, Lows: 30-40°F
Best weather of year (stable, clear)
Aspen gold in canyons
Campsite availability: Much easier (especially post-Labor Day)
Wildlife active (elk rut)
Best month for experienced campers
Spring/Fall (May, October)
May:
Campground opens early May (weather dependent)
Snow possible, cold nights (20s-30s°F)
Many trails snowy/muddy
Very few campers
Campsite availability: Easy
October:
Campground closes late September/early October
Cold (highs 40s-50s, lows 20s-30s)
Snow likely
Minimal services
What to Bring
Essential Gear
Shelter:
Quality 4-season or 3-season tent (wind, rain, cold possible)
Ground tarp
Extra tent stakes (Rocky ground)
Rain fly (afternoon storms common)
Sleeping:
Sleeping bag rated 20-30°F (summer nights cold)
Sleeping pad (insulation and comfort)
Pillow
Clothing Layers:
Base layers (synthetic or wool, not cotton)
Insulation (fleece or puffy jacket)
Rain jacket and pants (waterproof/breathable)
Warm hat and gloves (cold mornings)
Sun hat and sunglasses
Hiking boots/shoes
Cooking:
Camp stove and fuel
Cookware and utensils
Biodegradable soap
Water bottles (1+ gallon capacity)
Food storage bags (for bear box organization)
Safety:
First aid kit
Bear spray (required for trails)
Headlamp (extra batteries)
Whistle
Map and compass
Sun protection (high elevation UV)
Insect repellent
Other Essentials:
Firewood (purchase before arrival)
Fire starter
Camping chairs
Trash bags (pack out everything)
Toilet paper (bathrooms have it, but backup wise)
Hand sanitizer
Book/entertainment (no WiFi/cell service)
Don't Forget:
National Park pass or $35 entrance fee
Fishing license (if fishing)
Reservation confirmation for other activities
Camera
Binoculars (wildlife viewing)
Nearby Alternatives
If Jenny Lake is full or doesn't fit your needs:
10 minutes north
81 sites, some reservable
RV-friendly (up to 30 feet)
Jackson Lake access
Less dramatic Teton views
15 minutes south
350+ sites, many reservable
RV-friendly
Less expensive ($32/night)
River setting, easier access
20 minutes north
350+ sites, reservable
Full hookups available
Showers, laundry, store
Jackson Lake views
Less intimate than Jenny Lake
35 minutes north (near park's north end)
60 sites, first-come
Quiet, less crowded
Jackson Lake access
Farther from main attractions
Pro Tips
Securing a Site:
Have a backup plan (alternate campground reservations)
Arrive Tuesday-Thursday if possible (avoid weekends)
Be patient—sites do become available 10:00-11:00 AM
September is the secret best month (post-Labor Day)
Maximizing Your Stay:
Wake early for sunrise on the Tetons from lake shore
Start hikes by 7:00 AM (avoid afternoon storms and crowds)
Take the boat shuttle at least once (worth $20)
Visit Jenny Lake Ranger Station for current conditions
Explore String Lake (less crowded than Jenny Lake)
Weather Preparation:
Expect afternoon thunderstorms July-August (off trails by 2:00 PM)
Nights are cold even in summer (30s-40s possible)
Layer clothing (temperatures swing 40°F daily)
Bring rain gear always
Bear Country:
Use bear boxes religiously (no exceptions)
Carry bear spray on all hikes
Make noise on trails (especially dawn/dusk)
Never approach bears (100+ yards minimum)
Dealing with Crowds:
Hike early (trails empty before 8:00 AM)
Choose less popular trails (Leigh Lake, String Lake vs. Cascade Canyon)
Visit mid-week instead of weekends
Camp in shoulder season (June, September)
Emergency and Contacts
Emergency: 911 or 307-739-3300 (Grand Teton Dispatch)
Jenny Lake Ranger Station: 307-739-3343 (climbing information, conditions)
Park Visitor Centers:
Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center (Moose): 307-739-3399
Jenny Lake Visitor Center: 307-739-3392
Medical:
St. John's Medical Center (Jackson): 307-733-3636
Nearest hospital: 20 minutes in Jackson
Weather:National Weather Service - Jackson
Park Information:nps.gov/grte | 307-739-3300
Road Conditions: 307-344-2117 orWyoming Road Conditions
Final Thoughts
Jenny Lake Campground offers an experience unmatched in the Tetons—tent camping at the base of America's most dramatic peaks with immediate trail access and a quiet, backcountry-adjacent atmosphere. The first-come system requires effort and patience, but the reward is camping in one of the most spectacular locations in the national park system. Plan for competitive site acquisition, bring proper gear for cold nights and afternoon storms, respect bear country regulations, and you'll have an extraordinary Teton camping experience.
The key to success: arrive early with realistic expectations, be flexible and patient, and embrace the adventure of securing one of America's most coveted campsites.