Curtis Canyon Campground: Jackson's Hidden Gem Above the Valley

Curtis Canyon Campground is Jackson's best-kept local secret—a tiny 12-site Forest Service campground perched 1,000 feet above town with panoramic Teton views, peaceful solitude, and surprisingly easy access. Unlike the competitive national park campgrounds, Curtis Canyon rarely fills, costs just $15/night, and offers the kind of scenic camping that would command premium prices anywhere else.

Quick Facts:

• Sites: 12 (tent and small RVs up to 30 feet)

• Reservations: First-come, first-served only

• Cost: $15/night

• Season: June through September (snow dependent)

• Maximum Stay: 16 days

• Elevation: 7,000 feet

• Location: 6 miles northeast of Jackson via Curtis Canyon Road

Why Curtis Canyon Works

The View: Every site has spectacular Teton Range views across Jackson Hole valley. You're camping on a bench overlooking the entire valley with the Cathedral Group rising 7,000+ feet across the basin. Sunrise and sunset are extraordinary.

Rarely Full: While Jenny Lake fills by 8 AM and Gros Ventre books out months ahead, Curtis Canyon typically has sites available even summer weekends. Local knowledge keeps it quiet.

Close to Town: Despite feeling remote and wild, you're 15 minutes from Jackson's restaurants, grocery stores, and gear shops. Run into town for supplies, then return to wilderness solitude.

Real Amenities (Sort Of): Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings—but no water. It's primitive enough to feel authentic, developed enough to be comfortable.

Mountain Biking Paradise: TheCache Creek trail system starts at the campground, offering 20+ miles of singletrack with options for all skill levels.

Getting There & Access

From Jackson (15 minutes):

1. East on Broadway to National Elk Refuge Road

2. Follow road pastNational Elk Refuge headquarters

3. Continue as road becomes Curtis Canyon Road (gravel)

4. 6 miles to campground (steep, narrow in places)

5. Road passable for 2WD vehicles (dry conditions)

Road Conditions:

• Paved for first 2 miles, then maintained gravel

• Steep sections (grade 8-10%)

• Narrow with limited turnouts

• Trailers over 20 feet not recommended

• Winter: Closed (snow)

• Spring: Muddy, 4WD may be needed

• Summer/Fall: 2WD fine

GPS: 43.5044° N, 110.6886° W

The Campground

Sites and Layout

12 Sites Total:

• Sites 1-6: Upper loop, best views

• Sites 7-12: Lower loop, more tree cover

• All sites have picnic tables and fire rings

• Parking spurs for 1 vehicle (some accommodate small RVs/trailers)

• Relatively level tent areas

Best Sites:

• Sites 1, 2, 3: Premium Teton views, sunset spectacular

• Sites 10, 11, 12: More privacy, tree cover, still good views

• Site 6: Balance of views and privacy

Any site is excellent here. This is a "take whatever's available and be grateful" campground.

Facilities

Available:

• Vault toilets (clean, maintained)

• Picnic tables at every site

• Fire rings with cooking grates

• Trash service (pack-in, pack-out encouraged)

• Camp host (summer)

NOT Available:

• Water (bring all water from Jackson)

• Showers

• Dump station

• Hookups

• Cell service (very limited)

• WiFi

• Firewood sales (bring or gather nearby)

Critical: No potable water. Bring minimum 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, washing. Nearest water in Jackson (15 minutes).

Rules

• Maximum stay: 16 days

• Occupancy: 8 people per site

• Quiet hours: 10 PM - 6 AM

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Fires: In rings only, fully extinguish

• Bear country: Store food in vehicles, not tents

• Checkout: None (first-come system, take available sites)

When to Visit

Summer (July-August)

Conditions:

• Highs: 75-85°F (10-15° cooler than valley)

• Lows: 45-55°F (perfect sleeping weather)

• Afternoon thunderstorms possible

• Usually 2-6 sites available even weekends

Why Summer Works:

• Cooler than valley (1,000 feet higher)

• Escape Jackson heat

• Still rarely full

• All trails accessible

Shoulder Season (June, September)

June:

• Highs: 65-75°F, Lows: 40-50°F

• Road may be muddy early month

• Fewer mosquitoes than valley

• Very few campers

• Wildflowers

September:

• Highs: 60-70°F, Lows: 35-45°F

• Best weather of year

• Aspen gold in canyons

• Nearly empty (post-Labor Day)

• Locals' favorite month

Spring/Fall:

• May: Road often closed (snow/mud)

• October: Closes mid-month (snow)

• Cold nights (below freezing possible)

Activities from Curtis Canyon

Mountain Biking

Curtis Canyon is Jackson's premier mountain biking basecamp. TheCache Creek trail system starts at the campground.

Popular Rides:

Cache Creek Trail:

• 10+ miles one-way

• Moderate (some technical sections)

• Connects to Game Creek, Snow King

• Singletrack through forest and meadows

Curtis Canyon Loop:

• Various loops possible

• 5-15 miles depending on route

• Mix of singletrack and doubletrack

• Spectacular views

Skill Levels:

• Beginner: Lower Cache Creek, doubletrack

• Intermediate: Full Cache Creek system

• Advanced: Technical singletrack options

Bike Rentals in Jackson:

• Hoback Sports: Full-suspension and hardtails

• Teton Mountain Bike Tours: Rentals and guided rides

• Fitzgerald's Bicycles: Sales and rentals

Hiking

From Campground:

• Multiple trails branch from Cache Creek system

• Day hikes from 2-15 miles possible

• Wildlife common (deer, elk, moose, bears)

Nearby Trailheads (5-15 minutes):

• Goodwin Lake: 8 miles round trip, alpine lake, 1,500 ft gain

• Cache Creek to Game Creek: 12 miles, connects to town

• Curtis Canyon overlooks: Short walks from campground

Wildlife Viewing

From Campground:

• Elk (especially dawn/dusk)

• Deer (common)

• Moose (occasional in willow areas)

• Black bears (active June-September)

• Raptors (golden eagles, hawks)

Bear Safety:

• Store food in vehicles (not tents)

• Clean cooking areas thoroughly

• Pack out trash

• Make noise on trails

• Carrybear spray on hikes

National Elk Refuge (Winter):

• 5 minutes below campground

• Sleigh rides December-March

• 5,000-7,000 elk winter on refuge

• Campground closed winter (view refuge from valley)

Photography

Best Shots:

• Sunrise on Tetons from campground (golden light)

• Valley views with elk/wildlife (dawn/dusk)

• Milky Way (minimal light pollution)

• 360° panoramas from overlooks

Best Times:

• Dawn:Alpenglow on peaks, wildlife active

• Dusk:Golden hour on valley, dramatic light

• Night: Stars incredible at 7,000 feet

Day Trips from Curtis Canyon

Grand Teton National Park:

• 25 minutes to Moose entrance

• 35 minutes to Jenny Lake

• Hiking, climbing, scenic drives

• $35 entrance fee or annual pass

Jackson:

• 15 minutes to town

• Restaurants, bars, shopping

• Town Square with antler arches

• Gear stores, grocery, medical

National Elk Refuge:

• 5 minutes (drive through to reach campground)

• Wildlife viewing year-round

• Visitor center

• Winter sleigh rides (campground closed)

Snow King Mountain:

• 10 minutes

• Scenic chairlift rides (summer)

• Hiking, mountain biking

• Paragliding

Gros Ventre River:

• 20 minutes

• Fishing, dispersed camping

• Slide Lake historical site

What to Bring

Essential Gear

Water (CRITICAL):

• Bring ALL water from Jackson

• Minimum 1 gallon/person/day

• 5-10 gallon jugs recommended for multi-day

• No water at campground or nearby

Camping:

• Tent and stakes (wind possible)

• Sleeping bag (30-40°F rating minimum)

• Sleeping pad

• Layers (temps vary 40°F daily)

• Rain jacket (afternoon storms)

• Warm jacket (cool evenings/mornings)

Cooking:

• Camp stove and fuel

• Cookware

• Cooler (no ice sales—bring from Jackson)

• Food for entire stay

• Trash bags (pack out)

Other:

• Firewood (gather nearby or bring from valley)

• Fire starter

• Headlamp

• First aid kit

• Sun protection (high elevation UV)

• Insect repellent (mosquitoes June-July)

• Bear spray (if hiking)

• Mountain bike (if riding)

Don't Forget:

• Fill water containers in Jackson before ascending

• Buy groceries/supplies in Jackson

• Gas up vehicle (no services on Curtis Canyon Road)

Nearby Alternatives

If Curtis Canyon doesn't fit:

Gros Ventre Campground:

• 20 minutes away

• 350+ sites, reservable

• Full amenities including water

• $32/night

• Less views, more facilities

Atherton Creek Campground:

• Similar to Curtis Canyon

• Smaller (5 sites)

• East Gros Ventre Road

• $10/night

• More remote

Red Hills Campground:

• Gros Ventre Road corridor

• 5 sites, first-come

• $10/night

• Forest setting

Dispersed Camping:

• Free camping on Forest Service roads

• Complete self-sufficiency required

• No facilities

• Gros Ventre River corridor

Pro Tips

Water Strategy:

1. Fill 5-10 gallon jugs at Jackson grocery store or gas station

2. Bring extra—you'll use more than expected

3. Use camp stove (less water than fire cooking)

4. Wet wipes for cleaning (saves water)

Timing:

1. Arrive afternoon/evening (sites usually available)

2. September post-Labor Day = nearly empty

3. Weekdays quieter than weekends (but weekends still fine)

Maximizing Location:

1. Wake for sunrise on Tetons (spectacular from camp)

2. Ride Cache Creek trails before heat of day

3. Return to Jackson for dinner/showers

4. Evening/night at campground (stars, wildlife, quiet)

Weather:

1. 10-15°F cooler than valley (bring layers)

2. Afternoon thunderstorms possible (secure camp)

3. Wind can pick up (stake tents well)

4. Nights cool even in summer (40s-50s)

Wildlife:

1. Elk and deer active dawn/dusk

2. Store food in vehicles (not tents)

3. Make noise when walking around camp

4. Respect wildlife distance (25+ yards)

Biking:

1. Cache Creek trailhead at campground entrance

2. Trails range beginner to advanced

3. Rent bikes in Jackson before ascending

4. Bring repair kit and water

Why Curtis Canyon Over Popular Campgrounds

vs. Jenny Lake:

• Curtis: Almost always available, $15, quiet, fewer rules

• Jenny: Full by 8 AM, $37, crowded, strict regulations

• Choose Curtis if: You want views + solitude without competition

vs. Gros Ventre:

• Curtis: 12 sites, panoramic views, cooler temps, mountain biking

• Gros: 350 sites, river setting, full amenities, easier access

• Choose Curtis if: You want small, scenic, peaceful (and can bring water)

vs. Signal Mountain:

• Curtis: Cheaper, quieter, better views (arguably)

• Signal: Reservable, RV-friendly, more facilities, Jackson Lake access

• Choose Curtis if: You're tent camping and want a local's experience

Emergency and Contacts

Emergency: 911

Bridger-Teton National Forest (Jackson Ranger District):

• 307-739-5400

• Forest Service website

Medical:

• St. John's Medical Center (Jackson): 307-733-3636

• 15 minutes to hospital

Weather:

• National Weather Service - Jackson

• Check before heading up (afternoon storms, wind)

Road Conditions:

• Wyoming Road Conditions

• 307-344-2117

Final Thoughts

Curtis Canyon Campground offers what most Jackson campers dream about: spectacular Teton views, genuine solitude, and easy access to town—all for $15/night without the competition and crowds of national park campgrounds. The lack of water is the only real compromise, easily solved with jugs from Jackson.

If you want to camp like a Jackson local instead of a tourist, wake to sunrise alpenglow on the Tetons from your tent, mountain bike world-class trails from camp, and still grab dinner in town afterward, Curtis Canyon is your campground.