We just wrapped up a fantastic 9-day stay in Grand Tetons, and we saw and did so much I’ll have to break it up into a few posts! We stayed in the fabulous Gros Ventre campground. Our friends Sean and Kristy (Long Long Honeymoon) had told us that this was their favorite campsite ever, and I have to agree with them. It’s a first-come, first-served campground, but it rarely fills up so you can pretty much always get a spot. The sites themselves are very spacious with great separation between neighbors. We were lucky enough to get a site that backed up to the Snake River, and the river was so full and flowing we could hear it inside our RV. There lots of wildlife in the park too – we saw bison, antelope, and moose. There were recent reports of a grizzly bear in the campground, but she didn’t make any appearances while we there. The park is located at the south end of the park, so it gives you easy access to both the park and the town of Jackson. The only downside is that it’s dry camping. There is one new section that has electric hook-ups, but it almost doubles the price to get one of those spots. We loved this park and we’ll definitely stay here again. Below are couple of pictures of the campsite and the river right behind us.
As you drive down the road from the campground back towards the park, the Snake River runs right alongside the road the whole time. There are several parking areas where you can stop and just take in the scenery.
We visited Grand Teton last year also, but only had a couple of days. It was so nice this time to have plenty of time to explore all the many things this beautiful park has to offer. Just down the road from Gros Ventre is Mormon Row, which is a group of several old farmhouses that were built by the Mormons when they settled in the area.
The Tetons themselves are just stunning, and can be viewed from almost anywhere inside the park.
There are several other former ranches and cabins sprinkled throughout the park. Most of them are part of the park, but a few are privately owned.
Just south of the park is the National Elk Refuge. There are several dirt roads throughout the park that anyone can drive through, and a couple of the roads also venture into the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest. We spent a couple of hours driving through here and the wildlife was plentiful – we saw mountain goats, antelope, and big horn sheep, but surprisingly no elk. We even saw a coyote chasing a group of antelope, but he eventually gave up and left them alone.
Well, we did actually see one elk – or rather, what was left of one. I don’t know why, but there’s something about this picture I love. It’s a good example of how the park is truly wild – there’s life and death here every day.
Just amazing! We have not been there yet, but will definitely stay at that campground when we do!
You would definitely love it! I can’t wait to go back myself.
Thanks for sharing. That campground looks right up our alley and the scenery is breathtaking. That last photo captures the environment perfectly……beautiful but harsh.
Thanks – I’m glad you liked it – beautiful but harsh is a good way to put it!
G o r g e o u s !! Love the campground too! I actually prefer the Tetons to Yellowstone.
We are actually at Yellowstone right now – and so far, I think we agree with you!
Yes, we also loved Gros Vent. Hope you got to see the beavers in the river, too. That last photo almost looks like a painting!
We didn’t see any actual beavers, just several beaver dams. We’re in Yellowstone now, so maybe we’ll see one here!
Thank you! We were there last year for only one night, so it was so nice to stay for an extended stay. In fact, if we hadn’t had plans to meet up with friends in Yellowstone, we might have stayed even longer!
That is a place high on my list of must-see’s! Your pictures are incredible…you must have had thousands to go through during those 9 days!
Thanks! And yes, so..many..pictures. Took me forever to go through them all!
Thank you! The whole park is just beautiful – the mountains really are special.
Amazing! We spent a few days in the Tetons 2 years ago and I so want to return for a longer stay. It was also smokey from nearby wildfires while we were there, and the mountain view while still beautiful, looked nothing like your photos. I can’t wait to see part 2!
It was sooo nice to have several days to explore at our pace. You’ll definitely need to return someday! Just published part 2 – parts 3 and 4 coming up!
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Another timely post for us. We’re heading to Gros Ventre in a couple of weeks. Love the pics!
Ha – that’s funny! Have a great time – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as we did!
We will be there for a few days starting on the 20th. Gros Ventre was on my list, but I though it might be too far out. Looks pretty good to me. Did you check out any of the boondocking just North of the park (on the way to Yellowstone)?
I don’t think Gros Ventre is too far out at all – we easily explored the whole park from there. Plus it gives you easy access to Jackson Hole. We did not check out any of the boondocking north of the park – when we left Grand Teton we just went straight into Yellowstone. Enjoy your stay there!
By far one of my absolute favorite places in the world!!! Great shots… thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much! And yes, it’s one of our very favorite places also.
That is a great shot of the bones with the Tetons in the background. Enjoyed your trip through Utah, and looking forward to your travels through Wyoming as well. We can’t wait to get back to that area someday.
Thanks for sharing, great posts.
Thank you very much! I bet the Tetons will be gorgeous in the fall!