Wyoming

Arguably the most coveted campground in the Tetons, Jenny Lake sits at the base of the Cathedral Group with direct trailhead access to Cascade Canyon and Paintbrush Divide. Just 49 tent-only sites on a first-come, first-served basis — arrive by 7 AM in summer or don't bother. The reward is waking up to some of the most iconic mountain scenery in North America, with the lake's crystal waters reflecting the peaks at dawn.

Perched on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village offers 430 sites in a lodgepole pine forest. Easy access to West Thumb Geyser Basin and the south loop road makes it an ideal base for first-time Yellowstone visitors. The campground has flush toilets, a coin laundry, and showers at the nearby lodge — rare amenities inside the park. September visits are magical: bison wander through camp at dawn and the crowds have thinned.

The largest campground in Grand Teton with 350 sites, Colter Bay balances accessibility with wilderness feel. Jackson Lake access means kayaking and fishing right from camp, and the visitor center and general store add convenience. Pull-through sites accommodate large RVs, and the nearby Colter Bay RV Park offers full hookups for those who need them.

Sitting at the junction of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in Yellowstone, Madison is a favorite of anglers and wildlife watchers. The 278 sites fill early in summer, but the location can't be beat — Old Faithful is 16 miles south, Norris Geyser Basin 14 miles north, and the Madison River is one of the best fly-fishing stretches in the park. Elk and bison frequently graze in the meadow directly adjacent to camp.

With 300+ sites spread across five loops along the Gros Ventre River, this is the best-kept secret in Grand Teton. It's the last campground to fill in the park — often when Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, and Colter Bay are all full. Less dramatic views than other Teton campgrounds, but the riverside setting, abundant wildlife (moose are regulars), and proximity to Kelly and the Gros Ventre Wilderness make it a strong choice.

Just 16 sites accessed via a rough two-mile dirt road in Yellowstone's remote Lamar Valley. Slough Creek is legendary among anglers for its cutthroat trout fishing and among wildlife watchers for wolf and bear sightings. No hookups, no cell service, no showers — just one of the most peaceful campground experiences in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. First-come, first-served and worth the early drive.

Tucked in Yellowstone's quiet northeast corner near the Beartooth Highway, Pebble Creek's 27 sites offer solitude that the park's western campgrounds can't match. The Lamar Valley — the Serengeti of North America for wildlife viewing — is a short drive west. The campground sits along Pebble Creek at 6,900 feet, with good hiking access to the Absaroka Range.

The gateway to Wyoming's legendary Wind River Range, Worthen Meadow sits at 8,800 feet near Lander and serves as the primary base camp for backpacking into the Cirque of the Towers — one of the premier alpine destinations in the Lower 48. The campground is small and rustic with no hookups, but the trailhead access to some of the most spectacular backcountry in the Rocky Mountains makes it an essential stop for serious hikers.

Perched above Jackson Lake in Grand Teton, Signal Mountain's 81 sites offer some of the best sunset views in the park. The campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet and sits at the base of Signal Mountain Summit Road — a short drive to a panoramic overlook of the Tetons, Jackson Lake, and the Snake River valley. The marina is a short walk for boat rentals and lakeside dining.

Yellowstone's largest campground with 432 sites sits on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. Bridge Bay is the most accessible campground for fishing — the marina offers boat rentals for lake fishing, and several excellent cutthroat streams are within a short drive. The campground is centrally located between the Upper and Lower Loop drives, making it a strong base for exploring the entire park.