My family took regular trips to Yellowstone National Park when I was growing up. We would drive through Grand Teton National Park on our way between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, but never took the time to visit what the park had to offer.

During the past few years, my family has taken adventure to see what Grand Teton National Park had to offer. Our experiences can help anyone seeking a fun outdoor adventure know what to expect.

TIP #1: Book Early if You Want a Campsite

There are six official campgrounds scattered throughout the park. Luckily, as of 2021, all of the campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park allow advanced reservations. They used to be first-come, first-served, so if you weren’t there by 10 a.m., chances of getting a campsite are slim, especially in peak seasons. You can book your sites up to six months in advance. But if you wait too long to book a campsite, you may find they’re all taken.

What are your options if you can’t get a campsite in the park? Bridger-Teton National Forest surrounds the park and offers a few campgrounds if you’re willing to drive down some dirt roads or camp in places with no facilities.

Years ago, when my wife and I arrived at the park, all the campgrounds were full. We ended up finding a spot in the overflow area of Crystal Creek campground east of Gros Ventre Campground. Within 15 minutes of picking a spot, the remaining spots were full, too.

If we would’ve missed that spot, the only other option was to pull off the road somewhere in the National Forest and camp in the rough – meaning no facilities. That means no toilets, and my wife would not have appreciated that.

TIP #2: Bring Cash With You

Why carry cash? Colter Bay Campground has showers, and they only accept cash. They smile upon those who pay with quarters, because there is also a coin-operated laundromat there. The General Store does have an ATM, but then you have to pay ATM fees with your bank.

If you end up at one of the National Forest campsites, they are paid for in cash – sometimes checks are an option.

So the bigger your group and the more showers they wish to take, the more cash you need to bring with you.

TIP #3: Eat the Pizza at Dornan’s

Dornan’s is located at the south end of Grand Teton National Park near Moose Junction. There is a general store, reception center and gas station in the area. But the one thing you don’t want to skip out on is the pizza and pasta. It’s located inside the Spur Bar.

Order a pizza – whichever one appeals to your taste buds – and take a seat on the balcony. There is an age restriction for the upper balcony (21+). But everyone is welcome to sit on the side patio. Both offer great views of the Grand Tetons, Snake River and wildlife that decides to stroll on by.

TIP #4: Pick up an Annual Park Pass (If you don’t already have one)

The entrance fee for the park is $30 per vehicle. Yellowstone National Park is a quick trip north, but it also has an entrance fee of $30.

An annual pass to the national parks is $80 and it’s good for 365 days from when you purchase it. So splurge on the extra $20 and then you’ll be set to explore everything the national parks have to offer.

The America the Beautiful: National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass (Interagency Annual Pass) is honored nationwide at National Park Service, Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation recreation sites charging day-use or entrance fees.

Get the pass that’s right for you:

• Annual Pass: $80
• Fourth Grade Pass: FREE for students in fourth grade and their family
• U.S. Military: FREE annual pass
• Senior Pass: Lifetime pass is $80 (annual pass is $20)

TIP #5: Start Hiking Early to Avoid Parking Lot Trouble

Grand Teton National Park has a lot of hiking trails. Depending on which trail you want to explore, you’ll need to keep in mind that everyone else probably has the same great idea as you. That means the parking lots will fill up pretty fast.

If you don’t want to wander aimlessly through the parking lot looking for a spot, get started earlier. This doesn’t mean at sunrise, but the early bird catches the worm.

Here is a list of the trails I would recommend you check out, but don’t hesitate to venture down your own trail.

• Jenny Lake (Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point)
• Taggart Lake
• Mormon Row (not as much hiking as checking out history)
• Leigh Lake

If your kids don’t really enjoy hiking, here are 7 ways to help make it more fun for them – or at least distract them while you hike.

Check out landscape photos from Grand Teton National Park in my online portfolio.

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