This June we’re all about camping! We’ve talked about scoring free campsites on BLM land, 24 hours in Canyonlands NP, camping in Tofino, BC, and what to pack for some good camp meals.

In my opinion, there’s nothing like this view of the Grand Tetons.

I camped here for one chilly night about a decade ago, and that view of the mountains rising out of the water stuck with me ever since. Fortunately, these mountains and their reflection are just as majestic as I had remembered. Come along for our quick trip back to the park. 

Camping in Grand Tetons

There are a number of campground options within the park with a combined total of close to 1000 sites! When here, we finally feel like demand for camping options meets or exceeds supply.

A couple of the campgrounds with prime locations will fill up by mid-morning during the peak season, but it’s nice to know that you can drive into this park and it’s likely that you’ll still be able to find a spot at a few of the large and more out-of-the-way campgrounds (I’m looking at you, Lizard Creek). In addition to the campgrounds, there are numerous lodge and cabin options.

Signal Mountain Campground

During both of our trips to the Tetons, we camped in the Signal Mountain campground. This is one that can fill up early on a summer day because of its prime location and view. The campground is on the shores of Jackson Lake, and there are a handful of prime sites close to the water’s edge.

There are 81 sites in this campground, and yet it’s wooded enough that it doesn’t feel that large. Unfortunately we had one of the sunnier sites, making it super-hot during the afternoons, but we used it as an excuse to leave the site and seek out shade in other parts of the park.

It’s not often that we camp at a location with so many amenities. There are showers and a laundry machines on site. The campground is adjacent to the Signal Mountain Lodge and camp store. The lodge has a couple of dining options if you want to take a break from campfire cooking. We were tempted to dine in the lodge on the last night, but then we remembered that we were traveling with a couple of wild and grimy children. Instead, we picked up some finger foods from the camp store and had a picnic on the lake’s pebble beach.

Camping Notes

As I mentioned above, Signal Mountain Campground is located right on the shores of Jackson Lake. That’s the large lake (actually a reservoir) in the foreground of the photo above.

There are a number of different “unofficial” trails in and around the campground. Most of these trails seem to start and end at the different bathrooms. But near the the lake, there are a few trails that will take you from the campground to the shore and these views.

One of the most peaceful things that I did while on this trip was to take a 10-15 minute morning stroll. It was so easy with the trails being right there. Plus, during that time everyone else was just relaxing at our site, so I didn’t feel like this little luxury was getting in the way of other plans. It was on those morning walks that I took the beautiful pictures of the mountain range reflecting in the water.

During this camping trip, C and I took turns trading off between watching the boys and taking afternoon naps. It’s something that we almost never do when camping or at home, but it was so nice to get that little bit of mid-day rest. We were both so exhausted from the long drive and short night the day before arriving in Jackson. I only mention it here, because campground naps are the best. You fall asleep and wake up in the woods, and you still have more afternoon adventures ahead!

Hiking : String Lake Loop

Just like in Canyonlands, we kept our hiking relatively easy while in the Tetons.

At both of these locations we weren’t staying that long, and with long drives behind and ahead, we wanted to enjoy the hike but not be so tired that it made the next day’s car-time difficult. How/what/why? Because over-tired kids and parents can be just as nutty as ones with too much energy. We happen to know that.

During this visit we decided to hike the 3.8 mile String Lake Loop. For our super-hikers, this is a great distance. It’s enough to make them tired, but they can still function at the end. And, of course, 3yo Luc spent some time in the carrier.

This trail is great for younger kids because with less than 300 feet of elevation gain it’s relatively flat. Our kids loved the few bridges that are along the trail. It’s such a little detail, but walking across a bridge suddenly elevates a trail in their minds. Plus, there’s always the possibility of seeing wildlife. We saw a marmot! And I’m 99% sure that I heard a moose just off the trail (the fresh scat was also a clue).  During the spring, with snow still melting on the peaks, it’s always possible to find water on the trails. That was the case on this trail. There were a few muddy spots and one area with water falling and flowing right across the trail. Nonetheless it was still super easy to navigate in early June.

Our marmot sighting was fun. Maybe it’s because we were listening to The Wind in the Willows during the drive, but I almost felt like we were just “popping in” to say hi to the little fellow. As we walked along the trail, Calder saw his head popping out of his burrow on the down-hill side of the trail. You can barely see him in the first photo below, but I was able to get a second, clearer photo of his head sticking out to see if we were gone. Fortunately the boys are at the age where they appreciate a good wildlife siting and are able to be quiet enough to not scare the critters away. 

After our hike we sat at the picnic tables at the trailhead for lunch. It’s a minor detail, but worth mentioning because just like the aforementioned naps, it’s a nice break from routine. Rather than having all of your meals at the campsite, plan one or two that are either on the trail or at another location in the park. It will make you feel like you saw and did more during your short time in the park. 

While our time in Grand Teton NP was short, our crush on those majestic mountains is just as strong as it ever was.