Looking for a way to experience Jackson Hole’s spectacular scenery without emptying your wallet? You’re in luck! As guides who spend our summers on the Snake River and winters exploring the mountains, we’ve learned where to pitch a tent, park a van, and snag lodging deals that leave more money for huckleberry milkshakes. Below is our locals’ guide to affordable stays and campsites, along with tips for stretching your travel dollars.
Budget-Friendly Camping Options
Within a few miles of town, you’ll find public land with inexpensive campsites. These are the three main types of camping to consider based on your budget and desired amenities.
1. Free Dispersed Camping (Bridger-Teton National Forest)
- Best For: True solitude and saving every dollar.
- Cost: FREE
- Where: Venture east of Jackson into the Gros Ventre Wilderness, which is managed by the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF). This is often referred to as Dispersed Camping.
- Logistics: There are no amenities (no water, restrooms, or trash service). You must pack in all your supplies and pack everything out (Leave No Trace). August and early September offer the best chance of snow-free conditions, but you can access the area year-round. Arrive with a backup plan, as these spots are first-come, first-served and fill up fast.
2. Developed National Forest Campgrounds (BTNF & Caribou-Targhee)
These forest campgrounds are perfect for travelers who prefer basic amenities (pit toilets, fire rings) and want to wake up with Teton views.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest (WY): Just outside Jackson, sites in designated campgrounds (like Curtis Canyon or Granite Creek) generally cost $20–$25 per night for a single unit and are mostly first-come, first-served. BTNF campgrounds open in late May and close around early September.
- Caribou-Targhee National Forest (ID): Across the state line in Idaho (near Victor and Driggs), these campgrounds offer beautiful settings and slightly higher amenities. Fees typically range from $13–$26 per night. Many sites here can be reserved online through recreation.gov.
3. Camping Inside the National Parks (GTNP & Yellowstone)
If you prefer staying inside Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park, expect high demand, higher prices, and strict reservation systems.
- Grand Teton National Park (GTNP): Campgrounds like Gros Ventre (along the river just minutes from the town of Jackson) or Jenny Lake are extremely popular. Fees for a standard tent site at Gros Ventre are typically $26–$32 per night (more for electric hookups).
- Reservations are Mandatory: For any campground inside Grand Teton or Yellowstone, securing a reservation, often 6 months out, is necessary, especially for summer travel. Check Recreation.gov early!
Hidden-Gem Affordable Lodging
If you’re not into tent camping, Jackson Hole does offer a few budget-friendly indoor options, which become much more critical in the winter months.
Is there a Hostel in Jackson Hole?
Yes! Cache House (located near the Town Square) offers clean, communal bunk-style lodging. This is the valley’s premier hostel and one of the most budget-friendly indoor options available, with nightly rates for a bunk often starting around $65–$100 outside of peak summer.
Budget Motel and RV Park Alternatives
Consider budget motels in Jackson or nearby Wilson, or look across Teton Pass to the towns of Victor and Driggs in Idaho for consistently lower rates.
- RV Parks: Parks like The Virginian Lodge RV Resort or Fireside Resort offer sites, often with hookups, that provide a good balance of services and moderate pricing.
- Driggs & Victor, ID: Campgrounds like Teton Canyon and Falls Campground sit near streams and trailheads and provide convenient access to biking, fishing, and the charming small towns, often at lower nightly rates than sites directly in Jackson.
Budget‑Friendly Travel Tips
Stretching your vacation budget goes beyond your sleeping arrangements.
- Book Lodging Early: Many Jackson and Teton Village properties offer deals like a fourth night free or mid-week discounts if you reserve ahead.
- Use Public Transportation and Bike Paths: Take advantage of the START Bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit). Rides within the Town of Jackson are FREE. A one-way ride from Jackson to Teton Village is typically $3, which is a huge savings over gas and high parking fees.
- Eat Local and Picnic: Grab happy-hour specials at local restaurants, or shop at the Saturday Jackson Hole Farmers Market for fresh, affordable ingredients. Picnics in the park are both memorable and budget-friendly.
- Take Advantage of Passes: An annual interagency America the Beautiful Pass ($80) can be highly cost-effective if you’re visiting multiple national parks. Also, enjoy free ranger programs and junior ranger activities.
- Find Free Activities: Stroll Jackson Town Square and snap a photo under the antler arches, hike or boulder at Phil Baux Park on Snow King Mountain, and spend an afternoon at Rendezvous Park in Wilson.
Safety & Leave No Trace
When camping, especially in bear country, preparation is key. Always carry bear spray and store food and scented items in bear-proof containers. Remember that dispersed camping in the national forests is first-come, first-served, so arrive early, have a backup plan, and never camp outside designated areas.
Plan Your Adventure
Jackson Hole doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can camp beneath the stars for less than the price of a restaurant meal, ride the bus for free, and spend your days exploring.
And when you’re ready to swap the tent for a seat on the water, remember that a scenic float with us is one of the best value-per-hour activities in the valley. We offer affordable group rates and a relaxing way to experience the scenery without the cost of high-end backcountry guides. Book your scenic float trip today and see the ecosystem from a new perspective!
