Campsite Review: Shadow Mountain - Jackson, WY
Stayed here 9/28/17-9/29/17. This was my first experience camping on free unmarked USFS campsites. I nailed it. I mean, this camping spot stares directly at the peak of the Grand Tetons, plus off to the left of the site looks over Jackson Hole valley. Places like this make my writing feel incredibly insufficient. Nothing I can tell you lives up to the experience and it’s not necessarily an indictment on my writing. What you can see supersedes most descriptive language humans come equipped with. I recommend you see it yourself, Shadow Mountain has to be one of the best places in America to camp for free.
There are a couple of things I want to add so you’ve got some of an idea of what you’re getting into. The ride up can be rough, you’ll need 4x4 to get to the top where we set up. No worries if you can’t make it, you can certainly take advantage of sites at the base of the mountain. In my experience this area fills up quickly, so get here earlier in the day to claim a site.
Camping here is primitive, sites are marked and come with a fire ring. They’re not a bad size either. We had no neighbors, and even if we did they would have been a couple of hundred yards away. Take advantage and roam the mountain, you’ll find something new and beautiful in every direction. Be careful though, you’re in grizzly country. Watch where you hike and watch your food.
Also of note: Shadow Mountain is really close to a bunch of great day hikes. Jenny Lake, Taggert Lake, and the Granite Canyon are all within 30 minutes of the campsites and offer beautiful trails in and around the Tetons.
Access: 4/5
AWD needed to get to the top, only accessible when dry
Campsite Quality: 5/5
Big spaced out sites. Primitive, fire rings, lots of flat ground
Location: 5/5
BEST of free USFS camping. Only about 20/30 minutes to access to National Park
Noise: 5/5
Expect fellow campers on the mountain but I’d be shocked if you heard or saw them
Directions
43.703621, -110.622757
(From US-191) Drive to Antelope Flats Rd.
Follow Antelope Flats Rd. to the stop sign and turn left to Shadow Mtn. Rd.
Follow Shadow Mtn. Rd. until you find a campsite.
There are plenty down at the base of the mountain that get the most use, but if you’re careful you can get some privacy up on top of the mountain.
