With over 3.4 millions acres of land, Bridger-Teton National Forest is one of the largest natural preserves in the region. Located in Western Wyoming, a large portion of the forest overlaps with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the most stunning natural areas in the country. You’ll be able to explore the forest with hundreds of miles of trails, many of which allow mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The area is also known as one of the best hunting grounds in the West, with dozens of unique ecosystems and a large variety of big game.
Anglers will find hundreds of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers throughout the forest, packed with a wide range of fish species. You’ll find abundant trout, catfish, bass, and sunfish, many of which can be caught during the winter when the lakes freeze over. Fly fishers also flock to the area for some of the best stream fishing around. There are dozens of campgrounds scattered throughout the forest, so you can find a site that fits just about any needs. Read on to find out details on three of these featured RV campgrounds. From stunning mountain views to soaring rivers, you will be in awe of the landscape during your RV visit to Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Bridger-Teton National Forest occupies a large portion of the northwestern corner of Wyoming. The forest is massive, with millions of acres of land and a wide variety of terrain types. Many of the more secluded campgrounds can be tough to reach by RV, especially if you’re visiting during the winter.
If you are coming from Cheyenne, take US-80 to US-191 and you can get to the edge of the forest in around six hours. From Boise, take I-84 west and you’ll arrive in just under six hours.
At over 3.4 millions acres, it can take a while to get across the forest. US-26 will lead you into the heart of the forest without too many issues. However, if you need to reach any of the more remote areas, you will likely have to drive on curvy mountain roads. If you have a large rig, try to find a campground that is closer to the more developed areas of the forest near Moran. Make sure that you are prepared for icy conditions if you visit during the winter.
This rustic site features 14 standard sites, none of which have hookups of any kind. However, the sites do have fire pits and picnic tables, as well as access to drinking water. You’ll have lots of fun exploring the hiking trails, including the Angles Trail. The area is also great for hunting and wildlife viewing. RVs and trailers up to 66 feet in length can be accommodated. This area is notorious for bears and critters getting in food so make sure to take advantage of the food storage boxes at the campground.
Forest Park Campground features 13 sites, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet long. None of the sites have hookups of any kind, although you’ll have access to drinking water and vault toilets. The sites also come with picnic tables and fire pits. It’s a fairly secluded area that’s great for those interested in picnicking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.
Curtis Canyon Campground campground is perfect for RV campers who want to be a bit closer to civilization. You’ll be close to Jackson, while still tucked into nature. The sites don’t have hookups, but they do have fire pits and picnic tables. You’ll also have access to drinking water and vault toilets. The campground is next to the National Elk Refuge, and you can connect to a range of hiking trails that take you to scenic outlooks with jaw-dropping views of the Teton Mountains. RVs, campers, and trailers up to 24 feet long can be accommodated.
Hiking is the most popular activity in Bridger-Teton National Forest, and for good reason. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the area, with an astonishing variety of terrain types and unique ecosystems. Hike up to Snow King Summit for scenic views of Jackson, or prepare for a longer backpacking trip and hike up to the southern border of Yellowstone National Park. The forest has trails of varying difficulty, so hikers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.
The dense forests, open fields, and foothills of the area are a popular destination for hunters. You’ll find a wide range of big game in the forest, including antelope, elk, deer, and big horn sheep. You are allowed to carry weapons in most of the forest, but cannot fire within 150 yards of any building or campground. Hunting seasons are strictly enforced, so make sure that you are following all Wyoming hunting regulations.
The Teton Mountains and surrounding areas are home to hundreds of bird species, making the forest a great location for RV campers interested in birdwatching. You’ll be able to spot dozens of species of birds of prey, and you can hike up to scenic outlooks that give you excellent views as you scan the skies. If you’re curious about the species found in the area, check out the websites of Montana’s audubon societies. They produce field guides that detail some of the most common species found in the forest.
With hundreds of miles of trails, the forest turns into the perfect cross-country skiing course during the winter. The dense pine, aspen, and evergreen groves are home to a variety of large mammals, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, many of which can be spotted along the trails. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see bears or wolves.
Since there are so many trails in the forest, conditions will vary widely. Some of the more popular trails near Jackson are frequently groomed, whereas those in the backcountry will often be buried in snow.
Nothing beats exploring the mountains during the winter. Bridger-Teton National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails that stay open when the snow starts to fall, so you can find your way through the Teton Mountains by foot. Trail conditions vary depending on where you are in the forest, ranging from beginner friendly hikes to challenging routes with steep vertical climbs. Do take caution while snowshoeing off trail, as there is an avalanche risk, especially if you are hiking higher up in the mountains.
Winter in Bridger-Teton National Forest doesn’t mean fishing season is over. Many of the lakes and streams in the area are well stocked throughout the colder months of the year, and they will large numbers of trout, bass, and perch.
If you choose to go out on the lakes during the winter, you’ll be doing so at your own peril. Forest officials do not guarantee the safety of the ice, and many of the lakes are remote, making it hard to get assistance in the event of an emergency.
