where to stay grand teton
Grand Teton National Park is one of America’s most iconic alpine landscapes, boasting jagged peaks, crystal‑clear lakes, and endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous retreat on a back‑country trail or a comfortable, family‑friendly getaway, the valley that surrounds Teton offers a wide range of accommodations that cater to every taste and budget. This guide will walk you through the top places to stay, from rustic campgrounds to luxurious lodges, and give you insider tips on booking, accessibility, and timing the best seasons.
1. Official Park Lodging
a. The Teton Park Lodge (Jackson Hole)
- Location: 2,000 ft (605 m) elevation, 3 mi (5 km) from the park’s west entrance.
- Accommodation: 27 cabins, 2 yurt-style cabins, and a deluxe suite.
- Pros: Direct access to scenic vistas and backcountry trails. Staff can arrange guided tours. Cabin interiors are compact but cozy, equipped with a kitchenette, and often feature stone hearths.
- Cons: Limited rooms can fill up fast. High season prices peak in July and August, but the lodge remains popular year-round, especially in winter for snowshoeing.
b. Glitter Gulch Lodge (Jackson Hole)
- Location: On the left (south) bank of the Snake River, 3 mi (5 km) from the Teton Park Entrance.
- Accommodation: 159 rooms ranging from standard rooms to deluxe suites with river views and balconies.
- Pros: Elegant furnishings, a Michelin‑style dining experience, and easy access to the Jackson Hole River for fishing and kayaking.
- Cons: The lodge is a mile into the town, so if you prefer solitude, it may feel too interconnected with commercial Jackson.
2. Lodges, Hotels, and Resorts in the Jackson Valley
The town of Jackson sits directly on the western rim of the park and offers a personalized blend of western vibe and upscale comfort, while the neighboring town of Wilson adds a slightly quieter, more budget‑friendly atmosphere.
| Lodging | Location (town) | Room Types | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amangani | Jackson | Suites, pentagon, alpine lofts | $800–$1,200 |
| The Wort Hotel | Jackson | Classic, suite, club | $350–$650 |
| Minnie and Johnny’s Inn | Jackson | Garden suite, executive suite | $250–$500 |
| Ocean Lodge | Wilson | Standard and deluxe rooms | $150–$250 |
| Holiday Inn & Suites Jackson | Jackson | Standard, family, executive | $180–$350 |
Tips: Book early for mid‑summer accommodation. For those on a tighter budget, consider a room at the Holiday Inn or a cabin rental in Wilson, where rates are consistently lower and the valley feel is similar.
3. Campgrounds and RV Sites
Campers cover all the most iconic ways to experience Grand Teton:
a. Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds
| Campground | Capacity | Amenities | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Creek | 200 sites | RV, hot showers, and a welcome center | Spring–Fall |
| Jenny Lake | 400 sites | Tow-in boat, ranger programs | Summer |
| Gros Ventre | 275 sites | 21 mi loop trail, Wi‑Fi | Late May–Early Sept |
| Moran | 123 sites | Water tapping, tent only | Year‑long but very popular in late summer |
- What to Expect: All parks regimens disallow open flames after sunset, and you must bring a cooler or stash your food in the fox range. Reservations can be made via the National Park Reservation System and can usually be booked 3–6 months ahead for peak summer.
b. RV & All‑Season Sites Near the Park
| Site | Distance | Bed + Breakfast Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Hole River RV Resort | 15 mi | Yes | Offers fully-equipped cabins and tent sites. |
| Grand Teton Ranch | 5 mi | Available | Rustic but comfortable, offers cabin options. |
| A Canyon Campers | 2mi | No | Excellent for the overland RPs; lacks basic amenities but is eco‑friendly. |
4. Bunting‑Wide‑Range Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals can be found throughout the valley, often with more modern amenities, a private kitchen, full living spaces, and remote or lakeside settings. Look for:
- Lake‑front Cabins: Popular in Moran Village and nearby Lakes, these often come with fire pits, kayaking dock access, and stunning sunsets.
- Mountain‑Top A‑Frame: For privacy, some rent A‑frame cabins at the higher elevations offering unobstructed views of the Tetons.
- Jail Room & Rustic Log Cabins: In Jackson, you’ll find uniquely styled rooms that bring you closer to the true pioneer Colorado experience.
Booking platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental companies such as Teton Mountain Lodging provide filter tools that target Chain‑style ratings, intrusion-free conditions, and proximity filtering. Rental prices run from $150 USD for smaller cabins to $550+ per night for larger, high‑end properties.
5. Indeterminate but Memorable Options
a. The Whitney Montana)
Located in Big Sky, about 15 mi northeast of Grand Teton, this resort features ski‑in, ski‑out layouts and a whirlpool pool that waves in dusky skies—a great “off‑season” alternative to the densely booked Jackson Valley.
b. Ponderosa Campgrounds
These are used by more seasoned adventurers; a DOTS (Driver‑Under‑the–Osmotically–Suspended) rental experience—traverse the backcountry, where the perspective truly changes.
6. Key Considerations Before Booking
| Factor | Tips |
|---|---|
| Season | Summer (June‑Sept) = high demand and price. Winter (Dec‑Feb) = perfect for snowshoeing or cross‑country biking. |
| Accessibility | Most hotels cater to wheelchair‑access; campgrounds, however, may have steep entrances for rack parks. In case you are on a wheelchair or have a stroller, call the property ahead to confirm. |
| Booking Window | Grand Teton Reservations open four months in advance, continuing until the first of the next fiscal year. Pet owners—many hotels have a pet fee—so ask for pet policies early. |
| Amenities | If you need a kitchen and want to save on meals, cabins or resort suites typically provide 2–10⁰ pairs of kitchen appliances. |
| COVID‑19 | Policies are back to pre‑pandemic, but some hotels still enforce mask requirements in indoor settings. Contact the hotel before arrival to check for any updated guidelines. |
7. Suggested Itineraries by Accommodations
Short‑stay trip (3–4 nights) |
- Day 1: Arrive at the Teton Park Lodge or a cabin at Moran. Explore the early morning trails to Jenny Lake or take a guided horse‑back ride. Evening, dine at a classic Teton lodge restaurant.
- Day 2: Drive east to Devil’s Tower for a hike. Return for sunset photography at the Snake River gorge.
- Day 3: Full day backcountry camping at the Indian Creek Campground. Optional guided ice‑skating at the nearby snowfields.
- Day 4: Depart by morning.
Extended stay (7+, 10+ nights) |
- Base yourself in Jackson for a weekend or a week, touring local art galleries and the National Museum of Wildlife. For the longer stretch, stay in a Jackson‑where‑the‑local‑town‑chat remains comfortable – We’ve created resort spots on the outskirts so you’re close to KOA and the front‑line of the west entrance.
8. Final Verdict
Grand Teton offers a truly diverse accommodation spectrum that meets your needs, whether it’s rugged back‑country adventure, luxury lakeside relaxation, or comfortable family lodging. The key is aligning your resort preference with the correct timing, your budget, and the type of experiences you want to capture. Reserve early—especially for summer or significant holidays. Book through the Park Service for official sites and among Jackson<strong>or <strong/>, professional targeted sites for extended stays.
Enjoy the majestic, world‑known peaks of the Tetons, and the memories will accompany you for a lifetime!
