Curtis Canyon Campground
4.1440 reviewsCurtis Canyon Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$20 per night is charged for single-unit campsites. An additional vehicle fee of $7 per vehicle applies, with a maximum of two vehicles per site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on occupied campsite fees, excluding additional vehicle fees.
About this campground
Perched high above the renowned National Elk Refuge, Curtis Canyon Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just minutes from Jackson's vibrant town center. This hidden gem combines the best of both worlds—convenient access to local amenities with the peaceful solitude of a mountain retreat. Its rustic charm and minimalist approach to camping attract those seeking genuine connections with nature, where the absence of modern distractions allows the raw beauty of Wyoming to take center stage.
Curtis Canyon Campground offers primarily primitive camping with a focus on tents. It is not well-suited for larger RVs or trailers.
Historical SignificanceNestled alongside the historic National Elk Refuge, Curtis Canyon Campground serves as a gateway to one of North America's most important wildlife sanctuaries. This proximity offers campers a front-row seat to the annual migrations and seasonal rhythms that have shaped the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for millennia. The campground itself stands as a testament to the conservation legacy of the region, where the delicate balance between human recreation and wildlife preservation continues to unfold.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Curtis Canyon into a high-altitude haven where warm days give way to crisp, starlit evenings that call for cozy campfires and extra layers. The elevation brings refreshing breezes that whisper through the Douglas firs, offering natural air conditioning during peak season. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland that beckons cross-country skiers and snowshoers, though most camping facilities close during these months of deep cold and heavy snowfall.
ElevationAt 7,000 feet above sea level, Curtis Canyon Campground invites visitors to experience the exhilarating effects of mountain altitude. This elevated perch not only provides cooler temperatures and cleaner air but also serves as a natural amphitheater for some of the most spectacular sunrise and sunset displays in the Jackson Hole valley.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a protective canopy of towering Douglas firs, the campground unfolds across a gently sloping ridge where soft grasses carpet the forest floor. While most sites nestle intimately among the evergreens, creating cozy woodland retreats, one spectacular location opens up to reveal an unobstructed panorama of the mighty Teton Range—a view that transforms from golden alpenglow at dawn to purple silhouettes at dusk. The open understory creates a park-like atmosphere where neighboring campers become part of a temporary community united by their love of the outdoors.
Geological RegionCurtis Canyon Campground occupies a unique geological position on a forested ridge that forms a natural bridge between the expansive National Elk Refuge below and the rugged Gros Ventre Wilderness beyond. This Douglas fir-dominated ecosystem represents a classic example of the montane forests that characterize the transitional zones of the Greater Yellowstone region, where the interplay of elevation, moisture, and ancient geological forces has created one of the most biodiverse temperate ecosystems on the continent.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and no specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are small and rustic, with uneven terrain. Larger RVs are discouraged due to tight spaces and low overhead branches.
Sites PrivacySites offer limited privacy due to the grass understory and proximity to each other. One site provides a view of the Teton Range, while others are nestled among Douglas fir trees.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Try to arrive around 11:00 a.m. for the best chance of securing a site." "Avoid bringing RVs larger than 22 feet due to the narrow and rocky road conditions."
Best CampsitesSite 10 is highlighted for its proximity to a trail with stunning sunset views of the Tetons.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After noon
Check-out
By noon
Stay Limit
10 days maximum
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of 12 sites, each equipped with picnic tables, grills, and bear-proof food storage lockers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 13 to September 22.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservation option available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up/first-come, first-serve. "Although 'checkout' is noon, I would recommend trying to be at the campground around 11:00 if you want to maximize your shot at a site."
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities available at Curtis Canyon include hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. The campground is close to trails that lead to scenic viewpoints such as the Curtis Canyon overlook.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible within minutes of the campground, with one trail connected to Site 10 leading to a spectacular view of the Tetons.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity due to the campground's location above the National Elk Refuge.Winter Activities
No winter activities are specified.Water Sports
No water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted within fire rings. Firewood available for purchase from host.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; campers must practice safe food storage techniques using provided bear-proof lockers.
Active alertsWater will be unavailable until the pipeline is repaired as of May 31, 2024. Seasonal closure on September 22.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services available in Jackson, Wyoming.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 13 to September 22
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are locked during seasonal closures, and users are advised to plan for waste disposal off-site.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features.
Common complaintsMost complaints concern the road conditions leading to the campground: "The road is extremely challenging." "Only good, calm drivers should try this." Other complaints include frequent flies and horseflies during summer afternoons.
HostCamp hosts are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and maintaining clean facilities. "Bathrooms were possibly the cleanest pit toilets (and best smelling) pit toilets I've encountered."
Campground Map
Driving directionsStarting from the Town of Jackson, Wyoming, head east on United States Highway 189 (US-189/West Broadway Avenue) for approximately 1 mile. At the end of West Broadway Avenue, turn left onto North Elk Refuge Road and continue on the road for approximately 3 miles, then make the first left turn to continue on National Elk Refuge Road 2240. After 1 mile, take the first road to the right and go 3 miles where you will see signage for Curtis Canyon Campground on the right.
The last 3 miles of road before the campground are narrow, rough, and rocky, which may pose challenges for some vehicles.Nearby places
Jackson (8 miles, ~16 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies available in Jackson, Wyoming.
Camper Reviews
4.1
40 reviews
Curtis Canyon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise Curtis Canyon Campground for its scenic views, cleanliness, and proximity to Jackson, Wyoming. Common complaints include rough access roads and issues with site leveling.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include breathtaking views of the Tetons, clean vault toilets, and a friendly camp host. The bear-proof food storage boxes and firewood availability are also...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the rough and rocky access road, uneven campsite terrain, and limited privacy between sites. Some users also found interactions with the camp host to be overly cautious or...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early as sites are first-come, first-served. Bringing a high-clearance vehicle is advised due to the rough access road. It’s also suggested to watch the sunset from Curtis...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends show that the campground fills up quickly during peak summer months, especially on weekends. Late autumn sees fewer visitors but also harsher road conditions and closures.
Based on 40 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The scenery is killer good around the campground and you can drive to many trails from here.' (Eduardo Padron)
2. 'The vault toilets were possibly the cleanest and best-smelling pit toilets I've...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 is highly recommended for its connected trail leading to a scenic viewpoint. Other sites are mentioned as uneven and small, with Site 7 receiving a negative review about confusion over...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Based on 40 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025