Hatchet Campground
3.8847 reviewsHatchet Campground
$6.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Single site fee for overnight use is $15 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $6 per vehicle, with a maximum of 2 vehicles per campsite. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites physically occupied by the pass holder. Fees are payable by cash or check only.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Highway 26 corridor between Jackson and Dubois, Hatchet Campground welcomes adventurers with 17 thoughtfully positioned campsites in the heart of Bridger-Teton National Forest. This well-equipped mountain retreat features essential amenities including secure bear boxes, vault toilets, campfire rings for evening gatherings, and convenient waste disposal. Whether you're an autumn hunter tracking elk through golden aspens or a summer traveler exploring the wonders of nearby Grand Teton National Park, Hatchet provides the perfect basecamp for your Wyoming wilderness experience. Water access is available on-site, though visitors should plan accordingly for drinking water needs.
Hatchet Campground offers a mix of primitive sites and overflow camping areas. It caters to both tent and RV campers, with RV site lengths specified.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Wyoming high country at Hatchet Campground. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow while temperatures plunge into frigid territory, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture forth. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens with moderate temperatures and buzzing mosquitoes that remind visitors to pack their repellent. The golden days of autumn usher in shoulder season after September 15, when the campground transforms into a free camping haven—though amenities are limited during this peaceful period.
ElevationHigh in the Wyoming mountains where the air grows thin and the views expand endlessly.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create a natural cathedral around Hatchet Campground, their evergreen canopy providing shade and shelter for both campers and the abundant wildlife that calls this forest home. The campground's proximity to designated wild and scenic rivers offers anglers the chance to cast their lines in pristine waters, while the surrounding wilderness beckons hunters during the crisp autumn months. Keep your eyes peeled for the local residents—playful chipmunks and busy squirrels who've been known to entertain visitors with their acrobatic antics among the pine boughs.
Geological RegionPerched in the majestic Bridger-Teton National Forest along Highway 26, Hatchet Campground occupies a prime position in one of Wyoming's most spectacular landscapes. The nearby Togwotee Pass serves as a gateway to breathtaking vistas, where the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons pierce the horizon in a display of geological grandeur. This pine-clad paradise sits at the confluence of designated wild and scenic rivers, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports world-class fishing in summer and exceptional hunting opportunities when autumn paints the landscape in gold and crimson.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilet and bear boxes available. No further details on ADA-compliant features.
Sites SizeSite lengths vary, with pull-through options for larger vehicles (24ft) and smaller back-in sites (18ft).
Sites PrivacyCampsites are nestled among pine trees, providing shade and some separation. Reviews mention a mix of privacy levels, with some scattered and others clustered.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite numbers and RV size accommodations are listed specifically in the official content (e.g., Site #2 and #6 are pull-through and accommodate RVs up to 24 ft). User reviews recommend arriving early for a good spot.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Forest-wide rules apply for occupancy, use, and stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
2vehicles per site maximum.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout17 campsites are organized along Highway 26 in loops. Overflow parking is available nearby for additional camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally until September 15 annually. After September 15, amenities like water, restrooms, and trash service are unavailable, but the site remains accessible for free camping without services.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this first-come, first-served campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Overflow parking is available in case primary sites are occupied.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy stated, as this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hatchet Campground showcases limited structured recreational activities but offers access to nearby fishing, scenic highways, and forest trails. It is a popular staging area during hunting season. On-site picnicking is an option.
Hiking
The site provides access to multiple forestry trails, which are attractive to hikers, hunters, and ATV riders. Reviewers appreciate the proximity to trails but no specific trail details are provided.Fishing
Described as near designated wild and scenic rivers, making it suitable for fishing enthusiasts.Biking
The proximity to forestry trails makes the site suitable for biking enthusiasts. No specific trails or skill level requirements were mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to see local wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, 'We saw wildlife!' Another noted frequent sightings of chipmunks and squirrels.Winter Activities
Primarily used as a staging area during the fall hunting season. No specific winter recreational activities were noted in reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are available at each site. No specific restrictions mentioned on fire usage.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM, as noted in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are a major recurring issue according to user reviews. Wildlife hazards include bears, necessitating mandatory food storage practices. Road noise can be an issue for some campers.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts mentioned beyond seasonal closure dates and amenity shutdown after September 15.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest emergency services are available at Blackrock Ranger District, contact phone: 307-543-3900. No explicit mention of hospitals or police stations; further research may be needed for precise details.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season starts in spring and ends on September 15 annually. Shoulder season or free camping occurs after amenities are turned off.
Trash and recyclingA dumpster is available for waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned specifically.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near designated wild and scenic rivers, providing opportunities for fishing. Overflow camping noted to be near a small brook.
Common complaints"MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES. They were everywhere," Ashley Linville (July 25, 2020). "Sites are close together," Eric Johnston (October 18, 2019). Noise from Highway 26 appears in user reviews.
HostMultiple user reviews praise the camp host for being friendly and informative: "Host was super friendly," Amber Stream (2023). "Camp host was informative," Ryan T. (2021).
Campground Map
Driving directionsStarting from Moran, Wyoming (located 27 miles south of Yellowstone National Park’s south entrance and 19 miles north of the Town of Moose, Wyoming), head east on United States Highway 26/287 for approximately 8 miles. Turn right onto Flagstaff Road/Forest Service (FS) Road 30160. Then take the first left onto FS 30217, arriving at the Hatchet Campground. Approximate travel details from Moran: 8 miles, 9 minutes.
Access to the campground is via Flagstaff Road/Forest Service (FS) Road 30160, which is located off Highway 26/287. Roads are suitable for RVs and cars. Seasonal closure occurs after September 15 when water and restrooms are unavailable; however, the gate remains open for free camping without amenities.Nearby places
Moran, Wyoming: 8 miles (9 minutes)
Moose, Wyoming: 19 miles
Jackson, Wyoming: 30 minutes away
Dubois, Wyoming (distance not provided).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available at the nearby resort area, including restaurants and a gas station located within walking distance of the campground. Additional supplies may require travel to towns like Moran or Jackson.
Camper Reviews
3.9
47 reviews
Hatchet Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and affordability as major positives. Mosquitoes and road noise are common complaints. Overflow camping areas provide an alternative for those unable to secure a primary spot.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, friendly and attentive camp hosts, reasonable pricing, and proximity to Grand Teton National Park. One review mentioned, 'For only $12/night, you can't beat it!' Another noted,...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquito infestations, road noise, and limited amenities such as no potable water or electricity. One user stated, 'MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES. They were everywhere.'
Based on 47 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early for a spot due to first-come, first-serve policy. Bring mosquito repellent and a bug tent. Utilize nearby dispersed camping if the campground is full. Carry cash or checks for payment.
Based on 47 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, mosquitoes are a significant nuisance, while fall sees increased activity due to hunters using the site as a staging area. Winter camping is less common due to limited amenities.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The dispersed camping was nice and had a view where we stayed but MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES MOSQUITOES.' - Ashley Linville. 'Bathroom was very clean as well, I'd recommend this to anyone...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site specifics include pull-through options for larger RVs at sites #2, #6, and others. Smaller sites accommodate vehicles up to 18ft. Overflow camping is a viable alternative when main sites are...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features include vault toilets and bear boxes. No specific comments from users with disabilities were noted.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews addressing pet owner experiences were identified.
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025