Overview of Gros Ventre Campground
Gros Ventre Campground, located in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, offers stunning views and access to the Gros Ventre River. It is the park’s largest campground, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and outdoor activities. The campground is reservable and features a downloadable PDF map for easy navigation.
1.1 Location and Geography
Gros Ventre Campground is nestled in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, near Kelly. Situated along the Gros Ventre River, it offers stunning views of surrounding mountains and valleys. The campground’s elevation is approximately 6,568 feet, providing a serene environment with abundant wildlife and scenic trails. Its proximity to the river makes it ideal for fishing and exploring the region’s natural beauty.
1.2 History and Significance
Gros Ventre Campground holds cultural and historical importance, named after the Gros Ventre River, translating to “big belly” in French. It was inventoried by the University of Wyoming in 2000, revealing its natural and archaeological significance. The campground serves as a gateway to Grand Teton National Park, offering a blend of recreation and preservation, making it a vital part of the region’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Gros Ventre Campground Details
Gros Ventre Campground, the largest in Grand Teton National Park, offers 315 sites, including electric hookups and group areas. Situated near the Gros Ventre River, it provides scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities amidst sagebrush and grasslands.
2.1 Campsite Information
Gros Ventre Campground features 315 campsites, including 39 electric hookup sites and 4 large group sites. The campground is divided into seven loops, offering a mix of shaded and open areas. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with restrooms and potable water nearby. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, with a dump station available for RVs.
2.2 Facilities and Amenities
Gros Ventre Campground offers essential amenities, including restrooms, potable water, and a trailer dump station. Each campsite features a picnic table and metal fire ring. The campground is reservable through Recreation.gov, ensuring planned stays. As the park’s largest campground, it provides convenient access to the Gros Ventre River, enhancing its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
How to Get to Gros Ventre Campground
Drive south on US 26/89/191 from Moose Junction, turn left at Gros Ventre Junction, and continue 4.5 miles on Gros Ventre River Road to the campground.
3.1 Directions and Accessibility
To reach Gros Ventre Campground, drive south on US 26/89/191 from Moose Junction for 5.5 miles. Turn left at Gros Ventre Junction onto Gros Ventre River Road and continue 4.5 miles northeast. The campground entrance is on the right. The route is well-marked, and the campground is accessible by most vehicles. A downloadable PDF map is available for navigation assistance, ensuring easy access to this scenic destination.
3.2 Downloadable PDF Map
A downloadable PDF map of Gros Ventre Campground is available through the National Park Service. This map features detailed layouts of campsites, trails, and facilities, aiding visitors in navigating the area. It includes zoom levels, scenic highlights, and illustrated trails for easy reference. The PDF can be downloaded from the park’s cartography website or accessed via the free NPS App, ensuring convenient exploration of the campground and its surroundings.
Reservation Policies
Gros Ventre Campground operates by advanced reservations only, available through Recreation.gov. Campsites can be booked up to six months in advance, ensuring a planned stay.
4.1 Reservation Requirements
Reservations for Gros Ventre Campground are mandatory and must be made in advance through Recreation.gov. The campground offers 315 sites, including 39 with electric hookups. Booking opens up to six months ahead, ensuring availability. A maximum stay of 14 nights applies, with a total of 30 nights allowed across all park campgrounds in a single year.
4.2 Booking in Advance
Booking in advance is essential for Gros Ventre Campground, as it operates on a reservation-only system. Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov up to six months prior to arrival. With 315 sites, including 39 electric hookups, planning ahead ensures availability, especially during peak seasons. This system helps manage demand and provides a smooth experience for campers.
Nearby Attractions
Gros Ventre Campground is near Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and the Snake River. Explore wildlife, hiking trails, and scenic drives in this breathtaking region.
5.1 Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Gros Ventre Campground offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Bison, moose, mule deer, and diverse bird species frequent the area. The Gros Ventre River attracts fish like cutthroat trout, drawing birds of prey. This prime location allows campers to immerse themselves in nature, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking unforgettable experiences.
5.2 Fishing and Outdoor Activities
Gros Ventre Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities along the Gros Ventre River, where anglers can catch cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. The campground also provides access to hiking trails, boating, and scenic drives, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to Grand Teton National Park enhances the experience, offering breathtaking views and diverse recreational options for visitors of all ages.
Camping Regulations
Gros Ventre Campground enforces a 14-night maximum stay and requires reservations. Camping is only permitted in designated sites, and quiet hours are strictly observed from 10 PM to 6 AM.
6.1 Stay Limits
Gros Ventre Campground has a maximum stay limit of 14 nights per campsite. The cumulative stay across all park campgrounds is limited to 30 nights. Reservations are required, and campers must adhere to these limits to ensure fair access for all visitors.
6.2 Campground Rules
Campers must adhere to quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM and follow generator usage restrictions. Proper waste disposal is mandatory, and food must be stored in bear-safe containers. All campsites must be kept clean, and visitors are required to respect wildlife and vegetation. Failure to comply may result in fines. ADA-accessible sites are available for campers with disabilities.
Seasonal Information
Gros Ventre Campground operates seasonally from late April to early October. As the largest campground in Grand Teton National Park, it fills quickly, so reservations are recommended.
7.1 Operating Season
Gros Ventre Campground is open seasonally from late April to early October. This period offers ideal conditions for camping, with warm weather and access to various outdoor activities. The campground typically reaches full capacity during peak summer months, making advanced reservations essential for visitors planning their stay.
7.2 Weather Conditions
Gros Ventre Campground experiences a range of weather conditions. Summer months offer warm temperatures, ideal for camping and outdoor activities. Winters are cold with significant snowfall, limiting accessibility. Spring and fall bring mild weather, with occasional rain and cooler nights. Visitors should check forecasts before planning trips to ensure preparedness for varying conditions during their stay.
Gros Ventre Campground Map
The Gros Ventre Campground map is available as a downloadable PDF, offering detailed layouts, trails, and facilities. It includes interactive features via the NPS app for easy navigation.
8.1 Interactive Map Features
The interactive Gros Ventre Campground map offers zoom capabilities, illustrated trails, and service locations. It features large fonts, scenic highlights, and downloadable PDF versions for offline use. The NPS app provides real-time updates, enhancing navigation and planning for visitors exploring the campground and surrounding areas of Grand Teton National Park.
8.2 Downloadable Formats
Gros Ventre Campground maps are available in downloadable formats, including PDF, Illustrator, and Photoshop. These maps can be accessed through the National Park Service cartography website. Additionally, the free NPS App offers an interactive park map, enabling offline use with features like zoom, trails, and services, perfect for navigating the campground and its surroundings during your visit.
Nearby Towns and Services
Moose, Wyoming, is 3 miles northwest of Gros Ventre Campground, offering a post office and basic services within Grand Teton National Park. Nearby Jackson Hole provides extensive amenities.
9.1 Proximity to Moose, Wyoming
Moose, Wyoming, is located just three miles northwest of Gros Ventre Campground, offering convenient access to a U.S. Post Office and essential services within Grand Teton National Park. Its close proximity makes it an ideal stop for campers needing supplies or postal services while enjoying the park’s natural beauty. The town is situated along the Snake River, adding to its charm and accessibility for visitors exploring the region.
9.2 Available Amenities in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole offers a variety of amenities, including lodging, dining, shopping, and outdoor gear rentals. Visitors can access medical services, gas stations, and convenience stores. The town’s charming atmosphere and proximity to Grand Teton National Park make it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, providing campers with essential supplies and recreational opportunities just a short drive from Gros Ventre Campground.
Environmental and Cultural Considerations
Gros Ventre Campground is situated in a scenic area with diverse wildlife and vegetation. The site holds cultural significance, with archaeological inventories noting its historical importance and natural beauty.
10.1 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat
The campground is surrounded by sagebrush and grasslands, creating a habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors frequently spot bison, moose, and mule deer. The Gros Ventre River nearby supports fish populations, including cutthroat trout, attracting anglers and enhancing the ecosystem’s biodiversity. This natural setting provides a serene environment for camping and wildlife enthusiasts to explore and connect with nature.
10.2 Archaeological Significance
Gros Ventre Campground was inventoried in 2000 by the University of Wyoming, revealing no known prehistoric sites within the campground. However, the surrounding area holds cultural significance, as it lies within Grand Teton National Park, a region with rich Native American history. The campground’s natural setting preserves the landscape’s integrity, contributing to its archaeological and ecological value for future generations to appreciate and study.