- Region
- Wyoming
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- backpacking, hiking, camping
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Campsites at Gros Ventre Campground are re…
- Managed by
- National Park Service (for Gros Ventre Campground within Grand Teton National Park)
Plan with verified data
Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148) trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
How to get there
To reach Gros Ventre Campground, head north on US 26/89/191 from Jackson for 7 miles, then turn right (east) onto Gros Ventre River Road. Continue northeast for 4.5 miles to the campground sign, then turn right (south) to enter. From Moose Junction, head south on US 26/89/191 for 5.5 miles, then turn left (east) onto Gros Ventre River Road. Continue northeast for 4.5 miles to the campground sign, then turn right (south) to enter.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Wyoming · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Overview
The Gros Ventre Wilderness, located southeast of Jackson Hole, offers a magnificent blend of towering peaks, lush river valleys, and extensive timbered slopes. It's a less-traveled gem compared to its Teton neighbors, providing a true backcountry mule deer experience. The area is known for its resident deer herds and the potential for migrating bucks moving through during the later seasons. Access is typically from trailheads off the Gros Ventre Road, east of Jackson. Expect pack-ins ranging from 3 to 10 miles to reach quality hunting areas. The late archery season (September) and early rifle season (October) are prime, though late-season snow can push deer into specific winter ranges. This is a hunt for fit, experienced backpackers comfortable with high elevations and potential snow. Standard Wyoming deer tags are required, and wilderness camping permits are generally not required but check local forest service guidelines. Trade-offs include the occasional grizzly bear, deep snow in higher elevations during later hunts, and navigating dense timber. Some areas have limited visibility due to thick canopy.
Why it stands out
Stunning, classic Rocky Mountain scenery with abundant wildlife
Good populations of resident mule deer, with potential for migrating bucks
Accessible from Jackson Hole, but quickly offers wilderness solitude
Diverse terrain from open parks to steep, timbered ridges
Opportunities for both spot-and-stalk and still-hunting tactics
Know before you go
Presence of grizzly bears, particularly in creek bottoms
Deep snow can develop rapidly, impacting travel and deer movement
Navigating thick timber can be challenging for glassing
Steep, often loose, terrain in many areas
Some drainages see more horse packer traffic
Planning notes
Where: Wyoming, United States Best season: Fall hunting seasons Good for: Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Wildlife Viewing Featured on: Top 10 High-Country Mule Deer Backpacking Units in Wyoming (#4) Access point: Gros Ventre Wilderness, Kelly, WY 83011, USA
Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.
Field notes
- Stunning, classic Rocky Mountain scenery with abundant wildlife
- Good populations of resident mule deer, with potential for migrating bucks
- Accessible from Jackson Hole, but quickly offers wilderness solitude
- Diverse terrain from open parks to steep, timbered ridges
- Opportunities for both spot-and-stalk and still-hunting tactics
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 43.4808, -110.4072
- Latitude (DMS)
- 43° 28′ 50.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 24′ 25.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148), not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Gros Ventre Wilderness, located southeast of Jackson Hole, offers a magnificent blend of towering peaks, lush river valleys, and extensive timbered slopes.
Key takeaways
- Region: Wyoming
- Country: United States
- Best season: Fall hunting seasons
- Good for: backpacking, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing
- Coordinates: 43.481, -110.407
Intended uses
- backpacking
- hiking
- camping
- wildlife viewing
Climate suitability
Fall hunting seasons
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148)
An Overview of the Gros Ventre Wilderness
The provided references do not contain specific information about the Gros Ventre Wilderness area itself. The available details describe the Gros Ventre Campground, which is located within Grand Teton National Park. This campground, known for its size, is situated in the southeast part of Grand Teton National Park, near the town of Jackson. It offers scenic views of Blacktail Butte and the Teton Mountains. The Gros Ventre River flows nearby, providing opportunities for fishing cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. The area is frequented by various wildlife, including bison, moose, and mule deer. While the campground is within a National Park, specific details about the adjacent Gros Ventre Wilderness, its unique characteristics, or its designated units (147/148) are not available in the provided materials.
Gros Ventre Campground Amenities and Features
Gros Ventre Campground is the largest within Grand Teton National Park, offering 279 individual campsites, 4 group sites, and 39 electric-only sites. Ten of the electric sites are ADA-accessible. Campsites provide a gravel parking space for vehicles, tent pads for up to two tents, a picnic table, a fire pit with a metal fire grate, and food storage lockers. Water spigots and flush toilets are available, though there are no shower facilities. Generators are permitted only in loops A, B, and C. The campground offers seasonal trash and recycling collection, ice and firewood for sale, and an on-site staff. An amphitheater is also present. While cell phone reception is generally available, internet connectivity is not, with the closest public wireless internet accessible in Jackson or at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose.
Managing Agencies and Wilderness Designation
The National Wilderness Preservation System in the United States includes 806 wilderness areas, protecting over 111 million acres of federal land. These areas are managed by various federal agencies: the National Park Service (NPS), United States Forest Service (USFS), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Some wilderness areas are managed by multiple agencies. The Gros Ventre Campground, detailed in the references, is managed by the National Park Service as it falls within Grand Teton National Park. However, the specific managing agency or agencies for the Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148) itself are not specified in the provided documents. Generally, wilderness areas are designated by the United States Congress under the Wilderness Act.
Sample itineraries
- Gros Ventre Campground Stay · 1 day
Set up camp in the largest campground in Grand Teton. Enjoy views of the Teton Mountains and Blacktail Butte. Explore the nearby Gros Ventre River, known for cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bison, moose, and mule deer. Utilize the picnic tables and fire pits at each site for meals. Attend amphitheater programs if available. Note that generators are restricted to specific loops (A, B, C).
- Extended Campground Exploration · 2 days
Spend multiple days at the Gros Ventre Campground, taking advantage of its amenities. The campground serves as a base for exploring Grand Teton National Park. On one day, focus on wildlife viewing near the Gros Ventre River or within the campground itself. On another day, enjoy fishing in the river. Utilize the food storage lockers to protect provisions from wildlife. Reserving a site up to six months in advance is recommended due to popularity. Maximum stay is 14 nights at this campground and 30 cumulative nights across all Grand Teton National Park campgrounds.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
April, May, & June
Mild days and cool nights with alternating rain and snow are common.
Summer
July & August
Warm days and cool nights prevail, with common afternoon thundershowers.
Fall
September, October, & November
Sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snowstorms.
Winter
December to April
Long, cold winters with snow and frost possible any month. Between storms, days are sunny and nights are frigid, with snow blanketing the mountains and valley. Gros Ventre Campground is closed during this period, typically from October 10 to April 26.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April, May, & June | Mild days and cool nights with alternating rain and snow are common. |
| Summer | July & August | Warm days and cool nights prevail, with common afternoon thundershowers. |
| Fall | September, October, & November | Sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snowstorms. |
| Winter | December to April | Long, cold winters with snow and frost possible any month. Between storms, days are sunny and nights are frigid, with snow blanketing the mountains and valley. Gros Ventre Campground is closed during this period, typically from October 10 to April 26. |
Permits, fees & closures
Campsites at Gros Ventre Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Plan ahead and reserve a site up to six months in advance. The maximum stay allowed at Gros Ventre Campground is 14 nights, and the maximum cumulative stay across all Grand Teton National Park campgrounds is 30 nights. Information on permits for the Gros Ventre Wilderness area itself is not provided. Confirm any specific wilderness permits with the appropriate managing agency.
Reservations: Campsites are reservable on Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.
Official source: Gros Ventre Campground - Grand Teton · Verified September 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Wildlife encounters, requiring 100 yards minimum distance from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.
- Potential for severe weather, including snow and frost any month, and afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
- Fires are restricted to metal grates; fire restrictions may be in effect at times.
- Lack of internet service and potentially inconsistent cell phone coverage.
- Generators are only permitted in loops A, B, and C of the campground.
What to pack for Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148)
- Tent (if not in an RV)
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking stove and utensils
- Food storage lockers (available on-site)
- Picnic table (available on-site)
- Fire pit with metal grate (available on-site)
- Water bottles/containers (potable water available seasonally)
- Appropriate clothing for varied weather (rain gear, layers for cold nights)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Bear spray (if venturing beyond campground)
- Fishing gear (if planning to fish)
- Firewood (for sale on-site, or collect downed and dead wood within campground)
- Ice (for sale on-site)
- Trash bags (for proper disposal)
- Adapter for electric hookups (if applicable)
Gros Ventre Wilderness (Units 147/148) FAQ
- Is internet available at Gros Ventre Campground?
- No internet service is available at Gros Ventre Campground. The closest public wireless internet is in the town of Jackson or at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose.
- Are campfires allowed?
- Campfires are allowed at designated campgrounds within metal fire grates unless fire restrictions are in effect. Downed and dead wood may be collected within the campground.
- What is the maximum stay at Gros Ventre Campground?
- The maximum stay permitted at Gros Ventre Campground is 14 nights. The cumulative maximum stay for all Grand Teton National Park campgrounds is 30 nights.
- Can I bring my pet?
- Pets must be on a leash shorter than 6 feet at all times within 30 feet of roadways. Pets are not allowed on the multi-use pathway, park trails, or in the backcountry.
- When is Gros Ventre Campground open?
- The campground is open seasonally from late April to early October. It is closed from approximately October 10 to April 26.
- Are generators allowed?
- Generators are only permitted in loops A, B, and C of the campground.