Grand Teton National Park is like a playground for adventure seekers. Whether you go for the gorgeous scenery, hiking, photography, climbing opportunities, cultural or historical sites or wildlife, there are zillions of reasons why you might want to visit Grand Teton.
So, where to stay when visiting Grand Teton National Park? Finagling accommodations for your family is often the most stressful and logistically important part of the vacation. (Is that the understatement of the year, or what?)
Your family may prioritize a pool for energetic kids or proximity to hiking trails inside the park. You may prefer having a a kitchen for meal prep, or a a rustic cabin on a lake. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the answers for the best lodging in and around Grand Teton National Park.
We’ll divide our guide into two main sections: lodging found INSIDE the park, and lodging OUTSIDE of the park. Then we’ll give our top recommendations for each type of accommodation you can consider depending on location: lodges and resorts, cabins and cottages, ranches, inns and motels, campgrounds, backcountry camping, campgrounds and vacation rentals.
Table of Contents
Where To Stay At Grand Teton National Park: Quick Summary
Don’t have the time or patience to read an in-depth article about all the ins and outs of lodging options in and around this beautiful Wyoming national park? No problem! Here are my top recommendations. Then you can decide whether or not you’d like to dive deeper if you have the need or the time.
You may notice that ALL of these suggestions that get my top bidding are INSIDE park boundaries. That’s because it’s always my opinion that if you’re heading to see a park, the best place to stay is within the park!
Top Five Family-Friendly Lodging Recommendations for Grand Teton Travel
- Jackson Lake Lodge (Best All-Around)
- Jenny Lake Lodge (Most Luxurious)
- Triangle X Ranch (Most Unique)
- Colter Bay Village (Most Rustic)
- Jenny Lake Campground (Best Campground)
Grand Teton Family Lodging Interactive Map
Below you’ll find an interactive map that highlights each of the lodging recommendations made in this article.
How to Use This Map:
Click on any of the lodging recommendations marked with the bed icon (for lodges/cabins/resorts) or tent icon for campgrounds. A popup will open discussing the viewpoint in greater detail. Options INSIDE park boundaries are labeled in this color. Options OUTSIDE park boundaries are notated in this color.
Clicking the star next to the name of the map will save the map to your google account. To access it later on a computer or your smartphone, open google maps and select “Your Places”.
Where to Stay at Grand Teton National Park: Lodging INSIDE the Park
You don’t necessarily have to stay inside Grand Teton National Park because you can hit Jackson easily just south of the park. But my bias always leans toward choosing lodging inside the park boundaries, especially when traveling to a large park like Grand Teton NP.
And this park has lots of different in-park options, from basic tent-camping to luxurious, resort-style lodging…there’s even a dude ranch!
We’ll break the in-park options into accommodation styles, so you can choose the option(s) that will work best for your crew.
Lodges, Cabins (and a Dude Ranch) inside Grand Teton National Park
*Note that reservations for all lodge/cabin accommodations inside the park can be made one year in advance. Book early!
1. Jackson Lake Lodge
- Open late May to mid-October
- Historic, resort-style hotel with nearly nearly 400 rooms (hotel rooms, suites + cottages)
- Address: 101 Jackson Lake Lodge Road, Moran, WY 83013
- Reservations: open 12-months in advance
Close enough to see the water lap the shore, this iconic lodge offers suites with stunning views of the Teton Range. You can opt for a comfortable room or a suite with a sweeping balcony.
Don’t miss out on delicious grub at the Mural Room, Pioneer Grill and the Great Room, with its monumental stone fireplace. In addition to resort rooms, Jackson Lake Lodge offers cottage rooms in the pine trees for a more secluded experience.
Rather than an uppity Four Seasons feel, you’re going to get quintessential, homespun national-park lodge vibes from this place…and trust me, no Four Seasons can compete with these views. There’s nothing better than ending an epic day of hiking and exploring the Tetons on the Jackson Lake Lodge balcony, drink in hand, looking over the incredible Teton peaks.
Here’s an awesome just-under-10-minute video that delves into a lot of the history, as well as the architecture of this beautiful lodge. It will provide you with a great sense of this building and the surrounding area…
2. Jenny Lake Lodge
- Open early June through early October
- Rustic, Luxurious Cabins
- Address: Jenny Lake Rd, Moose, WY 83012
- Reservations: open 12-months in advance
Going for a more luxurious experience, such as for your senior’s graduation trip? Jenny Lake Lodge offers elegant cabins and a fine dining restaurant in the heart of the national park.
Jenny Lake is my favorite place in Grand Teton because the water is so clear, and the reflections of the mountains in the water are stunning! You can’t beat the views and accommodations.
Enjoy on-site lawn games, bicycle rentals and horseback riding and great proximity to many wonderful hikes.
Here’s a short but helpful promotional video from Grand Teton Lodge Company (who manages many of the resort properties inside the park):
3. Signal Mountain Lodge
- Open mid-May through mid-October
- Various Accommodation styles including bungalows, lodge rooms, and cabins
- Accommodates: 2-8 people
- Address: 1 Inner Park Road, Moran, WY 83013
- Reservations: open 12-months in advance
Located near the marina on Jackson Lake, Signal Mountain Lodge offers cabins, bungalows and motel-style rooms. You can’t go wrong with these beautiful mountain and lake views.
The Lodge has dining options (The Trapper Grill, Leeks Pizzeria and Deadman’s Bar for a local brew or cocktail), a small grocery store, laundromat, and gift shop on site. You can rent various types of boats at the Jackson Lake Marina, or sign up for one of the many guided fishing or scenic float trips that depart from the marina.
4. Colter Bay Village
- Open late May through late September
- 208 Cabins + 66 tent cabins
- Accommodates: 2-10 people
- Address: 100 Cabin Road, Moran, WY 83013
- Cabin reservations: open 12-months in advance; tent cabins can be booked 6-months in advance
Colter Bay Village is situated on the east banks of Jackson Lake. The village boasts 208 rustic log cabins + 66 tent cabins. The tent cabins are unique, and can only be found at this location. They do not have electricity. The sleeping arrangements in these units consists of four (single) bunks. Two additional twin cots can be added to the tent cabins for a total of 6 people accommodated.
There aren’t many of them so they book quickly. And you must provide your own gear like sleeping bags or bed linens. Restrooms are shared and a short walk from each tent. To take a shower, you’ll have to pay an additional fee and traipse over to the laundromat, where they are located.
The log cabins are much more plentiful, and depending on the unit type, can sleep up to 10 people (large groups should look at the two room cabins). There is no A/C, internet, or TV’s, though the internet is complimentary at communal areas like the laundromat. Some of the cabins have their own bathroom, while others share a community restroom.
The Village at Colter Bay has two restaurants (John Colter Cafe Court and The Ranch House), as well as a general store, marina store and gift shop.
Activities at Colter Bay include horseback riding, boat rentals, guided fishing, lakeside picnicking (with available grills), and narrated scenic cruises (including breakfast, lunch and dinner cruises). NPM founder Heather Thibodeau said that the scenic dinner cruise out of Colter Bay Marina was her family’s favorite Grand Teton activity!
5. Triangle X Ranch
- Closed mid-October through Dec. 25 and mid-March through mid-May
- One, two, or three bedroom cabins, each with full, private baths
- Accommodates: up to 6 people per cabin
- Address: 2 Triangle Moose Rd, Moose, WY 83012
- Packages include meals, horseback riding and evening activities; airport transport and other activities (guided fishing, hunting, float trips) available for an additional charge
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since you’re in the West, why not try a dude ranch with your family for a vacation they’ll never forget?
Your experience includes horseback riding, cattle drives, outdoor adventures, campfire dinners and entertainment, ranch work and more. It’s a great way to see the Tetons, and you can find your way into majestic scenery not always accessible by a regular trail.
Talk about the ultimate Western culture immersive experience. Your kids will talk about it for years!
Triangle X Ranch is a historic dude ranch within the park! With guest cabins, this place can give your family an immersive experience while still remaining inside the park. The hospitality in this family business is unmatched.
Here’s a quick video that gives a great little overview of what a vacation at Triangle X could look like:
Note that summer stays are one-week minimum, while off-season times have a four-night minimum stay.
And if budget-friendly is a priority for your clan, don’t get too excited about the idea of a ranch. While Triangle X (and others outside the park we’ll discuss later) offer a unique, one-of-a-kind experience, these ranches come with what I’d personally consider a very, very hefty price tag.
Campgrounds inside Grand Teton National Park
There are five campgrounds inside the park. *Reservations for the sites open 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. Book early, because each book quickly! The Grand Teton NP campgrounds include:
1. Jenny Lake Campground
- Open summer season (mid-May through early Sept)
- 51 tent only campsites
- Address: Teton Park Road, Moose, WY 83012
- Reservations: open 6-months in advance
I loved Jenny Lake so much that I would have preferred to stay there. Alas, it was nearly impossible to find a camping spot at Jenny Lake Campground because they filled up so fast, and we booked late.
If you want a campsite, have your finger hover over the “book” button as soon as the online option opens. The campground is situated right by the iconic Jenny Lake, where our kids took a dip on a hot summer day and wanted to float there all day. You’ll have so much fun at Jenny Lake.
2. Colter Bay RV Park and Campground
- Open summer season (mid-May through early Sept)
- >300 sites for tents, RV’s or trailers (only 13 with electric hookups) at the campground + 112 RV only sites (all with hookups) at the RV park
- Address: 100 Colter Bay Campground Road, Moran, WY 83013
- Reservations: open 6-months in advance
Colter Village not only has cabins and tent cabins that we discussed previously, but there are also over 300 camp sites available for tents, RV’s or trailers at the Colter Bay Campground.
Colter Bay RV Park is specifically for RV’s, with 112 sites, each with electric hookups. The max RV/trailer length is 45′.
This lodgepole pine-infused campground offers a range of sites near Jackson Lake. As was mentioned, Colter Bay Village contains a visitor center, gift shop, restaurants, stores, cabins and a marina.
3. Lizard Creek Campground
- Open summer season (mid-June through early Sept)
- 60 sites for tents, RV’s or trailers (no electric hookups)
- Address: Lizard Creek Rd, Moran, WY 83013
- Reservations: open 6-months in advance
Just 11 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, and 8 miles north of bustling Colter Bay Village, the small but rustic Lizard Creek Campground is quiet as compared to some of the larger campgrounds in Grand Teton NP. But the location makes it great for families wanting to explore both parks.
There is no camp store, dining options, or a full menu of activities to choose from at this campground. It’s more of less a place for weary travelers to bunk down. Indeed, there isn’t even shower facilities at Lizard Creek.
That said, you won’t be short on scenery here. Like almost anywhere in the Grand Tetons, the view can’t possibly disappoint.
Tents, RV’s and Trailers can stay on site. The max RV length for this location is 30′.
4. Signal Mountain Campground
- Open mid-May through mid-October
- 80 sites for tents, RV’s or trailers (23 with electric hookups)
- Address: 1 Inner Park Rd, Moran, WY 83013
- Reservations: open 6-months in advance
Located near Signal Mountain Lodge which we discussed earlier in the article, Signal Mountain Campground shares all of the awesome amenities with the lodge. The campground can take RV’s up to 30′ in length.
5. Gros Ventre Campground
- Open late April through mid-October
- 279 sites for tents, RV’s or trailers (39 with electric hookups)
- Address: 100 Gros Ventre Campground Road, Kelly, WY 83011
- Reservations: open 6-months in advance
Gros Ventre is the largest campground in the park, with nearly 300 sites. It also is open earlier in the year, and closes later than most of the other campgrounds. Situated along the Gros Ventre River (pronounced “grow vont”), this campground provides a mix of forested and open sites for tents and RVs.
Its location in the southeast part of the park makes it is close to the town of Jackson, which is a great place to shop, eat, and explore with your family.
Where to Stay at Grand Teton National Park: Lodging OUTSIDE the Park
The Jackson Hole Valley teems with resorts, inns, hotels/motels, inns and RV parks that range from rustic to luxurious. What does your family prefer? Whatever it is, you’re guaranteed to find it in Jackson.
Best Family-Friendly Lodges, Resorts, Cabins and Inns Outside the Park
While this list is not all-encompassing, I’ve tried to narrow the scope so you aren’t overwhelmed by TOO many options.
Jackson is a commercialized place, so there are lots and lots of options to choose from. But these spots are particularly family-friendly, and convenient to the park:
- Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch: The best thing about Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch is the location. 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park, and just 5 miles from Grand Teton NP, it’s a great place to hit if you are planning to see both Yellowstone NP and Grand Teton NP in the same trip. The cabins each have private baths, and there’s a restaurant, bar, and convenience store on property.
- Luton’s Teton Cabins: If you’re looking for a place to stay just outside the Tetons, Luton’s Teton Cabins may mark the spot. Its cabins are modern and comfortable, with — it goes without saying — gorgeous views.
- Hatchet Resort: Another resort south of the park, Hatchet has rustic cabins with kitchenettes, plus a restaurant.
- Togwotee Mountain Lodge: Outside of the national park to the east, Togwotee Mountain Lodge has cabins with various amenities and offers easy access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
- The Wort Hotel: Despite its funny name, this 55-guest-room hotel also offers western theme suites mixed with the heritage and intimacy of a grand western lodge with family-friendly activities just minutes away.
- Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa: Suites and standard rooms at this charming Jackson Hole hotel offer families many options, including a dining room and spa.
- The Bentwood Inn: A luxurious bed and breakfast in Jackson Hole, this cozy spot is known for its charm and locations near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. You’ll be wowed just walking up to the front door.
- Inn on the Creek: A boutique hotel on Flat Creek in the heart of Jackson offers delicious breakfasts and plenty of access to recreation. Its handy location to two national parks and Bridger-Teton National Forest offers access to activities in bustling downtown Jackson.
Ranches Outside the Park
Just like the dude ranch located within the park boundaries, these other ranch options are amazing…but also on the $$$ end of the options available to you. If budget isn’t a massive concern, then definitely check out these dude ranch options near Grand Teton National Park.
- Moose Head Ranch: If you’re into learning about Western lifestyles, this ranch allows you to stay in cabins and learn about ranch life. Imagine riding and seeing elk, bison, mule deer and antelope up close, then retiring to your cabin after a long day. Sounds incredible, right?
- R Lazy S Ranch: From cattle drives to becoming a ranch hand overnight, the R Lazy S Ranch likely offers a setting that reflects the surrounding area’s natural beauty. Or fish, take a float trip and eat your meals in the main lodge — the world’s your oyster here.
- Lost Creek Ranch: Lost Creek Ranch gives you all the dude ranch atmosphere possible, but why not add a spa experience after your long days on a horse? What could be better? Check out Lost Creek’s gorgeous log cabins and amenities.
- Goosewing Ranch: You’ll find Goosewing Ranch in the Gros Ventre river valley. Cozy cabins, luxury bedding, adventure — what more could you want?
Campgrounds
RVing is my favorite mode of travel, and one of the biggest reasons may seem silly: I love the nightlife. The campfires, evenings blanketed under the milky way perfect for stargazing, and the low-key vibe of a no-frills campground.
While there are great options within the park boundaries that we already discussed, there are also some fantastic campgrounds located outside the park, as well.
Most notably:
- Flagg Ranch: We stayed at Flagg Ranch when we visited the Tetons, and this was a great place to stay because we drove from Yellowstone to the Tetons to the town of Jackson. It’s a giant campground and was available when we booked around March, when everything else wasn’t.
Backcountry Camping
While backcountry camping is not the experience the majority of families seek out, it’s certainly available for those who seek that type of adventure. You can reserve peak season (May 1 to October 31) permits online beginning January 10, 2024, at 8 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST), or you can get a non-peak season (November 1 to April 30) by calling 307-739-3309.
Prepare yourself and your family for an authentic wilderness experience, but prepare for it, like knowing how to purify your water, navigate with a map and compass (if the GPS fails), and understand the concepts of “leave no trace,” weather safety, bear bags, cooking and creating shelter. Give me a king size bed and a shower, but if your family is braver than mine, by all means, give it a go!
How to Choose the Best Lodging for Your Visit
With all the options available, how do you decide exactly where to stay at Grand Teton National Park?
One of the biggest questions you should answer: What do you plan to do while you’re there? Horseback riding? Fishing on the shores of Jackson Lake? Take advantage of tent cabin amenities or another unique experience? Or do you plan to stay in a ski resort during winter?
Determining what you want to do there will help you narrow down the best places to stay while visiting this popular spot. Answering the following questions can help you narrow down the choices so you can make a decision about the best lodging options in any of the national parks you plan to visit.
- Do you want to stay INSIDE the national park or OUTSIDE of it? If you plan to spend all your time inside the park, exploring Mormon Row or searching for grizzly bears, you might want to stick close to the park.
- What activities would you like to spend your time doing? Identify the primary activities you plan to do in the area, whether hiking, wildlife viewing or exploring nearby attractions. Choose lodging that aligns with your planned activities.
- What is the cancellation policy? If you must cancel, what are your limitations? Can you cancel a campground? You must give 24 hours notice to cancel a hotel (most require it).
- How far are you willing to drive each day? Do some Google mapping before you ever leave home. Consider the travel time to key destinations within the park or nearby areas and decide on a balance that suits your preferences. Don’t forget to consider how far you are from the Jackson Hole Airport if you plan to fly in.
- What is your budget? Besides the key question about what you want to do while traveling, this may drive all your decisions. A vacation shouldn’t be a burden; luckily, it’s an area where you can find almost any spending level for any budget.
- What type of lodging experience are you looking for? For example, do you want to teach your kids about camping, or does the whole family prefer luxurious amenities? Consider the modern amenities that matter most to you, like Wi-Fi, pet-friendly options, on-site dining or recreational facilities. These factors may also guide your search.
- When do you plan to go? Traveling during an off-peak season may save you money, but remember that Jackson has a thriving ski season when the ski resorts and ski lifts keep the town busy.
Looking for more information about Grand Tetons NP, or family lodging recommendations in more amazing US national parks? Be sure to check out these articles, too:
- 16 BEST Grand Teton National Park Hikes for Families
- 12 Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone [for Families]
- 8 BEST Yellowstone Glamping Options For Families
- Where to Stay When Visiting Yosemite NP: 13 TOP Picks
- 17 Best Family Glamping Spots: Joshua Tree National Park
- Badlands National Park Cabins: Cedar Pass Lodge Guide
- Glamping Zion National Park: 15 Best Family Options
- Glamping Big Bend National Park: 15 Best Family Spots
- 12 Best Family Glamping Spots: Acadia National Park
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Melissa, your Grand Teton National Park post is amazing! Your photos are stunning and resources and detailed information are wonderful.
Thank You so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month. I’m so happy You’re here.