Atherton Creek Campground

4.60

86 reviews

Atherton Creek Campground, Gros Ventre River Road, Wyoming, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Wyoming Camping Near Grand Teton National Park Boating Camping Wyoming +5 more

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

21 campsites

Season

May 5 through Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Jackson Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

21 campsites

Season

May 5 through Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Jackson Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Atherton Creek Campground

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20/Night for single sites, $40/Night for double sites. Additional $7 fee for extra vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a...

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

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USFS

Provider

307-739-5500null

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 86 reviews

70 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and tranquil atmosphere. Common complaints include rough access roads and occasional issues with site availability."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Atherton Creek Campground, Gros Ventre River Road, Wyoming, USA

Atherton Creek Campground

Atherton Creek Campground, Gros Ventre River Road, Wyoming, USA

Driving directionsFrom Jackson, WY, take US Rt. 89/191 north 6.1 miles to Gros Ventre Junction sign. Turn right at sign and go 8.8 miles to a Gros Ventre Rd. sign. Turn right at sign and go 6 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. NOTE: The last 6 miles are paved but rough.

The road access is paved up to the campground but the last 6 miles are described as rough. There are reports of potholes and gravel but manageable if driven slowly.

Nearby places

Jackson - 21 miles (approximately 32 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Atherton Creek Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Wyoming's mountain climate at Atherton Creek. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dancing between crisp 11°F mornings and 25°F afternoons—perfect for those who find magic in snow-dusted aspens and frozen lake vistas. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures hovering comfortably between 72°F and 78°F. Clear blue skies dominate the warm months, creating ideal conditions for stargazing, hiking, and lazy afternoons by the water. Each season paints the landscape with its own palette, offering returning visitors an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is popular and active; reviews note busy weekends but strong seasonal access.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens turn gold and the campground remains open into September for quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 5; spring can be variable early season but offers returning wildlife and views.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open May 5–Sept 30); winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 5 through September 30.
Current Alerts: Campground closes annually on September 22. Water will be turned off, bathrooms locked, and trash service suspended after the closure date.

About Atherton Creek Campground

Escape to Atherton Creek Campground, where tranquility meets adventure on the pristine north shore of Lower Slide Lake. This hidden gem offers the perfect balance—close enough to Grand Teton National Park for easy day trips (just 30 minutes away), yet far enough to provide a peaceful sanctuary from the crowds. Perched on terraced sites above the boat ramp, you'll wake up to breathtaking views of Lower Slide Lake and the dramatic geological slide that gave birth to this stunning body of water. Here, nature tells its own story through every sunrise reflection on the water and every whisper of wind through the aspens.

Atherton Creek Campground caters to tent camping and small RVs, providing 21 first-come, first-serve campsites.

Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of Western history at Atherton Creek, where the spirit of the Old West still lingers in the mountain air. Just five miles west, you can visit the iconic Ernie Wright homestead, immortalized in the classic 1953 film 'Shane'—where Hollywood met the authentic Wyoming frontier. The nearby Moose Visitor Center at Grand Teton National Park enriches your stay with fascinating exhibits and ranger programs that bring the region's natural and cultural heritage to life. This is more than just a campground; it's your gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of stories woven into the Greater Yellowstone landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Wyoming's mountain climate at Atherton Creek. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dancing between crisp 11°F mornings and 25°F afternoons—perfect for those who find magic in snow-dusted aspens and frozen lake vistas. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures hovering comfortably between 72°F and 78°F. Clear blue skies dominate the warm months, creating ideal conditions for stargazing, hiking, and lazy afternoons by the water. Each season paints the landscape with its own palette, offering returning visitors an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

ElevationAt 7,000 feet above sea level, Atherton Creek Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and summer heat gives way to cool mountain breezes. This elevated paradise provides not just relief from valley temperatures, but also spectacular panoramic vistas that stretch across the Bridger-Teton wilderness, making every sunset a masterpiece and every morning a revelation.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where quaking aspens dance in the breeze, their leaves creating a shimmering canopy of green and gold. Willows line the water's edge while aromatic sagebrush and native grasses carpet the understory, filling the air with the authentic scent of the high country. From your campsite, watch as Lower Slide Lake mirrors the sky, its surface broken only by rising trout or paddling waterfowl. The meandering Gros Ventre River adds its voice to nature's symphony, creating a soundtrack that lulls you to sleep under star-filled skies. This is camping as it should be—surrounded by wild beauty, yet comfortably accessible.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast Bridger-Teton National Forest, Atherton Creek Campground showcases Wyoming's geological drama at its finest. The terraced campsites, carved naturally into the landscape above the boat ramp, offer front-row seats to one of nature's most impressive displays—Lower Slide Lake itself, born from a massive landslide that reshaped this valley. Surrounded by stands of quaking aspen that glow golden in fall and expansive sagebrush meadows that bloom purple in spring, the campground sits at the intersection of forest and high desert ecosystems. The nearby Gros Ventre River valley frames distant mountain peaks, creating a landscape that tells the story of millions of years of geological forces at work.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 10 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

2cars maximum.

Groups

There is no specific provision for group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of one loop and two spurs. Most campsites are terraced above the boat ramp. The loop features pull-thru sites. The spurs generally have shorter parking aprons.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made. Sites are first come, first serve.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first come, first serve. Generally available Monday through Wednesday. Early comers may find availability on weekends.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited. A reviewer mentioned difficulties in finding accessible locations due to first-come, first-serve policies.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size. Top of the loop campsites are longer, while spur sites have shorter parking aprons.

PrivacySites are well-separated with excellent privacy achieved through distance rather than vegetation.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesSites at the top of the loop tend to be longer and may accommodate larger vehicles better. Lakeshore sites are ideal for those seeking direct lake access.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Atherton Creek Campground offers a serene setting for an array of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Lower Slide Lake provides easy access for water-related activities.

FishingFishing opportunities include Lake, Brook, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout as well as Whitefish in Lower Slide Lake. "Great for swimming, inflatables, and paddle boards and fishing boats," noted one reviewer.

BoatingBoating options include both motorized and non-motorized activities. "Great for paddleboards in the am but got windy," a reviewer observed.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with peaceful evenings often spent spotting local fauna.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; campers are advised to follow safe food storage techniques. Potholes on the gravel road can pose challenges during the drive.

Active AlertsCampground closes annually on September 22. Water will be turned off, bathrooms locked, and trash service suspended after the closure date.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof boxes are provided in the campground for safe food storage.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available on sites, and firewood can be purchased. Campfires are controlled within designated pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesMoose Visitor Center, Grand Teton National Park, approximately 13 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere are dumpsters available on-site. Campers are reminded to properly manage waste due to the presence of bears.

Water FeaturesLocated on the north shore of Lower Slide Lake, which spans 700 acres. Includes a boat ramp for convenient water access.

Camp HostCamp hosts are often praised for being friendly, helpful, and maintaining clean vault toilets. Named hosts include David, Bob, Brenda, and Justin in different reviews, indicating multiple host rotations.

Weather at Atherton Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6

86 reviews

Top-Rated

Atherton Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and tranquil atmosphere. Common complaints include rough access roads and occasional issues with site availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly camp hosts, proximity to the lake with scenic views, and good fishing opportunities.

Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Rough access roads, limited cell service, and occasional difficulty securing a site on weekends.

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, especially on weekends. Bring your own drinking water and mosquito repellent. Take it slow on the access road to avoid damage to your vehicle.

Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for their accessibility and activities. "Weekends are busy," one camper noted, and the site is quiet and peaceful during weekdays.

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were very clean, with no odors or messes. Beautiful campgrounds that were very clean and well maintained." - Carlee Jo. "This was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been." -...

Based on 86 reviews