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1 Grassy Lake Road, Unit 187, Moran, WY, 83013
Headwaters Campground At Flagg Ranch
1 Grassy Lake Road, Unit 187, Moran, WY, 83013
Nearby places
Moran, WY: 5 miles
Colter Bay Village: 30 miles
Jackson, WY: 50 miles
Old Faithful (Yellowstone): 40 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, food supplies, and firewood are available at the campground’s onsite convenience store and gift shop. Additional supplies can be found in Colter Bay Village, approximately 30 miles away, or in Jackson, WY.
Driving directionsFrom Yellowstone: Follow the signage to the South gate of Yellowstone - about 40 miles from Old Faithful. After exiting the south gate, Headwaters at Flagg Ranch will be just 2 miles South on the right side of the road. From Jackson, WY: Head North from Jackson on US 191/89. Turn left to continue on US 191/89 at the Moran Junction and enter the Grand Teton National Park through the Moran entrance. Continue straight through the Jackson Lake junction for another 21 miles. Headwaters at Flagg Ranch will be located on the left side of the road. As you pull into the property, the lodge will be located on your right and the campground will be on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads but is located in a remote area. Some roads like Grassy Lake Road are gravel and not recommended for trailers or large vehicles. Four-wheel drive is encouraged in some areas, and GPS reliability may be limited.
About Headwaters Campground At Flagg Ranch
Headwaters Campground sits in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway between Yellowstone and Grand Teton, offering 171 sites at 6,854 feet elevation. The campground includes 34 tent sites, 97 RV sites with full hookups (accommodating rigs up to 45 feet), and 40 camper cabins. Nightly fees range from $59 to $122. Reviewers consistently note the convenient location for exploring both parks, though many mention sites feel cramped and dusty roads are common.
The campground offers a range of accommodations including primitive tent sites, full-hookup RV sites, and rustic Camper Cabins. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Historical Significance
The campground sits within the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, named for the family whose land donations helped create the protected corridor between Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The parkway preserves the landscape between the two parks rather than developing it.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F days with evenings dropping into the 30s and 40s. Reliable weather for hiking and fishing the Snake River. This is also peak season for wildflowers in the high meadows and accessing the thermal features. July and August mean crowds, so book well ahead. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Spring is unpredictable, swinging between warm days and surprise snow. Winter buries the area in deep powder. Fall offers crisp mornings and golden aspens, though temperatures drop fast.
ElevationPerched high in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the campground sits at an elevation that brings you closer to the big Wyoming sky while keeping you connected to the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryConifer forests shelter the campground, with meadows opening between the trees where wildflowers bloom in summer. The Snake River flows nearby, carving through a valley shaped by glaciers and volcanic forces over millennia. Polecat Creek harbors thermal features. Bubbling springs that connect underground to Yellowstone's geothermal system. Huckleberry Mountain rises in the surrounding landscape. Elk graze the meadows regularly, and the forest hosts the usual squirrels and mountain birds. The setting feels genuinely wild, though the campground itself can get dusty from traffic on unpaved roads.
Geological RegionNestled within the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, Headwaters Campground occupies a geological crossroads where ancient forces have sculpted an extraordinary landscape. The surrounding conifer forests grow from soil enriched by millennia of volcanic activity, while meadows bloom with wildflowers in pockets where glaciers once carved the earth. The nearby Snake River has spent eons cutting through this terrain, creating the valley you see today, while Huckleberry Mountain stands as a testament to the powerful geological forces that built this region. Perhaps most intriguing are the thermal features along Polecat Creek—rare glimpses into the underground plumbing system that connects this area to Yellowstone's famous geysers and hot springs. This unique combination of forests, meadows, rivers, and geothermal activity creates a landscape that tells the story of our planet's incredible natural history.
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What Campers Say
4.30
Satisfactory
Based on 794 reviews
168 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshowersrestroomsstaff
Some mention
dusty
"Reviews are mixed but generally highlight the campground’s convenient location between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Positive feedback includes clean facilities, friendly staff, and abundant amenities. Negative comments focus on high prices, dusty roads, and occasional maintenance issues."
Best Time to Camp at Headwaters Campground At Flagg Ranch
Summer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F days with evenings dropping into the 30s and 40s. Reliable weather for hiking and fishing the Snake River. This is also peak season for wildflowers in the high meadows and accessing the thermal features. July and August mean crowds, so book well ahead. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Spring is unpredictable, swinging between warm days and surprise snow. Winter buries the area in deep powder. Fall offers crisp mornings and golden aspens, though temperatures drop fast.
Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Peak season: mild days, wildflowers, hikes and fishing; high occupancy and dust/mud noted.
Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended
Mostly closed through May 9; limited spring availability and services.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5
Early fall offers good wildlife and scenery before Oct 1 closure; cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground closed Oct 1–May 9; winter camping not available.
Planning Tips
Peak Season: June 7 to September 30 (reservable through September 30).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from June to October. Closed seasonally from October 1 to May 9.
Current Alerts: No current active alerts.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit (30 nights cumulative across park campgrounds).
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number varies by site type, with a general limit of up to two tents and two vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive camping is not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground divides into loops with separate tent and RV areas. RV sites include spacious pull-throughs. Tent pads fit two tents each. Spacing between sites is tight in many areas, and reviewers frequently note limited privacy despite the trees.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by phone through the official reservation line.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are reservable; walk-up availability may be limited, particularly during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made online or through the call center; a $10 service fee applies. Late cancellations (24 hours before check-in) forfeit the first night’s rate. No-shows incur a $20 service fee and forfeit the first night’s rate.
AccessibilityThe campground is designed with compacted gravel roads and mostly level sites, but the gently sloping inclines/declines may present challenges for wheelchair users. Restroom facilities include a fully accessible shower. Routes to the amphitheater also have compacted gravel and uneven terrain.
Site SizeSites for RVs can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet in length, with spacious pull-through options. Tent sites include pads for up to two tents.
PrivacyThe level of privacy varies; some campers report that sites are closely spaced, leading to limited seclusion, while others appreciate the natural setting with shade trees for additional privacy.
Total Campsites171 campsites
Recommended SitesSites in the outer loops offer more privacy and proximity to natural features. Avoid low-lying sites during rainy conditions due to poor drainage.
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The Headwaters Campground provides numerous recreational opportunities. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of elk, moose, deer, bears, and more. Trails like the Flagg Canyon Trail offer accessible hiking experiences along scenic landscapes, including meadows and cliffs. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling in the Snake River for cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible from the campground, such as the 5.1-mile Flagg Canyon Trail, which offers views of meadows, cliffs, and a waterfall. Trails vary in difficulty and provide opportunities for wildlife observation.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Snake River, which is within walking distance of the campground. The river is known for its cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include elk, moose, deer, bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors are encouraged to maintain appropriate distances for safety.
Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are available at the amphitheater, though specific topics and schedules are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to bears, moose, and other wildlife. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all animals and use bear-proof storage.
Active AlertsNo current active alerts.
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 food storage lockers are provided at all tent and RV sites for visitor safety.
Fire PolicyFires are permitted in designated metal fire grates unless fire restrictions are in effect.
Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in nearby Moran, WY, approximately 5 miles away. Hospitals and larger medical facilities are located in Jackson, WY, about 50 miles south of the campground.
Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are available throughout the campground, though specific locations and schedules are not detailed in the source.
Water FeaturesClose to Polecat Creek and the Snake River, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Camp HostCampground hosts are present and have received positive comments for their helpfulness.
Headwaters Campground At Flagg Ranch is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed but generally highlight the campground’s convenient location between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Positive feedback includes clean facilities, friendly staff, and abundant amenities. Negative comments focus on high prices, dusty roads, and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 794 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground’s proximity to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, clean restrooms, hot showers, and helpful staff. The natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities are also...
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Based on 794 reviews
Common Concerns
Complaints include high costs for basic amenities, muddy or poorly graded sites, and limited privacy. Dusty roads and poorly maintained infrastructure, such as potholes, are recurring concerns.
Based on 794 reviews
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent and prepare for limited cell service. Visitors suggest early reservations due to high demand and recommend packing all essentials due to expensive onsite store items.
Based on 794 reviews
Seasonal Insights
Summer months see high occupancy, with complaints about muddy conditions during rains and dusty roads during dry spells. Winter camping is not available due to seasonal closures.
Based on 794 reviews
Camper Quotes
"The location between Yellowstone and Grand Tetons was outstanding." "Be prepared for lots of mosquitoes, especially during summer rains." "Staff was friendly and helpful; the restaurant at the lodge...
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Based on 794 reviews
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews mention site 609 as ideal for a truck camper and site 328 as too close to high-traffic areas. Site 425 reportedly had poor drainage, leading to a waterlogged experience.
Based on 794 reviews
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is generally positive, with some users noting that compacted gravel roads can be challenging for wheelchairs.
Based on 794 reviews
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but leash rules must be followed. Reviewers found the campground accommodating for pets, with adequate space for walking.
Based on 794 reviews
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