Grand Teton: Why This National Park Became Our Absolute Favorite (And Where We Actually Stayed for Two Weeks)

Okay, I know we’re a bit late on this one, but we spent two weeks at Grand Teton last June and it was hands down our absolute favorite stop. I had to share it with you all, even if it’s way overdue. Here’s what made it so special.

We arrived at Grand Teton around sundown in mid-June, but clouds sat so low we couldn’t see anything. Just dark enough that when we pulled up to Shadow Mountain, a dispersed camping area we’d researched, we had no idea what surrounded us. Every decent spot was taken, so we asked a group of guys a few feet away if we could share their campsite. They were leaving the next morning anyway. We parked, climbed into bed, and passed out.

Around 7 AM, Ethan opened the van door and started laughing. “OMG, what is this? Rebeca you need to get up.”

I was still in bed when I heard him. When I finally got up and looked out, I understood immediately. The Teton Range was right there. The entire mountain range visible from our campsite, massive peaks still covered in snow, surrounded by wildflowers in peak bloom. The sheer size and beauty of it was something pictures genuinely struggle to capture. I know, cliche, but believe me. We both just stood there staring.

Those two weeks at Grand Teton became our absolute favorite stop. Here’s exactly where we stayed, how we worked those views into our regular schedule, and what we actually did there.

Where we called home: Shadow Mountain campsite #10

Shadow Mountain is a dispersed camping area just outside the park boundary. During high season, roughly Memorial Day through September, there’s a 5 day limit on dispersed camping. We learned this from other campers that first morning.

We stayed at campsite #10. If you know, you know.

The views from this spot were unreal. The whole Teton Range visible from where we parked. We set up our work stations right there at the campsite and could see the Tetons while working. We use Starlink, so we didn’t have to worry about internet, but Google Fi got signal at times too.

Working our regular 9 to 5 schedule with those views outside made every day feel like continuous vacation, even during the work week. We’d finish up around 5 or 6 PM, immediately change, and head out to explore.

The 5 day shuffle to Shoshone National Forest

On day 5, we packed up and moved to Shoshone National Forest, about an hour drive from Shadow Mountain. This is how you stay in the area legally beyond the dispersed camping limit.

The Shoshone NF site was different but still spectacular. It had a lake, we didn’t swim there, and while the views weren’t identical to Shadow Mountain, we still had gorgeous surroundings and could access all our favorite spots in the park within reasonable driving distance.

Most van lifers we met were doing the same shuffle. It’s pretty much the standard move for staying in the area long term during high season.

What we actually did: biking, hiking, and close encounters

The bike ride that skipped the car line

We biked into the park from the Moose Visitor Center, before the actual park entrance, which let us completely skip the line of cars trying to get in during high season. Plus, the fresh air and views are just different up there.

The route is about 20 miles round trip if you go to Jenny Lake and back. It’s pretty flat and paved. We saw bears along the way. No moose unfortunately, BUT the wildflowers and mountain views more than made up for it lol.

Park at the visitor center by Moose, load your bikes with water and snacks, and pedal in. You still need to pay the park entrance fee, but there’s a reduced rate for cyclists.

The brown bear that ran right across our path

Speaking of bears, we saw one up close. A couple feet away close.

We were heading back to our bikes after a hike when a girl noticed the bear before we did. It ran right across our path and kept going. It wasn’t aggressive, just moving through, but it was close enough to remind us why the food storage rules exist.

Follow the rules. They’re not joking around hehe.

Swimming at String Lake

We went to String Lake on June 29th, one of the weekends. It was crowded, but not so packed you couldn’t have your own space. The water was clear as glass. You could see straight to the bottom. It was cold, but after a long hike it was exactly what we needed.

What made it special was the mountain right there. You’re swimming in this crystal clear alpine lake with the Tetons towering above you.

The Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon attempt

We drove the scenic drive another day and parked at the Jenny Lake parking lot, there’s a small lot there. We knew part of the Paintbrush to Cascade Canyon loop was closed due to snow before we started, so we adjusted our route.

We hit the normal spots like Inspiration Point and walked along the edge of Jenny Lake. We didn’t make it to the snow closed section, but we got plenty of nature and views. If you’re planning this hike, check conditions. We were there mid June and it was still snowed in. Go later in summer if you want to complete the full loop.

Meeting our first van life friends

This was actually one of the most memorable parts of our two weeks.

We met two groups of people at the campground and ended up sharing stories around a fire. This was our first time actually meeting people while vanlifing. We’re usually in less popular van life areas, either staying east or in very remote spots, so connecting with other travelers felt special.

First was a long distance couple on their first trip together. They were meeting her family who lived in the area. Then we met Tanaya and Missy, two best friends traveling together. T had just gotten married and Missy had just bought a van, so T flew into the Grand Teton airport and Missy picked her up to start their adventure.

The funny part? The guy from the couple and Missy went to the same high school in New York. They spent time talking about teachers they’d had, and we all laughed about the coincidence. It was a great fun time. Exactly the kind of random van life connection we’d heard about but hadn’t experienced yet.

Why Grand Teton became our favorite

It wasn’t one thing. It was everything together.

The campsite at Shadow Mountain with the entire Teton Range visible from where we worked and slept. The combination of activities, biking flat scenic routes, hiking into canyons, swimming in alpine lakes, all within a small radius. Working our regular schedule but feeling like we were on vacation because of what we saw every time we looked up from our laptops.

The wildflowers in peak bloom. The close wildlife encounters. Meeting actual van life friends for the first time. The sheer beauty and size of those mountains that made Ethan laugh out loud at 7 AM.

Two weeks wasn’t enough. If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton, especially during high season, plan for the 5 day dispersed camping limit and figure out your shuffle to Shoshone NF ahead of time. Consider biking in from Moose to skip the entrance line. Go to String Lake even if it’s crowded. Follow the bear rules.

And if you end up at Shadow Mountain campsite #10, you’ll understand why we’re still talking about those views months later.

Have you been to Grand Teton? What were your favorite spots or biggest surprises? Drop a comment, we’d love to hear what made your experience special.