Location, Location, Location: Amenity and Condition Preferences Across Campgrounds at Grand Teton National Park

Authors

  • Jeffrey Skibins East Carolina University
  • Kelly White-Singleton East Carolina University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2026-13195

Keywords:

Camping, campground preferences, Grand Teton National Park, national parks

Abstract

Visitation to U.S. national parks continues to grow, with estimates exceeding 325 million visits in 2023. For many visitors, camping is a primary activity. This is fueled by the cache of camping in a national park. The U.S. National Park Service reports more than 8 million camping overnights. Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) reports more than 400,000 camping overnights. Despite literature on camper motivations and attitudes, managers still face ever-changing preferences surrounding campground amenities and social conditions. This study aimed to quantify GRTE camper preferences for amenities and conditions and identify differences between campers across Colter Bay and Gros Ventre campgrounds. Data were collected from 77 campers. No differences were found between campgrounds. The majority of campers reported high levels of camping experience and a strong preference for camping in national parks. Campers rated few amenities as important, and were tolerant of a range of social conditions. 

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Published

2026-02-22

Issue

Online First

Section

Research Notes

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