Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch

Overview

Availability will go live on Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling basis for RV sites, Tent sites, and Camper Cabins.

Located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, directly between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and just minutes from both, Headwaters Campground offers the perfect basecamp for exploration. Situated in a spectacular wooded setting with rolling hills and Teton mountain views, this campground is the perfect place to unwind and unplug, as there is limited cellular or internet service. Commune with nature and spot bear, moose, mule deer, and more as you stroll along nearby Polecat Creek. For avid anglers, the Snake River offers plentiful cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. While none of Headwater’s campsites are on the river, all are within walking distance.

The campground offers 34 tent sites, 97 full-hookup and pull-through RV sites, and 40 Camper Cabins, and is open from June to October. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and book early.

Recreation

The Headwaters area is a prime location for wildlife watching and photography. Walk along the banks of Polecat Creek through wildflower meadows and conifer forests to capture that perfect photo of a beaver, moose, elk, bison, bear, or birds. (Be sure to maintain appropriate distance!) Although soaking is not permitted, Huckleberry Hot Springs is an easy 2.5-mile loop that starts at Polecat Creek.

The Flagg Canyon trail is a good option for all ability levels. This 5.1-mile out and back hike winds through meadows and cliffs along the Snake River, and features a waterfall. There is plenty of wildlife to see in this area, including marmot, elk, and white-throated swift.

Facilities

Headwaters campground offers camping for tents, full-hookup camping for RVs, and hard-wall Camper Cabins. Each tent site has a gravel parking space for up to two vehicles, and tent pads for up to two tents. All RV sites are pull-through with gravel parking space for one RV and one tow vehicle with a maximum total length of 45 feet. Our RV sites offer full-hookups including sewer, water, and 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electric outlets. Propane is available for purchase at the campground office.

Headwaters Camper Cabins are scattered throughout the campground and include double-double or double-single bunk-style beds. While the bunks are padded, bedding and pillows not included. Guests are encouraged to bring their own linens, however a limited quantity of sleeping bags, pillows and blankets are available on a first-come basis for a nightly fee. Our Camper Cabins do not offer electricity or private restrooms, but do include a lantern.

All sites, including Camper Cabins, have a picnic table, a fire pit with metal fire grate, access to nearby water spigots, flush toilets, shower facilities, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Tent and RV sites also include food storage lockers. A phone is available in the lodge lobby for public use 24 hours per day.

ADA Access: The campsites and roads are well-compacted gravel and mostly level, with a gently sloping incline/decline that may make wheelchair access more challenging. Restroom facilities are wheelchair-accessible with one fully accessible shower. Routes to the amphitheater have a gently sloping incline/decline with compacted gravel, and are somewhat uneven.

Firewood, food, and ice can be purchased at the convenience store, and camping supplies, souvenirs, and more are available in the gift shop, both located in the main lodge. The main lodge also offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Sheffields Restaurant and Saloon.

Natural Features

Headwaters at Flagg Ranch is situated in a tranquil setting along the upper reaches of the Snake River, surrounded by meadows and conifer forests. The Yellowstone Plateau rises to the north, and Huckleberry Mountain to the east.

Within walking distance is Polecat Creek, which runs through forests, wildflower meadows, and thermal features. For avid anglers, the Snake River offers plentiful cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. This area is known for its remarkable fly fishing and photography opportunities.

Headwaters is home to elk, moose, mule deer, wolves, black and grizzly bears, a wide variety of birds and more. Bears are often seen on trails and in the developed areas. Being prepared for an animal encounter can help ensure your safety as well as that of the wildlife that call this spectacular area home.

Nearby Attractions

One of the many reasons visitors return to Headwaters at Flagg Ranch year after year is its close proximity to Yellowstone’s south entrance, just a few miles north. But while it wouldn’t be difficult to spend all your time exploring our country’s very first national park (and the second-largest in the lower 48 states), there is much to see and do in the opposite direction as well. Take a self-guided tour of Grand Teton National Park via the 43-mile Scenic Loop Drive, offering an opportunity to photograph the park’s famous landscape and local wildlife. Spend a few hours at Colter Bay Village, located about 30 minutes south of Headwaters Campground, where you can rent a kayak or canoe, take a guided boat ride to the majestic base of the Teton Range, or just enjoy lunch and the stunning lake view from the marina. Continue on and stop in at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge for its famous huckleberry milkshakes and spectacular Teton views through 60-foot tall wall-to-wall windows. While you’re there, book a scenic raft trip or park bus tour. From there, continue south to the town of Jackson, located about 50 miles from Headwaters, where you can visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art just outside of town, walk under the famous giant elk antler archway in town center, attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo, browse local shops, and dine at one of the many restaurants.

What people do here

• amphitheater
• birding
• camping
• fishing
• hiking
• horseback riding
• hotel/lodge/resort fs owned
• interpretive programs
• photography
• scenic drive
• star gazing
• visitor center
• wilderness
• wildlife viewing