Curtis Canyon Dispersed Campsite 1A

We lucked out and got the first free spot inside Curtis canyon. It was about 25 minutes from downtown Jackson. The gravel road up to the campground was a little tricky. There are a couple of tight switchbacks that we named “Burley Shirley” and “Juicy Lucy” due to the deep potholes and rain washouts. This is a highly trafficked road and the only downside to our site was the amount of cars that went by day and night. Lots of OHVs as well. The site itself was pretty level with another site further up on the “peninsula” which would have to be accessed from this site. We actually ended up making friends with some people who asked if they could camp there. We have a 24’ trailer and didn’t have any issues with the road or the site. Just take it slow and easy up the road. Maximum amount of nights the forest service allows you to stay is 5 and they do patrol. Great spot. Decent cell service and breathtaking views. Nearest potable and dump we found at the Shell Station just south of Jackson. They also have propane.

I really want to love this place because the views are stunning but the road up is long and very very very rocky. It’s a tough risk to take also because when I got to the top there were no sites available. I had to drive back down after turning around with my trailer. It was like a 20 point turn but I got it done. No cell service that I remember, but most importantly don’t come up here if you don’t know for a fact there’s a site available. The road is bad. High/medium clearance vehicles only. Definitely easier for tent campers!

Very rough road getting there and despite being dispersed camping, there are limited spaces and you won’t know if they’re filled until you drive all the way up there. It’s a beautiful view once you’re up, but a bummer to drive back down and try and locate a new spot. Would not recommend without 4 wheel drive.

The road up to Curtis Canyon is insane, don't bother. I ignored the reviews and was able to make it up with my 25ft Class C, but I ended up turning around at the top so I didn't have to drive further. I thought I was going to tip off the side of the cliff at certain points. Talked to the camp host and he suggested a different site. At the stop sign where you would turn right to go to CC, keep going straight, all the way to the end of the road. Once you're past the pink stakes (Elk Res land) you can park anywhere. There's a lot for camping at the end of the road, flat all the way there.

The road getting to these dispersed campsites along Sheep Creek Road is rutted, rocky, and bumpy. Normal SUVs and pickup trucks won't have any problem. Trailers and Class Cs will require slow travel and an extra measure of skill/risk tolerance. There are a couple sharp switchbacks. The site is on a precipice with amazing views. One crew managed to fit a travel trailer and a large 5er into the slot, but getting there would have required exceptional skill and patience for them. Consider scouting ahead before you make the long, slow journey up the road.

Overall I would have stayed but there were over 4 groups of people shooting clay pigeons and targets which detracted from the experience. I’ll be back next time to try it out.