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 no 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

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. 

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.  

contact_info

Between 06/01/2024 and 09/30/2024 this location is staffed. Please call (307) 543-2861 to speak with local staff. From 10/01/2024 to 05/31/2025 this location is unstaffed. Please call (800) 443-2311 for general information.

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:  

• If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. 
• There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. 
• Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. 
• If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure.
• If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.
• Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center.
• Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations.

Deposits: 

• A deposit made by cash, check, or credit card will be required for the full reservation utilizing the applicable approved rate with tax and applicable add-on to hold a reservation.

Cancellations: 

• Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. 
• A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. 
• Cancellations within 24 hours of check-in are subject to the late cancellation policy.
• Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window:

• Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on.
• Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

No-Shows: 

• A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date.
• Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. 
• No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.

Early Departures: 

• If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site. 
• Visitors may notify the call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. 
• If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (11 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.

Refunds: 

• Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation.
• Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended. Debit or Credit Card Purchases: Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. 
• Check or Cash Purchases: Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. 
• Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.

Emergency Closures:

• In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify the visitor using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

Activities

• Star Gazing
• Wilderness
• Wildlife Viewing
• Horseback Riding
• Fishing
• Photography
• Interpretive Programs
• Visitor Center
• Scenic Drive
• Amphitheater
• Birding
• Camping
• Hiking
• Hotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned

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