Interstate Adventures

When I used to think about dispersed camping, I imagined being in a remote area alone with no one nearby in case of an emergency. So, when we decided to do it just outside of Grand Teton National Park, I was nervous. 

We entered the road and headed for an area called Upper Teton View. The van was bumping around like a boat on the rocks as we climbed up to a plateau that offered an expansive view of the Teton range. Every spot was filled with campers and tents. We continued on the dirt path for what felt like five miles. We eventually reached a sign on the side of the road that read, “No camping beyond this point.” We turned around and settled on a field with at least a partial view of the Teton range.

We parked next to a fire ring. Next door was a small tent and no one there. There was a young couple in a pickup truck who pulled in right after us and set up a tent. 

Another young person entered the field in a Jeep Cherokee. It was now becoming crowded. He invented a spot. There was no fire ring to make it official. He immediately came over and introduced himself as Grant from Illinois. He shook both of our hands. He told us he had just hiked 14 miles solo. He said, “I’m tired.” He shared, “I’m 20 years old. Today was my first hike, ever. I hoped I would like it.”

We sat outside of our van and wondered if Grant had a tent or if he was car camping. Then, Grant came over to our site again and came straight to me with a loaf of bread. He held it out and said, “Is this mold?” I looked at the dark spots on the bottom of the bread and said, “Those look like spots from cooking, and they should smell burnt.” He went back to his car and I hoped my advice was good because he must have been hungry after hiking all day. 

Later that afternoon, a car full of more young people barreled into the little field. They hit a huge pothole hard. The car stalled right next to our van. Behind it was a dark trail of oil. A young woman came out and said, “I’m so sorry. We will move as soon as possible.” We reassured them it was okay. They had cracked their oil pan and were not going anywhere without a tow truck.

There was no service in the area so they could not call for help. We had them log on to our satellite internet so they could call AAA and their parents. They set up three tents and eventually AAA came around 2 a.m. 

The next morning, the field was quiet as everyone scattered to hike or go into Jackson. We considered staying another night in case these young people needed anything. Then, we noticed a spot right on the plateau with the expansive view had become available. We quickly packed up and scrambled down the road to the other location. 

As we pointed the van toward a new and improved view, a gentleman came out and introduced himself as Moshe from Los Angeles. He gave us advice on how to position the van for the biggest area and best view. He invited us to his patio outside of his camper that was marked by a fake-grass indoor-outdoor rug, two chairs, a small table, and a stool that he turned into a chair when needed. He made us Israeli tea and told us about his life of world travel before he settled in Los Angeles.  

After enjoying the visit, we left to hike in the Tetons. Later that day, we relaxed in our chairs at our site and looked at the Teton range where somewhere in there was Jenny Lake and our hiking route. Suddenly a couple of very friendly dogs burst out of the camper next door and greeted us. They belonged to a family from Utah. No sooner did they leave, a young man from Wisconsin stopped and said he liked our rig and invited us over to his site any time.  

As the sun started to set, the dusty lot turned into a reception area. Everyone came out and chatted with each other—the Wisconsin folks, the Utah family, a couple from Florida living full-time in their camper for three years, another couple from Brazil, and Moshe. Even as the light changed and the sun was long behind the mountains, we were still in the dirt lot admiring the orange sky. 

When we woke up the next day, the mountains were gone. We were encased in smoke. We were on our way to Montana hoping for clear, smoke-free skies. Before we left, Moshe made us Turkish coffee. We had one last conversation about traveling. We swapped phone numbers and Moshe shared dispersed camping spots that he found along the Missouri River. We planned to meet up on the road again.