Colter Bay Campground – 3 Ways to Camp

Updated: April 28, 2024

Reservations

All campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park are now Reservation Only. This includes Colter Bay Campground.

Make your reservations at: recreation.gov and you can make them up to 6 months in advance. Sign up for a free recreation.gov account to make your reservation.

And you must make reservations through recreation.gov. (Sorry to pull the “must” word on you; trying to save you time and frustration!)

Grand Teton Lodge Company (company that owns the campground) won’t be able to help you with reservations.

Save yourself the hassle of last minute scrambling, plan ahead and make your reservations early! Campsites are expected to go quickly.

Good luck! Fingers crossed!!

Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay is a village located in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, found on the east side of Jackson Lake (see park map). It is a full-service village providing visitors with lodging options, services, and many options of recreation on or by the lake.

Guest services include: a visitor’s center, full-service marina, grocery store, restaurants, laundry, showers, gas station, and gift shops.

Recreation options include: hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, scenic cruises, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Lodging options include: RV Park, Cabins, Tent Cabins, and Campground.

Colter Bay highlighted on Grand Teton National Park Map

For this article, we will only be covering the Colter Bay Campground.

So to be clear on terminology, as “Campground” and “RV Park” are often used interchangeably:

• Colter Bay Campground is for tent and dry RV camping. No hookups.
• Colter Bay RV Park is for RV camping with water, sewage, and electricity hookups. No tents allowed.

Colter Bay Campground Map

The following map shows the location of the Colter Bay Campground.

Colter Bay Campground Map

Colter Bay Campground is the place for you DIY’ers, that have your own tents and campers. (RVs can camp here too, with no access to hookups).

Each campsite has:

• Picnic table
• Fire pit with metal fire grate
• Bear-proof food storage locker
• Access to nearby water spigots
• Access to nearby flush toilets

There are 22 restrooms throughout the campground with running water and flushing toilets.

22 restrooms for 335 campsites may not sound like a lot, but it works, as you are usually not too far from one (and luckily, not too close to one).

Note, these restrooms do not have showers. Showers are found in Colter Bay Village for a fee.

Pro Tip: In Colter Bay Campground, your campsite will most likely have many, tall trees. If you have a hammock, bring it!!

Hammocks

3 Types of Camping at Colter Bay Campground

The Colter Bay Campground is used for three types of camping:

• Tent
• Dry RV
• Large Group

1. Tent Camping

160 tent spots with tent pads. There are bear boxes for food storage. Campsites have their own bear boxes.

Each tent site has a gravel parking space for two vehicles and tent pad for up to one tent.

There are a few (limited amount) sites for tent campers with multiple tents or extra-large tents.

Maximum guests allowed per site is six.

Rates:

• $59 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees 
• $30.50 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees for Access Pass / Senior Pass through the National Park Service

Hiker/Bicyclists Rates – For those who are visiting the park on foot or bicycle (WOW!).  There are 10 Hiker/Biker Sites.

Rates:

• • $13 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees

Colter Bay Campground Tent Site

2. RV Camping – Dry Only

175 camp spots – dry camping only, no water, sewage, or electricity hookups.

Each RV site has a back-in or pull-through gravel parking space for one RV and one tow, with a maximum combined length of 45 feet.

Maximum guests allowed per site is six.

There are two dumping stations and potable water filling station available to guests.

Propane is available for purchase at the Colter Bay RV Park (nearby).

Rates:

• $59 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees
• $30.50 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees for Access Pass / Senior Pass through the National Park Service

RV Camping – ADA Accessible – Electric Hookups

There are 13 ADA-compliant campsites with electric hookups in this campground (not to be confused with the RV Park that has FULL Hookups). These sites also have accessible picnic tables and paved sites.

Additional Access Info: Campground loops are paved, mostly level with some inclines and declines. Restrooms are partially accessible. Showers are accessible and found in Colter Bay Village in the Launderette.

Note: These 13 sites are for people that meet the ADA Guidelines.

Rates:

• • $80 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees – for non-ADA (available only if the sites have not been reserved by a member of the ADA)
  • $57.17 per site, per night, – plus tax and fees for ADA Access or Access Pass / Senior Pass through the National Park Service campers.
  

  Campsite at Colter Bay Campground

  3. Large Group Campsites

  There are 10 large group campsites. To qualify for a large group campsite, there need to be at least 10 guests. Large group campsites are mainly for tent camping. RVs are limited in group sites.

  Rates

  • • $16 per person per night, – plus tax and fees

Advantages and Challenges of Staying at Colter Bay Campground

The following list of advantages and challenges can help you decide if the Colter Bay Campground is for you.

ADVANTAGES

Advantage: The campsites are big, spacious, and in the forest

Colter Bay Campground has some of the bigger campsites inside Grand Teton National Park.

They are spacious, sometimes with room for more than one tent and are in the forest. The trees provide shade for most of the day, making the afternoons a little cooler. If you have a hammock, bring it! You’ll have no problem finding convenient places to hang them.

Spacious campsites at Colter Bay Campground

Advantage: Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay Village Services

Following is a short description of each Colter Bay service/facility, along with some insider tips when applicable.

Grocery Store

For a grocery store in a national park, Colter Bay’s General Store does a good job providing a large selection of fresh and packaged food including organic fruits and vegetables!

They are a full-service grocery store and even have a small deli with freshly prepared sandwiches to grab and go. You can also find fresh made donuts and coffee.

In the back of the store, there is a small liquor store that sells beer and wine including locally brewed beer.

Also you will find one of my favorite things located in Colter Bay’s General Store -  their ice cream station.

The ice cream station is located in the back of the store between the deli and liquor section and has a selection of about 6-10 flavors. The ice cream station is a popular item in the evening, requiring two to three employees to man it.

Be sure to get your ice cream before store closing hours!

Colter Bay General Store

Pro Tip: If the ice cream station doesn’t have a flavor you want, go to the freezer section and you will find a few flavors of ice cream in multiple sized cartons to pick from; as a bonus it’s usually cheaper too!

Pro Tip: The Colter Bay General Store is also a place to get all your s’mores supplies! 

Pro Tip: A great place for s’mores is the north end of Swimming Beach. You will have an unobstructed view of Jackson Lake and the Tetons! (They no longer have campfire rings there, so you will need to bring your own camper stove.)

Coffee Bar

Never fear, they have your Starbucks coffee here at Colter Bay’s Coffee Bar, located inside the General Store.

For 2024 - hours open are listed as 7:00 am (I know! It needs to be way earlier!!) to 3:00 pm.

Starbucks Coffee at Colter Bay's Coffee Bar inside the General Store - photo courtesy of Ricko Pan @ Unsplash

Pro Tip: While anxiously awaiting your order to be made, take a look around at all the knick-knacks and souvenirs. Get your coffee and souvenirs at one time…two birds, one stone…

Restaurants

There are two restaurants in Colter Bay Village: the Ranch House and the Cafe Court Pizzeria.

Ranch House

The Ranch House describes itself as “American Comfort Food with a BBQ Twist”.

It is a sit-down, dine-in, restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a bar area you can sit at and order food too.

Possibly one major plus for the Ranch House is that it opens at 6:30 am. The earliest in Colter Bay that you can get coffee.

Note: The Ranch House does not have views of Jackson Lake or the Tetons.

Note: The Ranch House closes in between meals. Be sure to check the Ranch House hours of operation.

Two Restaurants Located in Colter Bay Village

Cafe Court Pizzeria

Here you can get pizza, salads, and sub sandwiches starting at 11:00 am.

You can dine in at the Cafe Court Pizzeria if you choose, just know, like the Ranch House, the Cafe Court doesn’t have views of Jackson Lake or the Tetons.

If the view is important to you, (like it is to me) place a to-go order online, pick it up, and head to the marina, Swimming Beach, or the picnic area at Swimming Beach. All have fantastic views!

My Experience: My family has had pizza here many times and loved the pizza. They are very large and two large pizzas feed our family of seven very easily with a few slices left over.**

**Your results may vary.

Ranch House Restaurant-Bar and Cafe Court Pizzeria Restaurants in Colter Bay Village - photo courtesy of Yelp reviewer - A.C.

Launderette and Showers

These are located in the same building next to the General Store.

The launderette is open 24/7, but you will need to check the hours for the showers, as they usually close around 7:00 pm (which to me seems early).

Showers are separated into men's and women’s showers and cost $5.00 a shower with towel rental and soap extra.

My Experience: I like the showers here, as there isn't a time limit, and every time I have used them there has been plenty of hot water.

Showers and Laundry in Colter Bay Village, plus free wifi here.

Pro Tip: Wear shower shoes!!!

Pro Tip: There is free wifi service here.

Ranger Station

You don’t know how useful a ranger station is until you need one! So take note, the Ranger Station is located at the Colter Bay Visitor’s Center.

Here you can get your boat permits that are needed if you have brought your own boat to access the lakes and rivers in Grand Teton.

The Ranger station is where you need to pick up your backcountry camping permits.

And the Ranger Station is where you will find actual park rangers. They are the people to ask when in need of ideas of things to do, where to go, and what to see. They also have the latest and most up-to-date information on what is going on in the park. They are the experts and they know their stuff!

The rangers even have activities you can do with them!

The Rangers at Colter Bay lead a variety of programs throughout the day including a hike to Swan Lake, a lakeshore stroll, Indian arts and culture, wildlife watches, short presentations on park highlights, and a variety of evening programs.

Grand Teton Park Ranger - photo courtesy of National Park Service

Check the Ranger-led program page for current schedules.

Service Station and Convenience Store

While not really within walking distance, the Service Station and Convenience Store are conveniently located at the entrance of Colter Bay Village. Stop here to gas the car for the day’s adventures and go inside and grab souvenirs, snacks, and coffee too.

Grab Snacks and Souvenirs at the Colter Bay Village Convenience Store - photo courtesy of GBarkz of Unsplash

Full-Service Marina

The Colter Bay Marina is just a short walk away.

Here you can:

• Sign up for a guided fishing trip for Jackson Lake or the Snake River.
• Take a scenic lake cruise (with and without meals) (Note: Check water levels - Colter Bay Marina was closed in 2022 due to low water levels and no scenic cruises ran).
• Rent kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. (Note: Check water levels - Colter Bay Marina was closed in 2022 due to low water levels and boat rentals were not available.)
• Walk the Lakeshore Hiking Trail (1-2 miles round trip).
• Walk out to “The Point” (a quick side trip found along the Lakeshore Hiking Trail) for fantastic views and to watch the boats come in and go out.

Colter Bay Marina in Grand Teton National Park

Pro Tip: If you have some time, set up a hammock on your way to or close to the point and watch the boats drive in and out.

Colter Bay Visitor’s Center and Museum

Located by the marina, the visitor’s center is there for you…the visitor.

Go to the Colter Bay Visitor’s Center to:

• See the 35 artifacts from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts Collection.
• See a variety of short movies on Grand Teton National Park including the fabulous documentary on the reintroduction of Wolves in Yellowstone.
• Attend a ranger-led program.
• Talk with park rangers.
• Shop the bookstore and gift shop.
• Chat with visiting Native American artists and view their work.

Colter Bay Visitor Center - photo courtesy of National Park Service

Amphitheater

The Amphitheater is located right next to the Colter Bay Visitor’s Center. Here, come by in the evenings where rangers lead programs on all things Grand Teton National Park. Programs include presentations on animals found in the park, wildflowers, geology, history, and much more.

There are usually two presentations a night.

The later presentation usually has a campfire going, so come down to the front to get warm.

You can also attend a non-denominational church service at the Amphitheater on Sunday mornings.

Evening Park Ranger Program at Colter Bay Amphitheater - photo courtesy of nps.gov

Stop by the visitor’s center for a schedule.

Gift Shops

No destination is complete without gift shops to pick up souvenirs for loved ones and more importantly, for yourself!

Colter Bay has three shops you can visit for souvenirs and clothing.

The main gift shop is connected to the General Store, by the Coffee Bar. This is the largest shop where you can find all the usual suspects: t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, jewelry, art, candles, key chains etc… and they have camping and hiking gear for sale there too.

The Visitor’s Center has a bookstore that sells gift and souvenir items too.

The third shop is found in the marina store. Here you can also get t-shirts and hats.

Something for everyone in Colter Bay's gift shops

Pro Tip: In the main gift shop, look for the “Sale” table, there are usually some good items to be had and as the season goes on, there are more and more to pick from.

Recreation at Colter Bay Village

Okay, this is where Colter Bay really does shine, it’s long list of recreational activities and opportunities, including:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Boating
• Scenic Cruises
• Horseback Riding
• Picnicking

Hiking

Colter Bay serves as the trailhead for three hikes. All are relatively flat and range in distances from 1-mile round trip (RT) to 10 miles RT.

• Lakeshore Trail - 1-2 miles RT
• Heron Pond-Swan Lake Loop - 3.2 miles RT
• Hermitage Point - 10 miles RT

View from the outside loop of the Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay

Pro Tip: Lakeshore Trail is a great intro hike to Colter Bay and Jackson Lake, and has fantastic views of the Tetons on the outside loop.

Pro Tip: If you do Lakeshore Trail, for the best views - start and walk along the marina. When you get to the outer loop, go counterclockwise, then finish the inner loop clockwise ending by the amphitheater/visitor's center or back at the marina.

Fishing

You can book a private, guided fishing trip through Colter Bay for both lake fishing on Jackson Lake or fly fishing on the Snake River. These trips are open to the beginner up to the avid angler.

Fishing in Grand Teton - photo courtesy of National Park Service

Guided Fishing Info

Pro Tip: You will need to purchase a Wyoming State Fishing License no matter what type of fishing you do. You can purchase one at the Colter Bay Marina store.

Swimming

Colter Bay has a designated swimming area, appropriately called "Swimming Beach". It is a large beach and has fantastic views of the Tetons.

Two things to know before going - the beach is a rock beach, not sand, and in the afternoons you will be in full sun.

Colter Bay Swimming Beach

Now, as uncomfortable as a rocky beach sounds, the advantage is that you don't have the problem of sand going everywhere. Also, you can prepare by wearing water shoes and bringing chairs if blankets laid out on the rocks don't appeal to you.

Be sure to bring and reapply sunscreen and/or bring an umbrella or a portable sun shade.

Note: I cannot stress enough how much you will need sunscreen. It is really easy to burn here with the high elevation and the thinner atmosphere.

Boating and Scenic Cruises

Want to escape the crowds?

We've got you.

The perfect way to leave the crowds behind and get a different perspective of Jackson Lake and the Tetons is by renting a boat or taking a scenic cruise.

Renting a Canoe or Kayak

The nice thing about renting a canoe or kayak at Colter Bay is that they are already in the water. You don’t have to load them up and transport them anywhere! You just put on your life jacket, grab your paddle and go. The marina staff will give you a map and instructions.

Boat Rental Prices and Info

Canoe Rental from Colter Bay on Jackson Lake

Take a Scenic Cruise

If you’d rather relax, get closer to the Tetons, and leave the navigating to someone else, a scenic cruise is a good option.

Colter Bay offers cruises throughout the day with and without meal options.

All cruises take you over to the west side of the lake closer to the Tetons.

Along the way, a narrator gives you information on John Colter, who Colter Bay was named after, and other history of the area. As you get closer to the Tetons, they give you more information on the geology of the area.

If there is extra time (there usually is), the narrator will ask the audience what subject they want to know more about.

Prices, Times, and Info

Colter Bay Scenic Lake Cruise

Rent a Motorboat

If you are comfortable operating a small, 15ft boat powered by a 9.9-horse engine, this is the option for you. You can go farther in a shorter amount of time than kayaks and canoes, and you are not tied to any schedules like the scenic cruises.

Boat Rental Prices and Info

Colter Bay Motorboat Rental on Jackson Lake

Horseback Rides

Colter Bay has 1 or 2-hour horseback rides for all riders, from beginners to experts. Both rides include winding through lodgepole pine forests, seeing Heron Pond and Swan Lake, and riding through meadows. The 2-hour ride takes you a little further to where you can see views of the Tetons.

Horseback Ride Prices

Colter Bay Horse Ride

Picnics

As Colter Bay is right on Jackson Lake with views of the Tetons, it makes a great place for picnics.

You will find a couple of picnic tables scattered here and there at the marina and along Swimming Beach, with more tables located at the north end of Swimming Beach.

And if you don't need a picnic table, throw a blanket down on Swimming Beach or anywhere you see fit.

Couple with their dog at Colter Bay Picnic Area (north end of Swimming Beach)

Important: Picnics are fun, but come with the responsibility to protect yourselves and the wildlife. Please learn all the safety tips for food in Grand Teton National Park.

CHALLENGES

Challenge: No Lake or Teton Views from Sites

Colter Bay Campground sites are not directly on Jackson Lake and do not have views of the mountains or lake (due to the tall, pine trees), but both are a short walk away.

Colter Bay Swimming Beach overlooking Jackson Lake – a short walk from the campground, specifically for loops D and E.

Challenge: You May Have to Drive to Access Most of Colter Bay Village

Depending on what loop you are in and what campsite, it may be a long walk to some places in Colter Bay Village. Therefore, you’ll probably find it faster and sometimes easier to drive.

Colter Bay Campground Map – Campground (in orange) labeled in village

Pro Tip: Reserve a campsite in loops D or E for an easy walk to Swimming Beach, the picnic area on Swimming Beach, and the amphitheater.

Note: Campground loops F and G are up on a hill

Challenge: Weak Satellite Signals

There is no Wifi in the campground, but you can find free Wifi at the Laundry and Showers building, Restaurants, and the Colter Bay Cabin Office.

Satellite and TV signals are spotty here at best. For evening attend a ranger-led talk, or go to the picnic area on Swimming Beach and watch a sunset.

Ranger Campfire Presentation at Colter Bay Amphitheater – Photo courtesy of nps.gov

Pro Tip: The Willow Flats Overlook by Jackson Lake Lodge has pretty consistent cell signals.

Extra Tips

• Campsites on the outside edges of the loops usually have more trees, which provides a little more shade and privacy
• There are shower and laundry facilities located next to the General Store in Colter Bay Village. You’ll most likely need to drive to them from your campsite.
• The loop roads are narrow, drive slowly and carefully
• Bring your leveling equipment, you are going to need it
• Always have your permit posted on your campsite post – that way others know the spot is taken. Putting a tablecloth on the table or hanging a clothesline helps too.
• If you didn’t make reservations, and are hoping to stay at Colter Bay Campground, go up to the campground entrance and check if there have been some cancellations. This will be the second year of reservations, so it is unknown the frequency of cancellations, but you can try. I wouldn’t bank on this plan, but you can try.
• All campfire materials can be bought at the Colter Bay General Store, including marshmallows…

Colter Bay Campground Rules and Policies

• Check-in is 12 PM.
• Check-out is 11 AM.
• Maximum guests allowed per site (not including group sites) is six.
• Tent sites allow for up to one tent and two vehicles. Multiple or over-sized tents only permitted in sites designated for multiple tents.
• RV sites allow for one RV (tow included) only. (For reference, 2 motorcycles = 1 vehicle)
• The maximum stay permitted at Colter Bay Campground is 14 nights, and the maximum cumulative stay between all park campgrounds is 30 nights.
• Quiet hours are 10 pm – 6 am. Generators cannot be used during these hours.
• Camping accommodations are pet-friendly. Please review Campground & National Park Pet Regulations.
• Wildlife activity is prevalent in the park. Please be familiar with food storage and wildlife safety guidelines.
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can apply for an Access Pass / Senior Pass through the National Park Service.
• Water Hookup Fee: The Utility fee is imposed on all lodging and camping products to defer the higher cost of providing water and sewer in the remote locations in which we operate. The amount of this fee is determined by taking the difference in the cost of providing these services less the comparable cost of similar services in local areas. This fee is reviewed annually and approved by the National Park Service.

Enjoy your stay, and remember you are in bear country. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Bear Safety
Using Bear Spray
How to Use Bear Spray Video

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP