Colter Bay Campground

outside amphitheater with visitors sitting on benches and a ranger on stage making a presentation

Colter Bay Campground is a large, well-organized forest campground in lodgepole pines along Jackson Lake's northern shore. With 347 sites spread across 17 loops and full visitor services just steps away in Colter Bay Village—restaurants, stores, marina, visitor center—it's one of Grand Teton's most accessible bases. The campground offers flush toilets, bear boxes, and good road access for RVs and trailers. This is built-park infrastructure, not backcountry solitude, but it's reliable and family-friendly.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov only
Reservation Window: 6 months in advance
Reservation Tips: Set an alarm for 6 months before your intended arrival date. Sites release at 9 a.m. MT on Recreation.gov. Peak-season spots (July–August weekends) fill within minutes. Book early June for less-competitive slots. Shoulder season (late May, early Sept) easier to secure. Refresh the page repeatedly—cancellations happen. Hiker-bicyclist sites first-come-first-served but limited; don't rely on them.
Season Dates: May 21 – September 27

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov only
Reservation Window: 6 months in advance
Reservation Tips: Set an alarm for 6 months before your intended arrival date. Sites release at 9 a.m. MT on Recreation.gov. Peak-season spots (July–August weekends) fill within minutes. Book early June for less-competitive slots. Shoulder season (late May, early Sept) easier to secure. Refresh the page repeatedly—cancellations happen. Hiker-bicyclist sites first-come-first-served but limited; don't rely on them.
Season Dates: May 21 – September 27
Fills Up Speed: Books instantly (peak season July–August fills within minutes)
Per Night Cost: Vehicle: $59 | Electric hookup: $80 | Group site: $16 per person (10-person minimum) | Hiker-bicyclist: $13
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful annual pass ($80). Senior and Access Passholder discounts available.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 324
Site Types: Tent, RV, Electric hookup, Group, Hiker-bicyclist (walk-to/boat-to)
Site Type Breakdown: 13 electric-only ADA sites, 10 group sites, 10 hiker-bicyclist sites, ~314 general tent/RV sites
RV Max Length: 45 feet maximum
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 10 large group sites; 10-person minimum per site
Hookups: Electric hookups only (13 sites). No full hookups. Dump station and water fill station on site (seasonal).
Site Features: Fire ring (iron grate required), picnic table, bear box (most sites), paved parking area
Ground Type: Paved parking areas. Tent pads: gravel and compacted soil
Site Privacy: Sites tucked in pine forest with moderate to good privacy between neighbors. Not a parking-lot feel, but organized and visible.

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets (seasonal; closed Oct–May)
Showers Available: Coin-operated showers at Colter Bay Launderette (seasonal). Bring quarters.
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available year-round
Dump Station: Dump station on site (seasonal). Water fill station for tanks available (seasonal).
Trash Service: Dumpsters and recycling collection (seasonal; closed Oct–May)
Camp Store: Camp store on site (seasonal). Ice and firewood for sale.
Firewood Availability: Firewood for sale on site (seasonal). Downed and dead wood gathering permitted within campground.
Cell Service: Cell phone reception available year-round (coverage depends on location and provider)
Nearby Facilities: Colter Bay Village (adjacent): visitor center, restaurants, marina, store, cabins, gas. Jackson, WY (30 miles south): full town services, grocery, restaurants, medical. Yellowstone (20 miles north).

Access

Road Type: Paved
Road Conditions: All campground loop roads paved and mostly level with some gentle sloping incline/decline. Standard vehicles navigate easily. RVs up to 45 feet can access without issue.
Vehicle Restrictions: RVs and trailers up to 45 feet allowed. No ORVs or off-road vehicles.
Clearance Needed: Standard (paved roads)
Gate Hours: No specific gate hours listed; campground accessible during operating season (May 21–Sept 27)
Distance From Entrance: North park section; approximately 10 miles north of Moran Junction on US 89/191/287
Nearest Gas Services: Colter Bay Village (adjacent): stores, restaurants, marina. Jackson, WY (30 miles south) for full services. Yellowstone (20 miles north).
Elevation: ~6,800 feet (Colter Bay vicinity)
Accessibility: Paved loop roads (mostly level with some gradual slopes). 13 ADA sites with electric hookups and accessible parking. Partially accessible restrooms with cold running water. Hot showers at accessible Colter Bay Launderette. Picnic tables accessible height. Amphitheater route paved but on sloping incline/decline; wheelchair users should check accessibility before attending programs. Courtesy phone at Campground Kiosk near entrance.
ADA Accessible Sites: 13 ADA-accessible sites with electric hookups. Paved loop roads (mostly level). Partially accessible restrooms. Accessible showers at Colter Bay Launderette. Amphitheater route paved but on sloping incline/decline.

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Bear boxes provided at most sites. All food and items with odor must be properly stored at all times. 100-yard minimum distance from bears and wolves.
Fire Restrictions: Campfires must be contained within metal fire grates. Firewood gathering limited to downed and dead wood only. Firepit rings provided; open flames outside grates prohibited.
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash required: less than 6 feet at all times within 30 feet of roadways. Not allowed on multi-use pathways, park trails, or backcountry.
Max Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum at Colter Bay per reservation; 30 nights cumulative across all Grand Teton campgrounds per calendar year
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking (Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail walks from camp), fishing (Jackson Lake), ranger-led programs (amphitheater, seasonal), boating and boat rentals (marina), visitor center exhibits
Trailheads Nearby: Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail (short walk from campground). Hermitage Point, Heron Pond–Swan Lake Loop, and other trails accessible from Colter Bay area. Full access to Grand Teton trail system via park road.
Fishing Details: Jackson Lake fishing available. Wyoming fishing license required (check NPS for current regulations and species).
Wildlife Viewing: Moose, elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, black bears, and abundant birdlife. Maintain 100 yards from bears/wolves; 25 yards from other wildlife. Peak viewing: early morning and dusk.
Stargazing Quality: Good. Forested setting with moderate light pollution; darker than valley floor. Mountain silhouettes frame night sky.
Shade Coverage: Full to partial shade; lodgepole pine forest provides substantial sun protection
Scenic Views: Mount Moran dominates northern views. Teton Range backdrop. Jackson Lake nearby. Forest vistas predominate.
Noise Level: Generally quiet. Minimal road noise from park road. Marina activity audible in southern sections. River sounds in some areas.
Best Time To Visit: July–August for warmest weather (though peak crowds and thunderstorms). June and September for fewer crowds, lower bug pressure, and still-reliable weather. Late May through early June: snow melt, cooler, but wildflowers emerging.
Vibe Check: Colter Bay is a well-developed, organized campground with a 'busy national park' feel rather than wilderness. Forest setting provides shade and moderate privacy between sites—not a parking-lot atmosphere, but not remote either. Adjacent Colter Bay Village (restaurants, shops, marina) makes it convenient and social. Good infrastructure (paved roads, hosts, visitor center) prioritizes accessibility and family comfort over backcountry solitude. Popular with multi-generational groups and RV travelers. Peak season (July–August) can feel crowded; shoulder months quieter.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You need reliable infrastructure, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to restaurants/stores. RV travelers requiring electric hookups or dump station. Families with children. Park visitors wanting easy access to trails and visitor services. Fishers and boaters using Jackson Lake. ❌ SKIP IF: Seeking remote backcountry solitude or wilderness privacy. Need full RV hookups (water/sewer/electric). Prefer small, quiet campgrounds. Want guaranteed winter access (closed Oct–May).
Tips Advice: Book 6 months in advance (peak July–August fills within minutes of release)
Coin-operated showers—bring rolls of quarters
Bear boxes provided; use religiously. Never leave food unattended.
Paved roads allow easy bike riding around campground and to Colter Bay Village
Jackson Lake fishing requires Wyoming license; check current species and regs
Mount Moran views best from lakeside areas and Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail
Afternoon thunderstorms common—pack rain cover and set up tent on high ground
Cell service year-round but spotty; WiFi available seasonally at village facilities
Laundry and showers close in winter; do laundry before Sept 27
Pack layers; mountain nights drop to 35–45°F even in summer
Campground hosted May–Sept; ranger programs typically evenings (check amphitheater schedule)

More details

Park Area: Northern Grand Teton (Jackson Lake area)
Sites Group: 10
Family Friendly Notes: Excellent for families. Visitor center on-site with ranger programs and educational exhibits. Colter Bay Village has restaurants, shops, marina activities, and cabin rentals within walking distance. Organized campground with staff/volunteer hosts. Ranger programs in amphitheater (seasonal). Safe, well-lit setting with clear signage. Lakeshore trail safe for children. Swimming possible at lake (cold water). Fishing opportunity. Playground-style exploration encouraged.
Senior Access Discounts: Senior and Access Passholder discounts apply (exact discount amount not specified in NPS data)
Amphitheater: Yes, amphitheater available for ranger programs (seasonal)
Boat Launch: Boat ramp at adjacent Colter Bay Marina
Nearby Attractions: Colter Bay Visitor Center (on-site), Colter Bay Village marina, Jackson Lake shoreline, Mount Moran views, Teton Range, Yellowstone National Park (north), Grand Teton park road scenic drives
Terrain Type: Mostly level with gentle slopes; rolling forest terrain
Temperature Ranges: May–Sept: Daytime highs 60–75°F, nighttime lows 35–45°F. July–August warmest (70–75°F days, 40–50°F nights). Late May and September cooler, frost possible. Afternoon thunderstorms common July–August.
Snow Season: Snow possible through May; returns late September/early October. Campground closes Sept 27 as snow/cold sets in.
Monsoon Season: Afternoon thunderstorms common July and August. Afternoon shower risk 2–5pm. Set up rain plan.
Wind Exposure: Protected by pine forest; moderate wind exposure in open meadow areas near lake
Bug Season: Mosquitoes present June–August, peak July. Bring insect repellent and head net for evening.
Setup Strategy: Pull-in or pull-through sites on paved loops. Mostly level terrain; minimal blocking needed for level setup. RVs up to 45 feet navigate paved roads without issue. Back-in sites typical; turn-around space adequate. Clear vegetation around most sites. Bear box location marked. Water spigot and electrical connection (if equipped) accessible from site. Gravel pads drain well in rain. Set up rain cover before afternoon storms (July–August common 2–5pm).
Bath Laundry Recon: Coin-operated showers and laundry at Colter Bay Launderette (seasonal; closes Oct–May). Bring quarters. Shower house and laundry room maintained and clean. Hot water reliable. Limited number of machines—use early morning to avoid waits. Laundry services available for additional fee; inquire at camp store (seasonal).
Review Summary: Campers consistently praise Colter Bay's location and Colter Bay Village amenities. Large, well-maintained campground appeals to families and RV travelers. Most note seasonal amenity closures (toilets, showers close Oct–May) and high demand (books solid in peak season). Forest privacy and Mount Moran views draw repeat visitors. Some mention afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes as minor downsides.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can my 45-foot RV fit here?

Yes. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are allowed. Paved roads accommodate standard RV access. Confirm your exact length during booking on Recreation.gov to ensure site compatibility.

Will I need a reservation?

Yes, all 347 sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. Walk-up sites not available. Book 6 months in advance for peak season (July–August); late May and September easier to secure.

Are showers and laundry available?

Yes, coin-operated showers and laundry at Colter Bay Launderette (seasonal; May 21–Sept 27). Bring quarters. Showers and laundry services available for additional fee.

Is this bear country? What's the food safety protocol?

Yes. Bear boxes provided at most campsites. Store all food and scented items in bear boxes at all times. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife.

What amenities close seasonally?

Toilets, showers, laundry, ice, firewood, camp store, internet, amphitheater, dump station, and trash collection all close Oct–May. Potable water remains year-round but campground is closed to camping.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Dogs must be on a leash less than 6 feet at all times within 30 feet of roadways. Not allowed on trails, multi-use pathways, or backcountry.

What's the cell service and internet like?

Cell service available year-round (coverage depends on location and provider). Limited WiFi available seasonally at restaurants, marina, activities desk, launderette, and stores in Colter Bay Village.