Colter Bay Tent Village

Recreation

Colter Bay and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, including marina rentals, horseback riding, world-class guided fishing, and lake cruises. Stop by our activities desk to find the perfect excursion for everyone in your group!

Jackson Lake is a popular area for boating. Several islands float just off Colter Bay’s shores, and are home to fish, birds, river otters, beavers and other wildlife. Bring your own boat or rent a canoe, kayak, or motor boat from the Colter Bay Marina.

Lake cruises are the perfect excursion for the entire family. Cruise around Jackson Lake and learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area while getting up-close views of the spectacular Tetons, which rise majestically from the water. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal cruises offer a delicious opportunity to dine at our private meal site on Elk Island, and a truly unique vantage point for experiencing the park.

Jackson Hole has world class fly and lake fishing that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re learning to cast a fly for the first time, or are an experienced angler looking for the inside scoop on the best secret spots, our expert guides will provide a fishing experience you will not soon forget.

No trip to the Old West is complete without a horseback ride. We offer one- and two-hour rides suitable for all experience levels. Take in beautiful Teton vistas while riding among wildflower meadows.

Several easy to moderate hiking trails leave from Colter Bay. Hikers can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, make their way to Swan Lake and Heron Pond for incredible birdwatching and wildlife sightings, or head out to Hermitage Point for a more challenging outing.

The Colter Bay Visitor Center is home to the David T. Vernon Indian artifacts collection. The exhibit celebrates Indian artwork and educates on the long history of human habitation in Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Stop by the visitor center to check-out daily Ranger-led programs including a hike to Swan Lake, a lakeshore stroll, a tipi demonstration, Indian arts and culture, wildlife watches, short presentations on park highlights, and a variety of evening programs.

Facilities

Colter Bay Tent Village offers 66 Tent Cabins. Tent Cabins are a temporary summer cabin with two permanent log walls and two weather-proof canvas walls and roof. Tent Cabins share a common log wall with an adjoining private cabin. The Tent Cabin includes two sets pull-down bunk beds for a total of four beds with padding, an interior potbelly wood burning stove for heat, and lighting. While the bunks are padded, sleeping bags and pillows are not included. Guests are encouraged to bring their own linens, however a limited quantity of sleeping bags, cots, pillows and blankets are available on a first-come basis for a nightly fee. Our tent cabins do not offer electric outlets or private restrooms. Each private cabin includes a picnic table, a fire pit with metal fire grate, a bear-proof food storage locker, and access to nearby water spigots, flush toilets, and laundry and showers are available for an additional fee.

ADA Access: The campground loop roads are paved and mostly level, with considerable sloping inclines and declines. Restroom facilities are partially accessible, with accessible showers available at the launderette. Routes to the amphitheater are paved but on a sloping incline/decline.

Complimentary WiFi/internet service is available at the restaurants, marina, activities desk, launderette, and stores. Cellular coverage varies, and may be available depending location within the campground and service provider. Firewood and kindling can be purchased at the Tent Village office or the nearby grocery store. Food, ice, camping supplies and more can be purchased at the grocery store and adjacent gift shop. Please note that some facilities and services—including restaurants, activities, and retail operations—may have modifications or limitations. Learn More.

Natural Features

The Colter Bay Tent Village is situated in a lodgepole pine forest within walking distance of Jackson Lake and numerous trails. From the lakeshore, visitors will have views across Jackson Lake to Mount Moran and the northern end of the Teton Range.

Colter Bay is home to black and grizzly bears, moose, deer, elk and other large animals, as well as marmots, foxes, bald eagles, 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 special place home.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Grand Teton via the 43-mile Scenic Loop Drive, offering an opportunity to photograph the famous landscape and local wildlife. Make sure you stop 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. Then, head about 30 miles south to the town of Jackson, 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. In the opposite direction, Yellowstone National Park is within easy reach by car, and has a great diversity of activities for everyone to enjoy.