Colter Bay Campground

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 Campground offers camping for tents and dry camping for RVs. (For full hookup RV sites, check out the Colter Bay RV Park.) Each tent site has a gravel parking space for up to two vehicles and space for one tent. For parties with extra-large tents or multiple tents, please see individual site specifications before booking. Multiple tents are only permitted in sites designated for multiple tents. Only one RV/Camper/Caravan is allowed per site.

Each RV site has a back-in or pull-through gravel parking space for one RV . RV sites are of various sizes, and guests should look at individual site specifications prior to booking to ensure max length availability. When factoring site length, tow vehicles should be included in total length. There is a complimentary RV dump station and potable water filling station available to guests, and propane is available for purchase at the nearby RV Park. Please note, generators are only permitted in loops H, J, K, M, O, and Group Sites between the hours of 6am and 10pm.

All sites include a picnic table, a fire pit with metal fire grate, bear-proof food storage lockers, and access to nearby water spigots, flush toilets, and laundry and showers available for an additional fee.

ADA Access: There are 13 ADA-compliant campsites with electric-only hook-ups, accessible picnic tables, and paved sites. The campground loop roads are paved and mostly level, with some sloping incline and decline. 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, activities desk, launderette, and stores. Cellular coverage varies, and may be available depending location within the campground and service provider. A courtesy phone is located at the Campground Kiosk near the campground entrance. Firewood, food, ice, camping supplies and more can be purchased at the grocery store and adjacent gift shop.

Natural Features

The Colter Bay Campground 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, park bus tour, or horseback ride. A short drive from Jenny Lake is the town of Jackson, where you can visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art just north of town, walk under the famous giant elk antler archway in town center, attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo, browse local shops, or 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.