Colter bay village grand teton national park

@jakoblr

Colter Bay is one of the largest bodies in the Teton Wilderness area. From kayaking to enjoying a picnic, there are many activities for everybody. Not to mention that you will have the Grand Teton mountain range and the wild summer flowers in the background!

Plan

Overview

Accessbility

Public Location

Fee

$35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person. Annual park pass costs $70.

Pack

• Wide-angle lens (30mm)
• Snacks for picnic

How to get there

N43° 54' 29.0916"W110° 38' 53.1132"

This photo of Jackason Lake was taken at Colter Bay Village, located inside Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton National Park has three main entrances: Moose Entrance, Granite Canyon Entrance, and Moran Entrance. The closest entrance to the GPS coordinates is Moran Entrance. After you pay the entry fee and enter the park, continue driving on US Highway 191. When you see Colter Bay Village Convenience Store, turn left into Colter Bay Village Road and then turn right into Bathing Beach Road at the end of the road. There will be plenty of parking spaces where you can park your car.

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Locations nearby

• Colter Bay Village can be found eleven miles north of the Moran Junction along the east side of Jackson Lake or 25 miles north of Moose Junction.
• Open from mid-May to early October, the area has many activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Unique lodging includes 166 individual Jackson Hole homestead cabins that were relocated and refurbished.

Overview
Colter Bay Village is indeed an entire village. The area is composed of a series of compounds that include historic log cabins, tent cabins, a laundry, showers and restrooms, two restaurants, gift shops, a service station, and a marina.

The area is also the home of the Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts Museum.

Location/Directions
Colter Bay Village can be found eleven miles north of the Moran Junction along the east side of Jackson Lake or 25 miles north of Moose Junction. You can enter Grand Teton National Park at either location.

Seasons
Colter Bay Village is open from mid-May until early October. The facilities provided in this location close down in the winter months due to the cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.

There is no additional fee, other than the admission fee to enter Grand Teton National Park, to visit Colter Bay, Wyoming. Each amenity has its own fees and cost, i.e. lodging, dining, boating, laundry, service station etc.

Activities
Colter Bay Village is an excellent place from which to base your vacation in Grand Teton National Park. With its location on the east side of Jackson Lake, Colter Bay boasts a large variety of activities for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Typical activities include

• Boating/Canoeing
• Scenic Lake Cruises
• Guided Fishing Trips
• Wildlife Viewing
• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Backpacking
• Horseback Riding
• Ranger led activities are also available at the Visitor Center and you can take the time to browse through the Indian Arts Museum.

Additional Info.
Colter Bay may be best known for its unique lodging accommodations. It is home to 166 authentic Jackson Hole homestead cabins that were relocated here and refurbished to today’s standards. Each rustic cabin comes with its own local history and stories displayed for your reading pleasure.

There are also tent cabins, and a campground that can accommodate not only tents but also has spaces for 112 RVs.

Grand Teton National Park

Reservations will migrate to Recreation.gov for the 2022 season. Availability will go live on Recreation.gov on November 27, 2021.  

Think of Colter Bay Village as summer camp for the entire family. This lovely area is set on the shores of Jackson Lake, and offers practical amenities like laundry facilities, showers, restaurants and a grocery store, as well as purely-for-fun diversions like a marina, gift shop, visitor center, and horse corrals. Colter Bay has an activity for everyone in the family. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking and canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, swimming and beach-going, lake cruises, and ranger-led programs. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Teton mountains, Colter Bay Village is a must-visit. 

The vast Colter Bay Tent Village at Colter Bay Village is set amidst towering lodgepole pines just a short, picturesque stroll away from Jackson Lake. The Tent Village includes 66 tent cabins, and is open from mid-May to early-September. As with all campgrounds in the park, the Colter Bay Tent Village is very popular and tends to fill up quickly. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan and book early. 

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 not included. Guests are encouraged to bring their own linens, however a limited quantity of sleeping bags, 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.  

Need to Know

• Parking for one vehicle is available at each cabin, however, oversized vehicles are not permitted. Parking for oversized vehicles is available within a 5-10 minute walk.

• Check-in is after 2 PM. If you arrive in the evening after the office closes, your site information will be available on the office door. Check-out is 11 AM.

• Quiet hours are 10pm - 7am. 

• 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 through the National Park Service.

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.

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.

Changes & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:

• There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.
• If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.
• If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.
• Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations.

Cancellations:

• Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.
• A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
• Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate.

No-Shows:

• A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.
• No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.

Early Departures:

• Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.
• If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (11 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.

Refunds:

• Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.
• Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.
• For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.
• In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

Contact Information

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 307-543-2811

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

• Site 31, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 146, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 2, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 3, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 37, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 124, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 26, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 27, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 105, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 144, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 25, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 140, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 11, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 130, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 150, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 116, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 5, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 126, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 114, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 29, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 16, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 139, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 28, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 35, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 156, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 7, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 9, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 20, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 142, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 104, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 118, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 143, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 152, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 122, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 1, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 108, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 101, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 145, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 110, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 128, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 33, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 30, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 14, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 141, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 6, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 103, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 120, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 106, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 102, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 132, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 134, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 39, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 24, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 8, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 32, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 112, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 22, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 136, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 138, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 18, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 4, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 12, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 148, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric
• Site 154, Loop Tent Village, Type Cabin Nonelectric

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