Colter Bay Rv Park at Colter Bay Rv Park Grand Teton National Park (2026 Guide)

Introduction

Book your site at least six months ahead if you want a pull-through with full hookups at Colter Bay RV Park in Grand Teton National Park. The 112-site park fills every summer, and for good reason - it's the only campground in Grand Teton where every single site comes with water, sewer, and 20/30/50 amp electric connections. As of 2026, pull-through sites (for RVs up to 45 feet) run $117 per night, and back-in sites (for rigs 30 feet and under) cost $112. Those rates don't include the Senior or Access pass discounts you may qualify for, so bring your America the Beautiful pass and ask about the adjusted rate at check-in.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you pull in - the layout, the facilities, the nearby trails, and the quirks that set this RV park apart from the other campgrounds in the park. If you are planning a Grand Teton trip with an RV, start with our complete visitor guide for the full picture.

What Makes Colter Bay RV Park Different from the Other Campgrounds

Most campgrounds in Grand Teton are tent-oriented or offer limited hookups. Colter Bay RV Park is the exception. All 112 sites have full hookups - water, sewer, and electricity - which means you can run your air conditioner, microwave, and lights without worrying about generator hours or battery levels. That alone makes it the most practical base camp in the park for RV travelers.

Pull-Through vs. Back-In

The park has two site types. Pull-through sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet and cost $117 per night. Back-in sites handle rigs up to 30 feet and run $112 per night. Both types include the same hookups and come with a picnic table. Most sites are shaded by lodgepole pines, so you get some natural cooling on hot July afternoons.

The trade-off is that this is not a secluded campground. Sites are close together, and you'll hear your neighbors. If solitude is your priority, you may prefer a tent site at Jenny Lake Campground (61 sites, no hookups, $56) or the more remote Lizard Creek Campground (60 sites, $49). But if you want to run your RV comfortably and have full amenities, Colter Bay RV Park is the smart choice.

Reservation-Only, No Walk-Ups

Every site here requires a reservation. The maximum stay rules apply, so check current policy when you book. Sites are available from late spring through early fall, with the winter closure running from roughly October 11 to May 1. The 2026 season opens on May 2 - mark your calendar.

Location and What You Actually Get

The RV park sits in a lodgepole pine forest adjacent to Colter Bay Village. You are not on the shores of Jackson Lake, but the water and the views are a five-minute walk away. From the lake edge, you get a clear sightline to Mount Moran and the northern Teton Range. The angle is different from what you see at Jenny Lake or the Moose area - broader, with the lake as foreground - and most first-time visitors are caught off guard by how good it is.

Colter Bay Village Amenities

Colter Bay Village is a full-service hub. You have:

• A visitor center with ranger programs and trip planning help
• Restaurants (sit-down and quick-service options)
• A general store and convenience store (the one at the junction of US 89 and the Colter Bay road has gas)
• The marina, where you can rent boats or book a scenic lake cruise
• Shower and laundry facilities at the Colter Bay Launderette (additional fee)
• Restrooms with running water and flush toilets in the RV park itself

The park service runs ranger programs at the Colter Bay Amphitheater during summer. Topics range from geology to wildlife to the history of the dude ranches in Jackson Hole. Pick up the park newspaper at check-in for the current schedule.

What the Park Website Doesn't Mention

The lodgepole pine forest that shades the sites also attracts squirrels, chipmunks, and the occasional black bear. All food, coolers, and scented items must be stored in your RV or in a hard-sided vehicle at all times - not on the picnic table, not in a tent annex. Park service rangers enforce this strictly, and for good reason. A bear that learns to associate RVs with food is a dead bear.

Also worth noting: the showers cost extra (quarters or card, depending on the year), and the line at the Launderette can get long on rainy afternoons. Plan your shower schedule for off-peak hours - early morning or late evening.

Trails You Can Walk To from the RV Park

You don't need to drive anywhere for a good hike. Several trails start from Colter Bay Village.

Short Walks (Under 2 Hours)

• Lakeshore Trail (1-2 hours, easy) - Follows the edge of Jackson Lake from the visitor center area. Flat, well-maintained, and gives you those mountain-and-lake views without any elevation gain.
• Heron Pond - Swan Lake Loop (1-3 hours, easy) - A loop that connects two ponds. Good bird habitat. Early morning is your best bet for seeing sandhill cranes or moose along the edges.
• Lunch Tree Hill (20-45 minutes, easy) - An interpretive trail from Jackson Lake Lodge (a short drive or a longer walk from the RV park) that climbs a small hill with views of Willow Flats and the Tetons.

Half-Day to Full-Day Options

• Hermitage Point (4-7 hours, moderate) - From Colter Bay, head past Heron Pond and continue to Hermitage Point. The trail is mostly flat but long - about 8 miles round trip. Views of Jackson Lake open up repeatedly along the way.
• Christian Pond Loop (1-3 hours, easy) - Starts from the Jackson Lake Lodge parking area. Loops through marsh and meadow habitats with the Tetons as backdrop.
• Grand View Point (1-4 hours, moderate) - From Jackson Lake Lodge, head north to a viewpoint that gives you a full sweep of the lake and mountains. The elevation gain is worth it.

Longer Treks for the Serious Hiker

If you have a full day and want a challenge, consider Paintbrush Canyon - Cascade Canyon Loop (11-14 hours, very strenuous). This 20-mile loop goes up Paintbrush Canyon, over Paintbrush Divide, past Lake Solitude, and down Cascade Canyon. It is one of the best hikes in the park - but you need to start at dawn and carry real supplies. Rangers will tell you that the conditions at the divide can change fast, even in August. Pack water, layers, and a headlamp.

For a complete list of all campgrounds in the park, including tent sites and group options, see our guide to all campgrounds.

Booking, Fees, and Seasonal Access

Fees as of 2026

These are base rates. Senior and Access pass holders receive a 50% discount on the campsite fee. The discount does not apply to the reservation fee or to the shower/laundry charges, but it makes a significant difference - a pull-through site drops to $58.50 per night with the Senior pass.

Season and Hours

The RV park operates on a summer-only schedule. The 2026 season opens May 2. The winter closure runs from October 11, 2025

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