Colter Bay RV Park - Grand Teton National Pk
Colter Bay RV Park - Grand Teton National Pk
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
In August 2012, we enjoyed an incredible trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Our Yellowstone stay was at a “mom and pop” park in West Yellowstone (review pending) and Colter Bay on the journey home. Colter Bay is an excellent central location to see and experience the Tetons. Unfortunately, we only had one full day there, but we will most certainly be back again. The picture above is the view from the swimming area and beach adjacent to the RV park. While the price was high for full hookup sites (2013 rates are $60; $49 for golden age pass holders), we still don’t regret it. You can dry camp for $20/night or $10 for golden age pass holders) A nice general store, showers, amphitheater with ranger programs, visitor center, marina, and restaurants are within walking distance of your campsite. Sites are situated among pine trees, surfaces are gravel, but in our case it was very close to level. Most appeared to have no problem accommodating slides and I noted several big rigs camping along with us.
We enjoyed a swim in the lake, a nice nap among the whispering aspen trees, a fun ranger program (with a sing-along), the visitor center, a casual dinner at the local restaurant, and a quiet campground. If we had more time, we would have spent it exploring as well as riding the ferry across the lake.
Unfortunately, campfires are not allowed and there are strong warnings about leaving NO food out due to the local bear population.
Specs:
112 sites
30/50 amp hookups
water, sewer
All sites are pull-through for easy access.
For those making the trip from the Portland/Oregon area, I recommend entering Yellowstone via the Boise to Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park route rather than via Spokane to West Yellowstone. Then, enjoy the two national parks and exit from West Yellowstone, returning through Montana and Northern Idaho. This allows for the bulk of the “boring terrain” part of your trip to be on the way out rather than on the return. We did the ‘big loop’ in a clockwise fashion (Portland > Spokane > West Yellowstone > Tetons > Craters of the Moon > Boise > Unity, Ore > Bend > Portland). While this was still incredible, I suggest that reversing this route is better.