Visit Colter Bay, Wyoming in Grand Teton National Park
Colter Bay is located right on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. There is camping, cabins and tent cabins. There is a gas station, grocery store, laundry, showers and marina.
Jackson Lake was a natural lake, but was enlarged when the dam was built. The lake is primarily fed by the Snake River.
Our family has been going to Colter Bay for about 20 years thanks to our family friends the Dunn’s that shared their favorite spot with us. Both the Foss’ and Dalton’s have been going, but it’s just been the last few years that all of the Dalton’s are able to go together.
Here are a few of our tips for staying in Colter Bay.
Tent Cabins $55
We stay in the tent cabins. This year our numbers were 108-116. We stayed in 112 but the one Steve and Elaine were in was ideal, I believe it was 114.
Cabins $70 – $230
Last year and the year before we stayed in the cabins, as I was pregnant and then had a new born baby. It’s not very fancy but does have running water, a shower and a heater. A little secret about the cabins is that there is a community lodge open to everyone staying there. It’s cosy and nice when it rains.
Camping & RV $57
X amount of camp spots, but they fill up quickly
Marina
At the marina you can rent canoes, take a breakfast boat tour or simply just enjoy the view. The marina has hot chocolate and a microwave. It’s kind of fun just to get a hot chocolate or cider and sit out in front. This year our daughter woke up at 6 and my nice was also up, so we headed down to the marina and watched the sun raise.
Our Favorite Places to Eat:
Buffalo Valley
o Call ahead, place orders if you have a large group 307-543-2062
o Bring a tri-pod to take picture or have server girl take pictures
Leeks Marina
o Serving Pizza, pasta and salads
Don’t eat at the Jackson LodgeGrill, it’s way too expensive (for the four of us to eat it was between $30-$50) it’s not very good.
o Instead we’ll buy four packs of Digorno pizza
Shower
$3.75
$5.00 with towel rental
A little secret that we’ve learned over the years is that you can swim at Jackson Lake Lodge (if you are staying in Colter Bay or at Jackson Lake Lodge) and then shower there. It’s usually a freezing cold shower that is outside, but it’s better than nothing.
Jackson Lake Lodge
The view from Jackson Lake Lodge is breath taking. This year when we were there, a wedding was taking place right in front of the mural windows.
Church services are also held at Jackson Lake Lodge. There is in LDS branch there as well as a non-denominational church. Each year over the 24th of July, the Jackson Hole Playhouse comes and gives the sacrament meeting; a combination of talks, testimoniy and song.
There are a number of over-priced gift shops, but it’s always fun for the kids to look through the stores.
WIFI is available at Jackson Lake Lodge and there are a number of outlets available. It’s a cosy place for playing cards on a rainy day or exploring the trail. Outside is the perfect place for a family pictures.
You won’t want to miss the Huckleberry Milkshakes served with a cherry on top. I have one milkshake a year and this is the one I wait all year for! If you’ve never tried huckleberry it tastes a lot like a cross between a blueberry and a blackberry. It is round and about a third the size of a blueberry (perfect for getting stuck inside a straw).
Visit Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park!
Kathy Dalton
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My folks (now grandma and grandpa) want to stay in the cabins at Colter Bay this summer. I will have a 3 year old and a one year old with me. I have read some reviews about rodents, bats, mice and other things describing the cabins that concern me with a little one putting everything in his mouth. How were the cabins? Would you be comfortable with kids crawling around and putting stuff in their mouths? Thanks!
Amanda, you’re in the wilderness for sure! Lots of encounters with rodents, but that’s why it’s important to not store food in your cabin. Use the bear boxes or your car.