Colter Bay Campground Best Sites (How To Get The Best Site)
Hey friends, Dane here from Double Decker Fam! If you’ve followed our adventures (@DBLDKR all over for you newcomers!), you know we’re always hunting for the best family campgrounds in the USA. With our crew of eight and our Double Decker RV, finding the perfect spot is a whole new level of challenge—especially in iconic places like Colter Bay Campground at Grand Teton National Park.
Whether you’re rolling in with a big rig, tent camping, or somewhere in between, finding the best site at Colter Bay can be super competitive and honestly a bit overwhelming. We’ve stayed in the thick of it, experimented with different loops, and successfully scored a couple of epic sites—and today I’m sharing everything we’ve learned to help your family land the best spot for your own adventure.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to Colter Bay Campground Best Sites: how to snag one, what to avoid, and insider tips from someone who’s been there (with six kiddos in tow!).
Why Colter Bay Campground Is So Popular
Colter Bay is like summer camp meets national park paradise. Located right on the shore of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park, it’s the launch pad for family hikes, lake days, and jaw-dropping Tetons views. Compared to other campgrounds in the park, Colter Bay stands out for:
- Amenities: Showers, laundry, & a well-stocked general store
- Variety of Sites: RVs, tents, and even group campsites
- Proximity to Adventure: Easy access to boating, hiking, ranger programs, and the visitor center
It’s no surprise it books up fast—especially during summer and peak holiday weekends.
Types of Sites at Colter Bay Campground
Before we deep-dive into the best sites, it helps to know what’s available. Colter Bay Campground has over 330 individual sites, plus group and hiker/biker spots. Here are the basics:
- Standard Nonelectric Sites: For tents and smaller RVs
- Pull-Through RV Sites: Best for larger rigs (that’s us in our double decker every time!)
- Tent-Only Loops: Quieter, wooded, and ideal for families seeking a peaceful experience
- Group Campsites: Perfect if you’re meeting up with extended family or friends
Note: None of the standard campsites have hookups, but there’s a dump station and potable water access.
For more details and a full map, check the National Park Service’s official Colter Bay Campground page.
The Best Loops and Site Numbers for Families
Our Favorite Loops: A, D, and H
A Loop (Walkable to Everything)
If you want easy access to the showers, visitor center, and store (i.e. coffee and ice cream emergencies for tired parents!), A Loop is the way to go. It’s flat, close to the action, and a solid choice for families who want to minimize extra walking with little ones.
Best sites in A Loop:
– A75, A78, A86 — Spacious, level pads with a little more privacy
– A65, A70 — Shady spots that stay cool during summer heat
D Loop (Peaceful and Wooded)
We absolutely loved D Loop for its mix of shade and relative quiet in the peak season. The trees make you feel a bit more secluded and the kids had space to run around. This loop fills up quickly, so you’ll need to be on the ball.
Best sites in D Loop:
– D11, D14 — Tree coverage but still great for solar
– D23, D25 — Beautiful setting, not directly on the main road (less dust/noise)
H Loop (Big Rig Friendly)
For those of us wrangling larger RVs or unique setups (hello from the Double Decker!), H Loop is king. The pads are generally more level and longer, so you’ll have an easier time parking without complicated shuffling.
Best sites in H Loop:
– H2, H6, H12 — Well-placed, great for extended stays
– H15, H18 — Closer to the walking trails and lake access
Bonus: Tent-Only Loops
For families bringing tents, the tent-only loops (like sites T31-T60) offer quieter nights and a bit more space between you and RV generators. These are also closer to the scenic nature trail along the lakeshore!
How to Actually Get the Best Site
1. Book Early (Like, Really Early!)
Colter Bay Campground accepts reservations for all sites via Recreation.gov—and spots open 6 months in advance. Mark your calendar and log on the second your window opens. For peak summer (June–August), you’ll often see sites booked out within hours.
2. Know Your Rig’s Size
Some sites look amazing on the map, but they may not fit your setup. For us, site length and backing space are crucial (not everyone’s rolling with a double decker RV, but even a long travel trailer needs careful consideration). Use the site dimensions on the booking page to double check before reserving.
3. Use the Campground Map Wisely
Download or screenshot the Colter Bay Campground map (PDF) before reservations open. Cross-reference site numbers with photos and reviews on Recreation.gov—you’ll be amazed at how much difference a little digging can make!
4. Be Flexible With Dates
If you can visit midweek or in the shoulder season (late May/early September), your odds of landing a primo spot go way up. We once visited just after school started and most of the A Loop was wide open.
5. Check for Cancellations
People cancel all the time—especially if weather looks iffy or plans change last minute. Set alerts on Recreation.gov or check back frequently about 1-2 weeks before your trip.
6. Consider Two-night Stays
A little secret: Some of the very best sites require a 2-night minimum on weekends, or fill up because shorter bookings are already in place. If you can stay two or three nights, you’ll see more premium sites pop up in search.
Insider Pro Tips Only Campground Veterans Know
– Campsite Etiquette Matters
If you arrive and something seems off about your reserved site (for example, another car is parked there or it’s muddy after rain), flag down a camp host. They’re super helpful and can usually resolve mix-ups fast.
– Bring Bikes and Scooters
Colter Bay is a maze for little explorers, but it’s also sprawling. Bringing bikes, scooters, or even a wagon for hauling kids to the bathroom will make your life way, way easier. For more outdoor kid gear ideas, check out Good Housekeeping’s best outdoor toys list.
– Wildlife Is Closer Than You Think
The Tetons are home to black bears, moose, and even the occasional grizzly. Lock up all food, follow all posted rules, and teach the kids about wildlife safety. The National Park Service wildlife safety guide is a great resource if this is your first time camping in bear country.
What To Pack For Colter Bay Campground
Along with the essentials (tents, sleeping bags, plenty of marshmallows), here are a few family must-haves for this unique campground:
- Bear spray (and the knowledge to use it!)
- Layers for variable weather (it gets COLD overnight, even in July)
- Headlamps for after-dark bathroom trips
- Extra tarps or mats (the ground can be rocky in some sites)
- Reusable water bottles—hydration is key at elevation
Our Colter Bay Family Experience
With six busy kids and a one-of-a-kind rig, we always prioritize space and shade. We’ve had fantastic luck in H Loop (site H6 was a dream for us; so peaceful and easy to park). In the main loops, we always try for pull-through or corner sites for a little more room—and we try to reserve the earliest slot available to avoid late afternoon rush.
Some of our favorite memories here:
- Family pancake breakfasts under the pines
- Spontaneously joining a ranger-led program at the amphitheater
- Lot’s of kid-fueled bike races around our loop
- Skipping rocks on Jackson Lake right after sunrise (absolutely epic views!)
Planning a big family trip to Colter Bay? Got questions about specific sites or want us to cover other campgrounds? DM us over on Instagram (@DBLDKR)—we love connecting with other RV families and always have some extra tips and funny stories to share.