Best Cabin Camping near Grand Teton National Park

The staff here was very friendly and helpful. We had our two dogs, and the staff helped guide us to several awesome hikes that were dog friendly that were great. Additionally, the staff were very helpful with offering tours to our schedule when we wanted them (kayaking). The park is located in Victor, ID on the other side of Teton Pass from Grand Teton National Park (the resort is about a half a mile from the center of town) Victor is a charming small town with several breweries and a locally sourced grocery market. We really enjoyed the town, especially compares to West Yellowstone, which is where we went next.

Colter Bay Village has a few options for setting up temporary residence: first-come, first-serve campground, reservable tent-cabins and tents, an RV park, and maybe a lodge. When arriving at Colter Bay, the campground is to the right and the cabins and tent cabins are both to the left. They are operated separately; the cabins and tent-cabins are operated by the Grand Teton Lodge Company. The tent cabins and the actual cabins each have different check-in areas (a driver will pass the cabins first and the take another left to go up the hill to the tent cabins). From the cabins, there is a short walk to Jackson lake, the village with the market, laundromat, showers, and wifi, the evening ranger talks, the boat ramps, and the visitor center. The ranger talks in the evening were really marvelous.

Before arriving, we had travelled 7,000 miles across the country, tent camping the entire way. We planned to tent camp in the Tetons too, but to our dismay, we discovered that there are no practical, reservable car-camping sites, and I wasn't willing to risk first-come, first-serve as an option (good thing, because that campground was full by 9). So we reserved a tent-cabin and looked forward to a new experience. It was so wonderful that we are going back this summer.

What is a tent-cabin? It is a structure that has two log walls and two canvas walls, a canvas roof, and a little, tiny wood stove. There is an electrical light, but I don't think there are any plugs. There is a covered picnic area outside the door and a bear box for each site, along with the picnic table and fire ring. There are four beds (two bunks on each log wall), and campers will need to bring their own everything except for the bed and tent. There are flushing toilets close by, and a dishwashing sink. We had a perimeter cabin, as seen in the video.

Colter Bay Village has restaurants, a lovely and well supplied market, a laundromat and pay showers. The laundromat/shower facility has wifi which extends out as far as the gift shop and market.

The five stars is something I reserve for only our most beloved places in this world. Why we love Colter Bay: the atmosphere is just so easy going and undemanding, the people are relaxed. The landscape is breathtaking--like the water temperature of Colter Bay. The wildlife was incredible. We saw a grizzly, and a moose with her calf, among other creatures. Maybe the presence of Colter Bay was simply a release from the tension of Yellowstone, which was beautiful, but crowded, and people seemed a little edgy after being in lines, sulphur, and the very hot sun all day. But really, I believe that Colter Bay has a truly peaceful serenity that soothes the soul and is as simple and clear as the waters of Jackson lake, and as warm and smooth as the rocks that line the shore.

This campground has some absolutely beautiful scenery as you would expect in Grand Teton National Park. It has access to river rock beaches with swimming at Colter bay, restaurants and gift shops (which we did not have time to explore), so much hiking and exploring you can do and yellowstone is in driving distance.

They are first come first serve so arrive early to get your spot as they fill up fast, even on weekdays. We left on a Friday at 6am before they opened for check in (in August) and when we left people were already in line in their cars waiting to get spots.

We were in loop B with a small trailer. Moderately private sites with fire ring, bear proof food safe, picnic table. Bathroom and water in easy walking distance.

HeadWaters Rv campground is located in the perfect place right between Yellowstone and The Tetons. Perfect for exploring both Parks. The cell service is pretty spotty, but it’s great to just put down your phone and enjoy your surroundings. It is only 5 minutes walk from the campground to Snake River access. Fires are allowed at this campground. There are Rv, tent, and cabins to stay at. The cabins in the camp area are small but have full sized bunk beds and a desk and dresser. These cabins do not have water or electricity, but there are other cabins with power up the road. The tent and Rv spots are on gravel with lots of shade, a picnic table, and fire ring. Rv sites are Electric and water. There are so many activities to do. Along with the activities they have every day there is horse riding, guided fly fishing, hiking trails for everyone, bus tours, jr. rancher classes and so much more Also on site at the campground is a dish washing area next to the clean bathrooms and showers. There is a propane fill, fresh water fill, restaurant, gift shop, ATM machine, gas station, and bear boxes. I would definitely recommend this campground for any duration of trip.

This is a large campground with 15 loops of 350 campsites plus group and hiker/biker sites as well as a separate RV park. Although during peak season, it will be full by late afternoon based on the times I've camped here in recent years.

Most sites are forested with good shade on Loops A-G while many sites on Loops H-O tend to be less forested. Many sites tend to have some scrub/underbrush and lack a designated tent pad (including this site).

Each loop has restrooms with flush toilets and running water as well as a utility room with a flush sink for washing dishes. Each restroom site also has a faucet outside for potable water.

Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and bear bin.

There is a short trail to the shore of Jackson Lake for water activities, great views of the Tetons, a designated picnic area, as well as the marina and visitors center. Another trail takes you to the general store/deli and the laundry/shower facilities (both places have WiFi access although the general store network seemed faster). Firewood, ice, etc. can be purchased at the general store or at the gas station located just before you enter the campground.

There are multiple options for activities from this campground: hiking (Hermitage Point TH), horseback rides, boat cruises, scenic raft trips, fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. Boat rentals and fishing equipment/licenses are available at the marina store.

Despite the number of sites/people, our site was pretty peaceful. Didn't see much wildlife around the campground this season, although there is a fox den near the general store that has been there the past few years.

Misc. Info: El 6800'; the South Gate of Yellowstone is 16 miles N; Jackson, WY is 40 miles S