Colter Campground

Star4.44
18 reviews
Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner Ranger District, Montana

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

$5 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Colter Campground
$5.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per night for single sites, $5 per night for each additional vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide 50% discount on single...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
nullnull
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its cleanliness, serenity, and the helpfulness of the hosts. Many visitors appreciate the site's proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the breathtaking surrounding landscapes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner Ranger District, Montana

Colter Campground

Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner Ranger District, Montana

Driving directionsFrom Cooke City, MT, take US Rt. 212 east 1.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Campground road not suitable for vehicles longer than 48 feet. Gravel parking aprons available. Two RV pull-through sites available.
Nearby places
Cooke City - 2 miles, Yellowstone National Park Northeast Entrance - 5.5 miles
Nearby supplies
Cooke City, 2 miles away, offers food, supplies, and tourist amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Colter Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high country, where winter blankets the landscape in deep snow and temperatures plunge to create a crystalline wonderland. As summer arrives, the campground awakens to mild days and crisp nights, with dry conditions perfect for stargazing and mountain exploration under crystal-clear skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Open Jul 1–Sep 7; summer cited as best time with pleasant weather and peak views/wildlife.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Season ends early Sept; early fall possible but short season limits appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens July 1; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; heavy snow and deep cold described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 to September 7.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from July 1 to September 7, weather dependent.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts listed.

About Colter Campground

Nestled in the heart of Beartooth Country, Colter Campground offers an intimate mountain escape where towering peaks frame every sunrise. This cozy, hard-sided RV-only facility provides a secure basecamp for adventurers seeking pristine wilderness while respecting the domain of local wildlife—bear activity in the area makes this a tent-free zone for everyone's safety.
Colter Campground is strictly for hard-sided vehicles, such as RVs and campers, and does not allow tent camping due to safety protocols in bear country. There are no group camping sites, cabins, or glamping accommodations.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 16 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Colter Campground center around scenic drives and wildlife viewing, with visitors highlighting the proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Scenic Byway. Outdoor science and learning opportunities are also available through scenic observations.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with one visitor noting encounters with buffalo and a moose. The campground's location offers natural opportunities to observe the area's fauna.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity present; practice safe food storage. No tent camping allowed.
Active AlertsNo active alerts listed.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage boxes available at each campsite for free use.

Weather at Colter Campground

Reviews

4.4
18 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Colter Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its cleanliness, serenity, and the helpfulness of the hosts. Many visitors appreciate the site's proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the breathtaking surrounding landscapes.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and quiet environment. - Proximity to Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Scenic Byway. - Helpful and friendly camp hosts. - Spacious and private campsites. - Availability of potable...
Show more
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

- No tent camping allowed, which may deter some visitors. - Mosquitoes can be a minor nuisance at times. - Lack of shower facilities and Wi-Fi.
Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring cash or checks for payment, as no card options are available. - Visit Cooke City for dining and supplies. - Sites on the loop offer spectacular mountain views but less shade, while spur sites...
Show more
Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the best time to visit, as the campground is open from July 1 to September 7. The pleasant weather, mountain views, and wildlife sightings make this season ideal.
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Hosts are amazing. Pulled in around 5pm and were greeted by the hosts who told us what spots were still available and what would best suit our RV.' - 'We decided on spot 18 which was beautiful.' -...
Show more
Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 18 is highlighted as beautiful, spacious, and private. - Spur section sites are noted for their shade and seclusion, often called 'Honeymoon sites.'
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple user reviews highlight the ease of navigation within the campground and the availability of wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no detailed reviews regarding pets, and the pet policy is not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 18 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Colter Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Colter Campground