Colter Campground
Closed for the season. Opens July 1, 2026 and operates through September 7, weather dependent. First-come, first-served only with no reservations. The campground often fills on summer weekends and holidays; arrive early afternoon to secure a site.
Flood Watch issued September 18 at 10:59PM MDT until September 20 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, along with Flash Flooding of recent burn scars. * WHERE...All of South Central and Southeast Montana, and Sheridan County Wyoming. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of additional rainfall is expected across the watch area through Sunday. Locally heavier totals over 4 inches are possible where thunderstorm activity is more persistent. - The Robertson Draw, East Side, Elk, and McGhee-Remington burn scars are particularly vulnerable to Flash Flooding and debris flows during the watch period. Any other burn scars from this summer will have elevated Flash Flood potential as well. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Colter Campground sits at the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana's Custer Gallatin National Forest, just 2 miles east of Cooke City along US Highway 212. The campground provides convenient access to Yellowstone National Park's Northeast entrance, the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. This is a hard-sided vehicles only campground with no tent camping allowed, a restriction implemented due to the high concentration of grizzly bears in the area. All 18 sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Parking spurs average 22 by 66 feet, and the access road is not suitable for vehicles longer than 48 feet. Sites include fire grates, picnic tables, and bear-resistant food storage boxes. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump. Trash pickup is provided. There are no showers, hookups, or dump station. All facilities are accessible. Firewood is not sold on-site, so campers should purchase it in Cooke City before arriving.
Directions
2 miles east of Cooke City on US Highway 212. Access road not suitable for vehicles longer than 48 feet.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 48ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 48ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 848-7375 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Colter Campground | |
| Gardiner Ranger District |
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