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.
Red Flag Warning issued October 9 at 12:48AM MDT until October 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* IMPACTS: Low humidities, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong gusty winds will create erratic fire behavior and rapid spread for new or existing fires. * AFFECTED AREA: In North Central WY Fire Zones...274...284. In South Central MT Fire Zones...123...124...126. * COUNTIES AFFECTED: In Central MT...Wheatland. In North Central WY...Big Horn...Johnson...Sheridan...Washakie. In South Central MT...Carbon...Park...Stillwater...Sweet Grass. In Southwest MT...Gallatin. * WIND: Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * HUMIDITY: As low as 7 percent. * TEMPERATURES: 84 to 90 degrees, warmest over Zone WY274. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The worst conditions are expected across the lower to middle elevations in fine fuels. The strongest winds are expected in mountain locations and the foothills west of Billings. Zone WY274 will see lower wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph.
Winter Storm Watch issued October 9 at 12:39AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Total snow accumulations greater than 12 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible over the Beartooth Pass, and in and around Cooke City. Recreation in the back country will be impacted. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
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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