Montana · Camping

Colter

Jun–Aug
best months

Is Colter open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Custer Gallatin National Forest. It doesn't name Colter, so check the source for the area it covers (14 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 8,027 ftHigh camp: expect cold nights, even in summer
  • Gardiner Ranger DistrictCuster Gallatin National Forest

Colter Campground is a Forest Service campground in Beartooth Country on the Gardiner Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. It is managed on a first-come, first-served basis and is open late June through Labor Day, weather permitting. The site has 18 hard-sided campsites. Facilities include vault toilets, fire grates, tables, food boxes, trash cans and water. Trash is picked up, and firewood is not allowed. Because the campground can fill up on weekends and holidays, plan to arrive in the early afternoon to secure a spot. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from the nearby Silver Gate weather station, which sits about 500 feet lower than the campground, show July highs around 74°F with lows near 40°F, while September cools to highs in the mid-60s. Soda Butte Creek Trail starts just 0.3 miles away, and Soda Butte Campground is 0.9 miles off. Lower Lady of the Lake and Woody Creek are both within about a mile and a half.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Colter

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 3°

    2. Feb

      30° / 5°

    3. Mar

      39° / 12°

    4. Apr

      44° / 20°

    5. May

      55° / 29°

    6. Jun

      65° / 35°

    7. Jul

      74° / 40°

    8. Aug

      73° / 37°

    9. Sep

      64° / 30°

    10. Oct

      50° / 23°

    11. Nov

      33° / 12°

    12. Dec

      24° / 2°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Silver Gate, MT, 3.7 mi away at 7,495 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.