Jackson Lake is the largest body of water in Grand Teton National Park and one of the largest high altitude lakes in the United States. It is a natural lake that was enlarged by the Jackson Lake Dam, with a surface area of more than 25,000 acres and a length of up to 15 miles long and 7 miles wide. The Snake River flows into Jackson Lake from the north and out to the east.
Mount Moran sits to the southwest of Jackson Lake, rising above the lake more than 6000 feet. It is located in the north Teton range and is considered one of the most picturesque mountains in North America.
Jackson Lake Lodging in Grand Teton National Park
There are two lodges and a village on the eastern side of the lake: Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge and Colter Bay Village
Jackson Lake Lodge – This is a full-service eco-hotel with 385 rooms include suites, hotel rooms, and quiet cottages. As of May 5, 2020, Jackson Lake Lodge is not expected to operate in 2020.
Here is the view from the rear of the Jackson Lake Lodge:
Signal Mountain Lodge – This is the only resort located on the shores of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Accommodations including country rooms, lakefront retreats and cozy log cabin units. The main lodge has restaurants, gift shops, and bar.
Colter Bay Village – There are one and two room mountain cabins as well as tent cabins in Colter Bay. Dining options are available at the John Colter Cafe Court as well as the Ranch House.
Jackson Lake Fishing
Signal Mountain Lodge offers guided fishing trips on the lake which is home to Cutthroat, Brown Trout and Lake Trout. Signal Mountain Lodge’s guides provide all the equipment and tackle you’ll need. A half day trip for 1-2 persons (4 hours) is $399. Minimum trip is two hours for fishing trips. You will also need to purchase a Wyoming state fishing license.
Jackson Lake Boat Rentals
Colter Bay village Marina has motorboat, canoe and kayak rentals. They range in price from $25 – $48 an hour (two hour minimum). Life jackets, radios, and maps are provided with the rental as well as boating instructions. Rentals are weather dependent and hours are limited early / late in the season. Motorboat drivers must be 18+ years of age.
Jackson Lake Camping
There are three frontcountry campgrounds on Jackson Lake. They are Colter Bay, Lizard Creek and Signal Mountain Campground. There is also a RV Park at Colter Bay.
Colter Bay Campground is a large campground of 346 sites near Colter Bay Village. It is located in a lodgepole pine forest a short stroll from a spectacular view of Mount Moran and the northern Teton Range. It is not located on Jackson Lake, but Colter Bay Village has many facilities including a visitor center, restaurants, stores, cabins, a marina, laundry and showers. The Colter Bay RV Park with 112 sites is also in the area.
Lizard Creek Campground has 60 sites and is located 17 miles north of Signal Mountain Lodge on Highway 89, about 10 miles south of the South Entrance into Yellowstone National Park. It is first-come, first-served with no advance reservations.
Signal Mountain Campground has 81 sites in an open lodgepole pine forest near the Signal Mountain Lodge. Some sites lie just above Jackson Lake, and other sites are a short walk from the lake. It has one site with full hook-ups and 24 sites with electric hookups. The campground allows tents and smaller RVs (up to 30 feet total length).