Grand Teton National Park, WY Coulter Bay RV Park

by Durene Scott · November 2, 2024

The travel time from Idaho to my favorite park was over five hours, so it was decided to break up the trip and stay overnight at North Bingham City Recreation Park. It’s a small park with ample site lots offering electricity and water, and a dump station is on site.

We have been to the Grand Tetons before. However, Mitch’s sister worked in the park this summer, and we decided to spend some time with her. This is the first time we have camped inside a national park. Usually, our 5th wheel is too large. Coulter Bay RV park has all pull-through sites with full hookups. There is also a campground for tents and dry camping. Within walking distance is a marina, restaurant, and gift shop.

Schwabacher Landing—We arrived early in the morning at this spot to watch the sunrise and capture amazing pictures. People with tripods and cameras were waiting for the perfect shot when we arrived. It was worth it! The sun rose above the mountain, creating the iconic reflection of the mountain in the water. This is a must if you visit the park.

Mormon Row Historic District—Our next stop wasn’t far from Schwabacher Landing. In the late 1890s, the Mormons settled in this area. Settlers dug miles of ditches to bring water from the river to the farmland. This community had multiple ranches, homes, a church, and a school. The John Moulton Homestead is where travelers come from all over to photograph the historic structure. The barn may be the main focal point, but the Teton mountain range behind it makes the photo everyone comes for.

Jackson Lake Lodge—We visited the lodge one afternoon to go to the Blue Heron Restaurant for drinks and appetizers but were surprised to find more. As you ascend the stairs, the massive windows highlighting the Teton mountains stop you right where you stand. It feels like a window to your soul, and reverence must be given. The outdoor tables view the mountain range; we couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. Thank you, John D. Rockefeller. In 1950, he called an architect to design the lodge, but when it was completed in 1955, many criticized it because they felt it was too modern for its surroundings. I think it is just perfect!

Kayaking on the Snake River—Mitch’s sister joined us on her paddle board as we kayaked. We started by the Jackson Lake Dam and finished at the Pacific Creek boat ramp. It was a peaceful afternoon with eagle and otter sightings. The best views of the mountains are when kayaking around Oxbow Bend.

Inspiration Point—It was time for some sibling bonding as Mitch and his sister hiked to Inspiration Point and into Cascade Canyon. In the canyon, they sighted a bear. It seems the park rangers were trying to capture and relocate the bear. On the return, they took the Jenny Lake boat. We hiked to Inspiration Point the first year we started traveling. At the time, 870 ft elevation seemed unattainable, but after this season’s hikes, it looks like a piece of cake.

Elk Island Breakfast—This was the only excursion we experienced, and we are glad we did. The meeting point was at the marina, and of course, we arrived early. With no one around, we enjoyed the solitude and mist on the water as the sun crossed the mountain range. It was a short boat ride, and the smell of bacon greeted us. Breakfast was buffet-style, offering cowboy coffee, bacon, eggs, fruit, and muffins. Eating breakfast in the meadow overlooking the Tetons was memorable. After breakfast, we took a short hike to see a panoramic view of the mountain range. The marina also offers lunch and dinner cruise options.

It’s time to say goodbye. On our last evening at the Tetons, Mitch’s sister treated us to dinner at Sheffield’s restaurant. This restaurant matches its surroundings by having lodge decor. You are welcomed by a grand fireplace, log walls, and stuffed native animals. Our meal and company were delightful, and we hated to say goodbye to our sister and the majestic Grand Tetons.