How much does camping cost at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Camping fees at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) range from $200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) before I book?

Yes! Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) is open June 27–September 30.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Yes, Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) have?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Pets are not allowed at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Popular activities at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Fire policies at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co): Campfires are not allowed directly at the cabin. Guests must purchase firewood at designated campgrounds like Jumbo Campground.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.72

8 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on Grand Valley Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on Grand Valley Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for the cabin is $200 during peak season (June 27–September 30). Additional fees such as reservation or cancellation fees may apply.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-242-8211bwinfrey@fs.fed.us

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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews for Black Bear Cabin are mixed, with multiple users praising the location, wildlife sightings, and access to outdoor activities, while some criticize cleanliness and outdated facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

39.0522, -108.0811

Nearby places

Grand Junction (45 minutes away)

Cedaredge (26 miles away).

Nearby supplies

Firewood can be purchased at Jumbo Campground nearby

additional supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in Grand Junction.

Driving directionsFrom Grand Junction, CO, take I-70 east for 13 miles. Take exit 49 to Highway 65 South toward Grand Mesa. Continue for 25 miles and turn right into Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. Take the second right and follow along Sunset Lake shore. On approach to the lake's spillway, you will come to a gate. The gate is opened by combination lock. Open gate and follow through on a single lane road about 100 yards. Cabin is sign posted and parking is in front of the cabin.

Roads are accessible via a paved highway (Highway 65) leading directly to the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. The final approach includes a single-lane road for 100 yards, with a combination lock gate. Heavy snowfall may cause cabin rental cancellations, which can impact accessibility during the winter months.

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Late September delivers the best conditions: mid-40s to low 60s°F during the day, nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F, and aspens at peak color. Summer runs June through September with warm, dry days. The cabin reservation season ends September 30. Winter buries the site under deep snow, making it inaccessible until spring.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Highly recommended for peak golden aspen colors; reviewers specifically praised fall foliage.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 27–September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations June 27–September 30.
Current Alerts: Heavy snowfall during winter months may lead to rental cancellations. Call ahead for updated conditions.

About Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Black Bear Cabin sits at 9,500 feet in the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area, a single rental cabin surrounded by aspen groves and accessible trails. The cabin costs $200 per night and includes flush toilets, electric hookups, showers, and water. Guests praise the location and fall colors but report mixed experiences with cleanliness. Mouse droppings and dead bugs appear in reviews.

The Black Bear Cabin offers semi-rustic cabin lodging with modern amenities, but no tent, RV, group camping, or glamping options.

Historical Significance

The cabin dates to the 1930s and served as housing for Forest Service rangers. Original woodwork remains visible inside.

Weather and SeasonsLate September delivers the best conditions: mid-40s to low 60s°F during the day, nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F, and aspens at peak color. Summer runs June through September with warm, dry days. The cabin reservation season ends September 30. Winter buries the site under deep snow, making it inaccessible until spring.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,500 feet, Black Bear Cabin offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool. This elevated paradise places you at the doorstep of pristine alpine lakes and mountain trails, where every breath of thin mountain air reminds you just how far you've climbed above the everyday world.

Natural Features and ScenerySpruce and fir forest frames the cabin, with aspen groves that turn gold in late September. Waterdog and Jumbo Reservoirs sit nearby. The cabin has a large grassy yard that some guests use for gatherings. Wildlife sightings include elk, deer, and moose. The Grand Mesa's volcanic plateau holds over 300 lakes scattered across the forested landscape.

Geological RegionBlack Bear Cabin sits atop the magnificent Grand Mesa, often called the world's largest flat-topped mountain, within the breathtaking Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. Part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, this 9,500-foot plateau creates a unique ecosystem where over 300 lakes dot the forested landscape like scattered sapphires. Ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving have sculpted this remarkable terrain, where meadows bloom with wildflowers, golden aspen groves shimmer in autumn light, and pristine waters reflect endless Colorado skies.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests allowed.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe cabin occupies a standalone spot separated from nearby campgrounds by a tree-covered ridge. A large grassy yard surrounds the building. Hikers pass near the site regularly, which affects seclusion despite the ridge barrier.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; all reservations must be made in advance due to cabin's exclusivity.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations for cabins made less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Additional penalties may apply for late cancellations or no-shows.

AccessibilityThis facility does not meet ADA accessibility standards.

Site SizeThe cabin includes a large grassy yard that can host family gatherings and weddings.

PrivacyThe cabin is isolated from nearby campgrounds by a tree-covered ridge, providing a sense of privacy. However, hikers frequently pass near the site, affecting complete seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests are advised to bring bedding, food, first aid kits, and additional camping gear.

Need help booking Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Black Bear Cabin provides access to diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the scenic Grand Mesa Byway.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; food must be stored securely. Risk of hantavirus exposure due to the remote nature of the cabin. Mold and water damage in the basement bathroom may present a concern.

Active AlertsHeavy snowfall during winter months may lead to rental cancellations. Call ahead for updated conditions.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are not allowed directly at the cabin. Guests must purchase firewood at designated campgrounds like Jumbo Campground.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesGrand Valley Ranger District office (call for emergencies at 970-242-8211). Hospitals and additional services are located in Grand Junction.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack in-pack out' facility, meaning guests must bring their own garbage bags and remove all waste when leaving.

Water FeaturesWalking distance to lakes like Waterdog Reservoir and Jumbo Reservoir; Mesa Creek flows nearby.

Weather at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Black Bear Cabin are mixed, with multiple users praising the location, wildlife sightings, and access to outdoor activities, while some criticize cleanliness and outdated facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Great location, nice and rustic cabin that had everything we needed." - "Beds were comfortable and updated." - "Worth every penny!" - "We enjoyed the peak of fall colors around it."

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

- Mouse droppings and cleanliness concerns in the cabin. - Furniture wear-and-tear, including mouse-eaten cushions and sloping sofa beds. - Basement conditions, including dead bugs and structural...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cleaning supplies if needed, as some items provided are old or inadequate (e.g., mops). Ensure food storage is secure due to the presence of mice and bears. Expect hikers near the cabin and...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highly recommended for the peak of golden aspen colors. Users also noted issues likely to be seasonal, such as low water levels in Sunset Lake.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Black Bear Ranger Station is the best ranger station we have ever rented so far." - "The cabin was located in such a beautiful place with so many options for hikes." - "Beds were comfortable and...

Based on 8 reviews