How much does camping cost at Jackson Guard Station?

Camping fees at Jackson Guard Station range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jackson Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Jackson Guard Station 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 Jackson Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Jackson Guard Station has 1 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 Jackson Guard Station?

Jackson Guard Station is open January 01 - December 31, 2025.. 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 Jackson Guard Station?

Jackson Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Jackson Guard Station have?

Jackson Guard Station 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 Jackson Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Jackson Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Jackson Guard Station?

Jackson Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jackson Guard Station?

Popular activities at Jackson Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jackson Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Jackson Guard Station?

Fire policies at Jackson Guard Station: Campfire ring available outside the cabin. Collection of firewood is not permitted in summer months.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.61

42 reviews

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison Hidden Gem Campgrounds Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Jackson Guard Station

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season (January 01 - December 31, 2025) is $75. Additional fees include a $10 service fee for...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(970) 240-5300

Help improve this page

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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 42 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"While most reviewers praised the cabin's scenic location, solitude, and well-maintained amenities, complaints about road traffic and noise from ATV/dirt bikes were noted. Seasonal variations significantly impact the experience, with winter offering quieter stays."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Jackson Guard Station

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Nearby places

Montrose (approximately 1 hour drive)

Ridgway (approximately 1 hour drive)

Gunnison (approximately 1.5 hours drive).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Montrose, CO, which is approximately a 1-hour drive from the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Montrose, take Highway 50 east for about 20 miles. Turn right (south) onto County Road 858, which leads up the Big Cimarron Drainage for about 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left. From Gunnison, take Highway 50 west for roughly 43 miles. Turn left on County Road 858, which leads up the Big Cimarron Drainage for about 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left. In winter, park in parking lot before the Forest Boundary and ski, snowshoe or snowmobile up the road for 3.5 miles.

The access road is remarkably scenic but requires winter access via snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoes due to a 3.5-mile trail. The summer road accessibility appears straightforward, and no severe conditions are noted.

Best Time to Camp at Jackson Guard Station

Fall brings the best combination of scenery and solitude. September into early October delivers daytime highs of 40–60°F and nights dropping to 15–30°F. The aspens turn golden, crowds thin compared to summer, and the elk rut offers prime wildlife viewing. Fishing and boating remain good on calm days. Winter offers quieter stays with deep snow for snowshoeing, though access requires preparation. Summer provides cool relief from valley heat, with temperatures rarely exceeding the 70s, but ATV traffic increases significantly. Be aware of archery and rifle hunting seasons in fall and wear blaze orange on trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Fall foliage and photography are especially popular; scenery is a major draw.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open during the year-round season, January 01 - December 31.

About Jackson Guard Station

Jackson Guard Station sits in a small aspen grove at 9,000 feet, 100 feet back from the road near Silver Jack Reservoir. This single Forest Service cabin sleeps up to four guests and costs $75 per night. The cabin has no electricity or running water but includes a wood stove, firewood, vault toilets, and basic furniture. Reviews praise the scenic location and well-maintained amenities, though ATV and dirt bike traffic can be noisy during peak seasons.

Jackson Guard Station offers a compact range of accommodations focused on rustic cabin rental for small groups. No options for tent, RV, or group camping are explicitly mentioned.

Historical Significance

The cabin once housed Forest Service ranger crews who patrolled wilderness areas, maintained trails, and fought fires in this remote section of the Gunnison National Forest. The structure reflects the era when rangers lived in backcountry outposts for extended periods, managing vast tracts of public land from these isolated stations.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best combination of scenery and solitude. September into early October delivers daytime highs of 40–60°F and nights dropping to 15–30°F. The aspens turn golden, crowds thin compared to summer, and the elk rut offers prime wildlife viewing. Fishing and boating remain good on calm days. Winter offers quieter stays with deep snow for snowshoeing, though access requires preparation. Summer provides cool relief from valley heat, with temperatures rarely exceeding the 70s, but ATV traffic increases significantly. Be aware of archery and rifle hunting seasons in fall and wear blaze orange on trails.

ElevationPerched at 9,000 feet where the air is crisp and pure, Jackson Guard Station offers a true high-country experience. At this elevation, summer days bring refreshing temperatures in the 60s and 70s while nights dip cool enough for campfire gatherings and cozy blankets. The thin mountain air sharpens your senses, making colors appear more vivid and stars shine with extraordinary brilliance. This lofty setting means snow can linger into late spring and return as early as September, creating an extended season for winter enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies the transition zone between montane and subalpine environments at the southeastern edge of Silver Jack Reservoir. High Mesa's volcanic cliffs rise to the west. The small aspen grove thrives in soils deposited by centuries of seasonal flooding from the Cimarron River, which meanders through wildflower meadows before joining the reservoir. At this elevation, you'll find habitat for elk, deer, black bears, and golden eagles. Fall transforms the aspens to brilliant gold, creating exceptional photography conditions.

Geological RegionJackson Guard Station occupies a spectacular setting where mountain ecosystems converge at the southeastern edge of Silver Jack Reservoir. This geological wonderland sits in the shadow of High Mesa's ancient volcanic cliffs, where millions of years of uplift and erosion have carved a landscape of stunning contrasts. The cabin's small aspen grove thrives in rich soils deposited by centuries of seasonal flooding from the Cimarron River, which still meanders through wildflower meadows before joining the reservoir's azure waters. At 9,000 feet, you're positioned perfectly to explore the transition zone between montane and subalpine environments, where diverse habitats support everything from elk and deer to black bears and golden eagles.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin accommodates up to four guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin set back 100 feet from the road in an aspen grove. The layout accommodates four guests comfortably, with enough space that two occupants find it roomy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required for this cabin. Walk-in availability is not noted.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations may incur a $10 fee, and cancellations less than 14 days before arrival for cabins incur a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThis facility does not meet accessibility standards, as clearly stated in authoritative sources.

Site SizeThe cabin is described as spacious and well-laid out, suitable for up to four guests.

PrivacyThe cabin is set back 100 feet from the road, offering privacy despite traffic concerns noted by some reviewers.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring lanterns and flashlights for light, as the cabin lacks electricity. Firewood is plentiful in the woodshed during winter months. The cabin is best suited for four guests for comfort.

Need help booking Jackson Guard Station?

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

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Jackson Guard Station area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, ATV riding, and wildlife viewing. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking, with access only via a 3.5-mile trail.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring food to be stored in approved containers or locked inside vehicles. Guests should be cautious of wildlife and the risk of hantavirus when visiting remote cabins.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire ring available outside the cabin. Collection of firewood is not permitted in summer months.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely available in Montrose, CO (approximately 1-hour drive).

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack in and pack out their garbage, as this is a self-maintained facility.

Water FeaturesNear the southeast shores of Silver Jack Reservoir and the Cimarron River.

Weather at Jackson Guard Station

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

4.6

42 reviews

Top-Rated

Jackson Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

While most reviewers praised the cabin's scenic location, solitude, and well-maintained amenities, complaints about road traffic and noise from ATV/dirt bikes were noted. Seasonal variations significantly impact the experience, with winter offering quieter stays.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users enjoyed the cabin's cleanliness, wood stove heating, availability of firewood, and proximity to Silver Jack Reservoir and trails. "The cabin itself is cozy but well stocked; there were just 2...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with road traffic and ATV/dirt bike noise during peak summer months. "It made it ridiculous to try to sit on the bench in front of the cabin and enjoy...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing lanterns, extra batteries, fire-starting materials, and paper towels. One reviewer noted: "Bring your own garbage bags; it's a pack-in, pack-out facility."

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are quieter, while summer months may involve increased road traffic and noise. Fall is particularly popular among photographers for vibrant foliage.

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cabin was stocked very well with washable plates, bowls, silverware, and cookware," and "The Middle Fork trail is stunning," are some highlights from user reviews.

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews primarily focus on the cabin itself (site 001). Positive comments include its privacy and scenic surroundings, while negative remarks highlight ATV/dirt bike activity.

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features, consistent with the authoritative note that the facility does not meet accessibility standards.

Based on 42 reviews