Oak Cabin

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Oak Cabin
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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

Facility rates by season dates are generally $30 per night. Rates may vary by season, but no additional rates were available.
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970-242-8211bwinfrey@fs.fed.us

About this campground

Step back in time at Oak Cabin, a charming 1930s mountain hideaway where history meets tranquility. This single-story, semi-rustic retreat sleeps up to four guests and sits gracefully among whispering aspen groves in the heart of the Uncompahgre National Forest. With its weathered timber walls and vintage character, Oak Cabin offers an authentic escape from modern life while providing the perfect basecamp for your Colorado mountain adventures.
Oak Cabin is a semi-rustic lodging option designed for cabin camping only. RVs, campers, and tents are not permitted.
Historical SignificanceBuilt during the Great Depression era of the 1930s, Oak Cabin stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of early Forest Service workers who shaped America's public lands. Originally constructed to house the dedicated employees of the Cold Springs Work Center, this historic gem has welcomed countless visitors over the decades. The cabin's hand-hewn logs and timeless design tell the story of a bygone era when the Forest Service was establishing its legacy of land stewardship across the American West.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 9,000 feet, Oak Cabin promises the quintessential high-country experience with sun-drenched days that invite exploration and star-filled nights that call for cozy evenings by the fire. Summer brings wildflower meadows and perfect hiking weather, while autumn transforms the surrounding aspens into a golden wonderland. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, though heavy accumulations may occasionally limit access—making your stay feel even more like a true wilderness retreat when you do arrive.
ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Oak Cabin offers visitors a true alpine experience where the air is refreshingly thin and every breath feels cleaner. The high elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, keeping summer days pleasantly mild while nights require an extra blanket or two. Travelers ascending from lower elevations should take time to acclimate—drink plenty of water, move at a relaxed pace, and let your body adjust to the mountain atmosphere that makes this retreat so special.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle rustle of aspen leaves dancing in the mountain breeze, their white bark glowing in the morning sun. Oak Cabin is enveloped by these iconic Colorado trees, interspersed with hardy mountain shrubs that paint the landscape in varying shades of green and gold. This pristine ecosystem serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife characters—from curious marmots whistling from rocky outcrops to graceful mule deer browsing at dawn. Black bears and mountain lions also roam these forests, reminding visitors that they're truly immersed in wild country.
Geological RegionNestled on the northern reaches of the magnificent Uncompahgre National Forest, Oak Cabin occupies a special place in Colorado's diverse landscape tapestry. At 9,000 feet, the cabin sits in the montane-to-subalpine transition zone, where dense aspen forests give way to open meadows and distant peaks scrape the sky. This elevation creates a unique microclimate—expect invigorating mountain air that awakens your senses, pleasantly warm afternoons perfect for hiking, and crisp evenings that showcase some of the darkest, most star-studded skies in the lower 48.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThis facility does not meet accessibility standards.
Sites SizeCabin is designed to accommodate up to four guests.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is semi-secluded within a field bordered by aspen trees and mountain shrubs, providing moderate privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider a 4WD vehicle when visiting in October as weather conditions may necessitate it. Bring back-up drinking water as the water supply may be limited.
Best CampsitesThere is only one cabin available, Oak Cabin itself.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is available starting at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 30 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin sleeps up to four guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe single-story cabin includes a lawn shaded by aspen trees.
Open and Closed SeasonHeavy snowfall may cause cabin rental cancellations. Call the ranger district for updated conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or through the contact center. Call 877-444-6777 for assistance.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis facility must be reserved in advance. No walk-up sites are available.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations can be made ahead of arrival with a $10 fee for new stay dates completely different from the original. Late cancellations for cabins incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Late cancellations apply starting from midnight 14 calendar days before check-in.

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

The cabin is surrounded by diverse recreational opportunities including ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and seasonal hunting. Nearby attractions such as Big Creek Reservoir offer lake fishing opportunities.
Hiking
Visitors can explore various trails in the North Uncompahgre area, including the popular Tabeguache Trail System.
Fishing
Lake fishing is available at Big Creek Reservoir, which is approximately 14 miles away from the cabin.
Biking
The area features the Tabeguache Trail System, which is popular among mountain bikers.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, marmots, and deer inhabit the surrounding area.
Winter Activities
Heavy snowfall may cancel cabin rentals during winter months.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Guests should use tools for gathering and cutting firewood. Firewood should be obtained near the destination and burned on-site to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.
  • Quiet hours are not specified.

Hazards

General hazardsBlack bears and mountain lions are present. Guests should follow bear safety guidelines and exercise caution at high elevations.
Active alertsHeavy snowfall may lead to cancellations. Cell phone coverage is unreliable.

Weather forecast

68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 45%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 9.9 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast
7-Day Forecast

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Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.

Precipitation Trends

Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.

Weather Summaries

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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Call Grand Valley Ranger District office at (970)242-8211 for assistance. Cell phone coverage is unreliable.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingGuests are required to 'pack in-pack out' their trash as there are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresBig Creek Reservoir, located approximately 14 miles away, offers fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsNo user reviews are available to determine common complaints.
HostForest Service personnel may occupy one of the nearby cabins; contact the ranger district office for assistance.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Grand Junction, head south on Highway 50. Take a right on County Road 141 heading south for 14.5 miles. Make a sharp left on Divide Road. This road is not marked, but prior to turn, a sign reads "National Forest Access Divide Road, Uncompahgre Plateau." Follow this road for 19.6 miles and take a left on Forest Road 406 (where a sign says "Cold Springs Work Center"). Go a quarter-mile and then turn right on 406.1A. Cabin is a half-mile after turn on the left. Have combination lock handy to enter the gate. Parking is in front of the cabin.
This area is easily accessed by vehicles, although a 4WD vehicle may be required in October depending on weather conditions.
Nearby places
The nearest grocery store is in Grand Junction, which is located 44 miles from the cabin.
Nearby supplies
The nearest grocery store is located in Grand Junction, 44 miles from the campground.

Camper Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Oak Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are currently no user reviews available for Oak Cabin.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

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Common Concerns

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Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring backup drinking water due to occasional limitations, tools for gathering firewood, and personal items such as bedding and toilet paper.

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal reviews are available, but heavy snowfall in winter may impact usability.

Camper Quotes

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Site-Specific Reviews

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Accessibility Features

This facility does not meet accessibility standards.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Oak Cabin, as explicitly stated in the facility rules.

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Oak Cabin