Platoro Cabin 1
5.1512 reviewsConejos Peak Ranger District, 15571 County Road T.5
Platoro Cabin 1
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Peak season cabin rental fee is $75 per night, applicable June 1 to September 20, 2025. Fees may include additional charges for reservations and cannot be discounted using Interagency passes.
About this campground
Step into a piece of Colorado history at Platoro Cabin 1, where modern comfort meets rustic charm in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest. This beautifully preserved cabin invites adventurers to experience the best of mountain living with thoughtful amenities including propane-powered lighting, cozy heating, full refrigerators, hot showers, and flush toilets. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring endless hiking trails, pursuing game through ancient forests, or carving fresh powder on pristine slopes, this high-altitude haven serves as your perfect basecamp for year-round outdoor adventures.
Platoro Cabin 1 offers a unique lodging experience as a furnished cabin. While there is no mention of group camping or primitive camping, it serves as a modern, secluded getaway for individuals and families.
Historical SignificanceThe echoes of pickaxes and prospectors' dreams still resonate through these mountains where Platoro once thrived as a bustling mining boomtown in the late 1800s. Born from the discovery of gold and silver veins hidden deep within the earth, this remote outpost attracted fortune seekers from across the country. Today, the nearby ghost town of Summitville stands as a haunting reminder of the region's boom-and-bust mining heritage, its weathered structures telling silent stories of ambition, hardship, and the relentless pursuit of precious metals that shaped the American West.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather paints each season with its own dramatic palette at Platoro. Summer afternoons bring theatrical thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, refreshing the alpine air and creating spectacular light shows. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland. With temperatures regularly dipping below freezing in spring, fall, and winter, the cabin offers warmth and comfort during the cooler months. Deep snow typically limits access to six glorious months each year, making every visit feel like a precious escape into nature's seasonal rhythms.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet above sea level, Platoro Cabin 1 places you among the clouds in Colorado's thin mountain air. This lofty elevation offers spectacular views and pristine wilderness, though visitors should prepare for the altitude's effects. The rarified atmosphere at this height can challenge even seasoned travelers, making proper hydration essential. We recommend drinking plenty of water throughout your stay to help your body adjust to the elevation and ensure you can fully enjoy all the high-country adventures that await.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw grandeur of the San Juan Mountains, where jagged peaks pierce azure skies and ancient cliffs tell geological stories millions of years in the making. At 10,000 feet, you'll witness nature's incredible vertical journey as dense lodgepole pine forests gradually surrender to windswept alpine tundra. This dramatic landscape of soaring pinnacles, sculpted ridges, and hidden valleys creates an ever-changing canvas of shadow and light, offering photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration. Each vista reveals layers of wilderness that stretch to the horizon, reminding visitors why these mountains have captivated hearts for generations.
Geological RegionThe majestic San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado create one of North America's most spectacular geological theaters, where volcanic forces and millennia of erosion have sculpted a masterpiece of peaks, cliffs, pinnacles, and knife-edge ridges. This rugged terrain showcases nature's architectural prowess through dramatic elevation changes that support diverse ecosystems. From the sheltered valleys where lodgepole pines cluster in protective groves to the windswept heights where only the hardiest alpine plants survive, the landscape tells the story of adaptation and resilience. This ancient mountain range continues to inspire awe with its raw beauty and geological complexity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNearby Platoro Cabin #2 includes wheelchair-accessible facilities such as ramps, an accessible bathroom, and kitchen.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people with two bunkbeds featuring single beds on the top and foldout double beds on the bottom.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is described as "quiet" and "off the grid," although user reviews mention limited views and outdoor seating options, such as a single plastic chair and a picnic table without shade.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring extra lighting and emergency supplies. Drink water to prevent altitude sickness. Check weather and road conditions before arrival.
Best CampsitesPlatoro Cabin 1 serves as the only campsite and offers modern amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in times not specified
- depend on contacting the Ranger District for the cabin lock combination.
Check-out
- Check-out times not specified
- require cabin cleaning and locking upon departure.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six people based on cabin accommodations.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with yellow and brown siding, located southeast within the town of Platoro.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts June 1 and ends September 20, with reservable dates from June 21 to September 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online platform or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations required; walk-up availability not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, with a $10 fee. A late cancellation, fewer than 14 days before arrival, forfeits the first night’s recreation use fee. Changes incur a $10 fee if entirely new dates are selected.
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
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The area surrounding Platoro Cabin 1 provides year-round recreational opportunities. "Summertime brings great scenic driving tour opportunities in and around Platoro and Summitville." Additionally, anglers can fish in Iron Creek or Treasure Creek and the nearby Platoro Reservoir. "Big game hunting is popular in fall, while snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing are popular winter activities." Hiking enthusiasts have access to trails spanning the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests.
Hiking
The region offers excellent hiking opportunities, including trails in the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests and the South San Juan Wilderness. "Great hiking can be found around the area, as it spans both the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests as well as the South San Juan Wilderness."Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of the area. "Nearby Platoro Reservoir, which feeds the Conejos River, provides excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout." Anglers also enjoy fishing in Iron Creek and Treasure Creek.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities for wildlife viewing are implied due to the unspoiled natural surroundings and forest ecosystems. However, a user review notes limited wildlife viewing directly from the cabin itself.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Fishing is the primary water-based activity mentioned, with no explicit references to kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Outdoor campfires not allowed at this facility due to safety concerns.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsAltitude sickness is a risk; bears present in the area require proper food storage. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and cold temperatures can occur year-round.
Active alertsCabin systems winterized after September; limited access due to snow conditions.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
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
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Antonito (~22 miles), including medical facilities and law enforcement.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all garbage and food due to bear activity in the area. "Do not leave food or trash outside the cabin; there are bears in the area."
Proximity to water featuresPlatoro Reservoir and Conejos River nearby, offering fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Driving required to access water features.
Common complaintsLimited outdoor seating and shaded areas. Cabins are not near the river; driving required for fishing access.
HostHosts described as friendly and helpful based on user reviews.
Campground Map
Conejos Peak Ranger District, 15571 County Road T.5
Driving directionsFrom Antonito, CO, follow Highway 17 west to its junction with FSR 250. Follow FSR 250 northwest up the Conejos Canyon about 22 miles to Platoro. Turn left on FSR 250.6A and follow it 0.2 mile to the cabin. From South Fork, follow Highway 160 southwest for about 7.5 miles. Turn onto Park Creek Road (FSR 380) and continue approximately 27 miles. Turn right, crossing the Alamosa River, and follow FSR 250 over Stunner Pass into Platoro. The cabins are located on the southeast part of town. Use the lower bridge (FSR 250.6A) and continue 0.2 miles. The cabins are identifiable by their yellow and brown siding and Forest Service signs.
Access is limited to six months of the year due to snow conditions. Roads include sections of gravel and mountainous terrain, requiring careful navigation, especially near Summitville where FSR 380 makes a hairpin turn.Nearby places
Antonito (~22 miles, ~30 minutes), South Fork (~27 miles, ~40 minutes), Summitville (~6 miles from Platoro, ~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available within the town of Platoro, including rental cabins, a small lodge, outfitter-guide services, and horseback rides. Additional supplies can be found in nearby cities such as Antonito (~22 miles away).
Camper Reviews
5.2
12 reviews
Platoro Cabin 1 is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the cabin’s coziness, cleanliness, and friendly staff. "Absolutely Hands Down My FAVORITE PLACE on Earth!!"
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Guest reviews highlight exceptional cleanliness, cozy cabins, and friendly, helpful staff. "Loved the cabin, our stay was awesome! The owners and their family are some of the most sweetest and...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some guests noted limited outdoor seating and shaded areas, as well as a lack of proximity to the river for fishing. "There was no nice porch or sitting area outside our cabin. There were picnic...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing additional outdoor seating and a light source for emergencies. "Drink plenty of water before arrival and during your stay to avoid altitude sickness."
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews focus on hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, while winter stays emphasize snowmobiling and skiing. Some reviews mention the cool nights at high elevation during summer.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Cozy, clean cabins... and always friendly helpful staff!!" - Terri Morgan "The owners were nice and helpful. This is always a plus." - Brian Chisholm "Amazing views, great cabin, fun fishing and...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
"Very clean and well kept! Everything we needed for a successful fishing trip!" - Bobby M (site: Platoro Cabin 1)
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available for Platoro Cabin 1; however, nearby Cabin #2 is noted for its wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at Platoro Cabin 1, as stated in authoritative sources.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025