Colton Guard Station
4.1714 reviews355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT, 84078, USA
Colton Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / 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
Nightly rates for renting the cabin are $60. This fee does not include service fees, taxes, or discounts. Additional reservation fees may apply, including $8 for online/app bookings and $9 for contact center reservations.
About this campground
Step back in time at Colton Guard Station, where the echoes of 1930s forest rangers still resonate through these historic walls. Nestled deep within Ashley National Forest, this authentic cabin and bunkhouse invite modern adventurers to experience the rustic charm of a bygone era. Here, disconnected from the digital world, you'll discover the simple pleasures that once defined a ranger's daily life—crackling fires, starlit skies, and the profound silence of the wilderness.
Colton Guard Station offers a combination of cabin and bunkhouse lodging, along with tent camping. The main cabin is rustic and accommodates up to three guests. The bunkhouse can host up to eight additional guests but is criticized for its cleanliness and rodent issues. Tent camping is permitted on-site.
Historical SignificanceIn 1933, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived at this remote spot with a vision: to create a lasting outpost for forest protection. Their skilled hands crafted these buildings using traditional techniques and local materials, creating structures that have weathered nearly a century of mountain seasons. Today, the station stands as a living museum of rustic architecture and Depression-era ingenuity, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of mid-20th-century forest rangers who called this remote outpost home.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Colton Guard Station with its own dramatic brush. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland where snow blankets the forest floor and visitors arrive on skis or snowshoes, their breath visible in the crisp mountain air. As temperatures drop and gentle winds whisper through the pines, the station becomes a cozy refuge from the elements. When summer arrives, the transformation is magical—wildflowers burst into bloom, mild evenings invite lingering conversations on the porch, and the forest awakens with vibrant life.
ElevationPerched at 8,500 feet in the secluded embrace of Colton Hollow, the station offers a true high-country experience. At this elevation, evening temperatures drop to refreshing coolness even in summer, while the thin mountain air carries the calls of wildlife echoing through the valley. This lofty perch provides not just spectacular views, but also a front-row seat to nature's grand theater, where deer graze in nearby meadows and the forest teems with mountain life.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of aspens and pines creates a natural cathedral around Colton Guard Station, their branches forming a protective canopy overhead. In summer, this forest sanctuary explodes with color as wildflowers carpet the meadows in purple, yellow, and white. Wildlife thrives here—curious deer often wander past at dawn, industrious marmots whistle warnings from rocky outcrops, and playful chipmunks scamper through the underbrush. Each day brings new discoveries as the forest reveals its secrets to those patient enough to observe.
Geological RegionTucked within the dramatic landscape of Colton Hollow, the station occupies a unique ecological niche in Ashley National Forest's high desert region. At approximately 8,500 feet, this mountain refuge sits at the intersection of diverse ecosystems where towering pines give way to shimmering aspen groves. The surrounding terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, while the immediate area bursts with life—from delicate summer wildflowers to the abundant wildlife that calls this elevated hollow home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess during winter months requires snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. No explicit accessibility features for users with disabilities are detailed.
Sites SizeThe cabin is compact, accommodating up to three individuals. The bunkhouse provides additional space but is often criticized for being poorly maintained.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest a quiet and secluded environment, with minimal disturbance apart from occasional visitors and hunters.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests recommend bringing water and battery-powered lights. The bunkhouse may be unsuitable due to rodents and weather exposure. Visitors praise the wood stove and solar lights in the main cabin.
Best CampsitesReviews consistently mention campsite 001 as the primary camping location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time depends on reservation documentation. Combination lock access required.
Check-out
Check-out time depends on reservation documentation.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed per reservation is 16 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity for overnight guests is 10 people.
Groups
No group-specific camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne cabin with a bunkhouse and additional outbuildings, including a cellar, horse barn, and vault toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations year-round except for November, April, and May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability. Reservations required for cabin access.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations, before check-in, incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee for late cancellations (within 14 days for cabins). Any reservation changes carry an additional $10 fee.
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
Fire rings
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Colton Guard Station provides guests with a variety of recreational opportunities tailored to seasonal conditions. Summer offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle trails, while winter activities prominently feature snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are year-round highlights, and nearby attractions such as Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offer fishing and water-based activities.
Hiking
Numerous trails in the surrounding area cater to hikers, ranging from casual walks to more challenging treks.Biking
Summer visitors can enjoy biking trails in the vicinity.Wildlife viewing
Guests frequently report sightings of deer, chipmunks, marmots, and birds, along with abundant wildflowers.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Nearby Flaming Gorge supports kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire pits. Solar-powered lights and wood-burning stoves are provided.
- Quiet hours are No explicit mention of quiet hours in the materials.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rodents, ticks, and bugs in the cabin and bunkhouse. Winter access can be challenging due to snow and icy roads.
Active alertsCOVID-19 restrictions require guests to bring their own cookware. Solar lights may be unreliable due to weather conditions.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
District Office: 435-789-1181 (call for lock code confirmation). Non-emergency dispatch: 435-789-4222. Nearest emergency facilities are located in Vernal.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 - October 31 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling facilities are provided. Reviewers often mention cleaning the cabin themselves upon arrival.
Proximity to water featuresLocated by a stream in Colton Hollow. Flaming Gorge reservoir is within 30 miles.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention cleanliness issues, including dead bugs in sinks and showers, rodent droppings in bunkhouse beds, and mold in toilets. Others experienced incorrect lock codes and non-functional amenities like gas stoves or water heaters.
HostDistrict Office contact: 435-789-1181 (closed weekends). Lock code confirmation required.
Campground Map
355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT, 84078, USA
Driving directionsFrom Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020. A paved parking lot with a restroom is located at the intersection. Continue northwest on the paved Forest Road 020 for approximately two miles. Turn left (southwest) at Forest Road 019 and continue for less than a mile, reaching an intersection (Forest roads 028 and 019). Turn left, continuing south on Forest Road 019. Continue approximately 1.75 miles, where the road turns sharply to the right (west). Follow the hairpin turn down into a ravine to Colton Guard Station.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during warmer months (approximately June 1 to October 31). Snowmobile, cross-country ski, or snowshoe travel is required during winter months (approximately December 1 to March 31). Roads include unpaved terrain with sharp turns and ravine crossings, and vehicular traffic is subject to snow and mud conditions.Nearby places
Vernal: 20 miles (approx. 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Vernal, Utah, approximately 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
14 reviews
Colton Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Colton Guard Station are mixed, with an average campground-specific sentiment rating of 3.93 out of 5. Positive comments highlight its secluded charm, well-stocked firewood, and comfortable cabin insulation. Negative reviews often cite cleanliness issues, unmaintained bunkhouse conditions, and problems with the indoor toilet functionality.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the cabin's rustic charm, well-stocked firewood, and effective wood stove for heating. The solar lighting was appreciated when functional. Wildlife sightings and scenic...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unclean facilities upon arrival, issues with flushing toilets, unreliable solar lighting, and the bunkhouse's poor condition with rodent droppings and exposure to the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra water, cleaning supplies, flashlights, and bedding. Those planning visits during winter are advised to prepare for cold conditions and challenging access routes. Guests...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews generally highlight the area's beauty and the availability of outdoor activities. Winter reviews emphasize the cabin's coziness upon heating but caution about difficult access and cold...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Amazing little cabin! Far enough away for solitude, but close enough that service is just a short drive away." - Miranda D
"The cabin gives you a rustic feel and it was nice to sit out on the porch...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews of campsite 001 often mention issues such as incorrect lock combinations, maintenance concerns, and lack of running water. The bunkhouse is frequently criticized for rodent droppings and poor...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews focus on the need for snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes during winter months. No specific features for disabled campers are noted.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Null
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025