Moose Manor Cabin

4.82

11 reviews

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping Colorado#3 Group Camping Colorado Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison +1 more

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens June 27...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens Grand Valley Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens June 27...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens Grand Valley Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Moose Manor Cabin

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin rental fee is $200 per night during the peak season from June 27th to September 30th.

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

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

locationhiking

"Reviews for Moose Manor Cabin are generally positive, with common praise for its scenic location, cozy interior, and recreational opportunities. Some maintenance issues and cleanliness concerns were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Moose Manor Cabin

39.0522, -108.0978

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 toward Day Use Parking, and look for Mesa Lakes Ranger Station on the left. Moose Manor is the second cabin on the left.

The cabin is conveniently accessible via paved roads. Heavy snowfall may cause rental cancellations, so guests are advised to call the ranger district for updated conditions and restrictions.

Nearby places

Grand Junction: 45 minutes away

Cedaredge: 26 miles away.

Nearby supplies

Guests must bring own supplies including food, bedding, trash bags, warm clothing, flashlights, dish cloths, dish soap, and basic camping gear. Firewood available for purchase from campground host at Jumbo campground or can be collected in the surrounding areas.

Best Time to Camp at Moose Manor Cabin

Summer days at Moose Manor unfold with crystal-clear skies and temperatures reaching a pleasant 26°C (79°F), perfect for lakeside adventures and mountain exploration. As evening descends, the mercury dips to a crisp 3°C (37°F), ideal for gathering around a crackling fire under star-studded skies. Winter transforms this high-altitude haven into a snow-globe wonderland, where heavy snowfall creates a serene white landscape that may temporarily limit access but rewards the intrepid with unparalleled solitude and beauty. The area's characteristically dry climate means you'll enjoy predominantly sunny days, with only occasional rain showers and moderate winter snows adding variety to your mountain experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and peak season Jun 27–Sep 30; summer temps ~26°C and lakeside activities available.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in CO

Golden aspen displays praised in seasonal reviews; fall foliage is a highlighted draw.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Season opens late June; spring access not available per posted season dates.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Cabin is seasonally closed outside late June–Sept; winter access and snow impact noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 27th, 2025 - September 30th, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens June 27th, 2025 and closes September 30th, 2025.
Current Alerts: Heavy snowfall may cause rental cancellations. No cell service is available in this area.

About Moose Manor Cabin

Nestled in the heart of Mesa Lakes Recreation Area, Moose Manor Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat with a storied past. This charming 1930s ranger station has been lovingly transformed into a semi-rustic rental cabin that perfectly balances historic character with modern comforts. Step through its weathered doorway and you'll discover a cozy sanctuary where Forest Service rangers once kept watch over these pristine woodlands, now reimagined as your personal gateway to Grand Mesa's breathtaking wilderness.

Moose Manor Cabin offers unique lodging within a historic Forest Service ranger station. The cabin is ideal for families and small groups seeking a semi-rustic experience.

Historical SignificanceMoose Manor Cabin stands as a living testament to the Forest Service's legacy in protecting America's wild places. Constructed in the 1930s during an era of conservation awakening, this sturdy structure originally housed the dedicated rangers who patrolled these forests on horseback, monitoring wildlife, preventing fires, and safeguarding the natural treasures of Grand Mesa. Today, the cabin's weathered logs and time-worn character invite guests to become part of this continuing story, offering a tangible connection to the generations of stewards who have watched over these lands.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Moose Manor unfold with crystal-clear skies and temperatures reaching a pleasant 26°C (79°F), perfect for lakeside adventures and mountain exploration. As evening descends, the mercury dips to a crisp 3°C (37°F), ideal for gathering around a crackling fire under star-studded skies. Winter transforms this high-altitude haven into a snow-globe wonderland, where heavy snowfall creates a serene white landscape that may temporarily limit access but rewards the intrepid with unparalleled solitude and beauty. The area's characteristically dry climate means you'll enjoy predominantly sunny days, with only occasional rain showers and moderate winter snows adding variety to your mountain experience.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,500 feet above sea level, Moose Manor occupies a rarified realm where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the everyday world feels wonderfully distant. This lofty elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while the thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath. Here, among the clouds, you'll find yourself immersed in a true alpine environment where weather patterns dance across the peaks and the landscape stretches endlessly toward the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryGolden aspens create a shimmering canopy around Moose Manor, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and painting the landscape in brilliant yellows each autumn. Towering spruce sentinels stand guard, their evergreen boughs providing year-round beauty and shelter for the abundant wildlife that calls this forest home. Keep your camera ready for encounters with majestic elk grazing in nearby meadows, curious deer peering through the trees, and if you're fortunate, a glimpse of the area's namesake moose wading through marshy hollows. Black bears also roam these woods, adding an element of wild authenticity to your stay. The pristine waters of Sunset Lake and Jumbo Reservoir sparkle just a short walk away, while Mesa Creek's gentle murmur provides a soothing soundtrack to your mountain retreat.

Geological RegionMoose Manor claims an enviable position on the north side of Grand Mesa National Forest, perched at 9,500 feet where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning beauty. This elevated plateau, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, cradles over 300 pristine mountain lakes in its rocky embrace. The cabin sits perfectly positioned among groves of quaking aspen and ancient spruce, with Mesa Creek carving its timeless path through the terrain below. From this spectacular vantage point, you'll witness firsthand why Grand Mesa earned its title as the world's largest flat-topped mountain, offering an extraordinary blend of accessible wilderness and dramatic alpine scenery.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is at 8 AM.

Check-out

Check-out time is at 11 AM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 30 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sleeping accommodations for six adults, plus two additional people with air mattresses or cots for a total of eight guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMoose Manor includes a grassy lawn and paved access road.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityEntry is by combination lock, and guests must call the Grand Valley Ranger District office 5-7 days prior to arrival for the lock combination.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, but fees apply: $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees (if applicable), and first-night recreation use fee for late cancellations within 14 days of check-in.

AccessibilityThis facility does not meet accessibility standards.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to eight guests. The lawn and paved access road provide additional outdoor space.

PrivacyThe cabin is nestled in a stand of aspen and spruce trees, offering a private and secluded experience.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend the cabin for its expansive views, proximity to lakes, and recreational opportunities like hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Moose Manor Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities, taking advantage of its location within the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and canoeing are popular activities. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with frequent sightings of deer, elk, moose, and bear.

HikingThe cabin is near West Bench Trail #501, a popular trail connecting the seven lakes of Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. It is accessible for both mountain biking and horseback riding.

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant in the nearby lakes, including Sunset Lake and Jumbo Reservoir. Specific fish species are not mentioned, but the area is highlighted as excellent for fishing.

BikingMountain biking is a popular activity in the area, with West Bench Trail #501 being a notable path.

BoatingThe cabin is within walking distance to a carry-down boat ramp, enabling activities such as canoeing and kayaking.

Wildlife viewingThe area is frequented by deer, elk, moose, and bear, making it ideal for wildlife observation.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe nearby Grand Mesa Visitor Center offers interpretive exhibits and educational resources.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are frequent visitors. Guests should secure food and be prepared for encounters with moose. Heavy snowfall can lead to rental cancellations. Guests should be aware of hantavirus risks in remote cabins.

Active AlertsHeavy snowfall may cause rental cancellations. No cell service is available in this area.

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

Fire PolicyFirewood collection is permitted in surrounding areas or can be purchased from campground hosts.

Emergency ServicesGrand Valley Ranger District Office available for inquiries at 970/242-8211 (closed all federal holidays). No cell service is available in the area.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out all their trash as this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility. Garbage bags must be brought by the visitors.

Water FeaturesLocated close to several mountain lakes, including Sunset Lake and Jumbo Reservoir, as well as Mesa Creek.

Weather at Moose Manor Cabin

Reviews

4.8

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Moose Manor Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Moose Manor Cabin are generally positive, with common praise for its scenic location, cozy interior, and recreational opportunities. Some maintenance issues and cleanliness concerns were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers highlighted the cabin's beautiful and secluded location, its recreational opportunities (hiking, fishing, kayaking), and the overall charm of the historic building. "The cabin was the...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mentioned maintenance issues, such as a loose leg on the dining table, damaged mini-blinds, and UV-exposed furniture. Cleanliness was also cited as an issue, as guests are expected to...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to bring their own bedding, food, and cleaning supplies. Bear safety measures are essential. Additionally, visitors should prepare for potential mice inside the cabin.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall (August-October) is praised for beautiful foliage and golden aspen stands. Winter snow may impact accessibility.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful setting, lovely cabin." - Mark S. 2. "The recreational opportunities were numerous...hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding." - Chris V. 3. "Very charming. Great view." - Thomas M.

Based on 11 reviews