How much does camping cost at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes?

Camping fees at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes are $200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes 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 Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes before I book?

Yes! Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes has 6 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 Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes is open June 27 to September 30. 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 Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes?

Yes, Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes have?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes 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 Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes?

Pets are not allowed at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes?

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes?

Popular activities at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

4.72

8 reviews

Top 6% in COFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Grand Valley Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Grand Valley Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

$200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $200.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

970-242-8211bwinfrey@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

39.0522, -108.0811

Nearby places

Grand Junction (45 minutes away)

Cedaredge (26 miles away).

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 and follow along Sunset Lake shore. On approach to the lake's spillway, you will come to a gate. The gate is opened by combination lock. Open gate and follow through on a single lane road about 100 yards. Cabin is sign posted and parking is in front of the cabin.

Weather at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Black Bear Cabin — crisp mornings, golden aspen groves, and calm lakes make late September especially spectacular. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to low 60s°F with frosty nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F, ideal for clear hiking, excellent fishing, and dramatic photography of fall color. Crowds are lighter than summer (especially after Labor Day), but note the cabin reservation season closes September 30, so plan late-September/á Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in CO

Fall (late Sept) cited as best: crisp mornings and peak golden aspen colors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 27 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations June 27–September 30.

About Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Black Bear Cabin sits at high elevation in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Grand Junction, operated by the Grand Valley Ranger District. This rustic rental cabin offers electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and showers, with direct access to Mesa Lakes for fishing and boating. Guests hike, bike, and watch wildlife among aspen groves that turn golden in fall.

The Black Bear Cabin offers semi-rustic cabin lodging with modern amenities, but no tent, RV, group camping, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Black Bear Cabin — crisp mornings, golden aspen groves, and calm lakes make late September especially spectacular. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to low 60s°F with frosty nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F, ideal for clear hiking, excellent fishing, and dramatic photography of fall color. Crowds are lighter than summer (especially after Labor Day), but note the cabin reservation season closes September 30, so plan late-September/á Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySpruce and fir forest frames the cabin, with aspen groves that turn gold in late September. Waterdog and Jumbo Reservoirs sit nearby. The cabin has a large grassy yard that some guests use for gatherings. Wildlife sightings include elk, deer, and moose. The Grand Mesa's volcanic plateau holds over 300 lakes scattered across the forested landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging is available at the Black Bear Cabin itself, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. Sleeping arrangements include a queen sofa sleeper and three twin beds, with additional capacity possible using air mattresses or cots. RVs, tents, or campers are not permitted near the facility.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are noted, but nearby attractions such as Pioneer Town offer historical experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests allowed.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThis facility does not meet ADA accessibility standards.

Site SizeThe cabin includes a large grassy yard that can host family gatherings and weddings.

PrivacyThe cabin is isolated from nearby campgrounds by a tree-covered ridge, providing a sense of privacy. However, hikers frequently pass near the site, affecting complete seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests are advised to bring bedding, food, first aid kits, and additional camping gear.

Need help booking Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes offers semi-rustic accommodations with essential amenities for guests. The cabin includes a living area, bedroom, flush toilet, shower, electric lighting, heating, and kitchen facilities equipped with a refrigerator and electric stove. Basic cooking and eating utensils, plates, knives, forks, spoons, cups, and pots and pans are provided. Cleaning supplies are also provided, although user reviews have mentioned issues such as old mops. Bedding, towels, and food must be brought by guests.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Black Bear Cabin provides access to diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the scenic Grand Mesa Byway.

Hiking4.0/5

West Bench Trail #501 connects seven lakes; hiking opportunities in Mesa Lakes Rec Area.

Fishing4.0/5

Direct access to Mesa Lakes; fishing at Sunset Lake described as good despite low water levels.

Boating4.0/5

Carry-down boat ramp near cabin provides access for canoeing/kayaking on Mesa Lakes.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Carry-down ramp and direct lake access support kayaking and canoeing.

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking trails common; West Bench Trail #501 used for biking.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (9,500 ft) and isolated cabin setting suggest good night skies.

Photography4.0/5Peak fall colors, lakes, and wildlife offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

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From Booking Sources

4.7

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Black Bear Cabin are mixed, with multiple users praising the location, wildlife sightings, and access to outdoor activities, while some criticize cleanliness and outdated facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Great location, nice and rustic cabin that had everything we needed." - "Beds were comfortable and updated." - "Worth every penny!" - "We enjoyed the peak of fall colors around it."

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

- Mouse droppings and cleanliness concerns in the cabin. - Furniture wear-and-tear, including mouse-eaten cushions and sloping sofa beds. - Basement conditions, including dead bugs and structural...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviewers specifically mentioned Black Bear Cabin and its loop. One user highlighted its isolation while noting hikers nearby.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cleaning supplies if needed, as some items provided are old or inadequate (e.g., mops). Ensure food storage is secure due to the presence of mice and bears. Expect hikers near the cabin and...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highly recommended for the peak of golden aspen colors. Users also noted issues likely to be seasonal, such as low water levels in Sunset Lake.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Black Bear Ranger Station is the best ranger station we have ever rented so far." - "The cabin was located in such a beautiful place with so many options for hikes." - "Beds were comfortable and...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users consistently noted that the facility does not meet accessibility standards. "This cabin is not ADA accessible."

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the facility, as stated in official sources and reiterated in user reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

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Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

$200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $200.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-242-8211bwinfrey@fs.fed.us

Go if

You want a high-elevation cabin base for fishing, hiking, and fall aspen viewing near Grand Junction.

Skip if

You need spotless interiors or modern furniture rather than rustic character with occasional cleanliness issues.

Nearby Campgrounds

Spruce Grove sits at 10,072 feet in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Lake George, Colorado. This very small high-elevation campground offers tent and RV sites along Tarryall Creek, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for the scenic rock formations, creek-side setting, and access to hiking trails and trout fishing.

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Campground Map

Weather at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Planning Tips

About Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Skip if

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Ask Camp Sage about Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews