Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Star4.72
8 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)
$200.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the cabin is $200 during peak season (June 27–September 30). Additional fees such as reservation or cancellation fees may apply.
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

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

bugs

"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users praising the location, wildlife sightings, and access to outdoor activities, while some criticize cleanliness and outdated facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

39.0522, -108.0811

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.
Roads are accessible via a paved highway (Highway 65) leading directly to the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. The final approach includes a single-lane road for 100 yards, with a combination lock gate. Heavy snowfall may cause cabin rental cancellations, which can impact accessibility during the winter months.
Nearby places
Grand Junction (45 minutes away)
Cedaredge (26 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Firewood can be purchased at Jumbo Campground nearby
additional supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in Grand Junction.

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

Summer arrives like a gift in these high mountains, bringing crystalline blue skies and warm, dry days perfect for exploration from June through September. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons ideal for hiking. When winter descends, the landscape transforms into a snow-laden wonderland—though the cabin becomes a sleeping beauty, often inaccessible beneath blankets of deep snow until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

June–Sept offers warm, dry days ideal for hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Users recommend fall for peak golden aspen colors; scenery is a highlight.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Reservations open starting June 27; spring is outside operating window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Cabin closed outside June 27–Sept 30; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27–September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations June 27–September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Heavy snowfall during winter months may lead to rental cancellations. Call ahead for updated conditions.

About Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Step back in time at Black Bear Cabin, where the spirit of 1930s Forest Service rangers lives on in this beautifully preserved mountain retreat. Nestled within Mesa Lakes, this historic cabin seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern comforts—think cozy electric heating for chilly mountain nights, convenient flush toilets, and warm lighting that illuminates original woodwork. While you'll enjoy peaceful seclusion away from the bustle of nearby campgrounds, don't be surprised if friendly hikers wave as they traverse the nearby trails, adding to the authentic mountain community experience.
The Black Bear Cabin offers semi-rustic cabin lodging with modern amenities, but no tent, RV, group camping, or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

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.
Hiking"West Bench Trail #501 connects the seven lakes of the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area, providing opportunities for hiking and mountain biking." User reviews highlight nearby trails both walkable and drivable within 5-8 miles from the cabin.
FishingFishing is available at Sunset Lake, described as good despite low water levels.
BikingMountain biking trails are common in the surrounding area, including West Bench Trail #501.
BoatingA carry-down boat ramp near the cabin allows access for canoeing and kayaking.
Wildlife viewingThe area features abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose. User reviews affirm sightings of deer near the cabin.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; food must be stored securely. Risk of hantavirus exposure due to the remote nature of the cabin. Mold and water damage in the basement bathroom may present a concern.
Active AlertsHeavy snowfall during winter months may lead to rental cancellations. Call ahead for updated conditions.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)

Reviews

4.7
8 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes (Co)