Jackson Guard Station

4.61

42 reviews

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison Hidden Gem Campgrounds Colorado

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Jackson Guard Station

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season (January 01 - December 31, 2025) is $75. Additional fees include a $10 service fee for...

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) 240-5300

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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 42 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"While most reviewers praised the cabin's scenic location, solitude, and well-maintained amenities, complaints about road traffic and noise from ATV/dirt bikes were noted. Seasonal variations significantly impact the experience, with winter offering quieter stays."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Jackson Guard Station

2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO, 81401, USA

Driving directionsFrom Montrose, take Highway 50 east for about 20 miles. Turn right (south) onto County Road 858, which leads up the Big Cimarron Drainage for about 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left. From Gunnison, take Highway 50 west for roughly 43 miles. Turn left on County Road 858, which leads up the Big Cimarron Drainage for about 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left. In winter, park in parking lot before the Forest Boundary and ski, snowshoe or snowmobile up the road for 3.5 miles.

The access road is remarkably scenic but requires winter access via snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoes due to a 3.5-mile trail. The summer road accessibility appears straightforward, and no severe conditions are noted.

Nearby places

Montrose (approximately 1 hour drive)

Ridgway (approximately 1 hour drive)

Gunnison (approximately 1.5 hours drive).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Montrose, CO, which is approximately a 1-hour drive from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Jackson Guard Station

Each season paints Jackson Guard Station with its own spectacular palette. Winter wraps the cabin in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a snowshoer's paradise where every step reveals untouched beauty. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and rushing streams. Summer offers a cool mountain refuge where temperatures rarely climb above the 70s, providing sweet relief for those fleeing scorching valley heat. But perhaps autumn steals the show, when thousands of aspens burst into golden flames, creating a photographer's dream landscape that draws visitors from around the world to witness nature's grand finale.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Many activities available, but summer road/ATV noise and traffic cited as notable negatives.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Fall popular for vibrant foliage and photography; reviewers highlight spectacular autumn colors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers trails and wildlife viewing; less-documented but seasonally appealing at high elevation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Winter offers snowshoeing, XC-skiing and fat-biking; stays are quieter and peaceful in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open during the year-round season, January 01 - December 31.

About Jackson Guard Station

Tucked away in a pristine aspen grove at 9,000 feet, Jackson Guard Station invites you to step back in time to a simpler era of mountain living. This authentic Forest Service cabin, once home to hardworking ranger crews, now offers adventurers a chance to experience true wilderness solitude near the sparkling waters of Silver Jack Reservoir. Wake to the whisper of aspen leaves, spend your days exploring endless trails by foot or ATV, cast a line into crystal-clear waters, or track elk through golden meadows. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, strap on snowshoes for magical forest explorations. While the cabin provides cozy shelter with essential amenities, its lack of electricity and running water ensures an authentic backcountry experience that reconnects you with nature's rhythms.

Jackson Guard Station offers a compact range of accommodations focused on rustic cabin rental for small groups. No options for tent, RV, or group camping are explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceJackson Guard Station stands as a living testament to the Forest Service's storied past, when dedicated crews lived and worked in these remote outposts to protect and manage America's wild places. Built to house the rangers who patrolled vast wilderness areas on horseback, maintained trails, fought fires, and served as the first conservationists of these precious lands, the cabin's weathered logs hold countless untold stories. Today, staying here connects you to this proud legacy of land stewardship, offering a glimpse into the rugged lifestyle of those who helped preserve these mountains for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Jackson Guard Station with its own spectacular palette. Winter wraps the cabin in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a snowshoer's paradise where every step reveals untouched beauty. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and rushing streams. Summer offers a cool mountain refuge where temperatures rarely climb above the 70s, providing sweet relief for those fleeing scorching valley heat. But perhaps autumn steals the show, when thousands of aspens burst into golden flames, creating a photographer's dream landscape that draws visitors from around the world to witness nature's grand finale.

ElevationPerched at 9,000 feet where the air is crisp and pure, Jackson Guard Station offers a true high-country experience. At this elevation, summer days bring refreshing temperatures in the 60s and 70s while nights dip cool enough for campfire gatherings and cozy blankets. The thin mountain air sharpens your senses, making colors appear more vivid and stars shine with extraordinary brilliance. This lofty setting means snow can linger into late spring and return as early as September, creating an extended season for winter enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a symphony of quaking aspen leaves dancing in the morning breeze, their white trunks standing like sentinels around your mountain hideaway. Jackson Guard Station rests in an enchanted grove of these iconic trees, their canopy filtering sunlight into a magical dappled pattern. Just beyond your door, Silver Jack Reservoir mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks in its calm waters, while the dramatic cliffs of High Mesa rise majestically to the west. The melodic Cimarron River sings its way toward the reservoir, providing a natural soundtrack to your stay and promising excellent fishing holes for those who know where to look.

Geological RegionJackson Guard Station occupies a spectacular setting where mountain ecosystems converge at the southeastern edge of Silver Jack Reservoir. This geological wonderland sits in the shadow of High Mesa's ancient volcanic cliffs, where millions of years of uplift and erosion have carved a landscape of stunning contrasts. The cabin's small aspen grove thrives in rich soils deposited by centuries of seasonal flooding from the Cimarron River, which still meanders through wildflower meadows before joining the reservoir's azure waters. At 9,000 feet, you're positioned perfectly to explore the transition zone between montane and subalpine environments, where diverse habitats support everything from elk and deer to black bears and golden eagles.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

10:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin accommodates up to four guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin site located approximately 100 feet from the road.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required for this cabin. Walk-in availability is not noted.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations may incur a $10 fee, and cancellations less than 14 days before arrival for cabins incur a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThis facility does not meet accessibility standards, as clearly stated in authoritative sources.

Site SizeThe cabin is described as spacious and well-laid out, suitable for up to four guests.

PrivacyThe cabin is set back 100 feet from the road, offering privacy despite traffic concerns noted by some reviewers.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring lanterns and flashlights for light, as the cabin lacks electricity. Firewood is plentiful in the woodshed during winter months. The cabin is best suited for four guests for comfort.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Jackson Guard Station area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, ATV riding, and wildlife viewing. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking, with access only via a 3.5-mile trail.

HikingNumerous trails surround the station, including the East Fork and Middle Fork trails noted for scenic beauty. One reviewer stated: "The Middle Fork trail is stunning."

FishingFishing is popular at Silver Jack Reservoir and nearby rivers. One review noted catching trout at Beaver Lake and Silver Jack Reservoir.

BikingWinter fat biking is highlighted among the activities available. Technical single-track dirt biking is also popular in the area.

BoatingNon-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing can be enjoyed at Silver Jack Reservoir.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as mule deer, elk herds, hummingbirds, chipmunks, and robins are frequently seen around the cabin.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring food to be stored in approved containers or locked inside vehicles. Guests should be cautious of wildlife and the risk of hantavirus when visiting remote cabins.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire ring available outside the cabin. Collection of firewood is not permitted in summer months.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely available in Montrose, CO (approximately 1-hour drive).

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack in and pack out their garbage, as this is a self-maintained facility.

Water FeaturesNear the southeast shores of Silver Jack Reservoir and the Cimarron River.

Weather at Jackson Guard Station

Reviews

4.6

42 reviews

Top-Rated

Jackson Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

While most reviewers praised the cabin's scenic location, solitude, and well-maintained amenities, complaints about road traffic and noise from ATV/dirt bikes were noted. Seasonal variations significantly impact the experience, with winter offering quieter stays.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users enjoyed the cabin's cleanliness, wood stove heating, availability of firewood, and proximity to Silver Jack Reservoir and trails. "The cabin itself is cozy but well stocked; there were just 2...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with road traffic and ATV/dirt bike noise during peak summer months. "It made it ridiculous to try to sit on the bench in front of the cabin and enjoy...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing lanterns, extra batteries, fire-starting materials, and paper towels. One reviewer noted: "Bring your own garbage bags; it's a pack-in, pack-out facility."

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are quieter, while summer months may involve increased road traffic and noise. Fall is particularly popular among photographers for vibrant foliage.

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cabin was stocked very well with washable plates, bowls, silverware, and cookware," and "The Middle Fork trail is stunning," are some highlights from user reviews.

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews primarily focus on the cabin itself (site 001). Positive comments include its privacy and scenic surroundings, while negative remarks highlight ATV/dirt bike activity.

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features, consistent with the authoritative note that the facility does not meet accessibility standards.

Based on 42 reviews