How much does camping cost at Jackson Guard Station?

Camping fees at Jackson Guard Station range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jackson Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Jackson Guard Station 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 Jackson Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Jackson Guard Station has 1 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 Jackson Guard Station?

Jackson Guard Station is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Jackson Guard Station?

Jackson Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Jackson Guard Station have?

Jackson Guard Station 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 Jackson Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Jackson Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Jackson Guard Station?

Jackson Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jackson Guard Station?

Popular activities at Jackson Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jackson Guard Station

4.61

42 reviews

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

Top 5% in COFall

Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Jackson Guard Station

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(970) 240-5300

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Jackson Guard Station

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

Nearby places

Montrose (approximately 1 hour drive)

Ridgway (approximately 1 hour drive)

Gunnison (approximately 1.5 hours drive).

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.

Weather at Jackson Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Jackson Guard Station

Best season: fall. Visit in fall for peak aspen color and crisp, quiet mountain days — daytime highs typically range from about 40–60°F with nights dropping to 15–30°F. September into early October brings brilliant golden aspens, excellent hiking and photography, and the elk rut (prime wildlife viewing), while crowds thin compared with summer. Fishing and late-season boating remain good on calm days, but be aware of archery and rifle hunting windows—wear blaze orange on trails. Peak months: September, October, August, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Fall delivers best combination of golden aspens, scenery and reduced crowds; reviewers favor it.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Jackson Guard Station

Jackson Guard Station sits high in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Silver Jack Reservoir, a short drive from Montrose. This historic Forest Service cabin offers wood stove heat, vault toilets, and fire rings in a quiet alpine setting ideal for fall aspen viewing and elk-rut wildlife watching. Guests bring their own bedding and enjoy direct access to hiking and fishing with firewood provided on-site.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visit in fall for peak aspen color and crisp, quiet mountain days — daytime highs typically range from about 40–60°F with nights dropping to 15–30°F. September into early October brings brilliant golden aspens, excellent hiking and photography, and the elk rut (prime wildlife viewing), while crowds thin compared with summer. Fishing and late-season boating remain good on calm days, but be aware of archery and rifle hunting windows—wear blaze orange on trails. Peak months: September, October, August, June

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies the transition zone between montane and subalpine environments at the southeastern edge of Silver Jack Reservoir. High Mesa's volcanic cliffs rise to the west. The small aspen grove thrives in soils deposited by centuries of seasonal flooding from the Cimarron River, which meanders through wildflower meadows before joining the reservoir. At this elevation, you'll find habitat for elk, deer, black bears, and golden eagles. Fall transforms the aspens to brilliant gold, creating exceptional photography conditions.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe station includes a two-bedroom cabin with four twin-sized beds. No electricity or running water available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no references to cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

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.

Need help booking Jackson Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Jackson Guard Station provides a rustic cabin with basic amenities, catering to those seeking solitude and an immersive outdoor experience. As described: "Amenities include wood stove, cabinet space, campfire ring, picnic table, and vault toilet located just outside." User reviews highlight the well-maintained nature of the cabin and the presence of cleaning supplies. However, guests are advised to bring their own drinking water, flashlights, and toiletries. In winter, kettles are provided for snow melting, and firewood is stocked in the woodshed.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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

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