Is Alpine Ranger Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Alpine Ranger 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 Alpine Ranger Station before I book?

Yes! Alpine Ranger Station has 7 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.

Are there showers at Alpine Ranger Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Alpine Ranger Station?

Fire policies at Alpine Ranger Station: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org .. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Alpine Ranger Station have?

Alpine Ranger Station has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alpine Ranger Station?

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

What amenities are available at Alpine Ranger Station?

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

What activities can I do at Alpine Ranger Station?

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

Alpine Ranger Station

4.90

10 reviews

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Top 19% in COFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Featured in:Fishing Colorado#2

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Alpine Ranger Station

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-641-0471

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Alpine Ranger Station

216 N. Colorado Street, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Nearby places

Lake City (approximately 1 hour drive), Gunnison (35 miles to US-50 junction, further travel required via FSR roads).

Driving directionsFrom Gunnison: Take US-50 west for approximately 35 miles. Turn left on Co. Rd 66 to Forest Service Road (FSR) 867. Follow for approximately 20 miles to its junction with FSR 868. Turn right and the Alpine Ranger Station will be 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side behind a locked gate. From Lake City: Travel north on state highway 149 for approximately 11.1 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 867 (Alpine Road on Google Maps). Continue to the junction with FSR 868, then continue straight. The station is 5 miles ahead on the right-hand side behind a locked gate.

Weather at Alpine Ranger Station

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Non-smoking facility
Reservations are not currently available as work on this web page is currently in progress. Please check back for updates.
There is not a landline phone at the Alpine Ranger Station and cellphone service may not be available, depending upon your provider.

Best Time to Camp at Alpine Ranger Station

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest single reason to visit: spectacular aspen color and crisp, stable mountain weather—usually daytime highs in the 40s–50s°F and frosty nights in the 20s–30s°F—making photography, hiking, and wildlife viewing at their peak. Streams and lakes are still fishable into September, elk and deer movements heighten wildlife sightings, and visitor numbers drop from the summer high, providing a quieter experience at the cabins. Expect cool, clear mornings and fewer bugs, but watch/ Peak months: September, October, August, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in CO

Fall highlighted as best season: spectacular aspen color, crisp stable weather, active elk movement.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Alpine Ranger Station

Alpine Ranger Station sits in the high country of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest near Lake City, Colorado. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this very small cabin rental offers a quiet base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in alpine terrain. Fall brings peak conditions with golden aspen color, crisp weather, and active elk and deer movements.

The Alpine Ranger Station provides semi-rustic cabin accommodations with modern amenities. The focus is on cabin lodging rather than traditional camping setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest single reason to visit: spectacular aspen color and crisp, stable mountain weather—usually daytime highs in the 40s–50s°F and frosty nights in the 20s–30s°F—making photography, hiking, and wildlife viewing at their peak. Streams and lakes are still fishable into September, elk and deer movements heighten wildlife sightings, and visitor numbers drop from the summer high, providing a quieter experience at the cabins. Expect cool, clear mornings and fewer bugs, but watch/ Peak months: September, October, August, July

Elevation9600 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe station occupies a high-altitude valley carved by glaciers, surrounded by aspen, spruce, and fir forest. Blue Creek and Soldier Creek flow through the terrain below, and Cannibal Plateau rises to the west. The Uncompahgre Wilderness stretches to the horizon. Elk, black bears, and golden eagles populate the area. At this elevation, the thin air and open views create a stark mountain landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe station has two cabins: the main cabin with a semi-modernized kitchen, solar electric lighting, and a potbelly wood stove, and a second cabin with a queen bed and a loft. Both cabins are semi-rustic but include modern conveniences. Bedding and towels are not provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Main cabin accommodates up to 4 people, secondary cabin accommodates additional 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 through Recreation.gov and associated mobile apps.

Site SizeThe cabins can accommodate up to four people in the main cabin and additional guests in the smaller cabin with a loft.

PrivacyThe details about campsite privacy are not explicitly mentioned.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for small groups or families looking for a blend of rustic and semi-modernized amenities.

Need help booking Alpine Ranger Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Alpine Ranger Station offers semi-rustic accommodations with modern conveniences, situated in a scenic alpine valley at an elevation of 9,600 feet. Amenities include two cabins: the main cabin with a semi-modernized kitchen (propane cooking stove, refrigerator, and sink), solar electric lighting, and a potbelly wood stove. The second cabin features a queen bed and a loft. A separate bathhouse contains a vault toilet. Guests must bring their own bedding and towels. Basic kitchen supplies such as pots, pans, and silverware, as well as cleaning supplies, are provided. Visitors are required to clean the facilities upon departure. There is no water available on-site; visitors must bring their own. Trash disposal is 'pack it in, pack it out,' and there are no on-site trash facilities. The area lacks cellphone service depending on the provider, and no landline phone is available at the station.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Alpine Ranger Station

The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities set against an alpine backdrop. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, OHV trails (ATV and motorcycle routes), horseback riding with access to a horse barn and small corral, and proximity to the Uncompahgre Wilderness. A trailhead for Uncompahgre Peak, a popular '14er,' is located just a mile away, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking4.0/5

Several trails nearby including a trailhead to Uncompahgre Peak (14er) and wilderness access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Elk, black bears and golden eagles are reported; alpine habitat supports active wildlife viewing.

Fishing3.0/5

Adjacent to Blue Creek and Soldier Creek; fishing opportunities noted but species/conditions unspecified.

Winter Activities2.0/5

High elevation implies winter potential but no explicit winter recreation or facilities noted.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high‑altitude site suggests dark skies and good stargazing potential.

Photography4.0/5Aspens, glacier valley, alpine peaks and wildlife create compelling photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.9

10 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews are currently unavailable. The average sentiment scores are low, with a general sentiment of 2.6 and a campground-specific sentiment of 1.0, suggesting mixed to negative experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews