How much does camping cost at Elwood Cabin?

Camping fees at Elwood Cabin are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elwood Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Elwood Cabin 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 Elwood Cabin before I book?

Yes! Elwood Cabin has 5 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 Elwood Cabin?

Elwood Cabin 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 Elwood Cabin?

Elwood Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elwood Cabin have?

Elwood Cabin 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 Elwood Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Elwood Cabin?

Elwood Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elwood Cabin?

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

Elwood Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elwood Cabin?

Fire policies at Elwood Cabin: 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.

4.58

19 reviews

15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140, USA

Top 2% in COWinter

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Conejos Peak Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Conejos Peak Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Elwood Cabin

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

719-274-8971

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140, USA

Elwood Cabin

15571 County Road T.5, La Jara, CO 81140, USA

Nearby places

Del Norte (~25 miles), South Fork (~33 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Del Norte, take U.S. Highway 160 west to South Fork. Continue west on U.S. Highway 160 for 8 miles to Park Creek Road. Travel 15 miles on Park Creek Road to Summitville Road. Turn right on FSR 380, the cabin is about 2 miles on the left. Alternatively, from the junction of FSR 250 in the Alamosa Canyon and FSR 380, follow FSR 380 about 8 miles, the cabin is on the right. Access to the cabin in the summertime can be accomplished with just about any vehicle; however, when the dirt roads are wet, they tend to get slick. In winter, the trail access to the Elwood Cabin is on the unplowed portion of Forest Road 380, which starts southeast from the junction, but makes a bend and continues south-southwest to the cabin. The 2-mile ski to the cabin is generally easy with a 400-foot elevation gain. The Elwood Cabin is visible below the road on a knoll projecting into a large open park. Allow from 1.5 to 2 hours or longer, depending on snow conditions, for the trip.

Weather at Elwood Cabin

Current alerts(16)

Access to the cabin is by a combination lock; call the Conejos Peak Ranger District at (719) 274-8971 one week before your stay to get the access combination
All garbage and food must be packed out
Do not leave food or trash outside the cabin; there are bears in the area
Dress appropriately for winter conditions and pack enough food to last for at least 48 hours

Best Time to Camp at Elwood Cabin

Best season: winter. Winter delivers the quintessential high‑alpine experience at Elwood Cabin: deep, stable snow (sometimes accumulating to several feet up to ~10') that makes the area ideal for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and true solitude. Expect cold, crisp conditions with typical daytime temperatures roughly 0–25°F (-18 to -4°C) and much colder nights; travel requires winter gear, route‑finding skills, and avalanche awareness. Crowds are low except for holiday periods, so visitors who are prepared for rems Peak months: January, February, March, December Avoid: April, May, June

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CO

Described as best season: deep stable snow ideal for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.

Planning Tips

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

About Elwood Cabin

Elwood Cabin sits in the high alpine of Rio Grande National Forest near La Jara, managed by the Conejos Peak Ranger District. This remote rental delivers winter backcountry access for skiing and snowshoeing amid deep snowpack and expansive meadows, with vault toilets and firewood provided. Summer brings hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, though mosquitoes can be heavy.

Elwood Cabin provides rustic cabin lodging in a remote location. It is intended for guests seeking a high-altitude getaway and offers a historical experience with its origins dating back to 1911.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter delivers the quintessential high‑alpine experience at Elwood Cabin: deep, stable snow (sometimes accumulating to several feet up to ~10') that makes the area ideal for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and true solitude. Expect cold, crisp conditions with typical daytime temperatures roughly 0–25°F (-18 to -4°C) and much colder nights; travel requires winter gear, route‑finding skills, and avalanche awareness. Crowds are low except for holiday periods, so visitors who are prepared for rems Peak months: January, February, March, December Avoid: April, May, June

Elevation11000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a knoll projecting into an open alpine park, where spruce and fir forests meet expansive meadows. At this elevation, the subalpine zone transitions toward tundra, with summer wildflowers coloring the clearings in purples and yellows. Elk, black bears, marmots, and chipmunks frequent the area. Reviewers mention panoramic mountain views framing the site, though mosquitoes can be thick during summer months.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin provides basic rustic lodging and is equipped with bunk beds, a wood stove, and propane lighting. However, guests must bring their own linens, towels, and other essentials.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 3 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin accommodates up to 4 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccess to Elwood Cabin is limited during winter months due to snow. Guests may need to use snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes for the final two miles to access the cabin. Avalanche equipment is recommended. Summer access is suitable for all vehicles, though dirt roads can become slick when wet.

Site SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to four individuals with bunk beds. Additional cots may be required if accommodating six guests.

PrivacyThe cabin offers solitude in a remote location high in the San Juan Mountains at 11,000 feet elevation.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring avalanche equipment in winter, and insect repellant in summer. Ensure vehicles are protected against wildlife damage.

Best CampsitesThe single cabin is the only accommodation. It sits on a knoll with views across the surrounding park.

Need help booking Elwood Cabin?

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

Guests must provide a sufficient supply of water for cooking, cleaning and washing.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Elwood Cabin

Guests at Elwood Cabin can enjoy year-round recreational activities. During summer months, the area offers hiking, exploration of historical mining sites, and fishing in Iron Creek, Treasure Creek, and Platoro Reservoir. Winter months bring opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in an area that can receive up to ten feet of snow.

Winter Activities4.5/5Top 1% in Colorado

Primary winter draw: backcountry skiing and snowshoeing with deep stable snow up to ~10'.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Rio Grande & San Juan NF and South San Juan Wilderness; described as excellent hiking.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Elk, black bears, marmots and chipmunks commonly seen around the alpine meadows.

Water Sports2.0/5

Platoro Reservoir nearby but boating/kayaking not described for the cabin itself.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote 11,000 ft location with limited light pollution implies excellent dark-sky viewing.

Photography4.5/5Panoramic mountain vistas, wildflower meadows and alpine scenes make it highly photogenic.

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 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.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling services are not offered; all garbage and food waste must be packed out due to bear activity in the area.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is not reliable near Elwood Cabin. One user reported walking several miles to find reception after an issue with their vehicle.

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

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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

19 reviews

Top-Rated

Elwood Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews overwhelmingly praise the cabin's rustic charm, historical significance, and serene location. Guests appreciate the solitude and panoramic views, but caution about the challenges posed by the remote and high-altitude environment. The cabin is considered well-maintained, but some guests noted practical difficulties such as overly long firewood and unreliable cell reception.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Many guests complimented the peaceful and remote setting, panoramic mountain views, and expansive meadows. The availability of firewood and the cabin's rustic charm were appreciated. The hiking...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the length of firewood pieces being difficult to manage, challenges with cell reception, and issues with mosquitoes during summer. One user experienced severe vehicle damage...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews consistently praise campsite 5106 in the Elwood Loop for its scenic views and rustic charm.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing additional light sources, insect repellant, and sufficient water. One user suggested planning hikes early in the day to avoid difficult return journeys. Avalanche equipment...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the presence of mosquitoes and the need for insect repellant, while winter reviews highlight the beauty and serenity of the snowy landscape but recommend extra preparation...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Elwood was everything that was promised, peace and solitude at 11,650’ in the dead of winter.' – Darren L. 2. 'Had a great time at this amazing location. The cabin only sleeps 4 unless you're...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Winter accessibility is challenging and requires the use of snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. Guests must prepare for avalanche risks and cold temperatures.

Based on 19 reviews