Redfeather Ranger Station

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5 reviews
Off the west side of Dowdy Lake Road, Red Feather Lakes, Larimer County, Colorado (Forest Service access road ~1/4 mile north of intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and W County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road)

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Redfeather Ranger Station
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Best Time to Camp at Redfeather Ranger Station

Perched at a breathtaking 8,200 feet, this mountain sanctuary experiences the classic rhythm of high-elevation weather. Spring and summer afternoons often bring spectacular thunderstorms that rumble across the peaks, filling the air with the scent of rain-soaked pine and creating dramatic skies that photographers dream about. The elevation means cooler temperatures year-round, offering a refreshing escape from lower-elevation heat.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Redfeather Ranger Station

    Step back in time at Redfeather Ranger Station, where two beautifully preserved 1930s log cabins nestle in a sun-dappled ponderosa pine forest at 8,200 feet. These historic structures—the Ranger Cabin and Assistant Ranger Cabin—come with fully-equipped kitchens and share the grounds with a welcoming visitor center, all positioned perfectly between the shimmering waters of Dowdy and West Lakes. Bring your own linens and bedding, and prepare for the dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll through this high-country retreat during warmer months.
    Historic ranger station offering two rentable log cabins (Ranger Cabin and Assistant Ranger Cabin). No explicit mention of tent, RV, primitive, group or glamping sites.
    Historical SignificanceThe soul of Redfeather lies in its remarkable heritage, anchored by the Ranger Cabin that Civilian Conservation Corps workers crafted by hand in 1937. These dedicated young men adapted architectural plans from Wyoming's Sunlight Ranger Cabin near Cody, creating a structure that has stood sentinel over these woods for more than eight decades. Walking through these log walls means touching living history—each timber and stone tells the story of Depression-era conservation efforts and the enduring vision of America's public lands legacy.
    Weather and SeasonsPerched at a breathtaking 8,200 feet, this mountain sanctuary experiences the classic rhythm of high-elevation weather. Spring and summer afternoons often bring spectacular thunderstorms that rumble across the peaks, filling the air with the scent of rain-soaked pine and creating dramatic skies that photographers dream about. The elevation means cooler temperatures year-round, offering a refreshing escape from lower-elevation heat.
    ElevationAt approximately 8,200 feet above sea level, Redfeather Ranger Station sits in that magical zone where the air grows thin and crisp, and towering ponderosa pines thrive in the mountain sunshine. This elevation brings you into genuine high country, where every breath feels cleaner and the stars at night shine with uncommon brilliance.
    Natural Features and SceneryImagine a small, wildflower-dotted meadow cradled between two pristine mountain lakes, surrounded by the cinnamon-barked columns of ancient ponderosa pines. That's where you'll find Redfeather, with Bald Mountain rising to the southwest and Deadman Mountain standing guard to the west. The location offers the best of both worlds: immediate access to West Lake and Dowdy Lake for fishing and paddling, plus numerous trails threading through the forest for exploration. The mighty Cache la Poudre River carves its way through the landscape just ten miles south, adding to the area's remarkable concentration of water features and recreational opportunities.
    Geological RegionThis pocket of paradise sits within a classic ponderosa pine ecosystem, occupying a gentle meadow that serves as a natural corridor between West Lake and Dowdy Lake. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story written in granite peaks—Bald Mountain to the southwest and Deadman Mountain to the west—that frame this forested basin with dramatic alpine silhouettes.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsites2 campsites
    Recommended CampsitesGuests must provide linens, bedding, pillows, towels and toiletries. The Ranger Cabin has a fireplace (firewood not provided). Cabins include propane grills, picnic tables, a campfire ring, and a horseshoe game outside the Ranger Cabin.

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    Guests Allowed Per Site
    • Ranger Cabin: accommodates 6–8 people
    • Assistant Ranger Cabin: accommodates 4–6 people.
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutTwo separate historic log cabins with outdoor amenities: propane grills, picnic tables, campfire ring; horseshoe game located outside the Ranger Cabin. Cabins include fully-equipped kitchens and indoor bathrooms.

    Accomodation available

    Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Lodging and accommodations

    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreation centered on nearby Dowdy Lake (115 acres) and West Lake (25 acres) and multiple regional trails. Popular activities include boating, canoeing/paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and visiting the Redfeather Visitor Center. The Poudre River (about 10 miles south) offers additional whitewater and fishing opportunities.
    Hiking
    Many hiking trails nearby, including the Mount Margaret Trail, Lady Moon Trail, Elkhorn, Dowdy Lake Trail and others.
    Fishing
    Fishing on Dowdy Lake, West Lake and several nearby lakes for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout.
    Biking
    Biking trails are available in the vicinity; several multi-use trails are mentioned alongside hiking and horseback riding routes.
    Boating
    Canoeing, paddle boarding and motorized boats are allowed on Dowdy and West Lakes; motorized boats must observe a 10 mph speed limit and no-wake rules.
    Wildlife viewing
    Wildlife viewing is listed as a popular activity in the area surrounding the ranger station and nearby lakes.
    Water Sports
    Canoeing and paddle boarding on Dowdy Lake and West Lake.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Cabins have a campfire ring; firwood/firewood is not provided. Cabins also include propane grills. (No additional official fire restriction details provided in source.)

    Hazards

    General hazardsAfternoon thunderstorms in spring and summer; high-elevation conditions (≈8,200 ft) that may affect weather and health.

    Weather at Redfeather Ranger Station

    42
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 48%
    Wind: 36.8 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresBetween West Lake (25 acres) and Dowdy Lake (115 acres); Poudre River is ~10 miles to the south.

    Campground Map

    Off the west side of Dowdy Lake Road, Red Feather Lakes, Larimer County, Colorado (Forest Service access road ~1/4 mile north of intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and W County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road)
    Driving directionsForest Service access road into the station is approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and West County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road (just past the Red Feather Supermarket and Rock Shop) in the unincorporated town of Red Feather Lakes.
    Accessible via Dowdy Lake Road in Red Feather Lakes; located about 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins, CO.
    Nearby places
    Fort Collins — approximately 46 miles
    Nearby supplies
    Red Feather Lakes village (supermarket, general stores, gift shops, post office, limited dining) — supermarket and rock shop referenced as landmarks near the access road.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

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    5 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Redfeather Ranger Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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