How much does camping cost at Colton Guard Station?

Camping fees at Colton Guard Station range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Colton 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 Colton Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Colton Guard Station has 12 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 Colton Guard Station?

Colton 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 Colton Guard Station?

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

How many campsites does Colton Guard Station have?

Colton 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 Colton Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Colton 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 Colton Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Colton Guard Station?

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

Colton Guard Station

3.86

26 reviews

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT, 84078, USA

Top 24% in UTFall

Peace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service - Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service - Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Colton Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. 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

4357891811

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT, 84078, USA

Colton Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT, 84078, USA

Nearby places

Vernal: 20 miles (approx. 30 minutes drive)

Driving directionsFrom Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020. A paved parking lot with a restroom is located at the intersection. Continue northwest on the paved Forest Road 020 for approximately two miles. Turn left (southwest) at Forest Road 019 and continue for less than a mile, reaching an intersection (Forest roads 028 and 019). Turn left, continuing south on Forest Road 019. Continue approximately 1.75 miles, where the road turns sharply to the right (west). Follow the hairpin turn down into a ravine to Colton Guard Station.

Weather at Colton Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Colton Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions at 8,500 ft — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-40s — making trails, mountain biking, and wildflower displays easiest to enjoy. The aspen and pine canopy is fully leafed, creeks run from snowmelt early in the season, and wildlife is active, so hiking and photography are at their peak. Crowds are moderate (less busy than low-elevation recreation areas), but reservations fill for the historic cabin, so plan Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: April, May, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Aspens turn gold in fall; reviewers note particularly striking autumn scenery.

Planning Tips

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

About Colton Guard Station

Colton Guard Station sits at 8,500 feet in Ashley National Forest near Vernal, offering a rustic cabin rental managed by the US Forest Service. The high-alpine setting delivers summer wildflowers, aspen groves, and active wildlife, with mountain biking and hiking trails accessible from the property. Guests stay in a wood-stove-heated cabin stocked with firewood, plus tent sites with vault and flush toilets.

Colton Guard Station offers a combination of cabin and bunkhouse lodging, along with tent camping. The main cabin is rustic and accommodates up to three guests. The bunkhouse can host up to eight additional guests but is criticized for its cleanliness and rodent issues. Tent camping is permitted on-site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions at 8,500 ft — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-40s — making trails, mountain biking, and wildflower displays easiest to enjoy. The aspen and pine canopy is fully leafed, creeks run from snowmelt early in the season, and wildlife is active, so hiking and photography are at their peak. Crowds are moderate (less busy than low-elevation recreation areas), but reservations fill for the historic cabin, so plan Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: April, May, November

Elevation8500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine and aspen forest surround the station, with aspens turning gold in fall and wildflowers appearing in meadows during summer. The hollow sits where high desert ecosystems meet montane forest at 8,500 feet. Deer pass through at dawn, marmots whistle from rocks, and chipmunks dart through the underbrush. Early summer brings creek flow from snowmelt. The canopy provides shade and a sense of enclosure, broken by occasional clearings with mountain views.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging is provided in the form of the main cabin and a bunkhouse. The cabin accommodates up to three guests, while the bunkhouse can sleep up to eight. Reviews highlight issues with the bunkhouse's cleanliness, rodent droppings, and exposure to the elements.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly offered.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay allowed per reservation is 16 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity for overnight guests is 10 people.

Groups

No group-specific camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or mobile app.

AccessibilityAccess during winter months requires snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. No explicit accessibility features for users with disabilities are detailed.

Site SizeThe cabin is compact, accommodating up to three individuals. The bunkhouse provides additional space but is often criticized for being poorly maintained.

PrivacyReviews suggest a quiet and secluded environment, with minimal disturbance apart from occasional visitors and hunters.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests recommend bringing water and battery-powered lights. The bunkhouse may be unsuitable due to rodents and weather exposure. Visitors praise the wood stove and solar lights in the main cabin.

Best CampsitesOnly one rental unit exists: the main cabin, which sleeps three. Reviews mention the bunkhouse as additional space, but most warn it's dirty, with rodent droppings in beds and minimal upkeep. The cabin itself gets better marks for insulation and the wood stove. Site 001 appears in reservation systems as the lone camping location.

Need help booking Colton Guard Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The bunkhouse is currently NOT available as it needs maintenance repairs.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Colton Guard Station provides guests with a variety of recreational opportunities tailored to seasonal conditions. Summer offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle trails, while winter activities prominently feature snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are year-round highlights, and nearby attractions such as Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offer fishing and water-based activities.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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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

3.9

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Colton Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Colton Guard Station are mixed, with an average campground-specific sentiment rating of 3.93 out of 5. Positive comments highlight its secluded charm, well-stocked firewood, and comfortable cabin insulation. Negative reviews often cite cleanliness issues, unmaintained bunkhouse conditions, and problems with the indoor toilet functionality.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the cabin's rustic charm, well-stocked firewood, and effective wood stove for heating. The solar lighting was appreciated when functional. Wildlife sightings and scenic...

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean facilities upon arrival, issues with flushing toilets, unreliable solar lighting, and the bunkhouse's poor condition with rodent droppings and exposure to the...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews of campsite 001 often mention issues such as incorrect lock combinations, maintenance concerns, and lack of running water. The bunkhouse is frequently criticized for rodent droppings and poor...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra water, cleaning supplies, flashlights, and bedding. Those planning visits during winter are advised to prepare for cold conditions and challenging access routes. Guests...

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews generally highlight the area's beauty and the availability of outdoor activities. Winter reviews emphasize the cabin's coziness upon heating but caution about difficult access and cold...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing little cabin! Far enough away for solitude, but close enough that service is just a short drive away." - Miranda D "The cabin gives you a rustic feel and it was nice to sit out on the porch...

Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews focus on the need for snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes during winter months. No specific features for disabled campers are noted.

Based on 26 reviews

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