Colton Guard Station

Star4.22
26 reviews
355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT, 84078, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service - Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Colton Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates for renting the cabin are $60. This fee does not include service fees, taxes, or discounts. Additional reservation fees may apply,...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

5 Google reviews

Some mention

bugs

"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."

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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

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.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during warmer months (approximately June 1 to October 31). Snowmobile, cross-country ski, or snowshoe travel is required during winter months (approximately December 1 to March 31). Roads include unpaved terrain with sharp turns and ravine crossings, and vehicular traffic is subject to snow and mud conditions.
Nearby places
Vernal: 20 miles (approx. 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Vernal, Utah, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Colton Guard Station

Each season paints Colton Guard Station with its own dramatic brush. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland where snow blankets the forest floor and visitors arrive on skis or snowshoes, their breath visible in the crisp mountain air. As temperatures drop and gentle winds whisper through the pines, the station becomes a cozy refuge from the elements. When summer arrives, the transformation is magical—wildflowers burst into bloom, mild evenings invite lingering conversations on the porch, and the forest awakens with vibrant life.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Jun–Oct): many activities, wildflowers and praised summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen color and dramatic vistas make fall especially appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed for reservations in April and May; spring season partially unavailable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Cabin is cozy with heating; winter access can be difficult and cold conditions noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 - October 31 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations year-round except for November, April, and May.
  • Current Alerts: COVID-19 restrictions require guests to bring their own cookware. Solar lights may be unreliable due to weather conditions.

About Colton Guard Station

Step back in time at Colton Guard Station, where the echoes of 1930s forest rangers still resonate through these historic walls. Nestled deep within Ashley National Forest, this authentic cabin and bunkhouse invite modern adventurers to experience the rustic charm of a bygone era. Here, disconnected from the digital world, you'll discover the simple pleasures that once defined a ranger's daily life—crackling fires, starlit skies, and the profound silence of the wilderness.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time depends on reservation documentation. Combination lock access required.
Check-out
Check-out time depends on reservation documentation.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed per reservation is 16 nights.

Amenities available

Flush toilets
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingNumerous trails in the surrounding area cater to hikers, ranging from casual walks to more challenging treks.
BikingSummer visitors can enjoy biking trails in the vicinity.
Wildlife viewingGuests frequently report sightings of deer, chipmunks, marmots, and birds, along with abundant wildflowers.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rodents, ticks, and bugs in the cabin and bunkhouse. Winter access can be challenging due to snow and icy roads.
Active AlertsCOVID-19 restrictions require guests to bring their own cookware. Solar lights may be unreliable due to weather conditions.

Weather at Colton Guard Station

Reviews

4.2
26 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Colton Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

Pet-Friendly Features

Null
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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