Jackson Guard Station

The Jackson Guard Station is 0:50-1:10 from Ridgeway making it a reasonable base for exploring all of the forest but still having access to amenities in town when needed.

The cabin itself is spacious and comfortable with a great hillside location. While sitting by campfire, a group of 20 deer walked within feet of us clearly unconcerned with our presence. The access is great for day fishing the Forks and the Reservoir is short walking distance.

Make sure to bring plenty of lanterns, there are 3 rooms in the cabin and one is fairly large so one light won’t cut it for a night inside.

Wood was plentiful in the woodshed and there is a splitting axe there to make kindling or add to the pile while taking out some frustration.

Elevation is high enough for cool weather in July and no mosquitos. Heaven for a southerner escaping Summer’s oppression.

A romantic place too, the views and isolation remind you of the magic you can find in the world if you know where to look and are searching with the right people.

My family of 4 stayed 1 night as we were traveling from Texas to South Dakota, we found this place to be a naturalists dream despite the busy forest service road. When we arrived, the basic necessities were met; peace and tranquillity, shelter, restroom, fire pit w/ picnic table and cozy beds. My oldest daughter and I hiked down to Silver Jack Reservoir and found it to be a great place for kayaking and fishing. The valley down below has meadows covered with flowers and great views of the mountains. Also splitting wood for the fire pit was fun since we don’t get to do that much at home in the inner city. Later that night 2 very large dow payed us a visit. Both of my kids ages 8 & 10 give this place 2 thumbs up and we hope to be back again soon.

Best place to go for a little get away. I will keep going back every year. Love the quiet, cozy cabin

Couldn't get in. Supposed to staying here tonight, yet the number provided to get the entry code just goes to voicemail. Bad experience.

Could not have had a better time at JGS, what a hidden gem! We drove into the parking lot and snowmobiled the rest of the way into the cabin. It could easily be accessed via snowshoe or cross county as well. The views of the surrounding area from the cabin and road are breathtaking! The cabin itself is cozy but well stocked; there were just 2 of us but 4 would fit comfortably with the separate bedrooms. We already have plans to return in the fall, highly recommend!

Beautiful place! We skied / snowshoed in the mostly flat 4.25 miles. Lots of pots and pans available and useful things (plates, lighters, propane for the lantern) left by previous users. Very quiet except for a handful of snowmobilers per day, and plenty of roads and trails to explore.

My fourth year in a row getting the cabin during fall colors. A rewarding experience for me as a photographer to be so close to the action. Some of the lakes in the area are so photogenic that I recommend them to all I know. Silver Jack Reservoir, Beaver Lake, Clear Lake and Rowdy Lake are must sees during the color change. You will not be disappointed.

This was an exceptional experience. Everything we needed was there. A beautiful place to spend the weekend!

This is an absolute gem of a setting. Although somewhat rough, it is a great experience. 2019 was my fourth time to the cabin, and the beautiful Big Cimarron Valley. Always look forward to staying there again.

Very busy holiday weekend, perhaps limit the ATV racing up and down the designated roads, rather annoying.