OutReserve

Jackson Guard Station

Snowmobling near Jackson

Featured amenities

Parking

About Jackson Guard Station

Jackson Guard Station is a great destination for anything from a weekend getaway to a week-long hunting trip. The cabin was originally used as a guard station that housed Forest Service work crews. The cabin's access road is remarkably scenic, making for an impressive arrival. In summer months, the cabin sets the stage for a wide array of activities. Recreation ranges from thrilling off-road vehicle riding to amazing scenery viewsing,hiking,and rewarding fishing. Winter access is by snowmobile, cross country skiing or snowshoes,and fat bikes only along a 3.5-mile trail.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
View Site Details

Reviews (83)

What Guests Are Saying

Jackson Guard Station cabin offers a cozy and well-stocked retreat, surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife, making it ideal for hiking, fishing, and relaxing. Guests appreciate the ample firewood, clean accommodations, and peaceful setting away from other campers. Some minor drawbacks include the lack of a refrigerator and occasional noise from nearby ATVs, but overall, visitors highly recommend this cabin for a memorable outdoor experience.

Review Summary

4.6
83 reviews
5
73.5%
61
4
16.9%
14
3
4.8%
4
2
2.4%
2
1
2.4%
2

Jonathan M

Verified

September 22, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

we love jackson guard station and will always try to leave it better than we found it. this place is special and hope we are able to enjoy it for years to come. thank you for taking such good care of it and providing us with a little place to escape to.

Thomas D

Verified

August 25, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

3

Great experience! Be prepared for a long gravel access road.

Thomas D

Verified

August 25, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

3

Great experience! Be prepared for a long gravel access road.

Catherine O

Verified

July 20, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

2

I couldn't wait to get away to this cabin as it looked so inviting. It is inviting and so cozy and just exactly what you would expect for a cabin in the woods. It has a stove and everything else you need. Dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, a coffee pot, matches, games, a little bit of dishwashing soap; it is a wonderful place to stay. There are hummingbirds out front and chipmunks that come up to visit you and one deer that came around all the time. She was not afraid at all. The vault toilet even has LED lights in it! Make sure you close the gate behind you once you come through it. People will ride their mountain bikes or walk up to see what's going on. I left the gate open and was taking pictures of birds behind the cabin and two guys actually walked into the cabin to "take a look around".

However, I came home after one day. I had booked the cabin for 3 days. It was a full moon and there were ATV's and dirt bikes out in front of the cabin morning, noon and night. It made it ridiculous to try to sit on the bench in front of the cabin and enjoy myself. It was non-stop noise and I felt like I was on I-25. Very sad that everyone else has discovered the area. The East Fork and Middle Fork trails are wonderful to hike. The area is beautiful and I'm glad I went but I will go over in the dead of winter next time and hopefully there won't be so many people.

Catherine O

Verified

July 20, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

2

I couldn't wait to get away to this cabin as it looked so inviting. It is inviting and so cozy and just exactly what you would expect for a cabin in the woods. It has a stove and everything else you need. Dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, a coffee pot, matches, games, a little bit of dishwashing soap; it is a wonderful place to stay. There are hummingbirds out front and chipmunks that come up to visit you and one deer that came around all the time. She was not afraid at all. The vault toilet even has LED lights in it! Make sure you close the gate behind you once you come through it. People will ride their mountain bikes or walk up to see what's going on. I left the gate open and was taking pictures of birds behind the cabin and two guys actually walked into the cabin to "take a look around".

However, I came home after one day. I had booked the cabin for 3 days. It was a full moon and there were ATV's and dirt bikes out in front of the cabin morning, noon and night. It made it ridiculous to try to sit on the bench in front of the cabin and enjoy myself. It was non-stop noise and I felt like I was on I-25. Very sad that everyone else has discovered the area. The East Fork and Middle Fork trails are wonderful to hike. The area is beautiful and I'm glad I went but I will go over in the dead of winter next time and hopefully there won't be so many people.

Maria P

Verified

July 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

Amazing.

Maria P

Verified

July 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

Amazing.

Lauren K

Verified

June 12, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

Jackson Guard Station is a hidden gem. My husband and I spent one week at the Jackson Guard cabin, and it was nothing short of tranquil and restful. Silver Jack Reservoir and Beaver Lake is within walking distance, and we caught several beautiful trout! Mule deer are in abundance in the area (although they may be conditioned to humans due to the campgrounds nearby), and we saw some herds of Elk nearby. There are some beautiful robins, finches, and humming birds that have made Jackson Guard their home. Each morning we awoke to their beautiful melody. We highly recommend the Middle Fork trail- it is stunning.
We did bring a portable camping shower and a pop up privacy tent, and I cannot recommend that enough. It was great coming back to the cabin after hiking/exploring or fishing to a warm shower!
The cabin was stocked very well with washable plates, bowls, silverware, and cookware like pots and pans. There’s 2 large pots that you can heat up water in, or melt snow in the winter. There are some lanterns, a cooler, and some water jugs to collect water with. My husband and I had plenty of drinking water we brought, but we went to the river access that’s by the bridge (in between west fork and middle fork) to bring back clean water for showers and washing dishes.
Almost everything that is provided is donated, and the cabin itself is cleaned by each guest at the end of their stay. Please be mindful of this during your stay, and come with the mindset that you need to fulfill your part too by cleaning well and setting things up for the next guest. You can make or break someone’s experience there based on how well you clean after your stay, so please be diligent!

Lauren K

Verified

June 12, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

Jackson Guard Station is a hidden gem. My husband and I spent one week at the Jackson Guard cabin, and it was nothing short of tranquil and restful. Silver Jack Reservoir and Beaver Lake is within walking distance, and we caught several beautiful trout! Mule deer are in abundance in the area (although they may be conditioned to humans due to the campgrounds nearby), and we saw some herds of Elk nearby. There are some beautiful robins, finches, and humming birds that have made Jackson Guard their home. Each morning we awoke to their beautiful melody. We highly recommend the Middle Fork trail- it is stunning.
We did bring a portable camping shower and a pop up privacy tent, and I cannot recommend that enough. It was great coming back to the cabin after hiking/exploring or fishing to a warm shower!
The cabin was stocked very well with washable plates, bowls, silverware, and cookware like pots and pans. There’s 2 large pots that you can heat up water in, or melt snow in the winter. There are some lanterns, a cooler, and some water jugs to collect water with. My husband and I had plenty of drinking water we brought, but we went to the river access that’s by the bridge (in between west fork and middle fork) to bring back clean water for showers and washing dishes.
Almost everything that is provided is donated, and the cabin itself is cleaned by each guest at the end of their stay. Please be mindful of this during your stay, and come with the mindset that you need to fulfill your part too by cleaning well and setting things up for the next guest. You can make or break someone’s experience there based on how well you clean after your stay, so please be diligent!

Kari P

Verified

March 29, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

Great cabin, beautiful scenery!

Location Jackson Guard Station

Address:
2505 South Townsend Avenue
Montrose, CO, 81401
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 38.2133 / -107.523

Elevation: 2766 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • In winter, access to the cabin is by snowmobile or skiing; parking is available 3.5 miles away.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Utilities

  • Drinking water is not available at the facility.

Fires & fuel

  • Firewood collection is prohibited; bring your own in summer, provided in winter.
  • Do not move firewood to prevent spreading pests; obtain it locally.

Safety & rules

  • Guests must bring garbage bags as this is a pack in-pack out facility.
  • Guests are required to clean the cabin before departure, with supplies provided.
  • Firearms cannot be discharged within 150 yards of the cabin.
  • Smoking is prohibited on the premises.
  • There is a risk of hantavirus exposure in remote cabins.

Pets

  • Pets are not permitted on the property.

Accessibility

  • The facility is not compliant with accessibility standards.

Wildlife & food storage

  • Food must be stored securely to avoid attracting bears.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service