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

Michal K

Verified

August 10, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

Great little cabin in an awesome location. There is considerable traffic on the road, so it's not really secluded, but otherwise it is a peaceful, private spot. Amazing lush forest and great scenery. Kids had fun in the yard and we enjoyed a fire in the fire ring every night. If you're looking to pay it forward, the cabin could use a few plates, cups, silverware (with something to put the silverware in, there are no drawers), a 9v battery for the smoke alarm, a few candles for the wall-mounted candle lanterns, and books, games, etc. Soap and toilet paper was provided, but I'd bring your own unless you're feeling lucky.

Peterson H

Verified

August 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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.

Peterson H

Verified

August 8, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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.

Micah G

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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.

Micah G

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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.

Christopher J

Verified

May 30, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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

Christopher J

Verified

May 30, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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

Lauren P

Verified

May 1, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

1

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

Lauren P

Verified

May 1, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

1

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

Sara V

Verified

March 14, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: JACKSON GUARD STATION

5

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!

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