Jackson Guard Station

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, CO · ≈26.5 mi to Montrose
Sites
1
Max rig
No RV sites
Pull-through
N/A
Hookups
None
ADA
To town
26.5 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Cabin renters seeking remote solitude
  • Fishing and hunting enthusiasts
  • Paddling and non-motorized boating
  • Wildlife viewing and photography
  • Hikers and snowshoers

✕ Not ideal for

  • RVs of any size
  • Visitors needing cell service
  • Those wanting close town access

Connectivity

Plan to be offlineNo modeled cell coverage from any carrier. If you need connectivity here, a satellite communicator or hotspot device is worth considering.

What's here

1 Cabin (no Hookups)Drive-In access
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

Verified: none of this campground's recorded sites accommodate RVs — tent, cabin, or walk-in access only.

Amenities & features

Amenities
Campfires allowedGrillsPicnic tablesRestroom on siteShade
Activities
CanoeingFishingHikingHuntingKayakingNon-Motorized BoatingOff Road Vehicle TrailsPaddle BoatingPhotographySnowshoeingStar GazingWildlife Viewing
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Tight for big rigsRig fit
Remote — plan aheadAccess
Basic amenitiesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Montrose, ~26.5 miGet directions ↗

Photos

Photos: Joseph Gonzales

Overview

Overview 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. Recreation Activities abound, with hiking, technical single track dirtbiking, ATV/OTV riding, snowshoing, cross country skiing. Hunting and fishing are popular in the area Facilities Visitors can expect a rustic cabin set back roughly 100 feet from the road, providing privacy and solitude. Amenities include wood stove. The kitchen includes cabinet space and some dishes are provided. The cabin has two bedrooms and four twin-size beds. A picnic table, campfire ring and vault toilet are located just outside the cabin. No electricity or running water is available. Guests should bring drinking water, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, food, towels and toiletries. In winter, kettles are provided to melt snow for water. A snow shovel and firewood is provided. Natural Features Situated near the southeast shores of Silver Jack Reservoir, Jackson Guard Station sits in a small aspen grove at 9,000 feet elevation. The cabin is at the base of High Mesa, near where the Cimarron River flows into the reservoir. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include the San Juan Mountains, Alpine Plateau, Uncompahgre Wilderness, Silver Jack Reservoir and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The cabin is about an hour's drive from Montrose or Ridgway, and an hour and a half from Gunnison.

Managed by USDA Forest Service · Primitive campground