Cabin accommodations around Carbondale sit at elevations between 5,900-7,000 feet in the Roaring Fork Valley. This location creates distinct seasonal variations, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most cabins remain open from early April through late October, with select properties like Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA operating year-round.
What to do
Trail access from camp: The Glenwood Canyon Resort provides direct access to the Glenwood Canyon bike trail. "This campground is right on the glenwood canyon bike trail that goes all the way into glenwood springs! Will return and do recommend," notes one visitor.
River activities: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for water recreation. At Carbondale-Crystal River KOA, "The river sites are the ones to try for. Saying that, sites 19 & 20 have a view of Mount Sopris." River sites often book 2-3 months in advance during peak season.
Winter options: While many cabin rentals close seasonally, some offer cold weather access. "Sylvan Lake State Park is located outside of the Town of Eagle, CO... The surrounding area offers hiking and scenic drives... This is a great spot for a family or anyone looking to get away and stay active."
What campers like
Direct river access: Campers consistently rate riverside sites highest. At Elk Creek Campground, "Rarely can you find a full hookup site in a natural setting along a roaring creek. The park has a variety of accommodations with full hookup sites, a 'tent' section with electricity (lovely for small RVs as well) and log cabins."
Functional kitchens: Many cabin rentals provide practical cooking facilities. "The cabins are built on the side of a mountain so the individual sites are tiered... Built in tables on each site are nice," reports a guest at Ami's Acres. While most cabins include basic kitchenware, plan to bring specialty cooking items.
Heating systems: Almost all cabin rentals include heating options for cooler nights. One visitor to Elk Creek Campground noted: "We spent a night here and were very pleasantly surprised by the facilities and the warm welcome from the staff. The campsites are small in size, but very clean."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin properties require advance booking during peak season. At Paradise Campground and Rentals, "There is no cell service here and it was a nice break!" This means calling ahead is necessary as online reservations may not be confirmed immediately.
Linen requirements: Most cabin rentals provide mattresses but expect guests to bring bedding. As one visitor to Elk Creek noted, "Very nice looking little cabins are available should you have forgotten your camping equipment. But they do ask you to bring your own linens!"
Kitchen supplies: While refrigeration is common, cooking utensils vary widely between properties. Some cabin rentals include only minimal kitchenware, while others are fully equipped. Verify what's included before arrival to avoid packing unnecessary duplicates.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin layouts: Family-friendly cabins typically feature multiple sleeping areas. At Sylvan Lake Campground, visitors note, "The cabins are HA and have nice sidewalk paths from the parking lot." Most family cabins include at least one set of bunk beds plus additional sleeping arrangements.
Playground access: Several properties offer dedicated children's play areas. "Glenwood Canyon Resort offers a safe and fun family vacation experience that the whole family can enjoy... Camping is one of the safest vacations that a family can take - get outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air!"
Proximity to attractions: When selecting a cabin with children, consider travel time to activities. "This campground is just minutes from Glenwood and close to Grand Junction... 2025 has and will be bringing tons of exciting new additions to the park including an expansion being constructed currently."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites at cabin-offering campgrounds vary in levelness. At Ami's Acres Campground, "The campground is built on the side of a mountain so the individual sites are tiered. I could see it making a few people nervous to back in but it's no big deal."
Winter accessibility: Year-round RV sites with cabins have different winter protocols. At Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA, "We actually really loved it here. The canyon is gorgeous and you can hear the river. The train goes by pretty quietly. But the RV sites are SMALL."
Hookup variations: Verify hookup specifications when booking. "We have a 42' fifth wheel, and while we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck. Thankfully no one was next to us, so we could get creative with parking it. Gravel, nothing paved in or around the sites."
