State Forest State Park spans nearly 71,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness near Cowdrey, Colorado, with elevations averaging 9,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences dramatic temperature changes, with summer days in the 70s dropping to the 30s at night and winter temperatures frequently below freezing. Cabin camping options range from primitive shelters to more developed accommodations, all requiring advance reservations.
What to do
Paddleboarding at Pearl Lake: The calm waters at Pearl Lake State Park Campground offer excellent paddleboarding conditions with mountain backdrops. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner," notes one visitor who stayed at the waterfront sites.
Wildlife viewing: The region is known for abundant wildlife, particularly moose. According to a visitor at North Michigan Campground, "Amazing views and something for everyone. My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they bikes on nearby trails. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike."
Hiking alpine lakes: Multiple trails lead to high-altitude lakes throughout the region. "We hiked, biked and just enjoyed the view. Fishing was slow but in such a pretty place we didn't care," reports a camper who visited North Michigan Reservoir loop in July.
What campers like
Lakeside accommodations: Many cabins and campsites offer direct water access. At Steamboat Lake State Park, a visitor noted, "Nice amenities and close to lots of other attractions for exploring." The park features multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and amenities.
Winter accessibility: Unlike many mountain destinations, several cabin areas remain open year-round. A camper at Steamboat Springs KOA shared, "We stayed at the Steamboat KOA for 2-1/2 weeks on a business trip and greatly appreciated the solid Wi-Fi. The setting is idyllic with mature trees and the beautiful Yampa River running through it."
Quiet atmosphere: Less crowded than nearby national parks, this region offers more solitude. "Stayed in the North Michigan Reservoir loop for three wonderful days after the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Perfect weather and beautiful scenery. The campground was well maintained, even after the busy weekend," one visitor remarked.
What you should know
Severe weather preparation: Mountain conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. A visitor to Ranger Lakes Campground advised, "We were there in late June and we saw about 6 inches of snow overnight. It was cold!"
Bathroom facilities: Most cabin areas have only basic facilities. "The bathroom was a pit toilet, which was up the hill and farthest from our cabin so it was a chilly bathroom run in the middle of the night," a visitor reported.
Reservations required: All camping cabins near Cowdrey require advance booking. No first-come options exist for cabins. "This is a reservation only campground. If you drive in and find an un-reserved site you can take it for the night but need to reserve online for subsequent nights," explains one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: The Moose Visitor Center provides educational programs and wildlife tracking information. "Something for everyone. My dog could swim in north Michigan reservoir. The kids could ride bikes in trails and throw rocks in the water. Hiking was fun. Beautiful views. Bathrooms close and super clean," reports one family who visited with young children.
Lake activities: Several locations offer kid-friendly water access. At Sunrise Vista Campground, a visitor mentioned, "A nice little beach for the kids, too. There are brand new showers in Harebell. The camp rangers and hosts were very helpful and pleasant."
Bug protection: Insects can be prevalent near water. "We stayed at North Michigan Campground. The campground is beautiful. We had site 221 which is right above the water with it's own little trail going down to the reservoir. From what I've seen, I think this is one of the best sites available. Bring bug spray!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most rustic cabin areas have minimal or no RV hookups. "Level site with 15/30/50. No water or sewer on site but nice dump station and water taps everywhere," notes a visitor with an R-Pod at Sunrise Vista Campground.
Winter access considerations: RV campers should check road conditions in colder months. Snow removal may be limited on forest roads accessing cabins. "Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is sparse or non-existent in most cabin areas. "There is no cell serves past the entrance so be sure to book in advance," advised one visitor to Laramie River Road Dispersed camping areas.
