Best Cabin Camping near Dinosaur National Monument

Cabins near Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado range from basic to comfortable, giving visitors good sleeping options while they check out the area. Colton Guard Station has rustic cabins with wood-burning stoves that help during cold nights. Inside you'll find simple bunk beds and basic kitchen setups. If you want something a bit nicer, Grizzly Ridge Yurt comes with heat and a small kitchen area. Both places put you close to hiking trails that go through the monument. In the nearby Ashley National Forest, Iron Springs Group Campground has furnished cabins with nice views that you can book all year, though you should reserve early during busy times. These cabins sit close enough to the Colorado River that fishing and boating are easy to do. The Quarry Exhibit Hall with its dinosaur fossils is just a short drive from most cabin locations. Roads to most cabins are in good shape, but some might need a vehicle with higher clearance. You can make cabin reservations online, and summer gets busy, so plan to book a few months ahead. The cabins in this area work well for both families and people wanting some quiet time.

Best Cabin Sites Near Dinosaur National Monument (16)

    1. Red Fleet State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-4432

    $50 - $200 / night

    "To keep it fairly brief, the camp sites are mainly situated around a large, open, slightly uneven grass area which is great for tent camping and day activities (volleyball, frisbee, catch, BBQing.)"

    "Short walk to the lake. Bathroom facilities with running water. Grassed area with covered picnic tables. Host to the annual DinoTri and also Paddle Fest."

    2. Outlaw Trail RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Jensen, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 781-6000

    "Clean, modern laundry. $2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer. Clean restrooms. Showers 0.25 cents for 7 minutes. Level gravel sites."

    "Awesome spot to stop and launch off on adventures into Dinosaurs national monument. Would stay here again when I come to visit. Staff was very nice and accommodating and very quiet at night."

    3. Steinaker State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-4432

    $30 - $150 / night

    "We spent 3 nights at Dippy Cabin and what a fantastic place! Amazing views, private drive, mini fridge, and microwave. Full size bunk beds, porch, and grill. Absolutely fantastic."

    "Beautiful area and lake! Close to the town of vernal. 20 miles outside dinosaur National monument. Staff helpful. Bathrooms clean, nice shower areas!"

    4. Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA

    11 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-2148

    $29 - $72 / night

    "Close 15 minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument!"

    "Vernal Dinosoar Koa seems like it has a TON of spots crammed into a small are but all of them have green grass, picnic tables, and grills. Some sites have covered awnings some have large shade trees."

    5. KOA Campground Vernal

    7 Reviews
    Vernal, UT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-2148

    "Lots of activities for families (pool, play area), small dog area, clean restrooms, staff was very friendly."

    "It's about a 30min drive from the dinosaur fossils, but its worth it for the amenities and the cute town."

    6. Grizzly Ridge Yurt

    4 Reviews
    Flaming Gorge, UT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-1181

    $50 / night

    "The Yurt is situated in a clearing at about 9000 feet. It's surrounded by pine and aspen trees, and at night from the front porch you can see the lights of Vernal in the distance."

    "This yurt has 2 full sized bunk beds, no bedding. Has a fireplace, propane cook stove, pots, pans, and even a telescope located under one of the beds."

    7. Iron Springs Group Campground - Ashley National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Flaming Gorge, UT
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-1181

    $25 / night

    "Many ATV trails. A couple bathroom facilities, picnic tables, a couple group fire pitsm room for RVs and Tents."

    "The camp limit is 16 days and we pull our campers around this huge area when required. Circle Camp as we have named it is a popular site and your lucky to score it anytime during the summer months."

    8. East Park Campground - Ashley National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Ashley National Forest, UT
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-1181

    "Campground Review:

    East Park is a great campground located right next to the lake. They have several bathroom facilities. Graveled road and sites available for RV or tents."

    "Lake has the bathtub look as it is drawn down. Biggest negative is NO cell service of any provider, hence the 4 stars. I saw no sign of any camp host or vendor running this cg"

    9. Colton Guard Station

    1 Review
    Vernal, UT
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 789-1811

    $60 / night

    "It's about a five mile snowshoe from Highway 40. There is a gate in the winter preventing you from going any further than the parking lot on Forest Road 020."

    10. Lucerne Campground - Ashley National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Manila, UT
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $33 - $4500 / night

    "Antelope wander around the park all day and the water is crystal clear. We didn’t have a reservation and they have many first come first serve sites- we even got one with an amazing lake view."

    "Great campsite next to the lake. The staff was great and super helpful. Antelope and ground squirrels have made this place home."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near Dinosaur National Monument

95 Reviews of 16 Dinosaur National Monument Campgrounds


  • Ana P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2023

    Steinaker State Park Campground

    Dippy Cabin

    Wow! We spent 3 nights at Dippy Cabin and what a fantastic place! Amazing views, private drive, mini fridge, and microwave. Full size bunk beds, porch, and grill. Absolutely fantastic.

  • C
    Jul. 29, 2019

    KOA Campground Vernal

    Convenient

    We hadn't done much research in this area and hadn't planned where to go so we decided to "glamp" at the KOA.  For a KOA this was pretty nice. Restrooms were clean. Lots of activities for children.  It was expensive for close together sites and only electric and water hookups.  We did have a nice shade tree however and were able to run our A/C.  The proximity to Dinosaur National Monument was the reason we stayed 2 nights.  We explored the Utah part of the Monument (where the dinosaurs are) and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the quarry, petroglyphs and cabin.

  • Cathy C.
    Aug. 30, 2022

    Outlaw Trail RV Park

    Clean laundry!

    $44/night. Clean, modern laundry. $2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer. Clean restrooms. Showers 0.25 cents for 7 minutes. Level gravel sites. Right outside visitor center for Dinosaur national monument, Quarry wall of dinosaur bones and several self guided auto tours with stops along the way. No shade. No fire pits. New facility.

  • Amanda B.
    Sep. 22, 2016

    Grizzly Ridge Yurt

    A toasty warm end of summer night at Grizzly Ridge Yurt, Ashley National Forest.

    We backpacked into Grizzly Ridge Yurt for a one night stay late this last summer. What a fun and beautiful place to stay. The Yurt is situated in a clearing at about 9000 feet. It's surrounded by pine and aspen trees, and at night from the front porch you can see the lights of Vernal in the distance. There is a fire ring located just below the yurt, with plenty of fire wood provided. The yurt is well stocked with two double bunk beds, a propane cooking stove, plenty of pots and pans, and a wood burning stove which kept us TOASTY WARM all night! Remember your own bedding, plenty of water, and lighting (no electricity or water at the yurt). We thoroughly enjoyed reading stories from the guest book.

  • Amanda B.
    Sep. 22, 2016

    Colton Guard Station

    A weekend snowshoe into Colton Gaurd Station, Ashley National Forest, UT.

    Last spring we snowshoed into the Colton Guard Station. What a fun experience! It's about a five mile snowshoe from Highway 40. There is a gate in the winter preventing you from going any further than the parking lot on Forest Road 020. There is a cabin and bunkhouse on the complex, both with wood burning stoves (wood provided). The cabin has a set of twin bunk beds, and a futon that folds out. The bunk house has several twin beds with mattresses. There is an old outhouse that you can use in the winter (no running water to the guard station that time of year). We had so much fun playing games by the warmth of the wood burning stove and sledding down the surrounding hills. Our four legged friend enjoyed being able to accompany us on our adventure. Remember to bring your own bedding and water.

  • Cortney M.
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Steinaker State Park Campground

    Always Busy

    This is a great lil campground although I feel like they tried to cram alot of campsites right on top of each other. All sites have picnic tables and firepits with a grill. Its kinda a dry vegetation in the park mostly sage brush and junipers, Some bigger shadier trees towards the lake but you better book those way in advance cause they fill up fast. They have small sites, tent sites, many large pull through sites, and even one small cabin. I did notice 3 bathroom facilities in spread throughout the park though and water spigots throughout. They have recently built a nature trail that runs from the side of the lake around to the front of it so thats a nice lil jont. They do also offer one group site that has a pavilion. This campground is not for anyone that doesnt like to be seen cause most likely you'll have a neighbor right next to you, above you, or below you.

  • Kam L.
    Sep. 25, 2016

    Grizzly Ridge Yurt

    Fun Times

    Accessible by hiking, skiing, and ATVs. This yurt has 2 full sized bunk beds, no bedding. Has a fireplace, propane cook stove, pots, pans, and even a telescope located under one of the beds. There is a fun guest book you can read through and write you own adventures in. Large deck with a firepit located just below it with firewood provided. Outhouse situated on the hill behind the yurt. Yurt is approximately 4 miles from paved road.

  • Corey E.
    Sep. 2, 2021

    Outlaw Trail RV Park

    Pretty Run Down

    This campground is just a big gravel lot with hook ups spaced throughout. It is very close to Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Wall which is why we chose it. However, we would not come back. P.S. coin-operated showers.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Outlaw Trail RV Park

    Gravel parking lot, modern bathrooms

    There are a few trees here and there, but it’s largely just a big gravel parking lot.

    On the plus side, the sites are decent size, with full hookup, and it’s a 6 minute drive to the Quarry Visitor Center of Dinosaur National Monument. There is a decent-sized grassy area by the road with a playground and area to walk your dog.

    I’m the negative side, it’s still just a gravel parking lot, the showers are coin operated (though supposedly just $0.25 to start it and the 2nd $0.25 gets you ten minutes, which isn’t bad). WiFi is free, but each site is throttled to 5 Mbps (which is fine for basic streaming, but not HD or 4K).

    No regrets on staying here, though…the location is great if you’re going to Dinosaur NM.


Guide to Dinosaur National Monument

Cabin camping near Dinosaur National Monument offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable accommodations, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

Explore the Wonders of Dinosaur National Monument

  • Stay at Colton Guard Station for a rustic experience with access to hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • The Grizzly Ridge Yurt provides a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the monument, complete with a wood stove and outdoor deck.
  • Experience the charm of the Limber Flag Yurt, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while being just a short drive from the monument.

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and boating at Steinaker State Park, where you can relax in a cabin and take advantage of the park's beautiful lake.
  • The Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a pool and playground, making it a great base for exploring local attractions.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Red Cloud Loop Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views and access to various hiking trails near your cabin.

Adventure awaits with these local attractions

  • Visit the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Wall, where you can see real dinosaur fossils and learn about the area's prehistoric past.
  • The East Park Campground features a picturesque lake and is perfect for a day of fishing or picnicking with family.
  • Explore the nearby Ashley National Forest, where you can hike, bike, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of nature while staying in a cozy cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available inside Dinosaur National Monument?

While there aren't cabins directly inside Dinosaur National Monument, several nearby options provide comfortable accommodations. Steinaker State Park Campground offers the popular Dippy Cabin with amazing views, a private drive, mini-fridge, microwave, full-size bunk beds, porch, and grill. For a historic experience, Colton Guard Station provides a cabin and bunkhouse complex accessible by snowshoeing in winter (about five miles from Highway 40). Both options serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the monument, with Steinaker being closer to the main visitor facilities. These accommodations tend to fill quickly during peak season, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

How far in advance should I book lodging for Dinosaur National Monument?

For lodging near Dinosaur National Monument, booking 3-6 months in advance is highly recommended, especially for the peak summer season (June through August) and holiday weekends. Red Fleet State Park Campground is extremely popular for its great campsites and sublime water activities, filling quickly during summer months. For more immediate options, Outlaw Trail RV Park is located just 6 minutes from the Quarry Visitor Center and sometimes has availability on shorter notice, though it offers a more basic experience with full hookups on a large gravel lot. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer more flexibility with bookings, potentially allowing reservations just a few weeks in advance, while providing pleasant temperatures for exploring the monument.

What luxury camping or glamping options exist near Dinosaur National Monument?

Several upscale camping options are available near Dinosaur National Monument for those seeking comfort. Grizzly Ridge Yurt offers a unique glamping experience at 9,000 feet elevation, featuring two full-sized bunk beds, a fireplace, propane cook stove, cookware, and even a telescope. The large deck with fire pit provides stunning views, and it's accessible by hiking, skiing, or ATV depending on the season. For more conventional amenities, Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA provides family-friendly glamping with clean restrooms, activities for children, and electric and water hookups, though sites are relatively close together. These options allow you to experience the monument's natural beauty while enjoying more comfortable accommodations than traditional camping.