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.
"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.)"
"This park was recently underwent a multi-million dollar update so reviews before November of 2024 may no longer be 100% accurate."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $200 / night
"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."
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $150 / night
"Close to Ashley National Forest and Dinosaur National Monument."
"Close 15 minute drive to Dinosaur National Monument!"
from $29 - $72 / night
"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."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"Lots of nice camping in the tree edges around this meadow area. Cell signal tower is up on the ridge above. I only had ATT signal, no Verizon or TMobile."
"Access to multiple sites 1 mile from the highway on a well maintained dirt road. Very quiet while we were there. Nice open meadow amongst trees. Definitely would return."
"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"
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $60 / night
GuideNice place to stay. Very Clean. Gift shop and restaurant were also very clean. Fishing on the green river is always great. Also great access to the southern end of the Gorge. Wonderful area in the mountains. Campground was green grass and newly planted trees when we went.
RangerWell-spaced sites in a spectacular setting. The campground was sparsely populated on a Monday in September, making it feel especially peaceful and spacious. Facilities were clean, and both sunset and sunrise were stunning. Pronghorns played in the nearby fields. Dark sky gave us the Milky Way. We loved it here and wished we could have stayed longer than one night. It also made a great base for exploring the Flaming Gorge area, including the phenomenal Red Canyon Overlook. Highly recommend.
LegendClean and well maintained. Friendly staff. A mile from downtown Vernal. Close to Ashley National Forest and Dinosaur National Monument.
ScoutUnfortunately, we were really disappointed with our experience at Lucerne Campground. We stayed for a 7-day trip, and by day two, the bathrooms had already run out of toilet paper. The bathrooms did not appear to be cleaned or maintained throughout our stay, and they eventually started to smell really bad. For a campground where guests are staying for multiple days, we expected the restroom facilities to at least be regularly stocked and cleaned. We also had an unpleasant interaction with the camp host, who we felt was not very respectful or welcoming. We love camping and understand that campground facilities are going to be basic, but basic cleanliness, stocked bathrooms, and respectful communication with guests should be expected. Unfortunately, based on our experience, we would not choose to stay here again.
LegendGreat spacious level sites. Good fishing. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained grounds.
LegendVery quiet and peaceful. Sites are spacious. Boat ramp and fishing. No swimming signs posted. Beautiful night skies.
RangerThis is a nice campground in desert like surroundings. There is a central bathrooms with individual shower rooms that are really clean. There are vault toilets scattered throughout. The space are mostly drive through, which is nice. This campground is close to all the main scenic routes and hikes.
TravelerAccess to multiple sites 1 mile from the highway on a well maintained dirt road. Very quiet while we were there. Nice open meadow amongst trees. Definitely would return.
GuideI recommend this spot to anyone looking to getaway. We didn't see anyone for well over 24hrs while we were staying here. The yurt comes with a double burner and propane, we didn't use it but I thought that was lovely. And a wood burning stove inside. LOVE it! So quiet and peaceful. Worth every penny!!
Cabin accommodations near Dinosaur National Monument include options on both the Utah and Colorado sides of the park. Most cabins in this area sit between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Access roads to many of the cabin rentals require navigating unpaved forest service routes that can become challenging during spring runoff.
Kayak to dinosaur tracks: At Red Fleet State Park Campground, visitors can rent kayaks to view dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. "Our absolute favorite part of this campground is the ability to rent kayaks and kayak over to see the dinosaur footprints. This was our first time seeing anything of the like, and it absolutely blew our minds," reports Angela G.
Hike the surrounding trails: The cabin at Colton Guard Station provides direct access to forest service trails. During winter months, the cabin requires a 5-mile snowshoe trek from Highway 40. "Last spring we snowshoed into the Colton Guard Station. 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," notes Amanda B.
Explore Red Cloud Loop: When staying at cabins near East Park Campground, drive the scenic byway for wildlife viewing. "If you come here, make sure to take the time to drive Red Cloud Loop Scenic Byway. Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose," writes Jennifer C.
Fully stocked cabin amenities: Grizzly Ridge Yurt comes equipped with essential cooking supplies and heating. "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," shares Amanda B.
Proximity to Dinosaur Monument: Outlaw Trail RV Park offers cabin rentals just minutes from the main attraction. "It's a 6 minute drive to the Quarry Visitor Center of Dinosaur National Monument," notes Stephen C., making it convenient for those without camping gear.
Seasonal variety: Winter cabin camping provides different experiences than summer stays. A reviewer at Grizzly Ridge Yurt explains, "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."
Cabin reservations fill quickly: Book several months in advance, especially for summer weekends. At Iron Springs Group Campground, "Circle Camp as we have named it is a popular site and you're lucky to score it anytime during the summer months," warns Cortney M.
Limited water access: Many cabins lack running water. "There is not running water, so make sure you bring plenty... or melt snow in the winter," advises Tammy H. about Grizzly Ridge Yurt.
Terrain conditions: Roads to cabins can deteriorate after weather events. "Paved FS rd all the way except last 1/2 mile of gravel from FS rd #20," notes Greg L. about access to some forest service cabins.
Kid-friendly activities: Vernal Dinosaurland KOA offers cabin options with numerous amenities for children. "There was a small but functional K-9 park, a kids park, a swimming pool, a jump pad, and they had bike/3 wheeler rentals, and a mini golf course," writes Cortney M.
Teepee alternatives: Some parks offer unique sleeping structures. "Red Fleet offers RV sites, tent sites, and even has a couple teepees you can also rent out and stay in," explains Cortney M., providing an alternative cabin experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabins often provide chances to see local animals. "Antelope wander around the park all day and the water is crystal clear," reports Sara about staying near the water at Lucerne Campground.
Full hookup alternatives: When cabins are unavailable, RV sites with electricity provide comfort. "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," notes Stephen C. about Outlaw Trail RV Park.
Seasonal facility changes: Be aware that amenities vary by season. "Bathroom facilities with running water. Grassed area with covered picnic tables," mentions Cortney M. about Red Fleet facilities during summer, while winter cabin stays often have more limited facilities.
Site selection for privacy: Choose cabin or RV sites strategically. "The RV parking and hook ups are actually in the parking lot, but there is a nice green open space with tables that are assigned to each site. The tent camping is a little more primitive along a windy trail in the cedars," explains Tammy H. about nearby accommodations.
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.
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