Best Cabin Camping near Fort Collins, CO

This park is located just outside of Estes Park, right along the river. The park is very clean and the staff is exceptionally helpful. The sites are level, but rather small and close together. There are no trees in most of the sites. The facilities were acceptable, although the pool and hot tub were closed during our visit. The trash pickup was a nice touch, just leave your trash at the front of your site and they collect it. No canopies are allowed, which is a downside without trees and also no campfires, which will keep our group from returning.

Let me preface this review by stating that is it weren’t for some regrettable encounters with one deplorable staff member(manager) this would have been a 4 star review. More on that later.... 

This campground is ideally located in my opinion, situated between Estes Park and Rocky Mtn NP, right next to a river, short walk to a grocery store (with shuttle to downtown) and alongside a road you can use to bypass the nasty summer traffic, I can’t think of a better place to be. My family and I stayed here for a week in a 34 ft travel trailer. The campground has a pool, hot tub, office with some supplies, full hookups, spacious sites, playground, fishing pond, laundromat, and a modest mini golf course. I was really impressed with the site width(in a busy destination such as Estes Park you would expect to be crammed in). Each site is bordered by log fencing to add to the feel of a large space. Sites are level and graveled. The pool is decently sized and the hot tub is fairly new. Mini golf is fun(clubs and balls and borrowed from the office) but is a little run down. 

So with all this good stuff, what are the cons? Well, the laundry machines are old and expensive. The activities center was never open, even on the 4th of July. No campfires at the sites and the community campfire is uninviting. The wifi is almost non-existent except at the pool/office. The game room is locked and empty. And the manager drives around the campground flying pirate flags and curses out his staff for insufficient reasons, in front of children. When my husband confronted him about this, he huffed off and never apologized, even though he walked by our site frequently. I am told that this is being brought to the attention of the owners, but since no action has been taken as of the time of this post, it is being included in this review. The other staff have been friendly. 

Overall, I would stay here again but would make sure the situation with the manager has been rectified.

I was looking for a quiet place to get away from Denver but I wasn't able to take off on a long drive to get there, then I found this place. A flower farm, with rows of beautiful blooming flowers, a natural pool, a Jacuzzi, and a beautiful view of the Rocky Mtns? Sounds perfect for a midweek getaway to me!

When I pulled up, Terry came out to meet me and give me a tour. He took me to the tent spot and I quickly realized that they didn't get many tent campers, they mostly received RV and AirB&B guests. The tent site was big enough to fit a couple tents (or a large family tent) but there wasn't a bathroom or even many places you could nature pee around the area. Terry informed me that they don't have bathrooms yet, but they are in the process of turning the old silo's into bathrooms and potentially another bedroom to rent out. That should be done by the end of the Summer. 

Then he gave me a tour of the pool and the flower shop. The land here is just incredible! They only bought this property 9 years ago and only started growing flowers on it 6 years ago and it has obviously transformed into a stunning landscape. The flower storage was filled with stunning colors and smells of all the assorted flowers they grow on the farm. Meg came out later to say hi and tell me a little about the events they host on the property. 

The natural pool was beautiful! I was the only camper there so I had free reign of the place. I lounged for a bit on a float in the water until I had a friendly visitor in the water with me, A small king snake (the good kind of snake) was cooling down in the water and when we saw each other we both ran the other way. See my video of an alternative use for the morsel spork...:-) I didn't see him again the rest of the time out there. Terry laughed at my tomfoolery and said they normally don't come near in the water, but he likes knowing they are out there since they eat rattlesnakes.

As the sun went down I took my book into the hot tub and relaxed for a bit. While Terry and Meg's kids rode around on the golf cart and jumped on the trampoline on the other side of the property, it was very soothing to hear the quiet laughter and fun being had by a beautiful family and yet still feel like I had my privacy. 

All in all it was a beautiful stay at a lovely location. I would recommend this place for a girl's day trip, bridal shower, or bachelorette location too! It is screaming to be filled with sundresses and mimosas. RV camping or even staying at the AirB&B would probably be ideal for your stay until they get the bathrooms built. 

I requested that Meg send me information in regards to events at the site and she sent me the following: 

Red Daisy Farm Event Space: We have a beautiful 4 acre property for you to host your special event at. We have fields full of flowers, a beautiful man-made natural swimming pond with a soothing waterfall. We have an antique barn full of vintage treasures for you and your guests to peruse. We have plenty of grassy areas and lots of room to roam around and enjoy! Set up your cornhole or volleyball net, badminton or croquet game! Let us know your ideas, and we’re happy to try and accommodate them!

***If you are planning on renting our Cottage House at the same time of your event, please take 30% OFF prices listed below.***.

 Two Night minimum stay to receive the party fee discount. Corporate Events, Birthdays, Anniversary’s, Bridal/Baby Showers, Graduations, Family Reunions, etc. This does NOT include weddings. 

We have special wedding packages, please let us know, and we’ll send you that info.

 A La Cart: Rental Fee:$200 per hour, with a 2 hour minimum. You may come up to two hours before the party to set-up for no additional fee. 

Tables- 6ft.X2.5ft:$10 per table 

White Table Cloths:$4 each 

White Folding Chairs:$2/chair 

White 10’X10’ Tent:$25each- 4 available 

Trash removal:$30 for 50 guests or less$45 for 51-100 guests$60 for 101-150 guests 

Fresh Flowers for tables/decor: 

Small table bouquets:$25ea 

Medium table Bouquets:$40ea

Large table Bouquets:$55ea 

A non-refundable,$200 deposit is due at time of booking to reserve your date. We encourage you to bring in your own food and drinks, as we do not provide catering at this time. If you will be having alcohol present, you will need to sign a waiver releasing RDF from any liability, and/or have a licensed and insured bartender. All parties/events need to be shut down no later than 10:30pm. Feel free to check out our website for more pictures of our special property: www.reddaisyfarm.com

This is one of my all-time favorite places to hike and camp in Colorado. I have not yet stayed in any of the campgrounds but have backpacked to the top of the American Lakes Trail. Not only is this hike fantasticly beautiful and full of wildlife (tons of moose especially) but there is great dispersed camping along the trails. You simply cannot find more scenic and free camping in Colorado. I would highly recommended camping anywhere in State Forest State Park!

Also, there are quite a few huts, cabins and yurts that can be rented year round in SFSP!

This was my first time staying at a KOA campground and I was blown away by the amenities offered here. Upon first pulling up to the campground, I was met by a security checkpoint and was directed to the main office to register and obtain a car pass. The attention to detail and security measures were another surprise to me, as I have always been more accustomed to primitive campgrounds. As previously mentioned, I was astounded by the variety of amenities offered to guests including wifi, a pool, mini golf, a massive playground, arcade, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits and more. This all in addition to the usual premium campground amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, RV dump station, camp sinks, an office store with basic goods and snacks, etc. 

This campground is super family friendly and seems to be much more focused on offering RV sites and cabin type lodging. As I am a tent camper, my review will be focused on what is offered for those at a tent site. There are 5 tent sites, which are only available from May 1stto September 30th. The sites are rather close together but in a lovely location right along the lake. The sites cost $45/night on week days and $50/night on weekends for one or two people with a single vehicle, additional guests cost $10/night, additional car $5/night and fire ring rentals are $5/night. Tent sites include a parking spot, a raised and level tent platform, picnic table and grill. Open fires, hammocks and clotheslines are not allowed even at the tent sites. 

Overall, this campground provides a very family oriented environment with luxurious amenities. This campground would be a great option for those wanting a camping experience without having to “rough it” whatsoever. The RV sites and cabin lodging also provide unique options for those not wanting to sleep in a tent. The price for tent camping seemed a bit steep for me, but made sense considering all of the facilities offered. The location just outside of Fort Collins provides easy access to town while still allowing for a more rural experience.

This spot was nice and just a quick drive outside of Fort Collins. There was tons of shade and easy access to trails. Loved the river nearby to play in and let dog swim.

Came here for two days and loved it.  Nice staff, clean campground and facilities and a nice set of scenery to match.  Fort Collins is a nice college town and has restaurants, shopping and a nice downtown.  The campground has a ton of activities for families to do on site.  A nice store and everything you need right there.  A great place to hang out.

To say we love Beaver Meadows would be a huge understatement. We spend just about every other weekend there all year long - winter and summer. We got married there in 2014 (as our photos show) and it was beautiful. The outdoor wedding area is amazing and right by a river. The reception hall for after is so cool with giant windows so you can look out in every direction on nature and you celebrate your big day. Ever since we've been hooked. They had cabins, condos, lodges, and camp spots so every guest had a place to stay the night.

When you pull around the corner and into the valley it takes your breath away every single time. Lush green fields, ponds, stunning mountain backdrops, wildlife, horses running free, people fishing and riding horses. It's a playground for adults and kids and it's only an hour from our house in Fort Collins - we can't stay away. They have a yummy restaurant too so we never even bring food - we just eat there.

In the winter we go snow tubing (12 + runs with a lift) and stay in one of their little heated cabins which is so cozy but also provides all the amenities of home (kitchen, bedrooms, entertainment, etc). We love to go up before a storm and watch the snow start to fall. In the spring and summer we are up there camping along the river all the time. Each site is unique so we like to change it up each time - we go hiking, horseback riding, and fish in the stocked ponds! There are some unique fish in there - really neat. In the fall we like to go up and do the "river walk" - a series of paths and bridges through tall foilage that feels like your in a different world. Watching the leaves change is awesome in the fall - compares to any drive you can do in the state - soooo many aspens.

If your looking for a romantic weekend with the significant other or a family vacation with the kiddos - I would highly suggest making the drive up - I bet you will fall in love with it just like we did and won't be able to stay away.

This is a great campground if you want to be close to be close to Fort Collins, and/or enjoy the lake. Horsetooth Reservoir is a very long lake great for boating, and with some gorgeous inlets to explore. The campground itself is clean and well laid out. The only downside is the road is fairly close and creates a bit of noise, even late at night as there is some local traffic to access the neighborhoods behind the reservoir.

Campground Review

My friends and I live in Boulder and this spot is a nice retreat about 90 minutes away near Fort Collins and is a good place to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities.

The campground is quite spacious and offers a lot of staying options. RV, car, cabins, tent – all of those kinds of sites are available. They opened a newly renovated information center about a year ago, and it’s a great place to stop in to plan out your activities in the area and make sure you have any questions answered by park ranger staff. You could very well just show up here to camp without much of a plan and after a visit to the center have more than a few ideas. They have maps.

This area has boat ramps, rock climbing nearby, and even some caves to explore. You could find some bike and hike trails too without much effort. We were there as part of a large group, so we rented three cabins near the water. Each cabin comes with a bunk bed and a double. A basic, summer camp-like mattress for each. They also have combined A/C Heater unit. I didn’t see showers here, but there were primitive toilets with TP. I noticed even the basic tent campsites came with a fire pit and picnic table.

We opted for some hikes near the campsite while some others went climbing.

Ranger Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am given product to test from time to time. For the last 2 months I've been testing out the Renogy Multi-Functional Solar Backpack. You can watch the video review here.

This is a 20L backpack with a lot of compartments best suited for those needing a daily activity/commuter bag. If you're looking for a true hiking/backpacking pack with solar panels, I recommend checking out Renogy's stand-alone panels.

How does it work?

The solar panel is slightly larger than a regular piece of paper (11.3" x 9.7") and can be configured to face inward when not in use for protection from abrasions. When in use, it provides a USB port to charge from (max output 1.2A and can charge a phone in 2.5 hrs.

Here's the thing: Renogy recommends you use the set up to charge to a power-bank, rather than directly to devices and I completely agree. This is because even in the best light, directly connected to my phone I was only able to maintain my power level, not improve it. I found out the panel is pretty sensitive because in partially cloudy conditions I could hear my phone beep when it would go on/off charge. Sometimes it would beep at me a few times a minute. With a power bank, you can still charge devices but also build up reserve power so at night you can recharge your electronics.

Who should buy this bag?

Anyone who wants a comfortable day pack with lots of storage options and loves the idea you can grab free energy to recharge your devices. I use it for all my media projects as it carries all my cameras, cables, and tripods plus in compartments so they aren't knocking into each other and the weight stays distributed evenly. Just check out the amount of stuff I put in this thing! It has pockets everywhere, and includes an option to slide this through larger luggage's extendable handles, making it a great carry on bag if you need to travel by a plane. You will need a different bag for long expeditions because you need more than a 20L pack for that, plus this bag lacks chest and hip straps.

Verdict?

If you're in the market for a 15-20L day pack and want something that provides power, buy this. Especially if you're outside a lot. The bag is lasting very well, the panel is going strong even after I spilled beer on it (it's waterproof and obviously it was an accident as I would never waste beer), it's comfortable, and I like how versatile I can configure it for all my stuff. In some social or business settings the solar panel isn't the greatest thing to be showing off, so it's great you can hide that away. Last I checked electricity isn't coming from a magic bean field, and I love how I'm able to go greener now by getting energy for my devices from the sun.

We stayed here for 2 nights in one of the Cabins in December. There is no electricity, bedding, or running water, but there is a propane heater that looks like a wood burning stove that casts a great ambiance. Our cabin also had plenty of coat racks, a snow shovel, and a table. We stayed in Cabin 6, and walked though 2 feet of snow 300 ft down a hill (larger hill than expected) with all our stuff to get settled in. As we approached, the propane stove was already going and the cabin was warm and inviting. We used string lights (solar powered) to provide light (there is a dim solar powered light in the cabin as well). We brought 0 degree sleeping bags in case the heater was not enough, but it was toasty warm inside and we ended up hot. The cabins are right on the edge of the reservoir (which is drained as of Dec 2021 but still beautiful in the snow). Cabins 1-3 (cabins 1&2 hold 15ish ppl for large groups, cabin 3 is ADA) are closer to the road and look like they would not have such a long walk in the snow. During my search, it looks like they also allow primitive camping in the winter for $18, but I didn't see which area this would be in, the cabins are on the north side of the lake. Daily vehicle fee of $9. The experience was incredible, we were completely alone and enjoyed great stars and beautiful sunrises. Highly recommend for a unique winter camping experience (sure it would be great in the summer as well but likely way more crowded). Be sure to be prepared for cold temps!

Fee box at entrance with all current information.

"Reservation Only" 800-244-5613 or cpwshop.com or come to the Moose Visitor Center Campground is very open. Gravel sites with picnic table 

Electric $36.00 plus reservation fees Basic and tent $28.00 plus reservation fees Dispersed $18.00 plus reservation fees Small cabins $90.00 Large cabin $120.00 Yurts & Huts $80.00-$275.00 Backcountry no charge 

The park encompasses almost 71,000 acres. You will find a visitor center 187 campsites for RV and tent and over 60 dispersed sites, 15 cabins and yurts, boat ramps and 94 miles of hiking trails. There are all types or recreation throughout the year.  The park forest is being decimated by the Mountain pine beetle so the dead trees are being removed. This leaves a very stark deserted look. It is very difficult to observe the devastation that the state of Colorado is dealing with.

LNT 

Better than when you found it 

Stay safe and happy travels

We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other. The gas stove kept us nice and toasty all night long! 

There are 4 cabins. Ours seemed to be the smallest sleeping 5. The largest cabin can easily hold 30 people. 

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. 

We spent a lot of time sledding and snowshoeing and we were basically the only ones out there. There was another large group in the bigger cabin but we barely saw them until they left on Sunday. 

The beds were plastic coated so it was easy to throw a sheet over them and sleep. The Couch was a bit gross, not sure if the cover gets washed much. There were shelves to hold food and an outdoor picnic table in the room to cook on.

Clean facilities, friendly hosts, and lots of amenities and activities right there at the campground. We were allowed to trade two nights of tent camping for one night in a cabin to try to avoid a storm.

Cabins have a porch swing, private table, parking, and a partial privacy fence. Putt putt, croquet, birdwatching, rock painting, volleyball, basketball, large yard games, and more!

Winding River Resort is a hidden gem. There are plenty of campsites and a few cabins. All spaces are well laid out with plenty of space between each spot. The facilities are clean and provide everything you need for a great stay.

Be sure to book a horseback ride and get to the cowboy pancake breakfast on the weekends. (Pro tip: Bring a couple eggs for the cooks to throw on the griddle while cooking your pancakes!). If you enjoy trout fishing, be sure to explore the North Fork of the Colorado River that flows through the southend of the property. If you have a disc golfer in the group, bring the discs to play a round or three on the 9-hole course throughout the campground.

Moose have a tendency to wander through the campground toward the evening and the local elk herds like to eat with the horses. There are bear in the area, so take the proper precautions with your food and cooler storage.

Winding River is close enough to Grand Lake to get out and explore for the day and you have easy access to nearly all amenities between Grand Lake and Fraser, in case you forgot something. The cabins look great, but we have not stayed in them during our visits.