State Forest State Park cabin accommodations provide rustic lodging options between 8,500-10,000 feet elevation. Located in the Colorado Rockies near Gould, these cabins serve as base camps for exploring 71,000 acres of wilderness terrain. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing even in cabins with propane heating systems.
What to do
Hiking near lakes: Multiple trail options near Ranger Lakes connect to high alpine lakes. "Short hike to multiple high altitude lakes. Glorious views from campsite. Only has electric and water hookup and the dump station was not convenient. Saw moose from the campsite," notes a visitor at Ranger Lakes Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area serves as Colorado's unofficial moose capital. "This is the moose capital of the world but we didn't see any on our visit," reports one camper at Ranger Lakes, though another visitor at North Michigan Campground had better luck: "We stopped at various spots along the highway, and ended up walking around the Joe Wright Reservoir for a while...there were two young bull moose snacking by a small river."
Paddle sports: Michigan Reservoir offers water activities directly from many campsites. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner," shares a North Michigan Campground visitor. The reservoir features clear waters and good fishing access.
What campers like
Michigan Reservoir views: Sites positioned above the water provide direct lake access. "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," explains a visitor at North Michigan Campground.
Seasonal variety: The park offers different experiences across seasons. "We spent a lot of time sledding and snowshoeing and we were basically the only ones out there," reports a winter cabin user at North Michigan. Summer visitors enjoy water activities while winter guests appreciate uncrowded conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and streams provide fishing throughout the park. At Winding River Resort near Grand Lake, "If you enjoy trout fishing, be sure to explore the North Fork of the Colorado River that flows through the southend of the property."
What you should know
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly with significant temperature swings. "We were there in late June and we saw about 6 inches of snow overnight. It was cold!" warns a camper at North Park Campground.
Bug protection: Insects thrive near water sources during warmer months. "Bring bug spray! Also, there is no water directly in this loop of the campground so make sure you fill up near the cabins before driving up," advises a North Michigan camper.
Bear safety: Proper food storage remains essential. "You ARE in bear country and there were no bear bins in the campground - be bear safe and bear smart, lock all of your food and toiletries inside your car at night," cautions a North Michigan Campground reviewer who adds, "bears can recognize coolers when peering into car windows, so we always put a towel and gear over our coolers."
Tips for camping with families
North Michigan activities: Multiple recreation options keep children entertained. "Amazing views and something for everyone. My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they biked on nearby trails. The bathrooms were clean too. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike," shares a North Michigan visitor.
Alternative accommodations: For families seeking cabin camping near Gould, Colorado with more amenities, Elk Meadow Lodge offers additional options. "They had live music and drinks on the weekends, plus free pancakes in the morning on Sunday! The price was a bit steep but we loved it so much we sucked it up and stayed longer than expected."
Tent site selection: When camping with kids, location matters. "Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well," notes an Elk Meadow Lodge camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: RV sites with full services remain limited in the state park. "No hookups but the views are worth it!" notes a North Park Campground visitor. Most cabin and RV sites throughout State Forest State Park have minimal services.
Site preparation: Uneven terrain requires leveling equipment. At Spruce Lake RV Park near Estes Park, "Sites are level and graveled. The pool is decently sized and the hot tub is fairly new." Though outside State Forest State Park, this represents a fully-serviced alternative for RVers seeking cabin-style camping with full hookups.
