Cabin rental options around Gunnison National Forest range from rustic to modern accommodations across several campgrounds. The area sits between 7,000 and 10,000 feet elevation with temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night common even in summer months. Weather patterns change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms typical from July through September.
What to do
Fishing access: At Glenwood Canyon Resort, riverfront sites provide direct access to the Colorado River. "Site #17 put us right on the Colorado River, with the soothing white noise of the river putting us to sleep each night," notes a visitor who adds the resort is "located about three miles from the town of Glenwood Springs and there is a trail leading from the resort that winds along the river to town."
Mountain biking: The Carbondale-Crystal River KOA offers immediate access to extensive trail networks. "If you love to ride a bike this place is the best. The bike trail is right outside the camp ground and you can ride to Aspen or Glenwood," writes Al, who notes that reservations fill up extremely early in the season.
Hiking options: Short trail access is available at some properties. Kebler Corner features "a trail to hike up to a beautiful meadow," according to Tarrah, while several properties connect to wider regional trail networks. Many cabin properties serve as basecamps for excursions to nearby Black Canyon National Park and Rifle Falls.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pioneer Campground at Vega State Park earns consistent praise for maintenance. "The trail for the sites was clear, clean, and the sites were the same. Bathroom was clean and did not smell at all, water from the spigot was clean and cool," reports Wren A. The park also features cabin rentals with specific accessibility features: "The cabins are HA and have nice sidewalk paths from the parking lot."
River sounds: Multiple cabin properties position units near moving water. "Our site was as close to the creek as one could get and we enjoyed sitting out listening to the flowing water," notes Keith S. about his stay at Elk Creek Campground, where the new owners "are improving facilities while maintaining the natural feel."
Natural surroundings: Several properties maintain more natural settings than typical commercial campgrounds. Paradise Campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere, with one visitor noting, "I love to come up here to get away from the real world. It is so peaceful up here." Similarly, a visitor to Elk Creek mentioned, "Rarely can you find a full hookup site in a natural setting along a roaring creek."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most cabin properties in the region operate seasonally, typically closing between mid-October and April due to snow conditions. Vega State Park specifies their season runs "mid May to Fall" while others like Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA list operation from "March 1 to November 15."
Reservation requirements: Demand far exceeds availability during peak season. "We tried to get in here in 2021 and they are booked for the year. Call early or you won't get in," advises a visitor to Carbondale-Crystal River KOA. For holiday weekends, reservations months in advance are necessary.
Amenities vary widely: Ami's Acres Campground represents the mixed facility situation found at many properties. "The bathrooms are up a bit of a hill where we were situated at the top of the campground but super clean and warm. Hot Showers too! There was a larger group cooking area and a table. We didn't have individual fire rings or tables at our site but others had them," reports Erin M.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Kebler Corner provides extensive family-oriented facilities. "There was a little playground and some activities in a covered space like velcro axe throwing and corn hole. There were soccer goals set up at one of the grassy areas too. There was also a frisbee golf course, hammocks and picnic tables scattered around the property," explains Jeane L.
Cabin amenities: Families should verify what's included in cabin rentals. At Pioneer Campground, "Inside a mini fridge, coffee maker, and a microwave are provided. There are 2 bunks in the back and a plastic kitchen table in the living space," notes a visitor, who adds that "The cabins have nice patio furniture on the front porch."
Insect considerations: Bug populations can be intense at certain times. Elk Creek Campground received this caution: "The mosquitoes were many. We are tent campers and found it impossible to be outside the tent without a lot of serious bug spray on. We were even getting bites through our long sleeve shirts and long pants."
Tips from RVers
Space constraints: Several properties have challenging site configurations. "While we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck," explains Melody C. about Glenwood Canyon Resort, adding "Thankfully no one was next to us, so we could get creative with parking it."
Utilities: Big B's Delicious Orchards campground offers a unique setting but limited hookups. One reviewer clarifies: "There are no hookups for electronics or sewer disposal" and advises "Bring quarters for the showers, which are clean and work well, but you need quarters for them."
Site selection: Campgrounds built on hillsides present leveling challenges. At Ami's Acres, "The campground is built on the side of a mountain so the individual sites are tiered. I could see it making a few people nervous to back in but it's no big deal," explains Renee G., while others note that many properties have specific premium sites that should be requested when booking.
