Cabin camping near Hartsel, Colorado offers rustic lodging options at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during days with cooler 40-50°F nights, while winter brings sub-freezing temperatures with frequent snowfall. Vault toilets are common at most sites, with shower access limited to larger established campgrounds.
What to do
Fly fishing access: At Spillway Campground, visitors can enjoy excellent fishing right from their cabin area. "The campground is right along the river and since we were all the way at the end of the road it was very peaceful," notes one camper. According to Ruth L., "Beautiful canyon. River is easy to access and the fishing is very good. This is a popular area, but the reservation system does not allow over crowding."
Hiking trails: Mueller State Park Campground cabins provide a central base for numerous trail options. "The trails were beautiful, well maintained, and not crowded at all," reports Steve C. Another visitor adds, "There is a trail above the camp that will take you up to some beautiful views through a meadow."
Gold panning: When staying at Middlefork RV Resort, try your hand at gold panning right on the property. As Kurtis S. explains, "This place isn't awesome. It doesn't do much well. This place has on site gold panning! I cant give this place much praise but the gold panning did it for me!"
What campers like
Private mountain sites: The cabins at Castle Mountain Recreation Area offer good options for those seeking more seclusion. "If you're looking for more privacy I would get a site up on the mountain. There are also several group sites," suggests Linda D. For active families, "the kids loved climbing the rocks and exploring the mountain."
Clean facilities: Many cabins near Hartsel provide access to well-maintained common areas. At BV Overlook, "Bathrooms are clean and the whole campground has amazing views of the collegiate peaks. Plus the staff were super friendly and helpful," according to Becky M. Another visitor confirms, "Clean bathrooms. It was our first night in a camper."
Water activities: Several cabin locations offer water recreation opportunities. At Castle Mountain Recreation Area, "The lake is beautiful, and was enjoyable. No motorized boats allowed on the lake. There were a lot of people with paddle boards, kayaks and canoes," reports a visitor. This makes for excellent recreation directly from your cabin accommodations.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some cabin locations have difficult approaches. At Spillway Campground, "The road getting out there is sooooo bumpy- washboard for sure. We didn't require 4WD, just be aware that it's uncomfortable to drive on and at times it felt like our vehicle would shake apart," warns Anna. Another visitor notes, "Long bumpy 11 mile dirt road ride. But worth it. Recommend tent camping. No long or big campers = tough trek in."
Seasonal variations: Winter cabin rentals require additional preparation. At Mueller State Park Campground, winter visitors should "be ready for the cold" as temperatures "got below freezing." Summer visitors should prepare for afternoon storms, as one camper notes: "Midday storms are pretty common but the mornings and evenings are oh so beautiful."
Permit requirements: Some areas require specific permits. Tarryall Reservoir camping requires fishing licenses for all visitors. "On July 27, we were issued a collective $837 citation for being present in the area without a fishing license. Apparently, you cannot use the campground, picnic areas or lake for ANY purpose other than hunting and fishing," warns Jan B.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose appropriate cabin sites when traveling with children. At Spillway Campground, "Site 2 has a flat spot big enough for a 2 person tent. Otherwise all other ground was on a hill to set up tent. Most other sites are better for larger tents. Great campground, just not the right campsite for a family," advises Becca M. Another family reports, "Site 12 was perfect for our family with a lot of space and up away from other campsites."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for cabins with natural features for exploration. "There is a wonderful hike at the East end of camp that takes hikers up to amazing views, but the trail is unclear in points so be cautious and look for markers," suggests Amanda M. about Arkansas River Rim Campground. The area offers "a path that leads to the river" making water access simple for supervised children.
Safety considerations: Monitor children near water features. At Wellington Lake, one visitor cautions, "Word of warning - every year I see/hear about multiple dogs going down the waterfall. No major injuries but it scares the owners. The rocks are so slick - don't let kids/dogs try to climb through or over."
Tips from RVers
Winter preparedness: For RVers using cabins during colder months, plan for rapid weather changes. At BV Overlook, "We stayed here in October on a night that it got below freezing and snowed," reports one visitor. Another notes that at Middlefork RV Resort, "It snowed the night we were there and they had cleared by 6 am."
Connectivity needs: Working remotely from cabins requires planning. "We needed a place with WiFi or strong cell reception so we could work remotely. BV Overlook has both! AT&T had strong 5G coverage and the starlink internet reached all the way to our campsite," shares Becky M. Alternatively, Landon C. notes, "Grocery store is a 3 minute walk away and cell signal has been great" at Middlefork RV Resort.
Shower access: Plan accordingly for shower facilities at cabin locations. Some cabins offer private showers while others require coins. At Arrowhead Point Resort, "Quarters required for showers," notes Michael J. Another visitor mentions, "The bathrooms by the general store also offer pay showers" at a different location.
