Cabin camping near La Jara, Colorado offers rustic to comfortable accommodations with elevations ranging from 7,500 to 11,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing while summer evenings remain cool even when days reach the 80s. The region borders the San Luis Valley, which forms the largest alpine valley in the world.
What to do
Fishing access: At Twin Rivers Cabins & RV Park near Antonito, cabins provide direct access to excellent fishing opportunities. The campground sits where two rivers meet, creating prime fishing spots within walking distance of accommodations.
Stargazing sessions: Clear mountain skies make this region ideal for night sky viewing. "Great star gazing... The campground is fairly easy to find. I arrived after hours and found the signs very helpful," notes a camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis, where minimal light pollution creates optimal viewing conditions.
Hot springs soaking: The natural geothermal features near Hooper provide relaxing options after hiking. A visitor to Sand Dunes Recreation reports, "We booked this cabin for the cheap price and didn't even know about the on-site hot spring until we got there. It's a bit quirky but we loved it."
What campers like
Solitude and seclusion: Many forest service cabins provide a true wilderness experience away from crowds. At Fitton Guard Station Cabin, a visitor described, "You can hike or OHV about a mile to the old ranger cabin in the bowl of a green valley. Cattle graze around the cabin and marmots dig around."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse mountain terrain hosts numerous wildlife species. "Plenty of spaces when we arrived. Few RV sites that had full hookups and then gravel road to a lot more primitive spots rocky but nice. Great views in the mountains and can see the Great Sand Dunes," reports a camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Evening temperatures: The cool mountain nights provide relief even during summer months. At Alamosa KOA, a camper noted, "Let me start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of the KOA campgrounds, so take my star rating with a grain of salt. Having said that, this is a cute little campground."
What you should know
Limited water supplies: Many remote cabins require bringing your own water. At Elwood Cabin, a visitor advised, "The only thing you need is bedding, food, water and some reading materials. My first time there (4 days) I read Alone by Adm. Richard Byrd and a couple other books."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, with some available 6 months ahead. "This RV site was quaint with a fantastic location, but the store and the bathrooms were closed and we never could find the dumpster! Our view was incredible!" mentions a reviewer at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation cabins can experience temperature variations of 30+ degrees between day and night. "A small cabin with 2 bunk beds, two burner propane stove a few propane lights, an outhouse and plenty of firewood for the fireplace! Also has an outdoor fire pit and good views," notes a camper about Elwood Cabin's 11,000-foot elevation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A reviewer at Alamosa KOA shared, "This campground has everything you need. Trash pick up, firewood delivery pick nick tables and fire rings at every site. There is a well stocked store with ice, propane, firewood etc. We showed up on a Saturday and there was rock painting and $2 ice cream for the kids right next to the playground."
Swimming facilities: Cabin locations with pools provide welcome relief during warm days. At Sand Dunes Recreation, a camper reported, "The pools are extremely kid friendly, and there are greenhouses with 21+ soaking and bar. Camping is 20 bucks a night and you get half off camping when you camp here."
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound but require proper preparation. "Oh, and bring your Elmer Fudd accent. This place is overrun with rabbits. Not a bad animal as far as infestations go," notes a visitor to Alamosa KOA.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Cabins with RV amenities offer different levels of service. One camper at Schofield Homestead noted its single cabin provides "electric hookups, drinking water, and toilets."
Year-round accessibility: Seasonal operations vary significantly, with most locations closing for winter months. "We stayed in the RV lot for 1 night. You can rent sand boards and sleds here if the weather is right. There is also a restaurant with food that was better than we expected it to be and a gas station," reports a visitor at Great Sand Dunes Oasis.
Shower facilities: When available, shower access becomes a valued amenity after outdoor activities. "Bathrooms were fantastic. Showers were some of the best I've seen with a private dressing area and hooks/shelves to put your dry clothes on," notes a Great Sand Dunes Oasis visitor.
