State Forest State Park offers cabin camping experiences near Rand, Colorado at elevations of 8,500-9,000 feet. The area receives heavy snowfall during winter months, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing even in summer nights. Cabins are scattered throughout the park's 71,000 acres, providing access to multiple alpine lakes and extensive trail networks.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Several trails lead to high-elevation lakes from cabin areas. The Lake Agnes trail is particularly notable for its views. "We settled on Lake Agnes. It was a steep climb but well worth it. We alternated looking at the beauty of Lake Agnes and watching the skiers hiking to the top and skiing what was left of the snow," reports a visitor at North Michigan Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The park is known for moose sightings year-round. "We stopped at various spots along the highway, and ended up walking around the Joe Wright Reservoir for a while. We were around Cameron Pass and had given up on seeing any moose when we saw traffic slowing and cars stopped alongside the road - there were two young bull moose snacking by a small river on the side of the road," explains a camper who visited North Michigan Campground.
Water recreation: Reservoirs throughout the area provide fishing and paddling opportunities. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner," notes a reviewer at Ranger Lakes Campground.
What campers like
Mountain solitude: Many cabin areas offer genuine seclusion, especially midweek. "Amazingly quiet and easy to get to in the middle of Winter. We spent a lot of time sledding and snowshoeing and we were basically the only ones out there," describes a winter visitor at Winding River Resort.
Waterfront locations: Several cabin sites provide direct water access. "We had site 221 which is right above the water with its own little trail going down to the reservoir. From what I've seen, I think this is one of the best sites available," shares a visitor to North Michigan Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, most facilities are well-maintained. "Campground is beautiful and clean. Sites are nice and level and potable water available," notes a visitor to Elk Creek Campground.
What you should know
Limited services: The area is remote with minimal nearby amenities. "There are no real towns of any significance nearby. Be prepared to come into this park and stay here for the weekend," warns a visitor to North Park Campground.
Wind conditions: Some cabin areas experience significant winds. "The campground has no shade, no trees, no cover, only some picnic tables have roof covers but no wind block. There is no cover or shelter from the wind. And it blows, everyday, according to the camp hosts. Sometimes extremely high winds - 40+ mph," cautions a visitor to Wolford Campground.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans often affect the area. "The sites are primitive - each site had picnic benches and a firepit, but at the time we visited there was a Stage 2 fire ban in place, so we couldn't have a campfire. The fire ban included the burning of wood and charcoal - using a propane stove was OK," notes a North Michigan Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with recreation access: Families appreciate cabins near water features. "Amazing views and something for everyone. My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they bikes on nearby trails. The bathrooms were clean too. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike," explains a family at Laramie River Road Dispersed.
Plan for evening entertainment: No electricity means planning alternative activities. "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," explains one cabin user about the evening atmosphere.
Check cabin capacities: Cabin sizes vary significantly. "There are 4 cabins. Ours seemed to be the smallest sleeping 5. The largest cabin can easily hold 30 people," notes a visitor who stayed in a North Michigan cabin.
Tips from RVers
Water availability: RV campers should arrive prepared. "If you have an RV make sure to fill your tank at the maintenance center 6 miles up the road," advises a camper who stayed at Ranger Lakes Campground.
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. "It wasn't horrible leveling a small camper, but I can see why larger ones would have a hard time," notes a camper at Wolford Campground.
Seasonal planning: Winter cabin access varies. "Only one loop was open/plowed, but that was plenty as I was the only one there for a couple nights. Nothing spectacular about this place during winter, but it appears to be a popular ice fishing spot. 30 amp power was clean," reports a March visitor to Wolford Campground.
