Cabins near Rangely, Colorado offer camping options in high desert terrain at approximately 5,300 feet elevation. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, with summer highs reaching 90°F and nighttime temperatures sometimes dropping to the 40s. Winter cabin stays require preparation for snow conditions between November and March.
What to do
Dinosaur exploration tours: Red Fleet State Park Campground features a unique kayak route to view preserved dinosaur tracks. "Our absolute favorite part of this campground is the ability to rent kayaks and kayak over to see the dinosaur footprints. This was our first time seeing anything of the like, and it absolutely blew our minds!" advises one visitor.
Fishing and water sports: Several cabin locations provide excellent fishing access. At Red Fleet State Park Campground, "Great for swimming, fishing, boating, water sports, and Kayaking. Sites are located close to each other but isn't too bad as long as it's not during a special event."
Off-road adventures: The Meeker area cabins are popular with off-road enthusiasts. "Meeker is very SXS friendly," notes a guest at Trailhead Cabins And Lodging, making it ideal for side-by-side vehicle outings.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Vernal Dinosaurland KOA offers extensive recreational options beyond basic cabin facilities. "There was a small but functional K-9 park, a kids park, a swimming pool, a jump pad, and they had bike/3 wheeler rentals, and a mini golf course."
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean facilities remain a top priority for cabin campers. At KOA Campground Vernal, "Restrooms were clean. Lots of activities for children. It was expensive for close together sites and only electric and water hookups. We did have a nice shade tree however and were able to run our A/C."
Proximity to attractions: Cabins situated near Dinosaur National Monument receive positive feedback. "The proximity to Dinosaur National Monument was the reason we stayed 2 nights. We explored the Utah part of the Monument (where the dinosaurs are) and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the quarry, petroglyphs and cabin."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin rentals in the Rangely area have limited winter availability. Those that remain open often charge higher rates during winter months due to heating costs.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during hunting season. "We called in the afternoon and they found a spot for me to camp in my prius," notes a visitor at Outlaw Trail RV Park, which offers cabin options alongside traditional camping.
Varied cabin configurations: Accommodations range from basic rustic cabins to multi-room units with kitchens. "There are a few trees here and there, but it's largely just a big gravel parking lot. On the plus side, the sites are decent size, with full hookup."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule water activities during morning hours when winds are typically calmer. At Red Fleet State Park Campground, families appreciate the "waterslide down the boat ramp and water trampoline that aren't normally there. This year they have added a hammock rack to the campground that holds 9 hammocks."
Kitchen preparation: Most cabin rentals provide limited cooking facilities, so plan accordingly. "Our visit was in August and temperatures were in the high 90's, maybe 100 degrees. That made things hot. The nights were great. Clear skies made looking at stars wonderful."
Playground access: Trail and Hitch offers family-friendly cabin options with outdoor play areas. "Amazing and gorgeous view. Had a thunderstorm and loved watching the lightning from the mountain tops. Showers clean. Playground is nice. Very friendly."
Tips from RVers
Laundry services: When transitioning between RV and cabin stays, plan for laundry needs. "Clean, modern laundry. $2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer. Clean restrooms. Showers 0.25 cents for 7 minutes."
Internet considerations: WiFi quality varies significantly between properties. "WiFi is free, but each site is throttled to 5 Mbps (which is fine for basic streaming, but not HD or 4K)."
Temperature management: Cabins without air conditioning can become extremely hot in summer months. "1 night tenting. Good flat, well drained tent pads. Clean restrooms with a shower. Great host. They also have a variety of tiny homes. Full service RV sites, and pull through."
