Cabin accommodations near Evergreen, Colorado range from rustic to modern structures situated in canyon and mountain settings at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer daytime highs typically reach 70-85°F with cool evenings requiring extra layers. Most rustic cabins lack running water and guests need to bring appropriate gear for seasonal conditions.
What to do
Lakeside activities: Wellington Lake at Castle Mountain Recreation Area offers paddling opportunities in a mountain setting. "There were a lot of people with paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. The only downside was the road to get there. It wasn't maintained very well," notes a visitor from Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake.
Hiking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides extensive trail networks accessible directly from cabin areas. "Golden Gate Canyon State Park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts," according to a camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon.
Mountain biking: Trails at various difficulty levels run through the foothills near cabin accommodations. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," mentions a visitor to Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or evening offers opportunities to spot local wildlife near cabin sites. "Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view," shares one camper.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Cabin sites at Golden Gate Canyon provide varying degrees of seclusion. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks. When we where there, there were bear in the campground," notes a review from Reverend's Ridge.
Accessibility to Denver: Many cabin locations offer mountain experiences within an hour drive from the city. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," says a camper about Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park.
Mountain views: Most cabin sites feature mountain vistas with minimal light pollution. "Super clean campground. Close to Red Rocks and Denver. You have to drive a bit to get to the lake. Some nice hiking and biking trails off the campground. Beautiful views of the mountains," reports a visitor.
Historical settings: Some cabin accommodations feature historical structures. "Glen Isle has been a special place for friends and family for years, and it will be for you too. This place is one of my all time most favorite places to have gone camping because of the beautiful location, lovely owners, incredible history," writes a reviewer at Glen Isle Resort.
What you should know
Limited services: Many cabins have minimal amenities requiring self-sufficiency. "Our yellow A frame was the perfect little home with the most gorgeous view of the sunset. Conveniently located off the 70 it has bathrooms, board games, and a BBQ," notes a review from Clear Creek Getaway.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns can change rapidly at higher elevations. "Weather is amazing up here when it's hot in Denver. 4 stars only because there are no showers for campers," mentions a visitor to Glen Isle Resort.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance bookings, especially during summer months. "You can rent cabins that sleep a variety of different size groups and tent campers have the option of staying near the roaring river, or up the road to a set of sites a few hundred feet above that overlooks a valley and the property."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is limited or non-existent at many cabin locations. "There is no cell service anywhere in the park (for my Verizon phone anyway) which I actually enjoyed. The park is very quiet, has many beautiful trails."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain cabin camping near Evergreen requires preparation for significant day-to-night temperature changes. "Phone service wise Verizon was very patchy but sprint seemed to have 2-3 bars," reports a camper at Golden Gate Canyon.
Kid-friendly options: Several cabin locations feature amenities specifically for families. "It was nice to unwind and relax for a bit between the stress and long hours of work and school. We were joined by some close friends and our dogs, which made for more eventful and unforgettable memories," notes a visitor to Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon.
Bring games: Limited electronic entertainment means traditional games are valuable for family cabin stays. "This campground is great in that the hookups work, the sites were level and the access to Golden Gate Canyon State Park was amazing. However, the campground is right on a busy road into the State Park so road noise is almost constant."
Water activities: Several cabin locations provide access to lakes or streams for family recreation. "Currently they don't have day-use open, so there's plenty of space at the lake to set-up and spend the day playing with the kids. We stayed in a mountain site (not lake-front) and the kids loved climbing the rocks and exploring the mountain."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some cabin locations have limited access for larger vehicles. "The campground and lake are very nice. There are several campsites that sit right on the water. There are also campsites that sit further up on the mountain. You get lake views from almost everywhere."
Utility connections: Electrical and water hookup availability varies by cabin site. "Enormous amount of room. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs," reports a visitor to Denver West-Central City KOA.
Limited dumping facilities: Many cabin areas lack sanitary dumping stations. "Great place! the park is beautiful the views are truly amazing! The staff is fantastic and always willing to help! The clubhouse is spotless."
Elevation concerns: Engine performance and temperature regulation can be affected by altitude. "Yes Mountain High!! 8100' high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don't worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"
