Best Cabin Camping near Walden, CO

State Forest State Park near Walden, Colorado features rustic cabins with propane heaters that provide reliable warmth even during winter months. North Michigan Campground offers several cabin options, including smaller units sleeping 5 people and larger group cabins accommodating up to 30 guests. The cabins include basic furnishings such as tables, coat racks, and plastic-coated beds where visitors can place their own bedding. "We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other. The gas stove kept us nice and toasty all night long," notes one visitor. Most cabins feature picnic tables for meal preparation, though running water is not available inside the units. Solar-powered lighting provides minimal illumination, with some guests bringing additional string lights for better visibility.

Pet-friendly cabin rentals are available at several locations, though policies vary by campground. North Michigan Campground allows dogs in their cabins, making it popular for families traveling with pets. Cabin sizes range from intimate spaces for couples to expansive structures for large gatherings. Winter cabin camping is particularly notable in this region, with some visitors reporting exceptional experiences during snowy months when the cabins are less crowded. Reservations are required for all cabin stays, with booking available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 800-244-5613 or online at cpwshop.com. Pricing varies by cabin size, with small cabins starting around $90 per night and large cabins at approximately $120 per night, plus a daily vehicle fee of $9. According to one camper who stayed in December, "The experience was incredible, we were completely alone and enjoyed great stars and beautiful sunrises."

Visitors to forest cabins should bring their own bedding, as mattresses are provided but linens are not. Essential packing items include sleeping bags or sheets, pillows, cooking supplies, flashlights, and additional lighting sources. While propane heaters keep cabins warm, temperatures can fluctuate, so packing layers is advisable. Most cabin locations have vault toilets rather than indoor plumbing, requiring a short walk from the cabin. Food storage containers are recommended to keep supplies organized, as shelf space is limited. Drinking water is not available at all cabin sites, so guests should bring their own or be prepared to filter water from nearby sources. Some cabins are accessible by car while others require walking through snow in winter months, so appropriate footwear and snow gear may be necessary depending on the season.

Best Cabin Sites Near Walden, Colorado (47)

    1. North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

    17 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $28 - $120 / night

    "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."

    "We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other."

    2. Laramie River Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "From Chambers Lake north down FS 103 youll find a lot of dispersed camping and a lot of great spots with beautiful views."

    "There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."

    3. Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park

    8 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $36 / night

    "Water near entrance. Vault toilets. Sites well separated but limited screening between. Very Sunny Trees are sparse and short. Hiking trails in camp. Moose along trail. Nice lakes."

    "The campsites are divided into several campgrounds and there are dispersed and group sites further up in the park. Our site was on the lake in a tent only site."

    4. North Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-4310

    "From what I can tell all the Primitive sites have fire rings. Site 470-480 even have a vault toilet but they are close together."

    5. North Park Campground — State Forest State Park

    1 Review
    Gould, CO
    18 miles
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $36 - $120 / night

    "Brand new full hook up connection, connections, picnic tables, fire rings, gravel area with decomposed granite, shower house is BRAND NEW. So quiet and easy on and off the highway."

    6. Steamboat Springs KOA

    24 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0273

    "Right outside of Steamboat Springs is Steamboat KOA. This campground has so many perks. Not only is there a beautiful Mountain View but it also has the Yampa river running through it."

    "Tent sites, RV sites, tent cabins and full fledged cabins. We had a tent site right on the river. Miniature golf. Various bikes to rent. This was the priciest camp site on our cross country trip."

    7. Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park

    27 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-3922

    $28 - $36 / night

    "The Dutch Hill Campground is north of the State Park Visitors Center on highway 62 in case you get there after hours as we did. We stayed at site 140 in the Wheeler loop."

    "We stayed on Bridge Island and there are plenty of sites with good distance between."

    8. Lake John State Wildlife Area

    Be the first to review!
    Cowdrey, CO
    11 miles

    $20 - $185 / night

    9. Winding River Resort

    20 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 627-3215

    $40 - $60 / night

    "If you love real bathrooms and showers, this is your place! There’s a wonderful petting zoo area, playground, basketball courts and much more."

    "They have horseback rides, ATV rentals, an animal farm, social events, pickle ball court, volleyball court, a nice general store, clean showers, bathrooms, laundry rooms, really everything you could ever"

    10. Sunrise Vista Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park

    12 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-3922

    $28 - $36 / night

    "Depending upon chosen site, good views of lake or Hawn’s park. Site 42 just glimpses of lake. Campground was nearly empty mid week late September. Nice. Quiet. Level spots large tent pads."

    "There are many campsites on the edges of the campground loops that have trees and afford more privacy, but we were late in booking. "

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Cabin Reviews near Walden, CO

261 Reviews of 47 Walden Campgrounds


  • R
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Wood Landing Campground

    Hidden Gem

    This small campground is located on the Laramie River at historic Wood's Landing. It has log cabins with common facilities and 5 available water/30 amp electric and a dump station. The sites are small but the location is feet from fine trout fishing and a good restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday. It has a small store and a gas pump where fishing licenses are sold. We stayed for a week and explored Big Creek Lake, the North Platte and the Snowy Range, earning the weekly rate. Some sites have a fire pit and table, ours did not.

  • D
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Glen Echo Resort

    Outstanding One-Stop Poudre Canyon Camping Experience!

    Glen Echo is an exceptional one-stop Poudre Canyon camping experience.   While they do offer large and small cabins, long and short term RV spots, we tent camped for two nights on two different riverside sites - numbers 1 and 6 - and both were awesome!  Both spots offered amazing rushing water views, a nice mixture of sun and shade, picnic tables, and fire rings.  One of the spots - site 1 - had electric hook-up.  Aside from the great tent sites, they have on-site a general store/market, fuel, a liquor store and restaurant/cafe, which made life super convenient because it's located about mid-way through Poudre Canyon and there's not a lot out there.  Also, clean showers, which was a nice surprise.  Cannot recommend this chill camping destination enough!

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2019

    Strawberry Park Hot Springs

    2nd Best in the State!

    We absolutely love staying here! Many options to stay including walk in camping and covered wagon cabins. There is a long steepish trail that leads to many camp sites along the river. You are not allowed to drive to camp, you must walk your gear in. Very shaded and flat areas built for tents in each site, picnic table, gas grill with propane, fire pit, showers and bathrooms are a short distance away. Running water and easy access to the Hot Springs too.

    The place is always updating and staying on top of upkeep. It has many pools of various sizes and temperatures. Even river access to cool off when it's not moving too quick.

    As you can see on this visit, we were snowed on. As it seems to be a crazy season this spring 2019- be prepared for muddy rough conditions on the road to the Hot Springs entrance. It can require 4x4 and sometimes is not passable. Depending on weather and conditions. See there website and/or call!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park

    Activities Galore

    Fee box at entrance with all current information.

    "Reservation Only" 800-244-5613 or cpwshop.com or come to the Moose Visitor Center Campground is very open. Gravel sites with picnic table 

    Electric $36.00 plus reservation fees Basic and tent $28.00 plus reservation fees Dispersed $18.00 plus reservation fees Small cabins $90.00 Large cabin $120.00 Yurts & Huts $80.00-$275.00 Backcountry no charge 

    The park encompasses almost 71,000 acres. You will find a visitor center 187 campsites for RV and tent and over 60 dispersed sites, 15 cabins and yurts, boat ramps and 94 miles of hiking trails. There are all types or recreation throughout the year.  The park forest is being decimated by the Mountain pine beetle so the dead trees are being removed. This leaves a very stark deserted look. It is very difficult to observe the devastation that the state of Colorado is dealing with.

    LNT 

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe and happy travels

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 13, 2021

    North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

    Great Winter Camping near Cameron Pass

    We stayed here for 2 nights in one of the Cabins in December. 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. Our cabin also had plenty of coat racks, a snow shovel, and a table. We stayed in Cabin 6, and walked though 2 feet of snow 300 ft down a hill (larger hill than expected) with all our stuff to get settled in. As we approached, the propane stove was already going and the cabin was warm and inviting. We used string lights (solar powered) to provide light (there is a dim solar powered light in the cabin as well). We brought 0 degree sleeping bags in case the heater was not enough, but it was toasty warm inside and we ended up hot. The cabins are right on the edge of the reservoir (which is drained as of Dec 2021 but still beautiful in the snow). Cabins 1-3 (cabins 1&2 hold 15ish ppl for large groups, cabin 3 is ADA) are closer to the road and look like they would not have such a long walk in the snow. During my search, it looks like they also allow primitive camping in the winter for $18, but I didn't see which area this would be in, the cabins are on the north side of the lake. Daily vehicle fee of $9. The experience was incredible, we were completely alone and enjoyed great stars and beautiful sunrises. Highly recommend for a unique winter camping experience (sure it would be great in the summer as well but likely way more crowded). Be sure to be prepared for cold temps!

  • Julienne D.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Horrible and a waste of money

    Well, what is there to say about Elk Meadow Lodge and RV. We booked a tent site for Fri-Sun. We are a fully contained truck with a roof top tent but we're not allowed an RV site (despite the fact we would have loved electricity and water, and were willing to pay for that luxury). We pulled in after hours to a $h1t show. Our site was unlevel (in the extreme, I pity the people in ground tents that don't have leveling blocks), had no picnic table, and had our neighbors fire pit 6 feet from the side of our truck. Since it was after hours I had to call the 'emergency number' so that my boyfriend and I would have the $50 a night luxury of cooking our dinner on a table. I also expressed concerns about the fire pit damaging our truck or roof top tent, to which I was told "well what do you want us to do, since we can't move the fire pit". Obviously not Jill, but I would like to bring it to your attention. She also offered to have us move sites, but since all the fire rings are in the parking space, I'm not quite sure what that would accomplish (excellent planning on their part!!). When Jill, and I'm assuming her husband arrived with the picnic table (all praise Jill for providing what we paid for!) They were nothing but mean, snarky and downright rude. The excuse for lack of a table was "were closing sites for winter). I'm writing this after only being at the offending RV park for 1.5 hours, but I can't wait to leave. You should save yourself the trouble by never entering in the first place. At least the views were pretty, if you like highway noise.

    Update #1: Boyfriend almost got bitten by a black widow in the bathroom while turning on the light, someome flew a drone, very low, over our tent at 8 in the morning, children were screaming like coyotes all night (seriously), and it's been a rare moment that dogs have not been barking, yapping or howling (no not the kids this time). And I just got to hear the staff gossiping about us requesting a table. Can't wait to see what tonight brings!

    P.S. I am so excited to see what their reply is to this review.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Steamboat Springs KOA

    Just a minute outside of Steamboat

    Right outside of Steamboat Springs is Steamboat KOA. This campground has so many perks. Not only is there a beautiful Mountain View but it also has the Yampa river running through it. It has Rv sites, cute cabins, and tent sites. The Rv sites are separated in areas by what you need(electric, water, sewage). The RV sites each have picnic tables and a fire ring. There are regular cabins and deluxe ones which both include tables and fire rings. The tent area is located across the river and is so peaceful. There is a general store, putt putt, propane fill, a small dog run, bikes for rent, swimming in season and the city bus comes to take you to town for free. Although it is located right off the road, it was still peaceful and I felt safe. My favorite part about this campground is the fact you can stand on the bridge or sit by the Yampa River and enjoy the beauty and sounds, and watching people fly fish.

  • Tarrah C.
    Aug. 5, 2023

    North Park Campground

    State Forest State Park

    Primitive camping was great here in the North Camp Area. From what I can tell all the Primitive sites have fire rings. Site 470-480 even have a vault toilet but they are close together. I stayed at site 410 which has a stream behind it and was a beautiful spot. I would also recommend sites 411-414 & 421 for the primitive camper. The hiking is just beautiful and there are several lakes (2 are only accessible by hiking in). Most of the sites around the large lake are for RV or Cabin campers and fill up fast. There is no picnic area near the lake so if you are primitive camping you have to be creative. ALL RESERVATION FOR CAMPING ARE DONE ONLINE. There is no cell serves past the entrance so be sure to book in advance. The vault toilets are well kept there is no indoor plumbing that I could find. There is also Yurt camping here. There is no electric hook up for the RVs but there is a dump station. Water can be found in a few areas around the park.

  • Sherry C.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Estes Park KOA

    A repeat vacation

    On a cross country today trip these were the nicest camping cabins we stayed in. The campground itself is relatively small but with a nice playground and camp store as well as bathroom facilities. You can't beat the view, people and the easy location to go into the downtown. We only had one night here but plan to make a week long trip to the area at another time we liked it so much.


Guide to Walden

State Forest State Park features rustic cabin options for visitors seeking overnight accommodations near Walden, Colorado. Located at elevations between 8,500 and 10,000 feet, the area experiences temperature swings even during summer months when daytime highs reach the 70s and nighttime lows can dip into the 30s. Cabin campers should note that drinking water is not available at all locations, though vault toilets are accessible at most sites.

What to do

Fishing at Michigan Reservoir: Cast for trout at North Michigan Reservoir where the campground provides easy lake access. "The campground is beautiful. We had site 221 which is right above the water with it's own little trail going down to the reservoir," notes Jen M. about North Michigan Campground.

Hiking to alpine lakes: Take the Lake Agnes trail for spectacular mountain views. According to B B. at North Michigan Campground, "We stopped in the visitor center for maps and hiking recommendations. 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."

Wildlife viewing: State Forest State Park is renowned for moose sightings. "In researching moosey areas on the internet, we found the Moose Visitor Center at State Forest State Park. We figured that a place with a Moose Visitors Center was as moosey as it comes," reports Amanda M., who later spotted two bull moose near Cameron Pass.

What campers like

Privacy and quiet: Many dispersed camping areas offer solitude not found in established campgrounds. Justin D. at Laramie River Road Dispersed reports, "Tons of dispersed camping along the road, but it can be busy. Wildlife is abundant with tons of deer and moose in the area. Topography is Aspen wetlands and is beautiful."

Lake access for water activities: Pearl Lake provides peaceful paddleboarding opportunities. "Camping along Pearl Lake is a dream come true. It's a quiet lake, surrounded by mountains and forest, perfect for paddle boarders," explains B B. at Pearl Lake State Park Campground.

Reliable facilities: Despite remote locations, many cabin areas maintain clean facilities. According to Alan G. at Ranger Lakes Campground, "Unprecedented scenery in the wilderness just below 10,000 foot elevation. Short hike to multiple high altitude lakes. Glorious views from campsite."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly at high elevations even in summer. "We were there in late June and we saw about 6 inches of snow overnight. It was cold!" warns Sarah F. about North Park Campground.

Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. A visitor to Ranger Lakes Campground notes, "The vault toilets are well kept there is no indoor plumbing that I could find. Water can be found in a few areas around the park."

Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking. Tarrah C. advises, "ALL RESERVATION FOR CAMPING ARE DONE ONLINE. There is no cell serves past the entrance so be sure to book in advance."

Pine beetle impact: Forest areas have been affected by pine beetle kill, reducing shade. As Morgan Y. explains, "The sites are on top of each other and the beetle kill of the pines have made this a bit barren looking."

Tips for camping with families

Easy access to water activities: Choose sites close to reservoirs for convenient recreation. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner," shares B B. from State Forest State Park.

Bring bug protection: Insects can be prevalent near water sources. "The campground is beautiful. We had site 221 which is right above the water with it's own little trail going down to the reservoir. Bring bug spray!" warns Jen M.

Family-friendly hiking options: Several short trails accommodate young hikers. "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," reports Meghan H.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting animals in natural habitats. Darla R. advises, "We have had full grown moose run through our camp site and there has been reports of black bears near by as well as elk and deer."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Many cabin and RV sites lack full amenities. Michael from Winding River Resort suggests, "Could do with another set of bathrooms, only one is all the way up front. If you are in the back, it is like a half-mile walk every time you need to go."

Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping are generally passable for larger vehicles. Alex S. notes, "Ive seen most vehicles make their way down this road with no issue and that includes RVs w/ toy haulers. Its dispersed so no bathrooms, cell service, and the closest amenities are towards Walden and the town of Rustic."

Limited cellular service: Be prepared for minimal connectivity. According to Amanda M., expect "NO Cell Service" in many areas of State Forest State Park.

Fill water tanks before arrival: Water access points may be limited. Sarah S. advises, "Sites are nice and level and potable water available. If you have an RV make sure to fill your tank and the maintenance center 6 miles up the road."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Walden, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Walden, CO is North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Walden, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 47 cabin camping locations near Walden, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.