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Jackson Guard Station
FSU.S. Forest Service — Montrose · Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest |
| Location | Montrose · Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest · 38.21333, -107.52324 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 cabin nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 10:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | (970) 240-5300 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Jackson Guard Station is a great destination for anything from a weekend getaway to a week-long hunting trip. The cabin was originally used as a guard station that housed Forest Service work crews. The cabin's access road is remarkably scenic, making for an impressive arrival.
In summer months, the cabin sets the stage for a wide array of activities. Recreation ranges from thrilling off-road vehicle riding to amazing scenery viewsing,hiking,and rewarding fishing.
Winter access is by snowmobile, cross country skiing or snowshoes,and fat bikes only along a 3.5-mile trail.
Recreation Activities abound, with hiking, technical single track dirtbiking, ATV/OTV riding, snowshoing, cross country skiing. Hunting and fishing are popular in the area
Facilities Visitors can expect a rustic cabin set back roughly 100 feet from the road, providing privacy and solitude. Amenities include wood stove. The kitchen includes cabinet space and some dishes are provided. The cabin has two bedrooms and four twin-size beds. A picnic table, campfire ring and vault toilet are located just outside the cabin.
No electricity or running water is available. Guests should bring drinking water, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, food, towels and toiletries.
In winter, kettles are provided to melt snow for water. A snow shovel and firewood is provided.
Natural Features Situated near the southeast shores of Silver Jack Reservoir, Jackson Guard Station sits in a small aspen grove at 9,000 feet elevation. The cabin is at the base of High Mesa, near where the Cimarron River flows into the reservoir. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include the San Juan Mountains, Alpine Plateau, Uncompahgre Wilderness, Silver Jack Reservoir and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The cabin is about an hour's drive from Montrose or Ridgway, and an hour and a half from Gunnison.
Directions, from the listing
From Montrose, take Highway 50 east for about 20 miles. Turn right (south) onto County Road 858, which leads up the Big Cimarron Drainage for about 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left.
From Gunnison, take Highway 50 west for roughly 43 miles. Turn left on County Road 858, which leads up the Big Cimarron Drainage for about 20 miles. Shortly after passing Silver Jack Reservoir on the right, Jackson Guard Station will be on the left.
In winter, park in parking lot before the Forest Boundary and ski, snowshoe or snowmobile up the road for 3.5 miles.
Nearest federal campgrounds
2 mi straight-line · Montrose ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceBeaver Lake (CO)
3 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceBig Cimarron
3 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceAlpine Ranger Station
8 mi straight-line · Gunnison ColoradoBLMBureau of Land ManagementThe Gate Campground
14 mi straight-line · Gunnison Colorado
Trip Card — Jackson Guard Station
Montrose · Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Montrose · Colorado · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233289 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.