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Colorado State Parks
Parks > State Forest State Park > Park Activities

Park Activities

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed at various locations throughout the park including Ruby Jewel, Kelly, Clear, and American Lakes. Minimum impact camping techniques are recommended at these alpine lake areas. Car camping is only allowed in reserved campgrounds.

Backcountry campers must hike at least 1/4 mile from trailheads, roads, and facilities to set up camp. All vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas and display a valid parks pass. KCW pass holders will be verified by license plate.

NO FIRES are allowed in the backcountry except in an approved firepit. Before camping in the backcountry, campers should sign out on the backcountry log at the trailhead. Be sure to sign back in when returning to your vehicle.

A park pass is required for vehicles parked anywhere in the park. The pass can be obtained at the Moose Visitors Center or any self-serve kiosk.

For more information and restrictions, see the Camping page.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:06 AM)

Biking

Many miles of the State Forest State Park trail system are bike-friendly. Check our Trails Map available at the Moose Visitor Center for appropriate biking trails.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:18 AM)

Birding

Birding is a great activity throughout the Park, and it’s also accessible at the Moose Visitor Center. Birds frequent the feeders at the back entrance of the Moose Visitor Center year-round. Some birds that can be identified are Steller’s Jays, Gray Jays, Mountain and Black-Capped Chickadees, a variety of finches, and nuthatches. Our feeders also attract chipmunks, squirrels, and even foxes.

(Updated: 12/13/2022 10:20 AM)

Boating

Water activities are allowed on North Michigan Reservoir ONLY. No wake.

NO watercraft or swimming allowed on Ranger Lakes or any of our high alpine lakes (Clear, Kelly, Jewel, Agnes).

PFDs are required on all watercraft.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:08 AM)

Cabins and Yurts

Cabins are reservation only. North Michigan Reservoir has six cabins available all year. Cabins 1 accommodates up to 20 people, Cabin 2 accommodates 12 people, and Cabins 3, 4, and 5 accommodate 6 people each. For reservations, call (800) 244-5613 or reserve online at CPWshop.com.

North Park cabins and campgrounds are closed until further notice for renovations.

A valid parks pass is required on each vehicle staying in the cabins and yurts. The pass can be obtained at the Moose Visitors Center or any self-serve kiosk.

Yonder-Yurts.com is in the process of constructing new yurts. See “Alert” on the front page of this website. For more information, see the Cabins and Yurts pages.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:10 AM)

Camping

We have six rustic cabins and six campgrounds.

  • Our six cabins at North Michigan are available year-round. Check-in time for cabins is 4 pm. Check-out is noon.
  • Campsites accommodate 6 people. Additional parking at campgrounds is available near the vault toilets.
  • Our campgrounds are available during the warmer months. Some campgrounds open later in the spring/summer due to snow and higher altitude. Check-in time for campsites is 1 pm and check-out time is noon.

Reservations are made by calling (800) 244-5613 or log in online at CPWshop.com.

All of our Campgrounds are reservation only, including Crags, Ranger Lakes, North Michigan, Bockman, and primitive sites on County Road 41 and Mendenhall. All are reservable at CPWshop.com or call (800) 244-5613.

  • Crags Campground is available for tents ONLY. No trailers are allowed in the campground. Two tents allowed with one vehicle at each site.
  • Ranger Lakes has only electric hook-ups. NO swimming or watercraft are allowed on Ranger Lakes.
  • North Michigan and Bockman can accommodate tents and campers, but do not have hookups. Two tents allowed OR one tent and one camper with one vehicle. Six people maximum at each campsite.
  • Group site is available in our Primitive Loop off CR41 near Francisco Loop Road. This group site consists of eight campsites with only fire rings. This site can accommodate 42 people and six to eight tents/camper trailers. For information, please contact the Moose Visitor Center.
  • Primitive Loop sites have no tent pad/picnic table, but all have a fire pit.
  • Mendenhall campsites are located north of Walden on CR-8A. They are accessible by 4wd vehicle (no trailers) and are not near any services, restrooms, etc. There is no cell service.
  • North Park Campground is closed.
  • The Shower House is available to campers with a valid camping reservation at State Forest State Park. It is located off Hwy 14 at CR-41 in the North Park campground.

Call the Moose Visitor Center with any questions or go online to CPWshop.com or call (800) 244-5613 to make reservations.

For more information, see the Camping page.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:14 AM)

Cross-country Skiing

With over 100 miles of trails suited for cross-country skiing, there is something for everyone. The Gould Loop trail is groomed on a regular basis. Please remember that State Forest State Parks trail system is multi-use and some trails may also be used for snowmobiles.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:18 AM)

Dog-friendly

Pets need a vacation too! Pets are required to be on leash (6ft or shorter) for their protection. Please properly dispose of all waste. Pets are allowed in our cabins for an extra fee of $10 per night.

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:24 PM)

Education Programs

We have a limited number of Family Activity backpacks to check out for FREE at the front desk of the Moose Visitor Center with tools to explore the park.

Don’t forget to ask about our Junior Ranger Program!

Come and check out our educational displays in the Moose Visitor Center.

Call the Moose Visitor Center for updates (970) 723-8366.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:18 AM)

Equipment Rental

  • GPS rentals are available at the Moose Visitor Center for $10.00 a day.
  • Snowshoe rentals are available at the Moose Visitor Center for $5.00 a day.
  • Family activity backpacks are available at the Moose Visitor Center free of charge.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:17 AM)

Fishing

State Forest State Park features Brook, Brown, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout. In alpine lakes, only artificial fly and lure fishing is permitted. North Michigan Reservoir and Ranger Lakes are both open to bait use. Fly-fishing is accessible and abundant along the Canadian River, and the North and Middle Forks of the Michigan River. In the winter, ice fishing is allowed on our lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Please use caution and check the ice thickness carefully.

Common catches have been:

  • Rainbow at North Michigan Reservoir
  • Rainbow at Ranger Lakes
  • Cutthroat at Lake Agnes
  • Cutthroat at Kelly Lake
  • Cutthroat and Golden Trout at Clear and Jewel Lakes

The statewide trout bag limit is four fish per day with a possession limit of eight. In the alpine lakes, the bag and possession limit for trout is two fish and is flies and artificial lures only.

Fishing Hotspots: Big Creek (Lower), Big Creek Upper, North Delaney, East Delaney, South Delaney, Lake John, Honholz Lake #2, Honholz Lake #3, Joe Wright Reservoir, Cowdrey Lake, North Michigan Reservoir, Ranger Lakes, Seymour Lake, and Barnes Meadow Reservoir.

Contact the following for fishing trips:

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:26 PM)

Geocaching

See our geocaching page for more details.

There are a number of geocaches located in State Forest State Park. GPS units are available to rent from the Moose Visitor Center for $10 per day/unit.

Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more, get a brochure and GPS.

Learn more with Geocaching Brochure.

State Forest State Park Map

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:29 PM)

Hiking

We offer many miles of hiking trails at State Forest State Park, including one that takes you into Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy self-guided nature trails at the Mountain View, Ranger Lakes, and Beaver Lodge nature trails.

Gould Loop trail is ADA accessible for about 1/2 mile past the Visitor Center.

Our hiking trails range from less than a mile to over 20 miles. Some trails require advance preparation and backcountry experience and others are a short accessible hike for the whole family. When hiking any trail, please remember to Leave No Trace. Always bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and weather-appropriate gear/clothing. Park only in designated parking areas, not on grass, roadways, or blocking traffic.

Pick up our waterproof/tearproof Trail Guide at the Moose Visitor Center when open. This brochure has all acceptable uses for trails, lengths, where to start the trail, and altitude gain.

Our most popular hike is Lake Agnes both in the summer and winter. In summer, the trailhead is accessed off of Hwy 14 past Crags Campground entrance. In winter, parking is at the CO Hwy14 Crags entrance parking lot. All vehicles must park in designated parking areas and display a valid Parks pass.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:16 AM)

Horseback Riding

Horse corrals are located at the Bockman Campground and at the end of CR-41 at the Canadian River Trailhead. Many trails at State Forest State Park are equestrian friendly.

State Forest State Park Map for information on non-motorized trails & horse corral locations.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:19 AM)

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in the State Forest State Park. Hunting brochures can be found on the CPW website: CPW Hunting.

Game Management Units 6 and 171 are within our park.

Hunting is allowed on the park and standard regulations apply: weapons, including bows and firearms, can only be discharged while actively hunting (no target shooting), and no less than 100 yards out from any campground, structure, nature trail, or road.

Moose hunting is not allowed within 1/4 mile of CO Hwy 14 in Jackson County from Cameron Pass to USFS 740.

Contact the following for guided hunts:

(Updated: 10/24/2022 10:33 AM)

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing in State Forest is excellent during the winter months. Please take additional care when going out on the ice. We do not check ice levels on a regular basis here at the park. Call our office for estimated ice depths (970) 723-8366.

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:34 PM)

OHV Riding

All ATVs, OHVs must display valid Colorado permits. These are required and can be purchased at the Moose Visitor Center. Check current trails conditions under “Alerts” on the main page of the website.

OHVs are not allowed on State Highways. There is an OHV lot located on CR41 to park trailers and offload OHVs. There is NO direct access from Ranger Lakes Campground to CR41 OHV trails.

There are over 80 miles of trails available and open to OHVs. Motorized vehicles must remain on designated roads and OHVs are not allowed in the campgrounds except to enter and exit each campsite. OHVs and other motorized vehicles must adhere to posted speed limits at all times.

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:37 PM)

Picnicking

We have many great picnic areas in the park. Picnic tables are available around the Moose Visitor Center, the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, and the Ranger Lakes Nature Trail. All vehicles must display a valid Parks pass and park only in designated parking areas.

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:39 PM)

Sledding

There are many areas in the park that are perfect for sledding during winter months. Call our Moose Visitor Center for snow conditions.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:18 AM)

Snowmobiling

The State Forest offers over 60 miles of snowmobile trails. Some trails are groomed by the local Snow Snakes snowmobile club.

Along with groomed trails, riders can enjoy hill climbs and meadows throughout the park. No snowmobiles are allowed on the Crags/American Lakes area of the park.

Please be sure to have a valid snowmobile permit before going out.

(Updated: 7/23/2023 2:40 PM)

Snowshoeing

Many trails make for great snowshoeing through State Forest State Park. Snowshoes can be rented at the Moose Visitor Center for $5.00 a day/pair; kids, youth, and adult sizes are available.

(Updated: 7/12/2024 8:19 AM)

Wildlife Viewing

Moose, Elk, Deer, Bear, Pine Marten, Badger, Rabbit, Weasel, Eagle, Hawk, Owl, and an abundant songbird population as well as those wonderful little Broad-Tail, Rufous, Black-Chinned, and Calliope Hummingbirds.

(Updated: 5/25/2021 1:34 PM)

Winter Camping

All sites and cabins are reservation only. We have a few sites available near North Michigan Reservoir that are maintained for winter camping.

We have six cabins available all year on the reservoir.

During the winter, expect plenty of snow and cold evenings so please come prepared.

For more information, see the Camping, Cabins, and Yurts pages.

(Updated: 9/29/2023 2:12 PM)