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  • 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 is reserved campground spots. Backcountry campers must hike at least 1/4 mile from trailheads, roads and facilities to set up camp.

    No fires are allowed in the backcountry. Before camping in the backcountry, campers should sign in on one of the backcountry logs at the trailhead. 

    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: 9/15/2021 12:52 PM)

  • 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. For the use of e-bikes, please consult the CPW page on e-bikes
    (Updated: 9/15/2021 12:53 PM)

  • Birding

    Not only is birding a great activity throughout the Park, it's also accessible at the Moose Visitor Center. Birds frequent the feeders at the back entrance of the Moose Visitor Center year around. 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 do not just provide a snack for the birds, we also see many chipmunk, squirrels, and even an occasional fox out back!​
    (Updated: 12/13/2022 10:20 AM)

  • Boating

    Water activities are allowed on North Michigan Reservoir​ ONLY. No wake. 
    NO watercraft are allowed on Ranger Lakes or any of our high alpine lakes (Clear, Kelly, Jewel, Agnes). 
    Remember to have your PFD and whistle with you! ​
    (Updated: 8/23/2022 12:41 PM)

  • Cabins and Yurts

    ​North Michigan Reservoir has 6 cabins available. Two are larger in size and can accommodate parties of 10 or more. For reservations, call (800) 244-5613 or reserve online at CPWshop.com.

    North Park cabins and campgrounds are closed for complete upgrade. Call the Visitor Center for updates.

    ​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.

    Our Yurt program has been suspended until further notice. See "Alert" on front page of this website. For more information, see the Cabins and Yurts pages.

    (Updated: 12/13/2022 10:21 AM)

  • Camping

    We have 5 campgrounds with 160 campsites through out the park including electric, basic and primitive sites.

     For more information, see the Camping page.
    (Updated: 5/25/2021 2:45 PM)

  • 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: 5/25/2021 2:45 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​Pets need a vacation too! Just be sure to keep them on a leash (6ft or shorter) for their protection and properly dispose of all waste. Pets are allowed in our cabins for an extra fee of $10 per night.  Pets are not allowed in the Moose Visitor Center unless they are a registered service or emotional support animal.  

    (Updated: 6/18/2022 9:24 AM)

  • Education Programs

    ​We have a limited number of Family Activity backpacks to can 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: 5/25/2021 1:34 PM)

  • 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: 5/25/2021 2:26 PM)

  • 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 @ North Michigan 
    Rainbow @ Ranger Lakes
    Cutthroat @ Lake Agnes
    Cutthroat @ Kelly Lake


    The statewide trout bag limit is four fish per day with a possession limit of eight. In the alpine lakes, 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: 5/25/2021 1:36 PM)

  • Geocaching

    ​See our geocaching page​ for more details

    There are 13 geocaches in the State Forest State Park. Five of these serve as all season caches. 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 pamphlet and GPS.

    Learn more with Geocaching Brochure!
    (Updated: 10/13/2022 2:32 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 using the brochure available at any self-serve kiosk or at the trail head of Mountain View, Ranger Lakes and Beaver Lodge nature trails.

    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 and weather appropriate gear and clothing. 

     Our most popular hike is Lake Agnes both in the summer and winter. This trailhead is accessed off of Hwy 14 at the Crags Campground entrance.
    (Updated: 4/6/2022 9:37 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. 

    (Updated: 11/8/2021 12:48 PM)

  • Hunting

    Hunting is allowed in the State Forest State Park. Hunting brochures can be found on the CPW website:  https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/hunt.aspx.

    Game Management Units 6 and 171 are within our park.

    Hunting is allowed on park and standard regulations apply, please note that in accordance with State Park regulations 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.

    (Updated: 5/25/2021 1:37 PM)

  • OHV Riding

    OHV permits are required and can be purchased at the Visitor Center.  Check current trails conditions under "Alerts" on main page of the website. 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 OHV's. Motorized vehicles must remain on designated roads and OHVs are not allowed in the campgrounds except to enter and exit each campsite.


    (Updated: 8/23/2022 11:33 AM)

  • Picnicking

    ​We have many great picnic areas in the park. You will need a State Annual or daily pass on each vehicle. Check out some of the tables around the Moose Visitor Center, at the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail and the Ranger Lakes Nature Trail. Or drive down CR-41 and find a nice place to pull off and enjoy a nice meal.

    (Updated: 9/15/2021 1:01 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: 9/15/2021 1:03 PM)

  • 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 hillclimbs and meadows throughout the park.​

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

    (Updated: 9/15/2021 1:00 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: 5/25/2021 2:25 PM)

  • Wildlife Viewing

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    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

    We will 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: 5/25/2021 1:38 PM)

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