12 Best Cabin Rentals in Twin Lakes, CO, US 2024

United States
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Colorado
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Twin Lakes

96% (1399 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Twin Lakes

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

90%

(265)

Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO

Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.

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White Wolf Reserve

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Kiowa, CO

Over 80 acres of land. Bring your atv's, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, 4×4, sandrails and have a blast. Lots of interesting land structures from dried creek beds to flat land and climbing hills. There are tent campsites as well as a few RV connection sites. The stars look amazing at night and we guarantee you have never seen them this bright! Come to party and get loud or come for a peaceful weekend.

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Fisherman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bailey, CO

Cozy, small, one room cabin and an outhouse with a sink, solar bag shower, and composting toilet. Propane heat and single burner for heating up some coffee or a snack. Large beautiful deck with fire-pit and grill and peaceful river sounds. forest views sits on 4 acres. Park right next to the cabin with a 4x4/AWD or 50ft away with any vehicle. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a wild and unique history. Originally it was built by two professors from Berkeley College as an annual mountain campsite. They used to make the pilgrimage every year from California to Colorado to come relax in the wonderful forest of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the Denver Wheel Club used to have their headquarters right next to the river just down Insmont Dr. and hosted a big bike race every year. This was before there was even a road to the mountains, and the only real public access to these lands were via the train from Denver! Today the Fisherman's Cabin is just a hop, skip and a jump outside downtown Bailey, Colorado and close to many mountain passes like Guanella and Kenosha. There are local hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and animal watching activities waiting to be experienced. Sleeps 2 plus invite up to 6 friends for camping and goodtimes! Please see the Fisherman's cabin site description for more information! * PROPANE FIRE PIT ONLY, NO FIRES ALLOWED * THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER but there is a provided water bag for the sink / shower and at this time of year you must bring your own water! * THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY

Sanctuary in the sky

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Bailey, CO

We moved from Denver to this 10-acre property to start a sanctuary for special needs cats. 15 months later the house burned and we and the cats have been dislocated since that time. The cats are living on site in an RV and we live up at the top of the driveway and the cabin that were renting. You may see some signs of the fire, if so please forgive it. The area where camping will be was untouched by the fire.

The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

12 top cabins sites near Twin Lakes

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The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

Fisherman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bailey, CO

Cozy, small, one room cabin and an outhouse with a sink, solar bag shower, and composting toilet. Propane heat and single burner for heating up some coffee or a snack. Large beautiful deck with fire-pit and grill and peaceful river sounds. forest views sits on 4 acres. Park right next to the cabin with a 4x4/AWD or 50ft away with any vehicle. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a wild and unique history. Originally it was built by two professors from Berkeley College as an annual mountain campsite. They used to make the pilgrimage every year from California to Colorado to come relax in the wonderful forest of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the Denver Wheel Club used to have their headquarters right next to the river just down Insmont Dr. and hosted a big bike race every year. This was before there was even a road to the mountains, and the only real public access to these lands were via the train from Denver! Today the Fisherman's Cabin is just a hop, skip and a jump outside downtown Bailey, Colorado and close to many mountain passes like Guanella and Kenosha. There are local hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and animal watching activities waiting to be experienced. Sleeps 2 plus invite up to 6 friends for camping and goodtimes! Please see the Fisherman's cabin site description for more information! * PROPANE FIRE PIT ONLY, NO FIRES ALLOWED * THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER but there is a provided water bag for the sink / shower and at this time of year you must bring your own water! * THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY

Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO

Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.

Neverland/Camp Wilder

5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO

Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.

Sanctuary in the sky

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Bailey, CO

We moved from Denver to this 10-acre property to start a sanctuary for special needs cats. 15 months later the house burned and we and the cats have been dislocated since that time. The cats are living on site in an RV and we live up at the top of the driveway and the cabin that were renting. You may see some signs of the fire, if so please forgive it. The area where camping will be was untouched by the fire.

Little Scraggy Camp

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Pine, CO

Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, yet has easy access from a paved road. We offer several accommodations and glamping sites, as well as sites for moderate sized RVs, travel trailers, truck campers, vans, tents, and hammocks. Additionally, we have sites for small groups (up to 14 people) and large groups (35-200 people). NEW FOR 2024: All campers can take advantage of our Hipcamper golf discounts at Little Scraggy Disc Golf Course. Across the road from Camp is our newly constructed 18 hole course with PDGA regulation baskets, a pro shop with LSDG discs available for purchase and loaner discs available for those wanting to try out disc golf. Potable drinking water is available from onsite 270-gallon water tanks. Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites. Friendly dogs are welcome to enjoy YOUR campsite off leash, but please clean up after your dog. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, it must be leashed. The camp has a 4 basket disc golf putting course with loaner discs provided. We also have a cornhole toss game at both the glamping/rv camp area and tent/rv area. We are an ideal basecamp for the casual or dedicated trail enthusiast. The ranch itself has several trails and easy trail loops to explore within and just outside of the ranch’s fence lines, with direct access to the 9.5-mile Little Scraggy Trail and Segment #3 of the Colorado Trail. Just 3.5 miles away is the Little Scraggy Trailhead, where you will find easy access for biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the many other trails of the Buffalo Creek area. Additionally, we have an extensive network of hiking and horse trails that avoid conflicts with mountain bikers. You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy or fishing the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam and the waters near Deckers. For a day trip, Wellington Lake is only 30 minutes away for no-wake water sports. Many people enjoy kayaking on the North Fork of the South Platte downstream from nearby Buffalo Creek. This is a working ranch where we raise and train horses and ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request. Our site called Mountain Horse Camp, provides 3 individual porta-panel horse corrals. There is limited cell service.

White Wolf Reserve

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Kiowa, CO

Over 80 acres of land. Bring your atv's, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, 4×4, sandrails and have a blast. Lots of interesting land structures from dried creek beds to flat land and climbing hills. There are tent campsites as well as a few RV connection sites. The stars look amazing at night and we guarantee you have never seen them this bright! Come to party and get loud or come for a peaceful weekend.

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Rustic Glamorous Artist's Cabin

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Bailey, CO

The first time I saw this beautiful heavily wooded 12-acre property, I immediately put in an offer. That was 18 years ago. I spent the next 11 years chasing corporate goals which I finally realized were inconsistent with my soul. I started a family and decided to sell this property. I brought my then 2 year old daughter here so she could see it once before I sold it. As we drove up highway 285 through vistas each more stunning than the last, I was moved to tears by the beauty. By the time we reached the property, I knew that we would be moving back here. Nearly 3 years later, we finally moved back with 3 dogs and 2 cats in tow. We love it here and truly belong in this place we call home. Part of the former Ute tribe summer hunting area, and backing to the Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness; this fascinating area is both beautiful and full of things to do. Fresh clean mountain air. No people. Get away to the quiet beauty of your private wooded cabin. Enjoy a campfire, amazing mountain views, and killer hiking right out your cabin door. Spend an amazing night with millions of stars overhead. Recharge your soul in silent mountain peace. A rare opportunity to stay tucked in private woods and steps from 1000s of acres of national forest. Featuring dual heaters, sleeping loft, outdoor cooking area, solar, and indoor camp toilet facilities, this is luxury glampingSpend an unforgettable night watching millions of stars in the crisp clean mountain air. Feel yourself relax and recharge as you enjoy the woods and the stunning mountain views. The cabin is furnished with many of the pieces from the Lost Creek Cabin Studio and features solar electricity and indoor camp toilet facilities. Fresh water is provided. The artist's retreat is a luxury glamping cabin.As long as there is no fire ban, you are welcome to enjoy a campfire in the outdoor fireplace. We require guests to diligently tend their fire and completely extinguish the campfire when guests are not near. There is firewood to gather on the property and we have firewood for purchase as well. We do not allow guests to bring in firewood as the area has begun to see invasive species of insects and we do not want to contribute to this potentially devastating situation.

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Parrish Ranch Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · CO

We are a Full Grass, 6-acre campground at the base of Rabbit Mountain. The Little Thompson River runs through the property and is wonderful to take a dip in. Carter Lake is only a 5-minute drive away. 20 Minutes away from Longmont Colorado is far enough away that you can escape from the city but close enough to be able to run into town if you need anything. As long as you are by your post, we don't care how you park, pull in, back in, pull through, we are easy going. Be aware this is a Rustic experience.

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North Shore RV Park & General Store

20 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Loveland, CO

Located west of Loveland, Colorado, North Shore RV Park and General Store offers full 20/30 amp water and sewer sites along with cabin rentals for those seeking something a little more different. One may enjoy the many amenities offered that include laundry facilities, fire ring/grill, trash services, general store and a fire pit to name a few. Spend the day outside enjoying outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, canoeing, stargazing, waterskiing and wildlife viewing. Whether it’s for a night or two, we hope to see you soon!

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High Balsam Farm

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Lakewood, CO

We are so fortunate to have the little slice of heaven that we have built our creek side mushroom, veggie and flower farm. We are building a labor of love and would love to have like minded folks joining our community by staying in Red Stripe Rhonda on the creek or our cabin on the cliff- The Little B. The 1950's Bellwood trailer could not be more charming with wood paneling, 1950's styling and positioned right overlooking the bridge on the creek. The outdoor heated shower has a view of the creek and a dry toilet. There are several seating areas capturing quaint vignettes of the farm fields, stunning views and produce. The Little B cabin boasts stunning views, terraced gardens, a hammock grove and a cozy loft. Feel free to look at our on farm events to learn, make and shop local here!

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Redtail Retreat - The Studio

1 site · Lodging10 acres · South Fork, CO

Imagine waking up and looking out over snow-capped peaks and breathing in fresh, clean mountain air - RedTail Retreat is waiting for you...this Unique Mountain Rental is 100% off grid but has the comforts of a modern home. After enjoying a cup of morning coffee, your daily options are nearly limitless! It's not uncommon to see wildlife just out your window, or on a stroll through the property. We regularly see chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, mule deer, elk, moose, mountain lion (rare and usually at night), turkeys, bear, coyotes (they shy away due to our dogs) and LOTS of birds. Typically the only sound you're going to hear is the soundtrack of nature - it's so peaceful... Depending on the time of year, you can do any of the following: DURING FALL/WINTER/SPRING Snow is possible at any time! A HIGH CLEARANCE 4 X 4 IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ACCESS THE PROPERTY SAFELY. A CAR WILL NOT MAKE IT AND WILL GET DAMAGED. IF YOU CHOOSE TO DRIVE A CAR TO THIS LOCATION, AND HAVE ISSUES, we will be unable to assist you. PLEASE ASK PRIOR TO BOOKING. We will not be able to offer credits or refunds for failing to drive the proper vehicle. We want you to get here safely and happily! Fall/Winter - Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Cross-Country Skiing, Downhill Skiing (Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain are all approximately one hour drive), hunting (surrounded by hundreds of acres of National Forest land), hiking (St. Mary's Glacier is only 10 minutes up the road), shopping and gambling (Idaho Springs is 10-15 mins, Georgetown is 20-25 mins, Blackhawk and Central City are about 30 mins, Denver 45 mins) Ice Climbing Spring/Summer - Whitewater Rafting or Fishing (ask about guide services), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Shopping and Gambling (Idaho Springs is 10-15 mins, Georgetown is 20-25 mins, Blackhawk and Central City are about 30 mins, Denver 45 mins), Sightseeing (plenty of scenic drives close by) 4x4 off-roading (hundreds of miles of Forest Service trails) Red Tail Retreat is perched high atop Redtail Ridge and overlooks Mt Evans and the entire Continental Divide. The views are truly breathtaking. Since we are on our own little "island", there are weather patterns here that are as surprising as they are unpredictable. The living space is an attached studio loft or "mother-in-law" suite complete with a king size bed and a separate memory foam mattress in the loft area. (NO CHILDREN allowed in loft under any circumstances) The space also includes a kitchenette complete with a microwave, outdoor propane grill, coffee maker, toaster and bar sink/mini fridge. Pets are allowed as long as they are well-behaved. There is a full private bathroom attached to the space as well. The caretaker/manager lives in the main home but have their own separate entrance and parking areas. Should you have any issues during your stay, they are available 24/7 for assistance. If you choose to bring your pup/s, there is a 1/4 acre fenced-in yard you and your furry family member are welcome to use, providing they are well-behaved. You'll have access to our 5 acres of property (seasonal stream below) as well as thousands of acres of National Forest and hundreds of miles of Forest Service Roads. Red Tail Retreat is 100% off-grid - we do not have electrical power like standard homes!! This doesn't mean we don't have electric at all, it just means that we rely on solar power to keep our battery bank charged (educational lessons available if you want to learn more about off-grid life and/or solar) What this means is that we live a conservative lifestyle in terms of resource use. The home operates similar to a normal home but with a few caveats. 1. We are very energy conscious - high draw appliances such as hairdryers and curling irons won't be able to be used unless it's during the day and sunny 2. We are very water conscious. We are on a well and have plenty of clean mountain spring water, but part of living off-grid is that our water is stored in a 150 gallon sterile tank. We manually fill the tank as needed - water pressure and temps are just like a normal home. You won't be responsible for filling the water, but we ask that guests just be conservative with usage. 3. We are 100% solar dependent and have our power through a bank of batteries. If there isn't sun or it's very cloudy, we may have to run the generator during the day but generally limit the generator use to the evening for 2-3 hours max - this is rare and only necessary if we go multiple days without sun Thank you in advance for understanding! We can't wait to share our piece of heaven with you! If you’re still here and you’re still interested, this will be one of the most amazing and unique escapes, vacations, or getaways that you’ve ever had! We offer @UniqueMountainRentals to provide you the best off-the-beaten-path experience as possible!

Star Hosts in Twin Lakes

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Crystal Ranch

6 sites · Lodging3 acres · Golden, CO

Hello campers, wanderers, and travelers alike! We are nestled in the Coal Creek Valley up here at 8,000 ft. Gorgeous views for miles with stunning sunrises and sunsets. We have two adorable tiny A-frames for rent with a seasonal outdoor shower and Porta Potty. My sister and I share this family home and love welcoming travelers into our little world we've created. Thank you for stopping by and we can't wait to meet you! A few Notes: - Quiet Hours between: 10pm - 8am - Wifi close to the home (password given on arrival) - BYOB (Bring your own bedding, sleeping bags, pillow) - You are responsible for packing in/out...all respectful land stewards welcomed - Bring your own towels if you're planning on using the outdoor shower. - Keep all food locked up appropriately. This is bear country, and while we've never had an incident, they are curious little guys. - No Kitchen. bring your own supplies if you'd like to cook in the fire pit. - Bring your own wood for the fire pit. All local fire ban laws apply when appropriate. ** No Smoking on the property **Outdoor Shower; Water is Turned off for the Season when Temps drop. ** Hot Tub is private and not available for use.

The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

Rustic Glamorous Artist's Cabin

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Bailey, CO

The first time I saw this beautiful heavily wooded 12-acre property, I immediately put in an offer. That was 18 years ago. I spent the next 11 years chasing corporate goals which I finally realized were inconsistent with my soul. I started a family and decided to sell this property. I brought my then 2 year old daughter here so she could see it once before I sold it. As we drove up highway 285 through vistas each more stunning than the last, I was moved to tears by the beauty. By the time we reached the property, I knew that we would be moving back here. Nearly 3 years later, we finally moved back with 3 dogs and 2 cats in tow. We love it here and truly belong in this place we call home. Part of the former Ute tribe summer hunting area, and backing to the Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness; this fascinating area is both beautiful and full of things to do. Fresh clean mountain air. No people. Get away to the quiet beauty of your private wooded cabin. Enjoy a campfire, amazing mountain views, and killer hiking right out your cabin door. Spend an amazing night with millions of stars overhead. Recharge your soul in silent mountain peace. A rare opportunity to stay tucked in private woods and steps from 1000s of acres of national forest. Featuring dual heaters, sleeping loft, outdoor cooking area, solar, and indoor camp toilet facilities, this is luxury glampingSpend an unforgettable night watching millions of stars in the crisp clean mountain air. Feel yourself relax and recharge as you enjoy the woods and the stunning mountain views. The cabin is furnished with many of the pieces from the Lost Creek Cabin Studio and features solar electricity and indoor camp toilet facilities. Fresh water is provided. The artist's retreat is a luxury glamping cabin.As long as there is no fire ban, you are welcome to enjoy a campfire in the outdoor fireplace. We require guests to diligently tend their fire and completely extinguish the campfire when guests are not near. There is firewood to gather on the property and we have firewood for purchase as well. We do not allow guests to bring in firewood as the area has begun to see invasive species of insects and we do not want to contribute to this potentially devastating situation.

Fisherman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bailey, CO

Cozy, small, one room cabin and an outhouse with a sink, solar bag shower, and composting toilet. Propane heat and single burner for heating up some coffee or a snack. Large beautiful deck with fire-pit and grill and peaceful river sounds. forest views sits on 4 acres. Park right next to the cabin with a 4x4/AWD or 50ft away with any vehicle. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a wild and unique history. Originally it was built by two professors from Berkeley College as an annual mountain campsite. They used to make the pilgrimage every year from California to Colorado to come relax in the wonderful forest of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the Denver Wheel Club used to have their headquarters right next to the river just down Insmont Dr. and hosted a big bike race every year. This was before there was even a road to the mountains, and the only real public access to these lands were via the train from Denver! Today the Fisherman's Cabin is just a hop, skip and a jump outside downtown Bailey, Colorado and close to many mountain passes like Guanella and Kenosha. There are local hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and animal watching activities waiting to be experienced. Sleeps 2 plus invite up to 6 friends for camping and goodtimes! Please see the Fisherman's cabin site description for more information! * PROPANE FIRE PIT ONLY, NO FIRES ALLOWED * THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER but there is a provided water bag for the sink / shower and at this time of year you must bring your own water! * THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(20)

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Black Hawk, Colorado

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Cabins near Twin Lakes guide

Overview

Twin Lakes, Colorado is a tiny community tucked into the mountains between Leadville and Buneva Vista, about a two-hour drive from Denver. Sitting at 10,152 feet, it’s one of Colorado’s highest elevation towns. Twin Lakes is best known for its pair of sparkling blue reservoirs - the Twin Lakes. Boating, fishing, and camping are popular activities at the lakes, and nearby Independence Pass provides easy access to hiking, backpacking, and backcountry skiing in the high country. Campers will find several lakeside campgrounds along the Twin Lakes Reservoir and several dispersed camping areas in the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.

Where to go

Leadville

Leadville is one of Colorado’s favorite old mining towns, and it’s only thirty minutes to the northeast of Twin Lakes. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains, Leadville is an adventure town steeped in gold rush history. Whether you’re seeking climbing adventures in the high country, gorgeous mountain scenery, or a glimpse into the region’s wild mining days, Leadville offers an abundance of outdoor fun. From RV parks to scenic National Forest campgrounds, campers have plenty of options in Leadville including the popular Crescent Mining Camp and Silver Dollar Campground.

Independence Pass

Heading west from Twin Lakes on Highway 82 is the historic byway to Independence Pass. It’s one of the highest paved roads in Colorado and travels up and over the Continental Divide from Twin Lakes to Aspen. There are several national forest campgrounds on both sides of the pass and numerous trails, ghost towns, and scenic views to explore along the way.

Aspen

Aspen is only an hour’s drive from Twin Lakes via the Independence Pass Road. Aspen may be known best for its skiing, but it’s a genuine outdoor adventure town for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers the rest of the year. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness offers some of the most scenic hiking in Colorado. The waters of the Roaring Fork River also offer some of the best fly fishing in the state.

When to go

The best time for hiking, boating, and fishing is from June through early September. Campgrounds in the area are typically only open during this time as well, making summer the busiest season but the best time to visit. Avoid the crowds by visiting midweek and staying away on holiday weekends. Independence Pass is closed in winter and does not open until the Thursday before Memorial Day. Depending on early season snow, Independence Pass typically remains open until late October or early November.

Know before you go

Campsites at the White Star and Lakeview campgrounds at Twin Lakes can be reserved up to six months in advance.
All sites at Parry Peak and Twin Peaks campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Paddleboard, kayak, and mountain bike rentals are available at Twin Lakes.
To avoid altitude sickness, keep hydrated and take it slow at first. Make sure you’re feeling well at high elevation before attempting to climb a high country peak.
Vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass Road, given the road’s steep and windy nature.