Jersey Jim Fire Tower
Federal campground in San Juan National Forest
Location: Mancos, CO, CO
Price: From $50 per night
Rating: 4 out of 5 (0 reviews)
Season: May through October
The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower is named after an early cattleman who ran Jersey cattle in the area. Today, cattle are still grazed in the area under permit. Many nearby trails were established by loggers seeking timber or by miners accessing hard-rock ore deposits in the La Plata (Spanish for silver) Mountains.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Electric Hookups
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/jersey-jim-fire-tower to be notified when sites open up.
Jersey Jim Fire Tower offers incredible panoramic views of La Plata Mountains, Hesperus Peak, and Sleeping Ute Mountain with well-maintained grounds. Campers consistently praise the once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceptional vistas.
Wildlife alert: American Pika, Fremont's Squirrel, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Wilson's Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Western Tanager, Greater Short-horned Lizard, Wandering Garter Snake, and Eastern Collared Lizard documented in area
Insider tips for Jersey Jim Fire Tower: Book early — this is a federal campground with high demand Bring all supplies as if camping in remote area Watch for hummingbirds during your stay Access via 14 miles on graveled road from Highway 184 near Mancos — check weather conditions before visiting
Skip Jersey Jim Fire Tower if: You need full hookups — no hookups available at sites. You require paved road access — access is via two-wheel drive graveled road subject to adverse weather. You prefer year-round camping — seasonal operations only May-October.
Best time to visit Jersey Jim Fire Tower: May-October — Campground operates seasonally May through October only.
Nearby campgrounds: Transfer Campground (Mancos, CO), Kroeger (Hesperus, CO), Snowslide (Durango, CO), Target Tree Campground (Mancos, CO).
Cell Phone Coverage at Jersey Jim Fire Tower
Cell signal at Jersey Jim Fire Tower (Mancos, CO): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower is named after an early cattleman who ran Jersey cattle in the area. Today, cattle are still grazed in the area under permit. Many nearby trails were established by loggers seeking timber or by miners accessing hard-rock ore deposits in the La Plata (Spanish for silver) Mountains.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with high demand
Bring all supplies as if camping in remote area
Watch for hummingbirds during your stay
Access via 14 miles on graveled road from Highway 184 near Mancos
check weather conditions before visiting
Campground operates seasonally May through October only
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
The Tower is 14 miles from Highway 184 on a two-wheel drive graveled road subject to adverse weather conditions. At Mancos, Colorado, Highway 184 north, about 1/2 mile turn right on Montezuma County Road 42. County Road turns into Forest Service Road 561. Landmark references: Four miles on FS 561 is Transfer Campground. Seven miles on FS 561 is Aspen Guard Station.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — San Juan National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at San Juan National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Jersey Jim Fire Tower cost per night?+
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Does Jersey Jim Fire Tower have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Jersey Jim Fire Tower?+
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Official resources
●Data sources on this page
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