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Jersey Jim Fire Tower

San Juan National Forest, Colorado

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As of October 2026, Jersey Jim Fire Tower is a campground in San Juan National Forest, Colorado with 1 campsite. Jersey Jim Fire Tower is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Jersey Jim Fire Tower is located at 37.4973° N, 108.1839° W.

people allowed on each site: 4

Jersey Jim Fire Tower reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum consecutive stay: 2 consecutive nights
Maximum reservations at once: 1 reservations
Maximum stay: 2 nights
Maximum per transaction: 1 reservations per transaction
Book up to: 3 Months

Published by Recreation.gov for Jersey Jim Fire Tower, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Jersey Jim Fire Tower

Standard 1

Amenities

potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: hiking, photography.

All sites at Jersey Jim Fire Tower, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Lookout loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
Jersey Jim Lookout	Standard	4

About Jersey Jim Fire Tower

Overview

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. Hesperus Peak, a sacred mountain to the Navajo Nation, is visible, as is Sleeping Ute Mountain of the Four Corners. The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower was home to U.S. Forest Service fire lookouts from the 1940s to 1970s.

The tower was renovated and saved from demolition in 1991 by the Jersey Jim Foundation, a nonprofit local volunteer organization, which operates and maintains the tower under permit with the San Juan National Forest. Rental income is earmarked for maintenance of the facility to offer this unique experience to the American public.

The Tower cab includes the original furniture and propane heating and lighting. However, there is no electricity or running water. A sink, propane refrigerator, and oven/stove are in the kitchen area. Guests must bring their own supplies. The dining table seats four, and there’s a double bed, and dresser. With windows all round, views are 360 degrees.

In the middle of the cab is the historic fire finder, which early lookouts used to spot fires, and which you can use to orient yourself to surrounding landmarks. In the cabinet below are materials offering information about the tower and the area.

Nearby Attractions

Mesa Verde National Park, Durango to Silverton Railroad, Anazasi Heritage Center, Four Corners Monument

Rules and notices at Jersey Jim Fire Tower

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Jersey Jim Fire Tower on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

KEY PICK UP!!!

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You must pick the key up at the P&D Grocery, Mancos, Frontage Road.

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Store closes at 8:00. There is no other way to get in after that.

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Pick up by Noon-12:00 p.m. of later on day of check in.

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DROP OFF - NO LATER THAN NOON-12:00 p.m. on day of check out.

DISCLAIMER/WAIVER FORM: You will be required to sign a disclaimer/waiver form at the P&D Grocery at key pick up. No signature, no key.

SAFETY RULES: Renter and party agrees to abide by the following safety rules to avoid potential hazards: Steep stairs, Trap Door on Deck, Deck is 55 feet above ground, Lightning Storms:

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Overnight stay is restricted to a maximum of 4 (four) persons, including at least one adult over 21 years of age

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Children under 8 years old ARE NOT allowed in the Tower

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NO pets

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Smoking, alcoholic beverages, drugs, fireworks and firearms ARE NOT permitted in or around the Tower

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Nothing is to be thrown from the Tower deck

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Sleeping on the deck, sitting on the railing, horseplay, or unruly behavior is prohibited

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Use handrail when ascending or descending the stairs

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During lightning storms, stay in the cab and DO NOT touch metal furnishings

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Instructions for lighting the propane lamps, stove, refrigerator and heater as well as additional information on lightning are provided in the Information Manual at the Tower and should be read immediately upon arrival.

Other common sense suggestions:

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No open fire inside the fenced area

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No livestock within the fenced area

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Observe Forest Service fire restriction, etc.

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If you use candles, please watch them carefully and do not allow wax to drip

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CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. This includes appliances, floor, etc. Remove all trash from premises. No burning of trash on site.

A copy of these Safety Rules will be available at key pick up site - a signature is required.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Jersey Jim Fire Tower FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Jersey Jim Fire Tower?

Jersey Jim Fire Tower is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Jersey Jim Fire Tower?

Cancellations happen frequently at Jersey Jim Fire Tower, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Jersey Jim Fire Tower have?

Jersey Jim Fire Tower has 1 campsites.