Estes Park’s natural beauty will impress you from the moment you arrive for your stay! 

However, the last thing that any resident or visitor wants to do is check into dark, closed-off accommodation that puts several hard walls in between you and the beautiful Colorado landscape. 

If you don’t have a local’s direction and knowledge, this could end up being the case!

This article is for those visiting Estes Park who want to stay far away from stuffy hotels and windowless bedrooms.

I will reveal my favorite Estes Park cabins (with hot tubs!) that will allow for indoor-outdoor continuity and breathable enjoyment of Este’s imagery. For each of my favorite places, I’ll delve into: 

• Location
• Phone Number
• Price Range
• Features
• Amenities
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews
• A customer rating out of 5 stars
• Detailed information
• Recommendations.

Let’s get into it!

Estes Park Cabins on the River 

Brynwood on the River

At a Glance

• Location: 710 Moraine Ave, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (970) 586-3475
• Price range: Starts at $65 and can vary up to $209, housing 2 to 8
• Amenities: Fireplaces, porches, decks, private hot tubs (depending on your chosen room), own ACs, impressive views of rivers or the Rocky Mountains
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 4.0/5 based on 212 TripAdvisor reviews; 4.4/5 based on417 Google Reviews

At the Brynwood, variety is the spice of life. 

Its cabins, rooms, and private cottages have names ranging from “Glacier Lily” and “Fireweed” to “Rock’n River” and “Americana”! 

Their riverside cabins are private and immersed in nature, with large and private outdoor hot tubs. What you ultimately get is a mixture of fresh air and relaxation. 

My recommendation is that families check out the Brynwood cabins, as they’re extremely fun and inviting for family stays. 

You will find that Brynwood puts your convenience first at every turn. It’s an all-rounder with mountain views, activities nearby, and comfortable living areas for your family or group to spread out. 

If you like to eat in, the kitchens at the Brynwood are fully equipped and even include coffee machines!

Some other facilities at the Brynwood include BBQ grills, picnic tables, free wifi, Cable TV, and DVDs. Brynwood has a stellar location if you are looking to get out and about during your stay. 

Some nearby attractions include breweries and wineries, Hiking at Rocky Mountain national park, Dick’s Rock Museum, and Tiny Town Minature Golf (all under a mile away). 

The hiking nearby includes short trails such as the Bear Lake loop trail and longer walks like the 6 miles to Bluebird Lake. 

The Brynwood offers a refund policy with 31+ day notice, only charging ¼ of the deposit as a handling fee! 

The Evergreens On Fall River Cabins

At a Glance

• Location: 1500 Fish Hatchery Rd, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (970) 577-9786
• Price range: Standard nightly rate of $169 with max occupancy of between 2 and 9 people
• Features: Scenic walking paths, gazebo swings, movie lending, picnic tables
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, dining area, cable TV, gas fireplace, jetted hot tub with views, microwave, full refrigerator
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 329 TripAdvisor reviews; 4.7/5 based on 171 Google reviews

Let’s dive deeper into the features of the Evergreens. 

Firstly, what is there to do? Some general property features include scenic paths that twist across the property for you to walk and explore!

There is also a movie lending service for all kinds of thrillers and family movies, as well as a gazebo swing and picnic tables. 

This is a great place to stay if you are looking for a relaxed holiday that doesn’t require bookings or transit. 

If, however, you are keen to explore the wider area, then The Evergreens On Fall River is close to golf courses, skiing, family fun centers, hiking trains, fairgrounds, and horseback riding as well! 

One of the most immediately attractive features of this stay is the views; check out their gallery here. 

In addition, housekeeping services come daily! You can park for free on-site, which makes this a convenient stay if you own or are hiring a private vehicle. 

The Evergreens do not offer refunds unless 30-day notice is given and charge a booking fee regardless. Read more about their cancellation policies here. 

Lazy R Cottages

At a Glance

• Location: 891 Moraine Ave, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (800) 672-9289
• Price range: $120 nightly for bedroom cottages and up to $225 for larger cabins (can accommodate between 3 and 10 guests)
• Features: Beautiful mountain views
• Amenities: Free parking and Wi-Fi, pet-friendly facilities, flatscreen TVs, fireplaces, huge hot tubs (some cottages)
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 250 reviews; 4.2/5 based on 219 Google reviews

So, what’s special about Lazy R Cottages? 

There are some dog-friendly units at Lazy R Cottages, with only a $15 nightly fee to house your furry friend. 

Most other Estes Park stays aren’t pet-friendly! Another special feature of this village-style lodge is its suitability for weddings and larger groups in general; you’ll find group discounts and flexible options for sleeping groups here. 

Each of the Lazy R cottages is unique, with well-designed living areas that suit the needs of couples and families. 

You get more room in these cottages than the average motel room, so people don’t feel like they are tripping over each other to get a good view of the TV!

The other bonus to these cottages are that they are spread out, and all the bedrooms get that lovely olarado sunshine. 

The issue with motel rooms or rooms in a complex is that some rooms are either dark or windowless altogether. 

Nearby, you will find plenty of restaurant options. The Oskar Blues Grill and Brew, for example, offers a range of core beers. Some nearby museums include the Moraine Park Museum off Bear Lake Road. 

The entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park is not far away either, so you could go hiking or birdwatching easily if that’s what you’re into!

To avoid cancellation fees, make sure you change your plans and notify Lazy R Cottages 30 days prior to check-in to incur a charge of just $25. 

River Stone Resorts and Bear Paw Suites

At a Glance

• Location: 2120 Fall River Rd, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (970) 586-4005; (888) 234-4747
• Price range: $179 to $259
• Amenities: Classic kitchens and amenities, as well as cable TVs, DVDs, and hot tubs
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 5.0/5 based on 465 TripAdvisor reviews; 4.8/5 based on 244 Google reviews.

Let’s delve into the details of the Riverstone/Bear Paw accommodation!

One of the best features of these cabins is the sheer riverside proximity. Make sure you like the sound of rushing water and swirling eddies! 

The decks come right out beside the river, where you can use the BBQ facilities to cook for yourself or your family. 

The cabins feel homely and catch plenty of natural imagery where they are situated amidst the trees. 

This is complemented by unique woodland decor within the cabins, which you can preview here. The words ‘cozy’, ‘comfy’, and ‘magical’ appear in many online reviews of Riverstone/Bear Paw. 

Other than its lovely woodland vibe, this stay has many practical features. If you are traveling for business, you will appreciate the photocopier and fax machine in the business center. There are also winter specials that take off up to $20 per night. 

This resort offers a generous cancellation policy. 30 days notice is required to avoid the $50 general cancellation fee; you will just pay $35 within the 30-day window! 

McGregor Mountain Lodge

At a Glance

• Location: 2815 Fall River Rd, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (970) 586-3457; (800) 835-8439
• Price range: $99 for smaller rooms to $349 for big cabins
• Amenities: Free parking and Wi-Fi, hot tub with most cottages, fireplaces, cable TV, fully equipped kitchen, private patio, some dog-friendly rooms
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 5.0/5 based on 425 TripAdvisor reviews; 4.9/5 based on 275 Google reviews

I’d recommend this choice especially to families!

The owners have taken into account all the excess energy that’s typically balled up in kids’ brains and installed outdoor play equipment, and provided books, DVDs, and music for children. 

Your energy-filled pets are also allowed in the select pet-friendly spaces. The cottages are definitely big enough for even the most boisterous of families to find space to breathe. 

You aren’t going to be crammed into a stuffy room. The rooms are not only private, with decent gardens to separate rooms, but also unique on the inside and out.  Don’t take my word for it; go check out the gallery of rooms and spaces on offer here!

Of course, let’s not forget that my favorite Estes Park Cabins have hot tubs! McGregor is no exception to this trend. 

Nearby, you’ll find the usual Estes array of hiking trails and eats. In particular, the Estes Valley Memorial Gardens aren’t too far away. Downtown Estes Park is only a 9-minute drive.

As far as cancellation goes, you may cancel your stay and receive a refund of less $100 of the deposit. 

This makes McGregor quite a flexible option should something go wrong on your journey. 

The remote location of McGregor at 8,000 feet means that it has a snow emergency policy and won’t open with heavy snowfall. You will receive a full refund in this situation!

Ponderosa Lodge

At a Glance

• Location: 1820 Fall River Rd, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (970) 586-4233
• Price range: From $95 to $125
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee and tea service, BBQ area, fire pits, 24/7 hot tub, and fishing
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 4.0/5 based on 296 TripAdvisor reviews; 4.4/5 based on 447 Google reviews

If you are into the outdoors, then the Ponderosa is positively surrounded by nature! 

As an affordable lodge with that all-important muscle-soothing tub, this lodge is especially suitable for the outdoorsy types amongst us. 

Due to its competitive prices, you’ll have more spare change to spend on Fly fishing, exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park, and horseback riding. However, just because the rooms come at an unbeatable price doesn’t mean that the Ponderosa Lodge compromises on quality. 

If you have a large party, the Ponderosa Lodge has many shared spaces for your clan to hang out, relax, and soak up the sunshine. 

This includes balconies overlooking the river rapids, a picnic area, and a large shared hot tub. There’s nothing quite like hot tubbing in amongst a woody Colorado grove!

Its interiors reflect the natural surroundings, with rustic wooden bed frames and homely green wallpaper. Cancellations prior to 30 days will be fully refundable at the Ponderosa Lodge. 

Castle Mountain Lodge

At a Glance

• Location: 1520 Fall River Rd, Estes Park (Open in Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (970) 586-3664; (800) 852-7463
• Price range: Rooms or cottages start as low as $79 and up to $399; the luxurious Little Bear offer is available for $2,750
• Amenities: Picnic spots, private spas (some cabins), snowshoes for rent, parking, Wi-Fi, TV, board games
• Reservation
• Customer Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 293 TripAdvisor reviews; 4.7/5 based on 271 Google reviews

This is the winter magic lodge that I’d 100% recommend!

Just take a look at some of the snow-coated magic in the rooms gallery on their website here. 

If you stay in the summer, then the trails of the national park that lead to various lakes (Emerald Lake is particularly popular) are only a 5-minute drive away. 

Of course, being nestled in Castle Mountain provides alpine photo opportunities all the time if you choose to stay here. 

Let’s look at the amenities at Castle Mountain Lodge in more detail. 

I hope you’re as enticed by the sound of freshly baked cookies as I am! You’ll get some on arriving for your stay and more are available in the lobby each day. 

There is a communal spa to heat up in, and after that, take the time to light up the functioning fireplace! This adds an especially romantic vibe to a cozy night-in. 

Not only would I recommend this location for couples but families as well. The playground and various communal lounges give families plenty of space to play whether it’s snowy or sunny fishing weather. 

You can check out the video tour for Castle Mountain Lodge on their website here. 

As far as cancellation goes: you can cancel with 7 days’ notice to receive your deposit less a $100 charge. You can reschedule with 7 days notice at no charge.

Final Words

It’s been a pleasure to let you in on some of the best Estes Park cabins on the river and where to find them. 

Estes Park is the gem of Colorado’s hospitality industry – and, indeed, a prime location for natural beauty. 

I encourage you to try out one or more of the great stays listed and snap plenty of pictures during your stay! There are truly very few cabins as picturesque in location as my favorites listed above.