Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - 47 min drive - 30.8 miles
Getting around
Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) - 58 min drive
Restaurants
Weminuche Woodfire Grill - 12 min drive
The Lake House Bar & Grill - 13 min drive
The Rusty Shovel Saloon - 12 min drive
Virginia's Lodge and Cabins - 12 min drive
Bayfield County Market - 12 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views!
Armstrong Library (1200 sq ft) is a lakeside two story cabin with splendid lake and mountain views from the screened in porch and huge lakeside lawn. This cabin has a large living room with a fireplace and is nice and bright, with a table seating 4 for card games or a great place for breakfast. And dining room seating for 6. Newly remodeled in spring 2025. There are 3 bedrooms. One with a king bed downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. One has a king bed and twin bed. The other a queen and double.
CROLL CABINS WELCOMES YOU
We’re a family-owned property featuring 6 cabins. Escape to this hidden gem nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, where adventure and relaxation meet. Our cabins provide an unforgettable vacation experience.
Croll Cabins is a great place for family reunions and for retreats. Check out our additional listings on property: VRBO 2740149, VRBO 2740729, VRBO 2740621, VRBO 2740772, and VRBO 2740861.
✭"...thank you for the great cabin and all the work you did to make our stay here wonderful. It was so peaceful and magical..."
✭"...Beautiful stay! Enjoyed the lake, the fire pit conversations, the space, and the wonderful stars. This place is truly such a beautiful find…"
LOCATION
Nestled on the eastern shore of Vallecito Reservoir, the cabins are surrounded by 961 acres of recreational land, providing plenty of outdoor activities right nearby, and averages over 300 sunny days a year. Croll Cabins is 45 minutes from Durango, Colorado, known for its Durango to Silverton train ride and historic downtown. Purgatory Ski Area is just over an hour, and Wolf Creek Ski area is an hour and a half. Pagosa Springs, CO is about an hour and a half away, boasting of the world’s deepest hot springs.
ARMSTRONG LIBRARY (CABIN 5, ORANGE TRIM)
*This Cabin Sleeps 9*
The base price of each cabin includes up to 4 people. For additional guests, not to exceed the capacity of the cabin, there is a $10/person/day fee.
*Bedroom 1: King Bed *Bedroom 2: King Bed and Twin Bed *Bedroom 3: Queen Bed and Double Bed
*Bathroom 1: has bathtub/shower combo and storage cupboard *Bathroom 2: Walk-in shower
There is a fully stocked kitchen for cooking meals with pots, pans, knives, utensils, dinnerware, baking dishes, toaster, a microwave, and a coffee pot. There is an oven and fridge/freezer.
The living area is quaint and cozy, with a wood stove, a couch and loveseat. There is a Smart TV with Starlink Internet for Streaming. Firewood is provided during cooler weather.
*There is a large parking area adjacent to the cabin.
Guest Access
The cabin and the entire Croll Cabins Property (appx. 15 acres) are available for guest use, providing plenty of places to walk and green space for games. The property is bordered by San Juan National Forest and Vallecito Reservoir.
Armstrong Library is a lakefront/riverfront cabin (seasonal water levels/rainfall dependent - see below).
Croll Cabins has kayaks, a canoe, and paddleboards for guest use, free of charge; life jackets are also provided and required.
The property has many picnic tables and grills, including at least one for each cabin. Additional tables can be moved on an as-needed basis.
DAY USE FEE
Group events (such as birthday parties and family gatherings) are allowed on property for the day, with a curfew of 9 PM. There is a charge of $10 per day per person. Price Bunkhouse has a limit of 14 people (including renters).
THINGS TO DO
A few of our favorite activities available in the immediate Vallecito area include:
**There is a $20 fee per night per dog** (excluding service dogs) **Max two dogs** *Your dog must be friendly and house-trained. *Your dog must always be supervised by you or put in a crate if left alone. *You will be charged for any damage caused by your dog *Dogs are not allowed on furniture such as couches and beds *Dogs must be leashed while on the property *Owner responsible for pet waste
ACCESS TO PROPERTY
Access is via private dirt road (.5mi from North, 4.5mi from South); while the road is open to the public from May – September, it may be gated during the rest of the year, access codes will be provided as needed. Access from the South is gated by the Forest Service for Cross Country Skiing from December to April. Cabins accessible via groomed ski trails snow permitting, December – April.
LAKE LEVELS
Vallecito is a reservoir that provides water for La Plata County. As such, we have no control over lake levels and can vary as much as 20 feet. It isn’t uncommon for water levels to be so high that it can affect plumbing in a few of the cabins for a few weeks during the summer. Port-a-potties will be on-site near affected cabins if this is the case. There is also a bath/shower house up the hill for use in extreme cases. We understand this can be frustrating and will provide a discount if this affects your stay. Due to the nature of the property and the cabin size, for each undeclared guest that exceeds the number of people the cabin sleeps, there will be a $100 fine per person per night. Please be mindful of the cabin’s capacity when booking and plan accordingly. Each cabin is different, and a larger cabin or multiple cabins might suit your group better.
WINTER ACCESS
4WD/AWD May be required from November / March, the property is plowed, however, one hill must be traversed for access, and we cannot guarantee snow will be plowed at arrival.
WEATHER CANCELLATIONS
****We can not predict or control the weather, so we don't offer refunds due to inclement weather. Please keep this in mind when booking; if this is a concern, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.****
Hosts are on-site to help with any issues, including access during winter.
The cabin is heated and features 2 bathrooms and space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a fireplace, a microwave, and an oven.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 24
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
1 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Pets are not allowed on furniture and beds.
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
We have a $10/pp/per day
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 18
Note from host: We have a $10/pp/per day
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 24
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 18.
Note from host: We have a $10/pp/per day
Frequently asked questions
What can I see near this cabin?
This cabin in Bayfield is within a 10-minute walk of Vallecito Lake and Los Pinos River. You'll also find Lake Eileen nearby.
Is there parking available at Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views!?
No, there isn't parking available at the cabin.
Is this cabin associated with a casino?
No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cabin?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cabin.
Is Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views! a good place to stay for couples?
Couples staying at this cabin will appreciate amenities like a fireplace and a smart TV as well as a firepit.
Does Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views! have a hot tub?
No, this cabin doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cabin include breakfast service?
No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cabin allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cabin.
Does Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views! have connecting rooms available?
No, this cabin doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this cabin?
The closest major airport to this cabin is Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO), which is about 20.7 mi away. Another top airport is Durango, CO (AMK-Animas Air Park), which is around 22.9 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views!?
Yes, every cabin at Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views! comes with a porch/lanai.
Croll Cabins-Armstrong Library- #5 at Vallecito Lake, private lawn, great views! Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 9 reviews
10 - Excellent
6
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 9 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.0/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kathleen W.
Sep 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a nice, relaxing stay at Croll cabin. The cabin was clean and was just what we were looking for as a getaway. The guys especially liked sitting on the lawn and looking at the view. We would definitely go back.
Kathleen W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
square s.
Sep 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a bucket list Trip. Amazing place with great views. So many things to do to keep you entertained. A place you will come back to definitely.
square s.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Kelly D.
Jul 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Short Family Getaway
Very quaint cabin on the water. It did not have large sq footage but very usable space. We really enjoyed the screened in back porch. Caretakers and neighbors were very accommodating and nice.
Kelly D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lee C.
Jul 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location! Cabin had plenty of room and everything we needed. We will come back again.
Lee C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl A.
Jul 1, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Time
We enjoyed our time together. It was peaceful. It offered space for us to all get out and participate in our own outdoor activities and to eat together.
Cheryl A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
8/10 Good
Nancy C.
Jun 7, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
Nice getawy in the mountains
The owners and managers are very kind and prompt with communication. The expectations are to clean the place upon checkout. The floors were filtht wgen we got there. The only cleaning supplies were dish soap, hand soap, rags , broom, vaccume. No mops. I bought cleaners when in Durango and hand mopped the bathroom and kitcken floor with a rag. The property and lake are absolutely gorgeous. The check i. And out times are not ideal. Checknout was by 10 am. When you have to pack load and clean a cabin and dump trash before leaving, the checkout time should be much later. I worry about how sanitary it is to rely on previous tennant to clean before the next tennant comes.
Nancy C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
karen l.
Aug 14, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful getaway
My daughter and I had a girls' getaway, and had a great time here. The house is clean and comfortable, and so close to the lake. We went fishing and kayaking. It was great that they let us borrow kayaks, and there were games to play and movies to borrow when it rained. It was a beautiful spot.
karen l.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Stephanie H.
Aug 2, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Lake side
Cabin is older building and the upstairs floor bounces when you walk on it. The two bathrooms are both down stairs and next to one another on the bottom floor. The location of the cabin is great
Stephanie H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lisa S.
Jul 16, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing lake view
Great cabin, very friendly and accommodating hosts! Wonderful stay.