How much does camping cost at Buckhorn Ranger Station?

Camping fees at Buckhorn Ranger Station range from $150-$175/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Buckhorn Ranger Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Buckhorn Ranger Station operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buckhorn Ranger Station before I book?

Yes! Buckhorn Ranger Station has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buckhorn Ranger Station?

Buckhorn Ranger Station is open May 22 to October 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buckhorn Ranger Station?

Yes, Buckhorn Ranger Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Buckhorn Ranger Station have?

Buckhorn Ranger Station has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Buckhorn Ranger Station?

Pets are not allowed at Buckhorn Ranger Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buckhorn Ranger Station?

Buckhorn Ranger Station offers: Showers. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Buckhorn Ranger Station

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Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

8,281 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,281 ft

Price

$150 - $175/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Buckhorn Ranger Station

$150.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin 2-4: $150.00; Cabin 4-6: $175.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

970-295-6600VisitARP@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Buckhorn Ranger Station

40.5808, -105.4686

Nearby places

Masonville — 22 miles (site is 22 miles west of Masonville).

Driving directionsSite is located on the south and north sides of Larimer County Road 44H (Buckhorn Road) 22 miles west of Masonville, Colorado, in the Roosevelt National Forest. The site is 165 feet east of the intersection of Forest Service Road 100, 11.6 miles west of the intersection of Buckhorn Road and Stove Prairie Road (just past mile marker 32 if driving from the east), and 1 mile east of the junction of Buckhorn Road and Monument Gulch Road.

Weather at Buckhorn Ranger Station

Current alerts(7)

Click here to learn more about the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
Elevation can pose a hazard; learn more about altitude illness
Pets (including dogs) and livestock are not allowed at the cabins.
The cabins remain locked, and a combination will be provided upon booking. You can also call the Forest Service office at 970-295-6600, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, to obtain a combination code.

Best Time to Camp at Buckhorn Ranger Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm days, and peak hiking and biking conditions at Buckhorn Ranger Station — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range at 8,281 ft. Trails and scenic overlooks are fully accessible, Box Elder Creek is running and pleasant for cooling off, and wildflower displays and long daylight hours make it ideal for multi-hour outings. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays; weekday stays at the historic ranger buildings are a * Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has most reliable access and comfortable temps (65–80°F days; cool nights), trails fully accessible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Buckhorn Ranger Station

Buckhorn Ranger Station sits on an open terrace in Roosevelt National Forest's Buckhorn Canyon, where Box Elder Creek flows past a cluster of historic buildings dating to 1933. The site includes three cabins available for overnight stays, plus an office and garage from the station's working ranger days. At 8,281 feet, it offers mountain views in all directions but currently has no active ranger presence or public services on site.

Historic cabin lodging on-site with three cabin units (Ranger Cabin, Assistant Ranger Cabin, and a planned Bunkhouse). No explicit mention of tent, RV, primitive, group, or glamping sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm days, and peak hiking and biking conditions at Buckhorn Ranger Station — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range at 8,281 ft. Trails and scenic overlooks are fully accessible, Box Elder Creek is running and pleasant for cooling off, and wildflower displays and long daylight hours make it ideal for multi-hour outings. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays; weekday stays at the historic ranger buildings are a * Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation8281 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe station occupies a broad terrace carved by Box Elder Creek, a tributary of Buckhorn Creek, with open views across Buckhorn Canyon. The West and East White Pine Mountains rise to the north, Lookout Mountain and Crystal Mountain define the south, and Pingree Pass and the Mummy Range frame the western skyline. Ponderosa pines dot the landscape. The setting feels exposed and panoramic rather than forested and enclosed, with the creek providing the only significant water feature.

Lodging & AccommodationsRanger Cabin (fully furnished, two-bedroom, indoor plumbing, electricity, woodstove; sleeps up to six), Assistant Ranger Cabin (one-bedroom, propane heater, full kitchen, bathroom with shower), and a planned efficiency Bunkhouse (planned wheelchair accessible; availability planned for 2025).

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Guests Allowed Per Site

Ranger Cabin accommodates up to six people
capacities for Assistant Ranger Cabin and Bunkhouse not specified.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityBunkhouse is planned to be wheelchair accessible (planned availability in 2025).

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests must bring bedding (pillows, blankets or sleeping bags), towels, toiletries, and food/beverages. Cooking pots, table and chairs, dishes, and utensils are provided.

Amenities available

Three historic cabins (Ranger Cabin, Assistant Ranger Cabin, Bunkhouse) with shared facility features including fire pits, horseshoe court, charcoal grills, and provided cooking equipment. Guests must bring bedding, towels, toiletries, and food; basic cookware, dishes, table and chairs, and utensils are provided.

Showers

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

Buckhorn Ranger Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are very limited but generally positive, with one user calling it “AMAZING” and another giving it 4/5 while noting important limitations. Visitors appreciate the historic buildings and scenic drive, but emphasize that there are currently no public services or active ranger presence on site.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Reviewers like the neat, well-preserved historic buildings and the overall setting in Buckhorn Canyon. One user recommends the scenic ride/drive over Pennock Pass as part of the visit.

Common Concerns

The main complaint is the complete lack of public services, including no restrooms and no staff to talk to. One reviewer also notes the irony of having QR codes for information in an area with no...

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Go if

Cabin campers who bring everything (bedding, food, toiletries) and want a genuinely historic base for hiking the Danner Hill Trail or biking toward Pennock Pass in summer. Weekday stays keep crowds light.

Skip if

No restrooms anywhere on site is a hard stop for many people. QR codes posted for information are useless with no cell service, and winter access at this elevation is unreliable at best.

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