Seedhouse Guard Station

4.86

12 reviews

no street number, Forest Service Road 400 (Seedhouse Road), Clark, CO

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Winter Camping Colorado#2 Group Camping Colorado Fishing Colorado

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Routt National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Routt National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Seedhouse Guard Station

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for the Seedhouse Guard Station cabin during peak season from September 15 to December 31 is $100 per night. Additional fees apply...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-870-2299

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What Campers Say

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews for Seedhouse Guard Station are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of its rustic charm, beautiful landscape, and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests appreciate the cabin's essential amenities and cozy environment."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

no street number, Forest Service Road 400 (Seedhouse Road), Clark, CO

Seedhouse Guard Station

no street number, Forest Service Road 400 (Seedhouse Road), Clark, CO

Driving directionsThe guard station is located about 26 miles north of Steamboat Springs, CO. From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 40 west and turn right on County Road 129. Head north on 129 (toward Clark) about 18 miles. One mile after Clark, take the first right after crossing the Elk River, Routt County Road 64, which is also Forest Service Road 400. Stay on this for 8 miles and the guard station is behind a locked gate, tucked in some trees on the left, across from the Seedhouse Campground. The last 3 miles is a dirt road and is not maintained in the winter. Fall access is over both paved and gravel/dirt roads with variable conditions; 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Winter access is by ski or snowmobile only, with parking available at the end of county maintenance, approximately 3.5 miles from the guard station.

Fall access requires driving over paved and gravel/dirt roads, with the last 3 miles being unmaintained dirt road. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to variable conditions. Winter access necessitates snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling over 3.5 miles from the end of plowed roads, with the main road being a groomed snowmobile trail.

Nearby places

Clark (~1 mile), Steamboat Springs (~26 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest store and restaurants are Clark Store, Glen Eden Resort, and Hahn Peak Roadhouse (~1 mile from Clark).

Best Time to Camp at Seedhouse Guard Station

Autumn arrives with a dramatic flair at Seedhouse, painting the landscape in golden aspens while delivering one to three early snowfalls that dust the peaks before melting away under the high-altitude sun. As October gives way to November and December, winter begins its earnest transformation of the landscape, sometimes arriving with sudden, heavy snowstorms that blanket the forest in pristine white. Once winter settles in, the cabin becomes a true backcountry destination, accessible only to those willing to earn their stay through snowshoes, cross-country skis, or the thrilling ride of a snowmobile through powder-filled meadows.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Site is open for reservations Sept 15–Dec 31; summer access not offered.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in CO

Peak season Sept 15–Dec 31; dramatic autumn colors and golden aspens highlighted by sources.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site closed outside Sept 15–Dec 31; spring not in reservation window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Open into December; reviewers praise snowy landscapes and snowshoeing/skiing opportunities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: September 15 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from September 15 to December 31.

About Seedhouse Guard Station

Step back in time at Seedhouse Guard Station, a charming 1933 cabin that stands as a testament to the early days of forest service in Colorado. This authentic piece of history invites modern adventurers to experience the simple pleasures of mountain living in the heart of Routt National Forest. While the cabin embraces its rustic roots with minimal amenities, it offers something far more valuable: a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Pack your camping essentials, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for an unforgettable stay where you'll create your own comfort in this historic mountain retreat.

Seedhouse Guard Station offers a single lodging option: a historic cabin equipped with propane amenities and basic furnishings. Primitive and group camping are not applicable.

Historical SignificanceStanding proudly since 1933, Seedhouse Guard Station serves as a living museum of American conservation history. These weathered walls have sheltered generations of forest rangers who once used this outpost as their base for protecting and managing the wilderness. Today, visitors can touch the same hand-hewn logs, warm themselves by the same stone hearth, and gaze through windows that have witnessed nearly a century of changing seasons, offering an authentic glimpse into the rugged lifestyle that helped preserve our national forests for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsAutumn arrives with a dramatic flair at Seedhouse, painting the landscape in golden aspens while delivering one to three early snowfalls that dust the peaks before melting away under the high-altitude sun. As October gives way to November and December, winter begins its earnest transformation of the landscape, sometimes arriving with sudden, heavy snowstorms that blanket the forest in pristine white. Once winter settles in, the cabin becomes a true backcountry destination, accessible only to those willing to earn their stay through snowshoes, cross-country skis, or the thrilling ride of a snowmobile through powder-filled meadows.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,000 feet above sea level, Seedhouse Guard Station offers visitors a true high-country experience in the pristine wilderness of Routt National Forest, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath connects you to the raw beauty of Colorado's mountain heritage.

Natural Features and SceneryCradled in a grove of towering fir and pine at 8,000 feet, Seedhouse Guard Station sits in perfect harmony with its surroundings, where the melodic waters of North Fork Elk Creek and Middle Fork Elk River provide a constant mountain soundtrack. Just beyond your doorstep lies the magnificent Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, a vast tapestry of ecosystems that climbs from sage-scented meadows through dense forests to windswept alpine tundra. This diverse landscape serves as nature's grand theater, where morning might bring a herd of elk grazing in nearby meadows, afternoon could reveal deer picking their way through the pines, and dusk might offer glimpses of coyotes on the hunt or the shuffling form of a black bear preparing for winter. Overhead, the sky becomes a highway for countless migratory birds, their seasonal journeys adding movement and song to this timeless mountain scene.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Routt National Forest, Seedhouse Guard Station serves as your gateway to the legendary Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. This remarkable region showcases nature's vertical journey, beginning in aromatic sagebrush meadows that carpet the lower valleys, ascending through dense forests of spruce and fir, and culminating in the stark beauty of alpine tundra where only the hardiest plants survive. This elevation gradient creates a series of interconnected habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife, making every hike an opportunity for discovery and every quiet moment a chance to witness the complex web of life that thrives in these protected lands.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2 pm.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12 pm.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit. Total stays within rolling 30 days are limited to 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The guard station accommodates up to 5 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin setup behind a locked gate near the Seedhouse Campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations within 14 days of check-in for cabins result in a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee. Refunds are not issued for cancellations made less than 4 days prior to the reservation start date.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled campers are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin is a fixed structure capable of accommodating up to five people, making it compact but functional for small groups.

PrivacyThe guard station is nestled within a private and secluded area surrounded by fir and pine trees, offering significant privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sufficient water, snow gear for winter visits, and certified weed-free hay for horses in the fall.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The guard station provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and winter sports such as snowshoeing and skiing. Outdoor enthusiasts will find the location ideal for exploring nearby trailheads, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, and the Elk River.

HikingTrailheads within 3 miles of the guard station provide access to hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and routes within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness.

FishingAnglers can fish for trout in the Elk River, which is accessible near the guard station.

Wildlife viewingThe campground offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may see elk, deer, coyotes, migratory birds, squirrels, and occasional black bears.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include interaction with wildlife such as black bears and navigating snowy trails in winter.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in the campfire ring outside the cabin.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Steamboat Springs, CO (~26 miles).

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food. There are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesLocated near North Fork Elk Creek and Middle Fork Elk River.

Camp HostNo host-specific information available.

Weather at Seedhouse Guard Station

Reviews

4.9

12 reviews

Top-Rated

Seedhouse Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Seedhouse Guard Station are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of its rustic charm, beautiful landscape, and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests appreciate the cabin's essential amenities and cozy environment.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests frequently praised the cabin's cleanliness, cozy feel, and essential amenities like the propane heater and bunkbeds. Comments also highlighted the gorgeous natural surroundings and proximity...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include the presence of annoying flies in winter and the lack of running water, which requires guests to bring their own supplies.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing winter survival gear for winter stays, as well as extra supplies like food, water, and cleaning materials. Several reviews suggest enjoying sunsets and stargazing due to...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors emphasized the beauty of the snowy landscape, with activities such as snowshoeing and skiing being a highlight. Fall visitors noted variable road conditions and occasional snowstorms.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The cabin had all the essentials. Very rustic and felt like camping without running water. The flies inside, during winter, were annoying. But overall, beautiful landscape and fun adventure." -...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically mention campsite 001 in the Seedhouse Loop, praising it for its cleanliness, cozy accommodations, and close access to recreational activities.

Based on 12 reviews