Bassam Guard Station

4.34

36 reviews

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO, 81201, USA

Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

9,700 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 14 to Novem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,700 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 14 to Novem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bassam Guard Station

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The cabin rental fee is $75 per night during the peak season (May 14 - November 29). Additional reservation and cancellation fees may apply as...

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

(719) 539-3591

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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 36 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingwater

"Reviews are mixed regarding the cabin's amenities and wildlife presence, but the location is highly praised for its natural beauty and seclusion. Some mention issues with mice, while others report improvements in pest management. The cabin's rustic charm and proximity to outdoor activities are common highlights."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO, 81201, USA

Bassam Guard Station

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO, 81201, USA

Driving directionsFrom Salida travel north on Highway 285 to the junction with Highways 24/285 near Johnson's Village. Turn right onto Hwys 24/285, passing through Johnson's Village. Stay on this highway for 5 miles, then watch for a sign on the left for County Road 307 (next to private property with railroad items on display). Turn right onto CR 307 and travel for 1.5 miles to the junction with CR 187. Turn right onto CR 187 and travel south for 7 miles to the intersection with CR 186. Turn left on CR 186 and travel southeast for .10 miles. Watch for a two-track road on the left(186 A). This road will take you to the gated entrance to the cabin. Roads may be slippery and muddy after rain or snow, drive with caution.

The access roads include paved and unpaved sections. Roads may become slippery and muddy following rain or snow events, requiring caution when driving.

Nearby places

Salida (approx. 10 miles), Buena Vista (approx. 25 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Salida and Buena Vista.

Best Time to Camp at Bassam Guard Station

Experience the full drama of Colorado's mountain seasons at Bassam Guard Station. Spring arrives with a mix of sunshine and surprise snowstorms, keeping visitors on their toes. Summer transforms the landscape into a hiker's paradise, with warm, golden days perfect for exploration and refreshingly cool nights ideal for stargazing—though afternoon thundershowers add their own theatrical flair. Autumn paints the surrounding aspens in brilliant golds and oranges under crisp, clear skies, while winter blankets the cabin in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those brave enough to venture into the cold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days, cool nights and full access to trails and river rec.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for dry sunny weather and aspen color displays in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late spring can bring surprise snowstorms; mixed conditions for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed from Nov 29 to May 14; not available in winter season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 14 - November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 14 to November 29 annually. Reservations are required.

About Bassam Guard Station

Step back in time at Bassam Guard Station, a historic 1911 cabin nestled deep in Colorado's untamed backcountry. This secluded mountain retreat invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Salida Ranger District. Whether you're seeking solitude, outdoor recreation, or a glimpse into the Forest Service's storied past, this rustic hideaway serves as your gateway to endless mountain adventures and breathtaking scenic vistas.

Bassam Guard Station provides cabin accommodations surrounded by natural beauty. It is a prime location for those seeking solitude and seclusion.

Historical SignificanceThis weathered cabin stands as a living monument to the early days of forest conservation. Constructed in 1911, Bassam Guard Station served as a crucial outpost in a vast network of ranger stations, where hardy forest rangers kept vigilant watch over livestock grazing, timber operations, and the ever-present threat of wildfire. Walking through its doors, you can almost hear the echoes of those pioneering conservationists who called this remote outpost home while protecting America's wilderness heritage.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Colorado's mountain seasons at Bassam Guard Station. Spring arrives with a mix of sunshine and surprise snowstorms, keeping visitors on their toes. Summer transforms the landscape into a hiker's paradise, with warm, golden days perfect for exploration and refreshingly cool nights ideal for stargazing—though afternoon thundershowers add their own theatrical flair. Autumn paints the surrounding aspens in brilliant golds and oranges under crisp, clear skies, while winter blankets the cabin in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those brave enough to venture into the cold.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,700 feet above sea level, Bassam Guard Station offers a true high-country experience. This lofty elevation rewards visitors with crisp, clean mountain air, refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer months, and panoramic views that stretch for miles across Colorado's rugged landscape. The thin air at this altitude serves as a constant reminder that you've truly escaped to the roof of the Rockies.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by shimmering groves of aspen trees that dance in the mountain breeze, the cabin sits like a hidden gem at 9,700 feet elevation. From your doorstep, drink in sweeping views of majestic Bassam Ridge while the Arkansas River valley unfolds in the distance below. This enchanting landscape transforms with each season—from the fresh greens of spring to the legendary golden aspens of autumn that draw photographers from around the world. The interplay of light and shadow across the mountainous terrain creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

Geological RegionBassam Guard Station claims its place within the renowned Salida Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Located in Colorado's famous 'Banana Belt,' this unique geographical pocket defies typical mountain weather patterns, blessing visitors with an abundance of sunny days and surprisingly mild temperatures. The surrounding aspen forests thrive in this special microclimate, creating a landscape that feels both quintessentially Colorado and refreshingly unexpected, where high-altitude adventures meet comfortable conditions.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 11 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during any visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin sleeps 2 adults inside, with space for an additional 6 adults to camp outside.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin surrounded by meadows and Aspen trees, with areas for tent camping outside.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov (online or via app) or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not allowed; reservations are required for all stays.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed but incur a $10 fee, plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled within 14 days of check-in for cabins. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in additional penalties.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility features. Rough terrain leading to cabin may be challenging for those with mobility limitations.

Site SizeThe cabin is 14 x 16 feet, suitable for two adults indoors, with additional space for camping outside.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded within an Aspen grove, offering privacy and solitude.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring your own cooking utensils, bedding, and flashlights. Travelers in minivans or vehicles with low clearance should exercise caution when roads are wet.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Bassam Guard Station offers various activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, OHV riding on forest roads, and nearby water recreation like fishing and rafting at the Arkansas River. The cabin is also close to Browns Canyon National Monument and trail 1435 for exploration.

HikingUser reviews highlight nearby hiking opportunities including scenic trails and hidden spots along streams. Bassam Park and Castle Rock Gulch are recommended for their scenic beauty.

FishingThe Arkansas River is popular for fishing, with user reviews mentioning specific spots near Buena Vista as great options.

BikingMountain biking is available nearby, especially in Browns Canyon National Monument on trail 1435.

BoatingKayaking and whitewater rafting are offered at the nearby Arkansas River.

Wildlife viewingThe cabin is surrounded by meadows and forests, with users reporting sightings of bucks and chipmunks. The area offers dark skies for stargazing and ample solitude for observing wildlife.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include slippery roads during rain or snow, cold temperatures requiring frequent attention to the wood stove, and wildlife such as chipmunks and mice.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed using dead and downed wood. Fires must be in the designated fire ring on-site.

Emergency ServicesSalida provides the nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack in and pack out all trash as no disposal facilities are provided.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Arkansas River and Browns Canyon National Monument, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic exploration.

Weather at Bassam Guard Station

Reviews

4.3

36 reviews

Recommended

Bassam Guard Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed regarding the cabin's amenities and wildlife presence, but the location is highly praised for its natural beauty and seclusion. Some mention issues with mice, while others report improvements in pest management. The cabin's rustic charm and proximity to outdoor activities are common highlights.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests love the seclusion, scenic surroundings, access to hiking trails, and opportunity for stargazing. The cabin provides a nostalgic experience with its wood-burning stove and hand pump for water....

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Mice infestations were frequently mentioned in past reviews, although recent visitors noted improvements. Some reviewers mention the rough driveway and poor signage leading to the cabin.

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own bedding, utensils, and flashlights. Prepare for cold nights and be ready to keep the wood stove running. AWD vehicles are recommended during snow season. Protect food from mice and...

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors highlight the need for adequate preparation for cold temperatures and snow. Summer visitors enjoy warm days and cool nights, while fall guests praise the dry and sunny weather with...

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Rustic cabin surrounded by meadows, aspens, and pine forests. Quiet and relaxing." - Jim R. 2. "The cabin is well maintained and such a lovely getaway." - Michele L. 3. "It snowed a lot one day...

Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is referenced in nearly every user review, highlighting its seclusion and natural beauty. Issues with mice have been resolved in recent stays.

Based on 36 reviews