How much does camping cost at Alder Guard Station?

Camping fees at Alder Guard Station are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alder Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Alder Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alder Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Alder Guard Station has 12 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 Alder Guard Station?

Alder Guard Station is open May 15 to September 28. 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 Alder Guard Station?

Alder Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Alder Guard Station have?

Alder Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alder Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alder Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Alder Guard Station?

Alder Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Alder Guard Station?

Popular activities at Alder Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alder Guard Station

4.58

15 reviews

FSR 610, South Fork, CO 81154

Quick Facts

8,406 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,406 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Alder Guard Station

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(719) 657-3321

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

FSR 610, South Fork, CO 81154

Alder Guard Station

FSR 610, South Fork, CO 81154

Nearby places

South Fork (2 miles away)

Weather at Alder Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Alder Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, warm daytime temperatures (typically 60–75°F) and long daylight for hiking, fishing, biking and wildlife viewing at 8,400 ft. Trails, trailheads and the cabin are fully accessible (site open May 16–Sept 30), wildflower displays and high mountain streams are at their peak, and fishing on nearby tributaries is excellent. Expect cool nights (30s–40s), the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, and moderate weekend crowds in July–August — book early Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall reviews note hunting and striking aspen foliage; scenic fall colors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16, 2025 to September 30, 2025.

About Alder Guard Station

Alder Guard Station sits at 8,400 feet in Rio Grande National Forest near South Fork, operated by the Divide Ranger District. This high-elevation alpine retreat offers a historic cabin with modern conveniences including running water, flush toilet, and kitchen appliances, plus small RV sites with electric hookups. Summer visitors come for hiking, fishing nearby mountain streams, biking, and wildlife viewing, though ATV traffic on surrounding trails can be heavy.

The Alder Guard Station is a historic cabin that serves as the main accommodation. It is designed for small groups or families looking for a comfortable getaway with access to a variety of outdoor activities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, warm daytime temperatures (typically 60–75°F) and long daylight for hiking, fishing, biking and wildlife viewing at 8,400 ft. Trails, trailheads and the cabin are fully accessible (site open May 16–Sept 30), wildflower displays and high mountain streams are at their peak, and fishing on nearby tributaries is excellent. Expect cool nights (30s–40s), the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, and moderate weekend crowds in July–August — book early Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8406 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits surrounded by mixed conifer forests and aspen groves, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising in the distance. A fenced lawn provides immediate outdoor space. Dense stands of spruce, fir, and pine fill the landscape, interspersed with quaking aspen that shift color through the seasons. The elevation and varied topography create distinct microclimates across the surrounding Rio Grande National Forest, from high-altitude desert to snow-capped peaks shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Alder Guard Station offers a historic two-story cabin furnished with basic amenities. Accommodations include two beds per bedroom, a futon, a kitchen with modern appliances, and a bathroom with hot water and a flush toilet. Heating is available through a wood stove.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights in a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of the cabin is not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, the contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility features are noted in the reviews. For example, one user mentioned the need for more ADA-compliant bathroom features, such as steps.

Site SizeThe cabin is spacious, with areas for sleeping, dining, and lounging.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a picturesque and somewhat secluded area, surrounded by mixed conifer forests and aspen groves. However, occasional ATV and foot traffic in the area may reduce privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring spare water due to occasional overflow issues with the well. Cleanliness supplies may be necessary as some complaints indicated the need for thorough cleaning.

Need help booking Alder Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Alder Guard Station provides a mix of modern and rustic amenities. Guests will find a two-story cabin furnished with two beds in each of the two bedrooms and a futon on the first floor. The kitchen is equipped with a table, chairs, electric stove, refrigerator, cooking utensils, and some pots and pans. The bathroom features hot water and a flush toilet. Lighting is available, but guests are advised to bring an additional light source in case of emergency. Heating is provided by a wood stove, though firewood is not provided, and guests should bring their own. Outdoor amenities include picnic tables, a grill, and a fire pit with a grill cover. Horse facilities, including a corral, are available. Occasionally, the water well may overflow due to ground water pressures, which may affect its safety for drinking. Guests are encouraged to bring spare drinking and cooking water. Although the cabin includes many conveniences, visitors must bring their own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, and other personal items.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Alder Guard Station

Visitors to the Alder Guard Station can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The Alder Bench trailhead is located nearby and offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-road single-track riding. The area is also popular for elk and deer hunting in the fall and fishing for trout in Alder Creek. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with the cabin situated amidst a diverse ecosystem.

Hiking4.0/5

Alder Bench trailhead adjacent; 6.5-mile multiuse trail for hikers and horseback riders.

Fishing4.0/5

Alder Creek nearby offers trout fishing; fishing explicitly listed as an activity.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Surrounded by Rio Grande NF ecosystems; wildlife viewing highlighted in activities.

Biking3.0/5

Alder Bench 6.5-mile trail is open to mountain biking; terrain mentioned as mixed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Aspens, spruce/fir forest and Sangre de Cristo backdrop provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

15 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews for Alder Guard Station are mixed. Several guests praise the cabin for its scenic location, comfort, and amenities, while others note issues with cleanliness and maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests highlighted the picturesque setting, amenities such as running hot and cold water, a flushing toilet, and kitchen appliances. The presence of a fireplace, games, and outdoor areas for grilling...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include cleanliness issues, such as mouse droppings on beds and kitchen surfaces, and general wear and tear inside the cabin. Some guests also reported disruptive ATV traffic and...

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for the Alder Guard Station often mention its scenic location and mix of amenities. However, issues with cleanliness and maintenance are occasionally raised.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra cleaning supplies to address cleanliness concerns upon arrival. Bringing firewood, spare drinking water, and all necessary personal items is also advised.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews generally focus on the cozy aspects of the cabin but note the need for proper heating supplies. Fall reviews often mention hunting and beautiful foliage. Summer reviews highlight...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful area! We visited Brewery Creek cabin in the past, but this is even better. There is running water (hot and cold), a flushing toilet, refrigerator, and stove." - Nichole Hockett. "Place...

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user expressed the need for more ADA-compliant features in the bathroom, such as steps for easier access.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed outside the cabin, but guests must clean up after them. One review noted the presence of bears in the area, suggesting caution with food storage.

Based on 15 reviews

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Alder Guard Station

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.