Carnero Guard Station

FSR 610, South Fork, CO 81154

Step back in time at Alder Guard Station, where a century of forest service history meets modern comfort. This enchanting two-story cabin, nestled just 2 miles north of South Fork, Colorado, stands as a testament to the early days of forest conservation. Built in 1910 when rangers patrolled vast wilderness territories on horseback, this lovingly preserved station has transformed from a working ranger's quarters into an extraordinary mountain retreat that seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary conveniences.

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Tucked into a dramatic river canyon between the mountain towns of Creede and South Fork, Palisade Campground offers a rare riverside escape along Colorado's legendary Rio Grande. This intimate 12-site campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience where anglers cast lines into trophy trout waters and rafters launch adventures right from camp. Some sites bask in sunny meadows while others nestle beneath protective canopies of ancient trees. The rhythmic rumble of passing trains and the distant hum of highway traffic remind visitors they're still connected to civilization, even while immersed in this rugged canyon sanctuary.

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Perched at a breathtaking 10,800 feet, Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping offers an authentic high-country escape where solitude meets adventure. This intimate hideaway features just three thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for those memorable evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While the campground's vault toilet provides basic comfort, the absence of potable water adds to the genuine backcountry experience. Equestrian enthusiasts will find this remote sanctuary particularly welcoming, with ample space for horses and direct access to scenic trails. From your campsite, endless possibilities unfold: explore winding OHV roads, cast a line in pristine mountain waters, or simply soak in the commanding mountain views that stretch to the horizon.

Embargo Creek Rd, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Discover the serenity of Cathedral Campground, where 22 thoughtfully designed sites await your arrival on a first-come, first-served basis. Since its 2010 remodel, this mountain retreat has welcomed adventurers to its mix of 17 cozy dead-end spurs and 5 convenient pull-through sites, each stretching 35 to 45 feet to accommodate various camping setups. Whether you choose a site beside the sweeping meadow or tucked within the whispering Aspen and Blue Spruce forest, you'll understand why visitors often say 'the tranquil beauty of the place lifted spirits.' This is more than just a campground—it's a sanctuary where nature's cathedral doors are always open.

BLM San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144

Escape to Penitente Canyon Campground, where 15 thoughtfully designed campsites await your arrival. Choose from 3 secluded tent-only sites perfect for backpackers seeking solitude, or settle into one of 12 versatile RV/tent sites that welcome all types of adventurers. Larger groups can gather at two spacious tent camping areas or reserve the group picnic shelter for memorable outdoor celebrations. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: sturdy tables for camp meals, level tent pads for restful nights, fire rings for evening storytelling, and secure food storage lockers to keep wildlife at bay.

46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Tucked away above the babbling waters of South Fork Creek, Poso Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest. This intimate primitive campground features 8 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire ring where stories are shared under starlit skies. While you won't find running water here, clean vault toilets provide necessary amenities for those seeking a genuine wilderness escape. Adventure beckons from every direction – whether you're grinding up mountain bike trails, casting a line into pristine waters, exploring rugged OHV routes, or simply cruising scenic forest roads that wind through this spectacular high-country landscape.

46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Tucked away in a pristine Aspen glen where the Middle Fork of Carnero Creek whispers through the forest, Storm King Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest. This intimate hideaway features just 6 thoughtfully spaced campsites and 2 scenic picnic areas, each complete with sturdy tables and traditional fire rings. Here, where the forest feels wild and untouched, you'll discover the rare luxury of true solitude—each site carefully positioned to ensure your mountain retreat remains wonderfully private and peaceful.

46525 ST HWY 114, Saguache, CO 81149, USA

Nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest at 9,500 feet, Stone Cellar Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking true mountain solitude. This remote cabin sanctuary, perched at the edge of the La Garita Wilderness, serves as your gateway to pristine fishing streams, untamed hiking trails, premier hunting grounds, and exhilarating winter sports terrain. Here, where the modern world fades away, you'll discover the Colorado high country as it was meant to be experienced.

46525 ST HWY 114

Perched at a breathtaking 8,400 feet near the Continental Divide, Upper Crossing Guard Station invites adventurers to step back in time within its historic two-bedroom cabin walls. This year-round mountain retreat in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest seamlessly blends rustic charm with endless opportunities for alpine exploration and peaceful mountain solitude.

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Perched high in the clouds at over 10,000 feet, Luders Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. This intimate retreat features five thoughtfully designed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for larger rigs. Horse enthusiasts will discover a welcoming basecamp complete with three sturdy corrals, while the campground's strategic location along the legendary Continental Divide Trail makes it a coveted launching point for backcountry explorers and big game hunters alike. Even summer nights carry winter's whisper at this elevation, where crisp mountain air and star-filled skies create memories that last a lifetime.

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Tucked away in a serene grass meadow, Buffalo Pass Campground offers an intimate escape where 19 thoughtfully spaced sites create your own private wilderness retreat. This hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion—while the road is nearby, the only sounds you'll hear are rustling pines and birdsong. The generous spacing between sites ensures your camping neighbors remain distant memories, not close encounters. Four convenient pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs, though adventurous campers should note that sites #16, #17, and #18 nestle at the end of a peaceful spur road where backing skills come in handy.

46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA

Step back in time at Brewery Creek Guard Station, a lovingly preserved 1935 ranger cabin nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest. This enchanting mountain retreat welcomes up to nine guests into its rustic embrace, where modern comforts meet historic charm at 9,500 feet elevation. Surrounded by whispering aspens and powered by propane amenities, this year-round sanctuary offers an authentic taste of Colorado's high country heritage while serving as your basecamp for endless alpine adventures.

FSR 610, South Fork, CO 81154

46525 ST HWY 114

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149

46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149

BLM San Luis Valley Field Office, 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E., Monte Vista, CO 81144

Embargo Creek Rd, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

46525 ST HWY 114, Saguache, CO 81149, USA

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

5575 CLEORA RD

Tucked away in the breathtaking Chalk Creek Canyon at 9,000 feet, Cascade Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This beloved retreat features 21 thoughtfully spaced campsites, ranging from spontaneous walk-up spots to reservable havens, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and inviting campfire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Whether you're casting a line into pristine mountain waters, discovering hidden hiking trails, or venturing onto rugged off-road paths, Cascade serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures and peaceful escapes alike.

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Step back in time at Duncan Cabin, where the whispers of 1880s prospectors still echo through weathered log walls. Perched at 8,120 feet in the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, this authentic one-room sanctuary offers adventurers a rare blend of rustic charm and mountain solitude. Inside, cozy bunk beds and a crackling wood stove promise warmth after days spent exploring, while outdoor vault toilets maintain the frontier spirit. Whether you arrive on horseback to graze in nearby meadows, seek pristine dark skies for celestial photography, or use this historic haven as your basecamp for discovering the otherworldly Great Sand Dunes National Park, Duncan Cabin delivers an unforgettable high-country experience.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Dowdy Lake, this mountain retreat offers 70 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern convenience with natural beauty. Choose from 60 spacious sites equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers, or embrace a more traditional camping experience at one of 10 dedicated tent-only sites. Each campsite serves as your personal basecamp, complete with a sturdy picnic table for lakeside meals, a dedicated tent pad, and a campfire ring with grill where evening stories and s'mores come to life. Modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water stations, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.

46525 ST HWY 114, Saguache, CO 81149, USA

Nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest at 9,500 feet, Stone Cellar Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking true mountain solitude. This remote cabin sanctuary, perched at the edge of the La Garita Wilderness, serves as your gateway to pristine fishing streams, untamed hiking trails, premier hunting grounds, and exhilarating winter sports terrain. Here, where the modern world fades away, you'll discover the Colorado high country as it was meant to be experienced.