How much does camping cost at Carnero Guard Station?

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

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

Carnero 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 Carnero Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Carnero Guard 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 Carnero Guard Station?

Carnero Guard Station is open May 21 to November 15. 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 Carnero Guard Station?

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

How many campsites does Carnero Guard Station have?

Carnero 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 Carnero Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Carnero 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 Carnero Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Carnero Guard Station?

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

Carnero Guard Station

4.40

19 reviews

46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA

Top 22% in COFall

Peace & QuietStargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,840 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 22 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Saguache Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,840 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 22 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Saguache Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Carnero Guard Station

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

719-655-2547

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Carnero Guard Station

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Campground Map

46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA

Carnero Guard Station

46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA

Nearby places

Saguache - approximately 15 miles south.

Weather at Carnero Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Carnero Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking combination of weather, scenery and solitude at Carnero Guard Station — expect crisp days and clear skies with daytime highs commonly 50–65°F and nighttime lows often dipping to 20–30°F by September–October. Aspen and willow color peaks and the elk rut make wildlife viewing and photography exceptional, while trails are quiet compared with summer; fishing remains productive in cooler streams. Crowds are light on weekdays but can pick up on peak color weekends and you Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall praised for aspen/willow color peaks and elk rut; reviewers highlight spectacular scenery.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to November 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 22 - November 17. Reservations are available starting June 28.

About Carnero Guard Station

Carnero Guard Station sits in the high alpine of Rio Grande National Forest near Saguache, operated by the Saguache Ranger District as a premium rental cabin. The remote location delivers dark-sky stargazing, fall aspen color, and elk rut viewing, with a well-equipped kitchen and vault toilets serving guests who book the cabin for multi-day stays. Hiking, fishing, and biking radiate from the property, and cattle grazing on surrounding forest land means wildlife shares the meadows with livestock.

Carnero Guard Station offers a unique cabin lodging experience in a remote and scenic environment. The cabin is particularly well-suited for visitors looking for rustic accommodations with modern conveniences like propane-powered appliances.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking combination of weather, scenery and solitude at Carnero Guard Station — expect crisp days and clear skies with daytime highs commonly 50–65°F and nighttime lows often dipping to 20–30°F by September–October. Aspen and willow color peaks and the elk rut make wildlife viewing and photography exceptional, while trails are quiet compared with summer; fishing remains productive in cooler streams. Crowds are light on weekdays but can pick up on peak color weekends and you Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation9840 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryVolcanic rock formations rise above alpine meadows ringed by spruce and fir forest. Beaver ponds and mountain streams wind through the landscape. Elk, deer, and moose appear regularly in the meadows. At night, the lack of light pollution makes for exceptional stargazing. Cow patties dot the area, so watch your step if you bring pets.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Carnero Guard Station cabin can accommodate up to 12 people. It is equipped with a stove, refrigerator, heater, and lighting, all powered with propane. Visitors have noted that the kitchen is well-stocked with utensils, pots, and a full-sized refrigerator and oven, making meal preparation convenient.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 12 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccess to the cabin involves unimproved roads, and during winter, it may require snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes. No specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin itself is spacious, accommodating up to 12 people with a mix of bunk beds and futons.

PrivacyUsers have noted the site is remote and offers significant privacy, being situated off the main road and surrounded by forest.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesCabin 001 offers privacy and excellent stargazing opportunities.

Need help booking Carnero Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Carnero Guard Station offers a two-room cabin with various amenities suitable for a rustic yet comfortable camping experience. The cabin is equipped with four bunk beds, a propane-powered stove, refrigerator, heater, and lighting. There is a kitchen with a table, chairs, cooking utensils, and pots and pans. Outside, there is a picnic table, a fire pit, and a vault toilet. Water is available through an outside hand pump, but there is no electricity. Firewood must be brought by visitors as no firewood is provided on-site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Carnero Guard Station serves as a base for various recreational activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The surrounding area features volcanic rock formations and wide open meadows that attract wildlife, including elk, deer, and even moose.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; the site has an outdoor vault toilet.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

19 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews frequently praise the remote and peaceful setting, as well as the well-equipped cabin. The lack of cell service and electricity is both a highlight and a drawback, depending on visitor preferences.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the well-stocked kitchen, the quiet and remote location, and the abundance of wildlife. The stars at night were often mentioned as a highlight due to minimal light pollution.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors found the hand pump for water and the lack of electricity challenging. A few also noted the cabin heater was noisy and the altitude could be difficult for those unused to high...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews are for the single cabin at this location and highlight the privacy and well-maintained facilities. "The cabin was very comfortable, situated off the main road, which gives added...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood and trash bags as these are not provided, and all waste must be packed out. Be prepared for the altitude by drinking plenty of water and recognizing symptoms of altitude...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often highlight the need for additional planning due to snow-covered roads. Fall reviews tend to praise the spectacular scenery and tranquility. Summer reviews highlight the abundance...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"You have everything but electricity but it’s all propane and a hand well pump what else do you need?" (LANE B, 2020). "The stars were incredible. Beware of lots of cow patties though if you have...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were noted, but some visitors cautioned about the altitude and the need for winter equipment to access the cabin.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but visitors should ensure pets are controlled and do not disturb wildlife. "Beware of lots of cow patties though if you have pets that like to roll." (GINA P, 2022)

Based on 19 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a fully equipped backcountry cabin with no neighbors, exceptional stargazing, and don't need cell service.

Skip if

You need connectivity or prefer campgrounds without active livestock grazing nearby.

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