Duncan Cabin

5.15

13 reviews

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Stargazing

Featured in:Winter Camping Colorado Camping Near Great Sand Dunes National Park Group Camping Colorado +1 more

Quick Facts

8,120 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,120 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Duncan Cabin

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for the Duncan Cabin during peak season (May 22–November 17) is $40, excluding discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

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) 655 - 2547mailroom_r2_rio_grande@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

5.15

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The overall sentiment for Duncan Cabin is highly positive. Visitors appreciate the seclusion, starry skies, and rustic charm of the cabin. The hike to the cabin is described as moderately easy but requires preparation due to sandy terrain and exposed sections."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Duncan Cabin

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Driving directionsDuncan Cabin can be reached from Moffat, Colorado, on State Highway 17, either 37 miles from Alamosa or 14 miles from the intersection of US Hwy 285 between Saguache and Salida. From Moffat, turn towards Crestone (County Road T) for 12 miles. Before getting to Crestone, turn right at Camino Baca Grande Road for 2 miles. Turn right at Camino Real Road (no street signs, but look for a small brown sign saying 'Liberty Road' on the right side). Follow Camino Real for 3.4 miles, look for another small brown sign reading 'Liberty,' and turn left at Camino Del Ray. Follow that road up to the top of the hill, roughly 2.5 miles, until the road comes to a left or right turn. Look for the brown 'Liberty' sign on the right side of the road, and turn right at Camino Baca Grande. Note that pavement ends on Camino Baca Grande Way; continue on that road until you get to a narrow gateway with Forest System Road 952. The road becomes very rough and bumpy for the remaining 5 miles to Liberty Gate. From there, access is hiking, cycling, or horseback only, for the 4 miles to the cabin. Note: Stream crossing 2 miles from Liberty Gate. Stay on FSR 952, avoiding the turnoff going to Deadman Creek approximately 0.3 miles from Liberty Gate.

The final section of access roads is very rough and bumpy, making vehicle travel impossible beyond Liberty Gate. Only hiking, cycling, or horseback travel is permitted for the final 4 miles. The terrain includes sandy and rocky stretches as well as a stream crossing.

Nearby places

Crestone (11.8 miles southeast, approximately 30-minute drive), Alamosa (37 miles, approximately 1-hour drive), Saguache (14 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Crestone (11.8 miles southeast) or Alamosa (37 miles). Water is available at the Saguache Ranger District Office during business hours from May through November.

Best Time to Camp at Duncan Cabin

Summer transforms Duncan Cabin into a sun-drenched escape, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 30°C (86°F) under crystalline Colorado skies. The dry mountain air creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and guarantees spectacular stargazing nights. When winter arrives, the landscape shifts to a pristine wonderland of frost and stillness, with light dustings of snow adding magic to the already dramatic scenery. For the most comfortable camping experience, plan your visit during those golden weeks when moderate temperatures meet endless blue skies—typically late spring through early fall—when the high-altitude climate shows its friendliest face.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and popular May–Nov; summer noted for heat on approach but excellent nights and skies.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Nov 17; likely pleasant with good skies and solitude though few explicit fall reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Late-spring access begins May 22; limited spring window and few reviews for spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Nov 17–May 22, so winter season not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22–November 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22 to November 17 annually.
Current Alerts: Check with the Saguache Ranger District for updates on fire restrictions, weather, and road closures.

About Duncan Cabin

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.

Duncan Cabin is a unique camping experience primarily for those seeking primitive lodging. It is ideal for small groups or families.

Historical SignificanceDuncan Cabin stands as a testament to Colorado's legendary mining era, its hand-hewn logs telling stories of fortune seekers who once called these mountains home. Carefully restored to preserve its 1800s character, this authentic mining structure invites modern visitors to connect with the grit and determination of early prospectors. Every weathered beam and worn floorboard offers a tangible link to the past, creating an immersive historical experience that transforms a simple camping trip into a journey through time.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Duncan Cabin into a sun-drenched escape, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 30°C (86°F) under crystalline Colorado skies. The dry mountain air creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and guarantees spectacular stargazing nights. When winter arrives, the landscape shifts to a pristine wonderland of frost and stillness, with light dustings of snow adding magic to the already dramatic scenery. For the most comfortable camping experience, plan your visit during those golden weeks when moderate temperatures meet endless blue skies—typically late spring through early fall—when the high-altitude climate shows its friendliest face.

ElevationAt 8,120 feet above sea level, Duncan Cabin places you firmly in Colorado's high country, where the air is crisp, thin, and intoxicating. This elevated perch demands respect—visitors should hydrate generously and take time to acclimate to the altitude. The reward for this adjustment is access to a alpine world where eagles soar at eye level and the landscape stretches endlessly beneath cobalt skies.

Natural Features and SceneryWildlife enthusiasts will discover a thriving ecosystem where majestic elk bugle at dawn, fleet-footed pronghorn race across open meadows, and mule deer browse peacefully among the rabbitbrush. The landscape paints itself in layers—silvery-green sagebrush gives way to aromatic piñon and juniper groves, while towering conifers provide cool shade and shelter. Pole Creek babbles nearby, its gentle music accompanying panoramic views that sweep across the vast San Luis Valley, creating a natural amphitheater of staggering beauty.

Geological RegionNestled within the Rio Grande National Forest's diverse ecosystem, Duncan Cabin occupies a unique geological crossroads where mountain meets valley. The dramatic San Luis Valley spreads below like an ancient seabed, while the nearby Great Sand Dunes create North America's tallest dune field—a surreal landscape that defies expectation. Here, fragrant rabbitbrush mingles with hardy piñon and juniper, punctuated by stands of stately conifers that have weathered centuries of mountain seasons. This remarkable setting offers visitors a front-row seat to one of Colorado's most diverse and visually stunning natural theaters.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in time: 3 PM

Check-out

Official check-out time: 11 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights during peak season.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 6 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle log cabin offering rustic camping accommodations.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website and app or through its contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; all reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made more than 14 days before arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations require a $10 fee and adjustments to the nightly rate.

AccessibilityThe cabin is only accessible by a 4-mile hike, cycling, or horseback riding, limiting accessibility for those with mobility challenges. The terrain is described as sandy and rocky with a stream crossing, making it moderately difficult.

Site SizeThere is one cabin that accommodates up to six people with two bunk beds (top bunks as singles and bottom as futons).

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded area surrounded by Rabbitbrush, Pinon, and Juniper vegetation, offering significant privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin is ideal for groups of up to six people, especially those interested in stargazing or horseback riding.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Duncan Cabin serves as an excellent base for horseback riding, hiking, and hunting. Its proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park also makes it a great spot for stargazing, as the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Joshua D shares, "The night sky was beyond words at night."

HikingThe cabin is surrounded by numerous hiking trails. According to Kevin F, "Nice hikes up Pole Creek where you can see the vastness of San Luis Valley." Trails are accessible directly from the cabin.

BikingBiking to the cabin is allowed but restricted to bicycles suitable for sandy conditions. E-bikes are not permitted.

Wildlife viewingThe area provides habitats for wildlife such as elk, pronghorn, and mule deer. Birding is also an activity noted for visitors.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include exposure to wildlife such as bears and elk. The trail includes sandy terrain and a stream crossing, and temperatures during the summer can become intense.

Active AlertsCheck with the Saguache Ranger District for updates on fire restrictions, weather, and road closures.

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

Fire PolicyFirewood must be collected locally, and fires must be extinguished completely. Garbage burning is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesSaguache Ranger District Office provides water during business hours from May through November; nearest hospital and emergency services are located in Alamosa, approximately 37 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash and food waste. Leaving trash outside is discouraged due to the presence of bears and scavenger animals.

Water FeaturesPole Creek is 1,500 feet from the site, providing access to water.

Camp HostContact the Saguache Ranger District Office for inquiries. Forest employees may conduct routine safety checks during your stay.

Weather at Duncan Cabin

Reviews

5.2

13 reviews

Top-Rated

Duncan Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The overall sentiment for Duncan Cabin is highly positive. Visitors appreciate the seclusion, starry skies, and rustic charm of the cabin. The hike to the cabin is described as moderately easy but requires preparation due to sandy terrain and exposed sections.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors highlighted the cabin's cleanliness, well-equipped interior, and excellent location for stargazing. Kevin F describes it as, "...a step up from tent camping."

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

The 4-mile hike to the cabin can be challenging in hot weather, and some users noted the presence of mosquitoes.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should plan their hike early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat, especially during summer. Joshua D advises, "...I would make sure you do the walk out in the early...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors note the heat during the hike and the breathtaking night skies. No reviews were provided for other seasons.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Day or night the skies are unreal, as are the mosquitoes," - Kevin F. "Such an incredible experience - the walk to the cabin was relatively easy... The night sky was beyond words," - Joshua D.

Based on 13 reviews