How much does camping cost at Piney Guard Station?

Camping fees at Piney 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 Piney Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Piney 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 Piney Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Piney Guard Station has 4 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 Piney Guard Station?

Piney Guard Station is open January 01 to November 23. 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 Piney Guard Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Piney Guard Station?

Fire policies at Piney Guard Station: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Piney Guard Station have?

Piney 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 Piney Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Piney 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 Piney Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Piney Guard Station?

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

Piney Guard Station

4.65

30 reviews

EAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 190, MINTURN, CO 81645, USA

Top 4% in COWinter

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Colorado

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

It is open both summ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

It is open both summ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Piney Guard Station

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $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

970-827-5715

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

EAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 190, MINTURN, CO 81645, USA

Piney Guard Station

EAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 190, MINTURN, CO 81645, USA

Nearby places

Minturn (~15 miles, ~25 min drive), Vail (~25 miles, ~40 min drive), Wolcott (~5 miles, ~10 min drive)

Driving directionsTake I-70 east from Grand Junction, CO, about 126 miles or heading west from Denver about 119 miles to exit 157. Take Highway 131 north through the town of Wolcott about 5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road #700 (Muddy Pass Road). Seasonal access directions apply: during summer (May 21 - November 22), a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is mandatory due to rough, rutted, and muddy road conditions. For winter access (November 23 - May 20), snowpack dictates whether you can drive partially to the cabin or must park further away and snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe to reach your destination.

Weather at Piney Guard Station

Current alerts(8)

Bring your own 16.4-oz. propane cylinders (needed for the stove and lantern, which are provided)
Call the Eagle-Holy Cross District for access information: 970-827-5715
Click here for more information about White River National Forest
FSR 700 is a fluctuating snowline road and is generally over the snow travel (snowmobile, snowshoe, ski/snowboard) only for the majority of the winter season from the intersection if Highway 131 and FSR 700.

Best Time to Camp at Piney Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to the cabin and trails, reliably warm daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F) with cool nights (25–40°F) at 9,100 ft, making hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing most enjoyable. Meadows and subalpine slopes are in bloom from late June through August, and long daylight hours let you explore the Gore Range and aspen groves; expect afternoon thunderstorms most days in July–August. Crowd levels are moderate — busier on holiday weekends but generally quieter than Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 4% in CO

Open in winter; reviewers describe rewarding ski or snowmobile approaches despite challenges.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to November 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: It is open both summer and winter with spring and late fall closures.

About Piney Guard Station

Piney Guard Station sits at 9,100 feet in White River National Forest near Minturn, offering a rustic cabin rental managed by the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District. The high-alpine setting delivers access to Gore Range trails, aspen groves, and subalpine meadows where moose and elk roam. Guests praise the remote charm and woodstove warmth, though the access road can be rough and firewood is not provided.

Piney Guard Station offers cabin lodging as the primary accommodation option. The rustic, single-room cabin is available year-round, with closures during spring and late fall.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to the cabin and trails, reliably warm daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F) with cool nights (25–40°F) at 9,100 ft, making hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing most enjoyable. Meadows and subalpine slopes are in bloom from late June through August, and long daylight hours let you explore the Gore Range and aspen groves; expect afternoon thunderstorms most days in July–August. Crowd levels are moderate — busier on holiday weekends but generally quieter than Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation9100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits in mixed forest of spruce, fir, pine, and aspen with the Gore Range filling the skyline. At this elevation you're in the transition zone where subalpine ecosystems meet montane forest. Reviewers regularly report moose, elk, and deer sightings near the cabin. The surrounding terrain is classic high Rocky Mountain country. Steep, forested slopes broken by meadows and rock outcrops. Wildflowers bloom from late June through August in the open areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lodging consists of the rustic Piney Guard Station cabin, built in the 1930s. It sleeps up to four people and includes basic furnishings such as bunk beds, cots, and storage cabinets. The cabin provides a cozy shelter from the elements but lacks modern utilities.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sleeps up to 4 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 via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources. Snowshoeing or backpacking access is required during certain seasons, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe cabin is approximately 14 x 22 feet in size, providing space for up to four occupants.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, offering a high level of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for summer access and snow gear for winter. Bring extra firewood, a shovel, and cable winch in case of vehicle difficulties.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. The cabin itself. Reviewers mention the wood stove as essential during cold or wet weather, and the surrounding meadow offers space to spread out outside.

Need help booking Piney 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

Piney Guard Station is a historic, rustic cabin located at 9,100 feet in the White River National Forest. It offers basic amenities such as a bunk bed, cots, storage cabinets, a table, benches, and a woodstove. Outside, there is a picnic table and metal fire ring. Guests must bring their own drinking water and garbage bags, as no water, electricity, or trash service is available. The cabin includes utensils, dishware, and a two-burner stove and lantern that require 16.4-oz. propane cylinders, which are not provided. Dogs are allowed but must not be left unattended.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Piney Guard Station

This year-round destination offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing during warmer months, and snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing during winter.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities4.0/5Top 4% in Colorado

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking possible on Forest Service road in summer; not a primary draw.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Gore Range views, aspen groves, wildflowers and wildlife give rich photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, a vault toilet is located approximately 50 feet from the cabin.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

4.7

30 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews for Piney Guard Station highlight the remote, rustic experience and scenic beauty surrounding the cabin. Many reviewers appreciated the peacefulness and wildlife sightings, while some noted challenges with the access roads and insufficient firewood during wet weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praise the cabin's charm, remote location, and stunning scenery. Wildlife sightings such as moose and elk were frequently mentioned. Guests also appreciated the cozy atmosphere provided by...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the difficulty of accessing the cabin due to poor road conditions, lack of firewood during rainy periods, and the presence of mice inside the cabin. Some reviewers also...

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews reference campsite 01 in PINEY GUARD Loop. Specific feedback mentions the cabin's small size and the need for lifted or high-clearance vehicles for road access. Guests suggest early...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing high-clearance 4WD vehicles for access, as well as a shovel, cable winch, and bug spray. Guests suggest calling the ranger station to check road conditions and packing...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors described hiking or snowmobiling to the cabin in heavy snow as a rewarding adventure. Summer guests noted the beauty of wildflowers and wildlife but pointed out challenges with muddy...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This place is AMAZING. It felt like we found a gem of Colorado in this location.' - CHRISTY H 2. 'Awesome little cabin in a beautiful spot, we had a great time!' - MICHAL K 3. 'Lovely cabin, very...

Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges are noted due to the remote location and rugged access roads. Winter access often requires snowshoeing or snowmobiling, and some reviewers described hiking 10 miles in heavy...

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some reviewers brought dogs along. One mentioned the importance of cleaning up after pets and not leaving them unattended around the cabin.

Based on 30 reviews

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Piney Guard Station

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.