Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge
Pitch your tent at 7600 feet in one of largest high desert valleys in the world, the San Luis Valley. We are surrounded by 12,000-, 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks. The camping sites have 360 degree views, abundant desert flora and fauna and a truly spectacular nightscape. The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge is a working homestead with horses, goats,
Continue reading...Pitch your tent at 7600 feet in one of largest high desert valleys in the world, the San Luis Valley. We are surrounded by 12,000-, 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks. The camping sites have 360 degree views, abundant desert flora and fauna and a truly spectacular nightscape. The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge is a working homestead with horses, goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, honeybees, and a donkey named Peggy.
Homestead tours are available on request and 1-3 working residencies on the main homestead for athletes, artists, returning veterans, and others seeking emotional and physical refuge are available.
The regular camping area is 1/4 mile from the main house, and fresh potable water is available 500 meters away. Fire rings, camp circles, a picnic table, hammock points, and camp style grills are provided.
Self-sustainable RVs can be accommodated upon request.
Amenities are uniquely tailored for athletes. There are miles of trails for running/riding, and an open air gym with kettlebells, TRX, strongman equipment, plyo boxes, a drag sled, medicine balls, free weights, flip tires and slacklines. The camping area is primitive, undeveloped raw land on the floor of the San Luis Valley. Farm fresh free range duck and chicken eggs, veggies, coffee, honey and baked goods are available (seasonally) at the main house for purchase. Secluded and quiet. Simple and restorative.
- Check in: After 11AM
- Check out: Before 2PM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 12 months out Weeknight discount: 25% off
- Response time: Within 6 hours
- Response rate: 100%
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Fishing
San Luis Lakes, Blue Mesa Resevior, and and the Arkansas and Rio Grand River are available for fishing with a Colorado Fishing ...Read more
Hiking
High mountain highing is accessible via Crestone, and less strenuous hikes are available at the ranch and at nearby Rainbow Tra...Read more
OHV
Off road vehicles are permitted on the various dirt tracks and roads around the ranch. Campers who tear up the landscape or bri...Read more
Climbing
Penitente canyon and the 12, 13, and 14,000 ft surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for climbing.
Snow sports
Monarch and Wolf Creek ski resports are 1 hour away.
Surfing
Sand Surfing is a unique experience available at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Swimming
The Sand Dunes swimming pool is a unique, thermal pool with a dedicated adults only swim up bar.
Whitewater paddling
Available in Salida and West of Del Norte.
Wildlife watching
There is an abundance of birds, particularlu large Raptors in the valley. Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Owls, and Kestrels can be fo...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge in Colorado.
Desert
We are located on a high desert valley along the continental divide. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, and small desert wil...Read more
Hot spring
Joyful Journey, a quiet, clean hot spring resort is just 10 minutes down the road. Three pools of different temperatures and s...Read more
Places to see near Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge
The vibe at Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge
We loved this amazing off grid ranch! Lisa was super sweet and helpful, and this gem is nestled into the San Luis valley - not far from Great Sand Dunes National Park. It also has a great gym area for athletic aficionados who want to train in the high altitude. The campfire set up was amazing as well, and Lisa offered to bring us fresh water from the spring. Something to be aware of - the sharp Chico plants! Watch out for them if you'd prefer to not change a tire ;) And having 4 wheel drive would be highly advised.




What a beautiful and peaceful place to camp! Lisa was so friendly and accommodating and the ranch is breathtaking. With the tranquil sounds of nature everywhere and the beautiful mountain views all around this is definitely a wonderful place to pitch a tent and relax a while! :) The sunsets are so glorious and colorful and the land is great for a long stroll. If you are looking for some inner peace and a zen spot to rest your head then this is the place. I would definitely stay here again! :D




Nice place to camp for the sand dunes. Easy to find and able to access the camp site in a 2003 Honda Accord. Fire pit (firewood for sale for $5), flat logs for seating, host provides a trailer with a bathroom, potable water, a cup of morning coffee, and fun tour of all the animals on the farm! Great experience, amazing sunset views, it's how you want car camping to go.
Wow! Such a perfect spot to pitch a tent for the night. You'll enjoy a very private sandy campsite. A neat fire/picnic area (wood $5) and a charcoal grill if you happen to bring some! Lisa's property is an amazing and very convenient place to spend the night before heading to the Sand Dunes early in the morning. I hope everyone gets to meet Peggy the pet donkey who is more like a dog. If you're a fitness enthusiast you can even go pump some iron in the open gym.
10/10 would recommend
- Property
- Colorado Sports Ranch & Refuge
- State
- Colorado
- $20/night
- 4 Sites
Thanks Adam!