- Roadless Areas
Camping near roadless areas
The Roadless Rule protects 45 million acres of national forests & grasslands from new roads and logging.
3231 campgrounds
Cuyama Badlands
1. Cuyama Badlands
99%
(4602)
Cuyama, CA · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.**
This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. That being said, and to maintain the balance here at home, we'd appreciate if you keep your dogs in your car until you get to your site.
Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable.
For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away.
Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.**
Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip!
We look forward to seeing you!
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Barnyard Campground
2. Barnyard Campground
96%
(1858)
Ten Sleep, WY · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Hi, we are David and Amanda Evans! We are excited to assume management of Barnyard Campground (Formerly Ten Sleep Brewing Co. Campground).
We are located in a field next to the brewery and Signal Butte, a beautiful red cliff at the base of the Big Horn Mountains in Ten Sleep Wyoming. We are surrounded by beautiful vistas! One of the best is our neighbor - Ten Sleep Brewing Company. They make some of the best beer in the state! Each small camp site offers a shaded picnic table per site, the larger RV sites do not, but are graveled. We offer nearby port-a-potties, and trash receptacles and incredible vistas all around. A very unique and beautiful brewery camping experience!
We offer a unique opportunity to unplug and relax. This campground is rustic and rural! No wifi, no electricity, no water hookups.
Please note! It is important to look at each sites description when booking as some sites accommodate different sized camping rigs. Also please note we are located next to a Red Vista RV park. If you turn to soon you will be at Red Vista RV park which has concrete pads. SOOOO if you are at the concrete pads you are in the wrong spot.
If you love to climb and experience the outdoors this is your place.
Rich in history, this ranching town was the halfway point—or ten “sleeps”—between two major Sioux Indian camps. Surrounded by working sheep and cattle farms, today’s Ten Sleep, with a permanent population of only 260, Ten Sleep
is a fun detour for those on the way to Yellowstone National Park, and to the nearby Bighorn National Forest. Ten Sleep is so close to the Bighorn Mountains that you can’t see them from most places in town—the striking reddish-hued foothills block the view. But you can’t help taking in Ten Sleep Canyon, which rises into the mountains starting about six miles east of town and has grown in the past couple of decades into one of America’s top summer climbing destinations, with more than 800 climbing routes!
Mention you are camping at the Barnyard and receive a discount at the brewery!
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Showers
Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground
3. Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground
100%
(173)
Salida, CO · 17 units
Nestled in a small valley in the San Isabel National Forest along the south fork of the Arkansas River, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is at 8,620 feet above sea level – literally in the Heart of the Rockies.
We offer free Wi-Fi access, clean laundry and shower facilities, and a camp store with last-minute supplies, snacks & souvenirs. Most of our large tent campsites are right on the south fork of the Arkansas river offering a peaceful & relaxing setting.
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Crystola Creek under Pikes Peak
4. Crystola Creek under Pikes Peak
100%
(1)
Woodland Park, CO · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Wilderness, forest, and mountain beauty await just 5 miles off Highway 24. This private property sits at 9,600 feet elevation and offers visitors a chance to experience true Colorado mountain wilderness. Nearby attractions include the Pikes Peak Highway, Garden of the Gods, and several scenic hiking and biking trails. Guests can park their RV on asphalt, gravel, or in an open grass meadow surrounded by pine forest and wide mountain views.
You’ll find yourself immersed in nature, with regular visits from moose, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, deer, coyote, turkey, and squirrel. It’s a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. For everyone’s safety, please keep pets on a leash and never leave food or trash outside, as these curious creatures often roam nearby.
Spend your days hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing across 40+ acres of forest. You can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet or set off to explore the nearby Catamount Lakes, just 6 miles away, where you can fish, picnic, or hike even farther toward the summit of Pikes Peak.
The mile-long driveway includes some steep sections, so please drive carefully. There are no hookups at the sites. Bring your own toilet and remember to pack in and pack out everything you bring. You can filter creek water for drinking. Please store all trash securely inside your car or RV—never in your tent or outside—and consider freezing wet garbage to reduce odors.
Your 4G and 5G cell phone data work best at the top of the asphalt turnaround, which is faster than our HughesNet Wi-Fi. A fresh water spigot is available at the main house for guests who help an hour a day moving light pine branches (for stays longer than one night), with prior approval.
There are five total campsites. Sites #1 and #2 are at the top with incredible Pikes Peak views, while Sites #3–#5 are farther below with more wildlife and forest scenery. All offer peace, privacy, and a genuine off-grid mountain experience.
Solar Panel Exposure at each site:
#1 Early AM – PM sun, best
#2 AM – PM sun, 2nd best
#3 Limited sun, shady
#4 AM – early PM sun
#5 AM - PM, some Aspen shading
Pets
Picnic table
Great Basin Desert Camping & RV
5. Great Basin Desert Camping & RV
97%
(498)
Baker, NV · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
PLEASE read all of the details before booking so you book the site that works best for you and also so you understand where you are staying. You will receive messages from us after booking and before your arrival, so please check your Hipcamp inbox.
The RV spaces are behind the Baker Fuel and RV gas station. All sites are back-in only and have full hook-ups: 30amp and 50 amp electricity, sewer and water. There is a public bathroom, shower and laundry facility next to the sites. RV Site 5 is closest to the bathroom and RV Site 1 is furthest away.
This camping part of the property offers five primitive campsites, situated in a natural, secluded area that was once a pond. Conveniently just south of the only gas station in town and behind the Great Basin Basecamp Airbnb, the sites are close to the highway but sit lower in elevation, providing privacy and shielding them from the road. Guests have access to a small building with clean restrooms, showers and one set of coin-operated laundry facilities for added convenience. Campsite #6 is closest to the restrooms, #10 is the furthest. No campfires as our fire danger is very high most of the year. There are water spigots at Site #6, between #7 and #8 and Site #10.
The Lehman Caves Visitor Center at Great Basin National Park is about 5 miles up the road on Highway 488.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve
6. Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve
98%
(1688)
Santa Fe, NM · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Brad and Ciana welcome you to the Santa Fe Treehouse Camp & Wilderness Preserve, managed by The Wilderness Institute.
The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. We continue to offer camps for children and their parents and grandparents (family camps), as well as welcome adults and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge.
"BE A CAMPER CONSERVATIONIST"!
Register for our nature education activities and resources lead by The Wilderness Institute (available for all of our guests). These topics include sustainability, recycling, composting, water conservation, wildfire prevention, outdoor safety, and nature awareness along with the use of our hiking trails.
You can also join an archery class, tomahawk throwing, climbing on the mobile climbing wall, Yoga, Tai Chi, Climbing Into The Heart of the Mother Tree, Star talks and more! (https://wildernessinstitute.org/outdoor-programs/)
There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please).
IMPORTANT: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed.
We generally close for the season due to cold weather around Halloween and reopen just before Memorial Day.
This is a non-smoking, no candle facility.
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The Park at Swan Valley
7. The Park at Swan Valley
99%
(479)
Irwin, ID · 19 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy a QUIET location with full RV hookups or pitch your tent in the heart of Swan Valley, Idaho! A mile off the highway, near Palisades Reservoir, this location is within driving distance to Jackson Hole, The Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone National Park.
Level gravel sites + full hookups for RVs (50 & 30 amp), + grassy area with 20+ acres for tents, shower & bathroom available for tent guests as well!
Gate entrance closes 10pm! Please message us to let us know your ETA
(208) 701-CAMP
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Rustic Creek Ranch
8. Rustic Creek Ranch
98%
(1382)
Bailey, CO · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer.
**Please note that the GPS will take you 300 feet away from my property, please follow my clear instructions that are sent in your welcome email. There is signage that you can also follow. **
The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather.
Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer.
Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs.
I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover.
Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler.
About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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Serenity in the Foothills
9. Serenity in the Foothills
99%
(1386)
Conifer, CO · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We now offer disc golf to our guests for a $5 fee per person, course open in the morning to our guests and afternoons to public, ask about this when you check in. It is seperate from Hipcamp ***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED***
Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads.
If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event!
YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed.
Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent.
We are a working horse ranch, so horses may be encountered on roads.
Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado!
We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer.
-NO fifth wheels (ALL sites).
-Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites)
-Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing.
-Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max)
-Sites 3 and 7 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only
-Sites 4-12(excluding sites 7 and 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max)
-Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only.
If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp)
**When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**
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Four Seasons RV Park
10. Four Seasons RV Park
90%
(40)
Salida, CO · 19 units
We are excited to be your beautiful basecamp for countless outdoor activities or a peaceful pad to simply unwind and relax next to our rambling river.
Four Seasons is located just a mile outside the vibrant Mountain Town of Salida, and inside the historic Area of Cleora. The settlement started as a stagecoach stop on the Barlow Sanderson Stagecoach line. Explore natural landmarks, hiking trails and a range of activities for the whole family.
Pets
Full hookups
Hideout Mountain Lodge
11. Hideout Mountain Lodge
95%
(428)
Santa Ysabel, CA · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Hideout Mountain Lodge is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the hills of Santa Ysabel, just over an hour from San Diego and a couple of hours from Los Angeles. Spread across 40 acres, the property offers a variety of places to stay — from remodeled cabins with fireplaces and private decks, to vintage trailers, campsites, and RV spots with full hookups and views of Lake Henshaw.
This is the kind of place where you slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the landscape. Guests gather around the community firepit, take walks through the oaks, or just relax on a porch and listen to the birds.
On weekends, you can wander over to Josie’s Hideout Saloon, our on-site bar and restaurant, known for its live music and western character.
We’re just a few minutes from the towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian, easy to get to but far enough away to feel like an escape.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Idaho Springs RV Campground
12. Idaho Springs RV Campground
96%
(56)
Downieville Lawson Dumont, CO · 8 units
Welcome to our RV park! If you're looking for a full-hookup RV site, please visit our website to book directly. This Hipcamp listing is specifically for a non-hookup car camping site.
Car camping parking spot with WIFI and access to our private showers. You'll enjoy the beauty being fully surrounded by mountains while being located right off I-70 for an easy in-and-out.
Pets
Little Scraggy Camp
13. Little Scraggy Camp
93%
(878)
Pine, CO · 19 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, yet has easy access from a paved road. We offer several accommodations and glamping sites, as well as sites for moderate sized RVs, travel trailers, truck campers, vans, tents, and hammocks. Additionally, we have sites for small groups (up to 16 people) and large groups (35-200 people).
NEW FOR 2025 - two separate, professionally designed 18-hole disc golf courses with PDGA regulation baskets, and a Pro Shop with a free 9-hole putting course, which is great for those who have never played disc golf and want to try it out, (we have free loaner discs). Our Hipcamp guests get a 10% discount on player fees, their children play free.
Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites. We also have several cornhole toss games set up. Friendly, well-mannered dogs are welcome to enjoy YOUR campsite off leash, but please clean up after your dog.
We are an ideal basecamp for hiking or biking trail enthusiasts,with direct access to the Little Scraggy Trail and Segment #3 of the Colorado Trail. Little Scraggy Trailhead is 3.5 miles away, with easy access for biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the many other trails of the Buffalo Creek area.
You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy or fishing the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam and the waters near Deckers. For a day trip, Wellington Lake is only 30 minutes away for no-wake water sports. Many people enjoy kayaking on the North Fork of the South Platte downstream from nearby Buffalo Creek.
This is a working ranch where we raise and train Shire draft horses and also ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request.
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Potable water
Glen Isle Resort
14. Glen Isle Resort
98%
(928)
Bailey, CO · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
🌲 Glen Isle Campgrounds – A Historic Riverside Retreat
Welcome to Glen Isle, a 125-year-old mountain resort along the North Fork of the South Platte River, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally reached by train, Glen Isle remains one of Colorado’s last surviving turn-of-the-century resort properties and offers a camping experience rich in history, natural beauty, and community.
Because Highway 285 follows the original railroad corridor that once brought visitors here, it runs nearby. We encourage guests to review the map before booking to be sure our location is the right fit for their camping style. Many guests appreciate the easy access along with the beauty of the river, surrounding forest, and nearby mountain trails.
🎣 Activities & Amenities
Campers enjoy:
• Fishing along the South Platte (no rod fees required)
• A 21-hole wooded disc golf course (free for campers)
• Rescue horses, miniature donkeys, and miniature goats
• Optional guided mini-donkey walks (paid experience)
• Bingo nights, camper music nights, and outdoor movie evenings (when scheduled)
• Recreation room with games
• Guided historic lodge tours and gift shop
• Tuesday Food Truck nights
• Trailhead ½ mile behind the property
• Walking distance to the Coney Island hot dog stand
• About 30 miles from Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Glen Isle is a historic gathering place rather than a remote backcountry campground, and guests may see other campers and activity around the lodge, especially on summer weekends. Seasonal insects are part of the natural river environment during warmer months.
Campsites are currently first-come, first-served within designated camping areas as we transition toward reservable individual sites.
🔥 Fire Policy
Due to drought conditions and wildfire risk, wood fires and charcoal are not permitted. Propane fire rings and cooking equipment are welcome. Propane tanks are available to rent for $25. A community fire ring may be used when restrictions allow.
🚗 Important Arrival Note
Please do not turn at the Coney Island Boardwalk. Glen Isle is located ½ mile farther west on the same side of Highway 285. The road behind Coney Island is not maintained for passenger vehicles and should not be used to access the property.
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Campfires
Creekside Paradise
15. Creekside Paradise
95%
(446)
CO · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 3 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt. Please read the entire description for your specific site before booking.
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Toilets
Campfires
Sunrise View Retreat
16. Sunrise View Retreat
99%
(104)
Sedalia, CO · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Sunrise View Retreat is located on 15 acres in the foothills near Sedalia, Colorado. The property offers a quiet, forested setting with expansive views and a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape. Guests may experience seasonal wildlife including elk, deer, turkey, bear and other native species in their natural habitat.
The land is managed with a focus on low-impact outdoor recreation, fire mitigation, and preservation of the natural terrain. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a peaceful, dispersed nature experience while respecting the wildlife and rural character of the area. The property is located within a short drive of local restaurants and amenities while maintaining a private and secluded feel.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Resort Valley Ranch East
17. Resort Valley Ranch East
98%
(978)
Conifer, CO · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Historic Ranch
Resort Valley Ranch was homesteaded mainly by the Corbin family starting.in 1884
They had moved their cattle here from nearby Pleasent Park during a particularly hard winter, as a "last resort", leading to the creeks being named Last Resort and West Resort.
Hard times in the 1930's and drought conditions, convinced the Corbin's to sell out and move to lusher climes.
Tom’s father, Dr. O.J. Butterfield was another doctor that invested his spare money in cattle ranching.
Purchased mainly before. 1945, Tom's older brother Rupert tried to make a living raising trout on the Resort Creek property in the late '40's.
Otherwise, the place was occupied by various old-timers who caretook the place until 1955, when Barbara and Tom moved here to oversee the cattle business.
The second slope of the driveway frequently had to be dug out by hand for access.
The years of drought had left the place overgrazed and barren.
Times were hard, and the horses needed to work the cattle ate plenty.
The opportunity arose to lease them out in nearby Foxton--Foxton Stables was born.
An old livery and other outbuildings provided the facilities needed.
Mutual benefit was derived from the business as customers to the general store also would take advantage of the riding horses just across the bridge.
Workers and helpers came from off-duty air force boys, as well as volunteer children from the local summer cabins.
Guided rides were offered, as well as moonlight rides when appropriate and by appointment.
There were also "Chuck Wagon" cookouts which included a horse-drawn hay ride to and from.
Tom and Barbara also put on a Trail Horse Trials which was an annual competition over obstacles, judged, set up to simulate obstacles a horse might encounter while out riding.
This became more widely attended the second year, coming to the notice of horse breeders like Mary Woolverton, who competed in it for the first time in 1963.
(That's when Nan first fell in love with Prince of Pride, a golden palomino Morgan stallion who always looked like the perfect horse showing how to do it perfectly.)
1963 is the last year this event, and the stable business, was held in Foxton.
From then on, the stable was run from the barn at the ranch, and the Trail Horse Trials was not put on again until 1966, when it was sponsored by the 4-H Trail Dusters and put on in conjunction with the first annual Top of the World Competitive Trail ride which was head-quartered on the west end of the property.
As the stable became busier, more horses were purchased or leased to meet the need.
Many of these horse were grade individuals from known breeds.
The better mares did double duty by raising foals each year, that would be sold or auctioned off.
Some of the mares were bred to our Shetland pony stallion, Tarzan, he was called a chocolate-dapple.
Several years we had Appaloosa offspring from a friend's stallion.
For a short time, a Moroccan Paint stallion was used, but he tended to throw the lethal white gene, as well as breaking Tom Butterfield's knee with his bad behavior.
He soon found his way back to auction!
A couple of the leased mares were Morgans.
They proved to be easy to work with as well as hardy individuals that kept well, and the foals proved easier to halter break than the other horses.
They made a good enough impression that a young gelding was purchased, and one nice mare was bred to the Morgan stallion Julio--descended from Juzan.
The resulting colt, Julian, was kept as stallion until age eight, before being gelded and living out his years as a family favorite.
Julian did a lovely running walk.
Unfortunately, none of his offspring were kept, including the two from the half Shetland mares kept for the family.
It may seem that the cattle operation got dropped by the wayside.
In actuality, that's not far from the truth.
The fact that the registered Herefords purchased by Tom and Barbara, turned out to carry dwarf genes, which soon became apparent each calving season.
This rather limited the value and productivity of the herd.
Financial concerns brought on by Dr. Butterfield's death in 1967, subsequently led to the dispersal of the cattle herd.
It was fortunate that the Stable had become established enough to become one of the mainstays of the family fortunes.
Diversification was always a necessity.
Horses were leased to the Forest Service when they needed them.
The entire string would be utilized for company picnics, with the horses being brought to the site.
Churches were sent flyers promoting group rides and hayrides.
Boy Scout troops were welcomed to camp, ride and work on both Horsemanship and Conservation Merit Badges--which benefited in valuable erosion control work.
Many times, ranch hands were obtained from these sources, both for fencing and Christmas tree cutting.
There were many winters that the place carried over a hundred head of horses, as several camps in the area would winter their horses here.
Dad would haul them back and forth, pull their shoes, etc.
Our pinto line originated with Barbara's mare Calico, a pinto mare of unknown breeding, though Tennessee Walker was suspected due to her gaits.
Having been diagnosed with Navicular disease, she was bred to the Shetland, Tarzan, a chocolate-dapple--producing the mare Feather (Nan's pony).
This line has been bred only to Morgans since '66, when Feather was bred to General James, producing the mare Calico Doll, granddam to our stallion RV Eagle Feather.
Doll was only 14.2, but she had heart, stamina and intelligence.
Having learned much at the knee of the Shetland, Feather, Nan began training Doll in 1970.
This mare was just four years old when she took the High Point Champion in the '71 Trail Horse Trials, over some tough competition, including Mary Woolverton's Prince of Pride.
She could side-pass, two track, drag a log, pull a cart without blinders, open gates, work livestock and run all day.
She also would gait occasionally, a trait that skipped a generation.
Calico Doll was bred to Prince of Pride five different times, prior to his death in 1973(?).
She would get in foal but never carried to term.
Nan did some riding for Mary in exchange for these breedings, working Victory Vagabond.
Finally the arrangement was settled by getting Calico Doll in foal to her stallion, Great Hills Richmond.
Calico Doll's brown colt from this cross was sold on to the Tumbling River Ranch for cattle work.
In the 1970's, a local breeder came to our attention with her stallion, Topside Midnight, when she competed him in the Top of the World Competitive Trail Ride.
The crossing of Calico Doll with Midnight produced the black 3/4 Morgan stallion, Jaspar, in 1974.
He was used for breeding four or five years, overlapping the transition to pureblooded Morgans in 1977. I always thought it unfortunate that he wasn't pure-blooded as he had wonderful manners, was very solid and typey and a generous sire.
We sold his offspring until 1985 and still have a great-granddaughter.
He was gelded in '81, and sold in '82.
A few of the solid colored part-bloods come down from this line of the family.
One of his daughters has competed as a grade horse in Competitive Trail riding for the past ten years.
Three major land sales were required for operating expenses during the late '60's and early '70's.
The Indian Park Ranch was decreased to 280 acres, Resort Valley Ranch decreased from 5,000 acres to its present 4,000.
The Camp Fire Girls purchased the property adjacent to the driveway, leading to their utilizing horses from our string for their horse program.
As the Camp increased its horse program, the public stables was gradually phased out.
This freed up the Butterfield's lifestyle enough for them to focus on starting raising the pure-blooded Morgans, beginning with their purchase of SH Crescent in 1976.
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Potable water
Basecamp On The Poudre
18. Basecamp On The Poudre
97%
(167)
Bellvue, CO · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes
At the base of the Poudre Canyon this location makes a perfect quick getaway for any camper, Only 15 minuets from down town Fort Collins your adventure awaits. You will be met with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, The comforting sounds of the Cache La Poudre, and if your lucky a glimpse at some of Colorado's amazing wildlife.
Base Camp provides space for many camping styles, from pitching a tent and enjoying a breathtaking view sleeping under the stars. Or hauling in your camper for a more comfortable stay.
Enjoy a view of the Poudre River right from your from your picnic table next to your cozy campfire, your next adventure awaits you here!
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Camp Always Choose Adventures
19. Camp Always Choose Adventures
91%
(82)
Idaho Springs, CO · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures (Camp ACA) Located at 9,300 feet in Idaho Springs, Colorado, we’re just 15 minutes from downtown while offering a true high-country experience in the heart of the Rockies. Every stay helps support our mission, we thank you!
Our Mission
Camp ACA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking barriers in the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities. Funds from camping and events directly support accessibility, education, and underserved communities.
Thank you for supporting our mission.
Learn more: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org
You’ll also meet our friendly resident goats 🐐 and dogs 🐕, who are part of daily life at camp. Wildlife sightings are common, including moose, bears, and elk.
Firewood is provided at no extra cost, and a communal BBQ area, with picnic tables are available.
Bear boxes on site, compliments CPW.
RVs or campers: Please call ahead to make sure your vehicle will fit!
Camp ACA is also a unique venue for small group events of up to 25 people, including family reunions, intimate weddings, retreats, workshops, offering a private, scenic setting surrounded by nature.
Our driveway is the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area in the Front Range, with endless opportunities for hiking, exploring, and responsible off-road recreation.
🌲 Arrive empty-handed and still camp. We offer a donation based Gear Library including Paddleboard's, kayaks, tents, sleeping bags.
🚣 A private lake is just 10 minutes away, perfect for a quiet escape into nature.
We’re also only 15 minutes from the Argo Mine / Mighty Argo, the historic Idaho Springs gondola, and numerous mountain hiking trails.
Accessibility: We proudly offer Extreme Motus off-road wheelchairs
What’s New: In May 2026, Camp ACA will introduce an on-site Oxygen Bar, sponsored by Summit Oxygen, to help guests feel better and enjoy high-elevation adventures more comfortably.
⚠️ Important Policies ⚠️
• Check-in by 8PM only, unless you've pre-scheduled it with us.
• Use GPS to find us: Camp Always Choose Adventures, 300 Swamp Angel Lane, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
• All payments are considered donations to our nonprofit and are tax-deductible and non-refundable.
• You must call or text your ETA prior to arrival.
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Campfires
Frenchman's Creek Ranch
20. Frenchman's Creek Ranch
100%
(340)
Buena Vista, CO · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
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Full hookups
