Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton
We are a working ranch and animal sanctuary with horses, several wild mustangs, ducks, chickens and dogs below Mt. Princeton, 6 miles in between Mt. Princeton hot springs resort and Cottonwood hot springs. We are on CR 321 near hiking, close access to Collegiate 14er peaks, San Isabel National Forest and several mountain lakes, yet only 2 miles to town of Buena Vista. Pitch
We are a working ranch and animal sanctuary with horses, several wild mustangs, ducks, chickens and dogs below Mt. Princeton, 6 miles in between Mt. Princeton hot springs resort and Cottonwood hot springs. We are on CR 321 near hiking, close access to Collegiate 14er peaks, San Isabel National Forest and several mountain lakes, yet only 2 miles to town of Buena Vista. Pitch tent in a giant unused paddock (120’ x 120’ no shade) next to horse pastures and historic barn or park out back in the 5 acre open land- no trees back there so bring your own shade. Paddock has picnic table. Any space / tables is first come first serve. There is a porter pot. Ample room, easy access to park camper/motorhome on property overlooking horse pasture and views to mountains. There is also the original ranch bunkhouse cabin for rent- a cozy simple place furnished with two double beds (see details in bunkhouse listing), next to ditch and duck/goose habitat/pond. Buy farm fresh eggs for breakfast from our hens and ducks. We also sell our own raw, unfiltered honey from our bee hives. Spectacular views, hospitable hosts, and many activities minutes from our farm. We are a dark place with no light pollution- on clear nights you can see millions of stars and the Milky Way. Close to everything- great location on CR 321. You are invited, if you feel you would be harmonious here. Experience the animals and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Disclaimer: We are a working farm, not a petting zoo and cannot be held liable. Children must be supervised at all times. Dogs must be leashed. Camp at your own risk.”
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Strict
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 3 months out
- Response time: Within 6 hours
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Biking
There are tons of biking trails- ride your bike to town (2 miles), lots of non-motorized trails at BV River Park (ideal for fam...Read more
Boating
There are many beautiful mountain lakes nearby- for small non-motorized boats - Cottonwood lake- great for canoe/paddle boats i...Read more
Fishing
Alpine Cottonwood Lake great for fishing- 15 min west, Clear Creek Reservoir State wildlife area (big water body) 15 min nort...Read more
Hiking
Great town trails around Midland make good introduction for first time visitors, with an endless hiking paradise right out of o...Read more
Horseback riding
Riding stables nearby
Paddling
The ranch is minutes away from many serene lakes, and some of the best white water rafting in the US - at the Arkansas River, w...Read more
Wind sports
On a windy day you can benefit at Clear Creek Reservoir of Twin Lakes Reservoir.
Off-roading (OHV)
The near wilderness offers many backroads for jeeping and ATV, dirt bikes, and snowmobiling in winter.
Climbing
For serious mountaineers.... we are at the foot of Mt. Princeton and close to many more 14ers - for rock climbing enthusiasts ...Read more
Snow sports
In winter, skiing/snowboarding at Monarch Ski Area (45 min) and Cooper Mountain (55 min).
Surfing
Surfing and wind sports are available at Dillon Reservoir near Silverthorne (75 miles from ranch).
Swimming
2 major hot springs nearby - 9 miles to each. Mt. Princeton resort and Cottonwood hotsprings, Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center...Read more
Whitewater paddling
Arkansas river valley offers some of the best rafting in the US.
Wildlife watching
We have antelopes visiting our ranch, as well as coyotes. Nearby in the mountains there is an abundance of wildlife.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton in Colorado.
Desert
The ranch is situated near the base of Mt. Princeton in an open valley
Forest
Endless forests in each direction minutes from the ranch
Hot spring
2 major hot springs nearby / 9 miles / Mt. Princeton resort and Cottonwood hot springs
Canyon
Browns Canyon National Monument /rafting is 5 miles from us.
Field
Camping in our big field with spectacular views to Mt Princeton
River, stream, or creek
The Arkansas River is 5 min away (by car)-
Farm
We run an animal sanctuary with horses, chickens, ducks and a llama. We sell chicken and duck eggs and our own raw, unfiltered...Read more
Places to see near Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton
162 Reviews
Monika was very welcoming and shared a ton of information about the area, including hiking trails and other places of interest for us newbies to this part of Colorado. We enjoyed the solice of the field, feeding carrots to the horses, and walking through the farmyard to visit the (cleanest ever) porta potty) and buy our morning chicken and duck eggs. Since it is an open field, be sure to plan for some wind and chilly nights. Warm sleeping bags highly recommended. Buena Vista is a short drive away, so we it was easy to go in for a little shopping or a meal. Great experience overall!
We had a great time on Monkia's property. She was very welcoming and made the check-in process a breeze. In general, our stay at her ranch was great. Despite a strong breeze and not much tree cover, there was lots of level ground to set-up a tent and it was very quiet at night with a great view of the stars.


We had the most amazing time!!! Monika is a most gracious host. This is a perfect spot for families and we had so much fun meeting the animals and learning about the farm. We got eggs and honey and made family memories to last a lifetime! We are so grateful and recommend camping here to any families considering so. Thank you so much again Monika!!!!
Host was really helpful and interesting, explaining how/where she rescued her animals from. You are camping in a large field which can get windy, so bring a shade and mat/picnic blanket. Quick drive to town, but not a nice bike ride. The farm animals weren't wandering through the camping field, like I originally pictured. However, the host brought my family around on a tour to meet her rescue ducks, horses, bunny, llama, and chickens. My kids were able to hold a chicken. We also bought fresh eggs to cook up for breakfast.
The nightly cost was more than I would usually feel comfortable for considering there is no water or electric hook ups, but the fees help support her rescue animal work, so it felt worth it.


Monika was awesome. Very kind and her animal mission is very impressive! The camping setup is perfect. Just the basics in a private setting. Great communication throughout. Highly recommend staying here!
Awesome Hipcamp, Beautiful Views, Clean Campsites, Delightful hosts, Eggs from hosts chickens! WOW is the the word we used when we pulled into this place outside of Buena Vista. We had several nights of rain but always woke up to clear skies and beautiful rescued horses with the mountains for a perfect background!! Monika & Tim were so helpful and accommodating. We even watched fireworks with them in their front yard!!! Best Hipcamp by far!!!!




AMAZING. Over the course of a 3 week western RV trip, this was a memorable highlight. Where to begin. Yes, the views are 360-degrees of stunning amazement. But more than that the host, Monika, is a special human being. She was kind enough to take the time to not only show us around, but to tell us about the incredible work she is doing with so many animals - animals that are fortunate to have ended up with this special person. If you are looking for a quiet, beautiful stay, this is the place. If you want to see some of the best of humanity, this is also your place. We loved it.
Awards
- Property
- Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton
- State
- Colorado
- Country
- United States
- $35/night
- 8 Sites