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Camp Always Choose Adventures

Hosted by Chantelle · Idaho Springs, Colorado
10 sites · Tent, Lodging · 6 acres
91%
·
62 reviews
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
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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Tent-only sites

4 sites
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Tent Site 2

97%
(17)
Tent site · Sleeps 10
Site 2 is our dedicated group campsite at Camp ACA, designed to bring people together in the heart of the Rockies. This spacious site can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for families, friends, youth groups, or team retreats looking to share an outdoor adventure.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Instant book

Tent Site 1 - Sunrise Overlook

88%
(13)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures (Camp ACA), the very first off-grid outdoor educational campground in the nation! Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, our campground offers a majestic forest setting teeming with wildlife, including moose, elk, and deer. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature while learning about sustainable living and outdoor skills. Located just 15 minutes from Idaho Springs and Central City, two of Colorado's most historic mining towns, Camp ACA combines the serenity of nature with the charm of the state's rich history. Our unique location provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring the local history and mining heritage. At Camp ACA, we pride ourselves on providing a holistic outdoor educational experience. Our off-grid setup means you'll have the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're attending one of our outdoor educational clinics, participating in a wildlife observation tour, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of the forest, Camp ACA offers an unparalleled adventure. Come join us at Camp ACA for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors. Reconnect with nature, learn new skills, and make lasting memories in one of Colorado's most beautiful and historic regions.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Instant book

Rocky Mountain Tipi Retreat

100%
(8)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Colorado with a stay in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tipi, crafted by Secret Creek and available for rent through Camp Always Choose Adventures (Camp ACA) on Hipcamp. This unique accommodation offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Accommodation Features: Authentic Tipi Experience: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tipi is a beautifully constructed, spacious tipi that provides a cozy and unique lodging option. Made by Secret Creek, known for their high-quality craftsmanship, this tipi offers an authentic yet comfortable experience. Comfortable Interiors: Customize your camping experience with our expansive Gear Library. We have a wide assortment of cots, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and near anything you may need ensuring a restful night's sleep under the stars. Stunning Location: Nestled within Camp ACA's pristine grounds, the tipi offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains including dense forests and open aspen meadows. It’s the perfect base for exploring the nearby Arapaho National Forest. Wildlife: We typically have moose, elk, deer and sometimes even bears in our valley. If you wake up between 5:30AM - 6:30AM, you'll most likely see animals in the valley, or willow grove.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
Instant book

Tent Site 3

100%
(2)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures (Camp ACA), the very first off-grid outdoor educational campground in the nation! Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, our campground offers a majestic forest setting teeming with wildlife, including moose, elk, and deer. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature while learning about sustainable living and outdoor skills. Located just 15 minutes from Idaho Springs and Central City, two of Colorado's most historic mining towns, Camp ACA combines the serenity of nature with the charm of the state's rich history. Our unique location provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring the local history and mining heritage. At Camp ACA, we pride ourselves on providing a holistic outdoor educational experience. Our off-grid setup means you'll have the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're attending one of our outdoor educational clinics, participating in a wildlife observation tour, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of the forest, Camp ACA offers an unparalleled adventure. Come join us at Camp ACA for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors. Reconnect with nature, learn new skills, and make lasting memories in one of Colorado's most beautiful and historic regions.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers

Lodging

6 sites
Instant book

The Aspen Sanctuary

100%
(5)
Tiny home · Sleeps 4 · 2 beds · 1 toilet
Perfect for a couple, or small family. Nestled in a magical aspen grove, the Aspen Sanctuary is the perfect hideaway for leaf peepers, hikers, and anyone craving a peaceful mountain retreat. In the fall, the meadow bursts into a golden sea of quaking leaves—an unforgettable backdrop for your stay. Inside, you’ll find a rustic one-room cabin with a bookcase full of Gerry Roach’s legendary mountaineering and adventure books, perfect for cozy reading after a day outdoors. Step outside to the meadow and watch for moose and elk that often wander through, or simply relax in the crisp mountain air. Just minutes from hiking trails, OHV roads, and scenic peaks, Aspen Sanctuary offers front-row seats to Colorado’s wild beauty. Whether you’re here to hike Mt. Pisgah, capture fall colors, or sip coffee under the aspens, this is your basecamp for adventure. The Aspen Sanctuary includes a full size bed, and room to bring a cot, or blow up mattress to bring the kids, or a 3rd person.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
Instant book

The Bishop Castle Cabin

100%
(5)
Cabin · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
🏰 Bishop Castle Micro Cabin | Camp ACA Step into something a little different… Our 120 sq ft Bishop Castle–inspired micro cabin is a one-of-a-kind stay tucked into the mountains at Camp ACA built for adventurers, dreamers, and anyone looking to experience Colorado a little differently. We’re about 15 minutes from Idaho Springs, but once you’re up here, it feels like a whole different world. Spend your days exploring: 🏔 Mt. Pisgah OR St. Mary’s Glacier (just minutes away) 🥾 Grays & Torreys Peak + surrounding 14ers 🎣 Fly fishing, rafting, and local hidden spots 🚙 Direct access to Yankee Hill OHV trails And when you come back, you’ve got a cozy, castle-inspired space to land, reset, and take it all in. 🎢 The Fun Part Every stay includes a free OHV ride on our trails — we call it the Rocky Mountain Rollercoaster. It’s a 30-minute ride through the trees, rocks, and terrain that make this place what it is. A little wild, a little scrappy, and honestly just really fun. It’s inspired by Jim Bishop — creative, a little chaotic, and built from the spirit of just going for it. Whether it’s your first time off-roading or not, a lot of people leave saying it was the highlight of their trip. 🌄 The ACA Experience This isn’t just a place to stay it’s part of something bigger. Camp ACA is a nonprofit campground built to break barriers and bring the outdoors to everyone. Your stay helps support: Outdoor access for individuals with disabilities Youth programs + first-time outdoor experiences Adaptive gear + real, hands-on support 🔥 What to Expect Unique Bishop Castle–themed micro cabin Incredible views at ~9,300 ft Access to our gear library if you need anything Oxygen Bar on-site to help you feel better at altitude Close to Idaho Springs food, hot springs, and adventure ⚠️ Good to Know Portable restrooms nearby Rugged mountain roads AWD/4WD recommended This is a backcountry-style experience, not a hotel Please respect the land + Leave No Trace 🤍 Why People Love It Here You don’t need to have gear, experience, or even know what you’re doing. Just show up. We’ve built Camp ACA so people can actually try the outdoors without all the barriers that usually come with it.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
Instant book

Campground Takeover

Booked 3 times
Cabin · Sleeps 25 · 4 bedrooms · 5 beds · 3 toilets
Looking for the ultimate outdoor gathering? Our Campground takeover site is designed for groups of up to 25 people, giving you an exclusive use of Camp ACA. Perfect for family reunions, weddings, school outings, corporate retreats, or big adventures with friends, this site is about bringing people together. With the Campground Takeover, you'll get access to our Tipi, Tiny House, common area, and our gear library! (Including Paddleboards, Camping Gear, Hiking Gear and more)
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
Instant book

Rocky Mountain Valley Micro Cabin

Booked 1 time
Cabin · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Our 120 sq ft Rocky Mountain Valley Micro Cabin–is a perfect slice of paradise with the whole aspen grove, and valley to yourselves. If you're an early morning riser - you'll most likely hear, or see Elk, Moose, or Deer out your window! Spend your days exploring: 🏔 Mt. Pisgah OR St. Mary’s Glacier (just minutes away) 🥾 Grays & Torreys Peak + surrounding 14ers 🎣 Fly fishing, rafting, and local hidden spots 🚙 Direct access to Yankee Hill OHV trails And when you come back, you’ve got a cozy, castle-inspired space to land, reset, and take it all in. 🎢 The Fun Part Every stay includes a free OHV ride on our trails — we call it the Rocky Mountain Rollercoaster. It’s a 30-minute ride through the trees, rocks, and terrain that make this place what it is. A little wild, a little scrappy, and honestly just really fun. Whether it’s your first time off-roading or not, a lot of people leave saying it was the highlight of their trip. 🌄 The ACA Experience This isn’t just a place to stay it’s part of something bigger. Camp ACA is a nonprofit campground built to break barriers and bring the outdoors to everyone. Your stay helps support: Outdoor access for individuals with disabilities Youth programs + first-time outdoor experiences Adaptive gear + real, hands-on support Incredible views at ~9,300 ft Access to our gear library if you need anything Oxygen Bar on-site to help you feel better at altitude Close to Idaho Springs food, hot springs, and adventure ⚠️ Good to Know Portable restrooms nearby Rugged mountain roads AWD/4WD recommended This is a backcountry-style experience, not a hotel Please respect the land + Leave No Trace 🤍 Why People Love It Here You don’t need to have gear, experience, or even know what you’re doing. Just show up. We’ve built Camp ACA so people can actually try the outdoors without all the barriers that usually come with it.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
NewInstant book

The Marsh Micro Cabin

Cabin · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Our 120 sq ft Rocky Mountain Valley Micro Cabin–is a perfect slice of paradise with the whole aspen grove, and valley to yourselves. If you're an early morning riser - you'll most likely hear, or see Elk, Moose, or Deer out your window! Spend your days exploring: 🏔 Mt. Pisgah OR St. Mary’s Glacier (just minutes away) 🥾 Grays & Torreys Peak + surrounding 14ers 🎣 Fly fishing, rafting, and local hidden spots 🚙 Direct access to Yankee Hill OHV trails And when you come back, you’ve got a cozy, castle-inspired space to land, reset, and take it all in. 🎢 The Fun Part Every stay includes a free OHV ride on our trails — we call it the Rocky Mountain Rollercoaster. It’s a 30-minute ride through the trees, rocks, and terrain that make this place what it is. A little wild, a little scrappy, and honestly just really fun. Whether it’s your first time off-roading or not, a lot of people leave saying it was the highlight of their trip. 🌄 The ACA Experience This isn’t just a place to stay it’s part of something bigger. Camp ACA is a nonprofit campground built to break barriers and bring the outdoors to everyone. Your stay helps support: Outdoor access for individuals with disabilities Youth programs + first-time outdoor experiences Adaptive gear + real, hands-on support Incredible views at ~9,300 ft Access to our gear library if you need anything Oxygen Bar on-site to help you feel better at altitude Close to Idaho Springs food, hot springs, and adventure ⚠️ Good to Know Portable restrooms nearby Rugged mountain roads AWD/4WD recommended This is a backcountry-style experience, not a hotel Please respect the land + Leave No Trace 🤍 Why People Love It Here You don’t need to have gear, experience, or even know what you’re doing. Just show up. We’ve built Camp ACA so people can actually try the outdoors without all the barriers that usually come with it.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
NewInstant book

The Swamp Angel Mining Micro Cabin

Booked 1 time
Cabin · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet
🏔 Stay in a Piece of Colorado Gold Rush History Escape the crowds and stay in one of Camp ACA's micro cabins, inspired by the historic Swamp Angel Lode Mine just steps away from the cabin. This cozy mountain cabin blends Colorado mining history with modern comfort, giving you a unique basecamp just minutes from some of the state's best adventures. Wake up at nearly 9,300 feet surrounded by nearby our private campground, and national forest, wildlife, and mountain views instead of traffic and city noise. Adventure Starts Here From camp, you're only minutes from: 🥾 Mt. Pisgah hiking trail ❄️ St. Mary's Glacier 🏔 Grays & Torreys Peak and several nearby 14ers 🎣 Fly fishing, rafting, and mountain lakes 🚙 Direct access to the Yankee Hill OHV trail system ♨️ Idaho Springs restaurants and hot springs After a day exploring, come back to your own cozy cabin, relax under the stars, and enjoy the quiet that only an off-grid mountain campground can offer. Included With Every Stay Every guest receives a complimentary 30-minute side-by-side ride through the trail system our guests call it the Rocky Mountain Rollercoaster. It's a fun way to experience the mountains from a completely different perspective, whether you've been off-roading for years or it's your very first time. You'll also have access to: • Our campground gear library if you forgot something • An on-site Oxygen Bar to help with Colorado's high elevation • Stunning views and dark skies perfect for stargazing more Than a Campground Camp ACA is a nonprofit campground dedicated to making the outdoors more accessible. Every reservation helps support outdoor programs for youth, individuals with disabilities, and first-time adventurers throughout Colorado. Before You Book • Portable restrooms are a short walk away. • AWD or 4WD is recommended due to mountain roads. • This is an off-grid mountain camping experience, not a hotel. • Please help us protect this special place by following Leave No Trace principles. If you're looking for something a little different than another hotel room a place with history, adventure, and purpose we'd love to welcome you to Camp ACA.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

91% Recommend83 ratings · 62 reviews

Location

Idaho Springs, Gilpin County, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Chantelle S.

Joined in June 2024

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