Dark Sky Ranch
Hosted by Will · Hartsel, Colorado
8 guests max
First Hipcamper Club
Earn this patch by being the first to spend a night outside at a new Hipcamp.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Welcome to Dark Sky Ranch: Your High-Country Basecamp. Escape to the heart of the Rockies at Dark Sky Ranch, a sprawling 5-acre retreat in Hartsel, Colorado. Whether you're here for world-class fishing, rugged hiking trails, or the unparalleled stargazing that gives our ranch its name, you’ll find the perfect balance of wide-open solitude and convenient access to Colorado’s best mountain towns.
Our property offers expansive 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and high-desert landscape, making it ideal for campers who want to feel “away from it all” without being hours from civilization.
We share the area with local wildlife, including a majestic bison herd that occasionally grazes on the other side of the property line. For your safety and theirs, please do not approach the bison or go near the perimeter fence if they are present. Enjoy the view from a distance!
Dark Sky Ranch is perfectly positioned for the ultimate Colorado road trip or a long weekend of outdoor recreation. We are centrally located for easy day trips to Hartsel, Fairplay (South Park), Buena Vista, and Salida, with local breweries, hot springs, and boutique shopping just a short drive away.
You’re also minutes from the “Big Three” reservoirs: Antero Reservoir, Spinney Mountain State Park, and Eleven Mile State Park. Surrounded by vast stretches of public land, there are endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails right in our backyard.
True to our name, the lack of light pollution here makes for incredible night skies — bring your telescope or just a warm blanket. Use the ranch as your home base to explore the Arkansas River Valley and the Mosquito Range.
With 5 acres, you have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Colorado high country. Book your stay at Dark Sky Ranch today and experience the magic of South Park!The Gateway Site: Off-Grid RV Basecamp at Dark Sky Ranch
Looking for a convenient, spacious spot to park your rigs before heading out on your Colorado adventures? The Gateway Site at Dark Sky Ranch is a dedicated parking and camping area located just outside the main ranch gate.
This site offers the perfect balance of easy access and rugged beauty, making it an ideal "basecamp" for those traveling with smaller trailers or camper vans who want to be close to the action in South Park.
The Setup This area is specifically designated for vehicle-based camping and can comfortably accommodate 1 to 3 small-to-medium-sized RVs, camper vans, or overland rigs.
Large Parking Area: Situated outside the interior ranch gate, this site offers easy pull-in access without navigating deep into the property.
Completely Off-Grid: Please note there are no hookups (no electricity, water, or sewer). This is a primitive site for self-contained travelers.
Bison Neighbors: While this site is outside the main gate, the ranch’s bison may be visible nearby. For your safety, do not approach the fence or the animals.
Leave No Trace & Preparation Because we are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Hartsel, we require all guests to follow strict Leave No Trace protocols:
Pack-In, Pack-Out: There are no trash services. Everything you bring in must leave with you.
Waste Management: Since there is no septic or water source, campers must be prepared to manage all waste responsibly (portable toilets are highly recommended).
Water: Ensure your tanks are full before arrival, as there is no water available on-site.
Prime Location You couldn't ask for a better jumping-off point for Central Colorado:
Fishing & Boating: Minutes from Antero, Spinney Mountain, and Eleven Mile Reservoirs.
Town Access: A short, scenic drive to Hartsel, Fairplay, Buena Vista, and Salida.
Public Land: Surrounded by endless acres of National Forest and BLM land for hiking and exploring.
Park your rig, unhitch the world, and enjoy the famous Colorado dark skies at Dark Sky Ranch.
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RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 35 ft
The Gateway Site: Off-Grid RV Basecamp at Dark Sky Ranch
Looking for a convenient, spacious spot to park your rigs before heading out on your Colorado adventures? The Gateway Site at Dark Sky Ranch is a dedicated parking and camping area located just outside the main ranch gate.
This site offers the perfect balance of easy access and rugged beauty, making it an ideal "basecamp" for those traveling with smaller trailers or camper vans who want to be close to the action in South Park.
The Setup This area is specifically designated for vehicle-based camping and can comfortably accommodate 1 to 3 small-to-medium-sized RVs, camper vans, or overland rigs.
Large Parking Area: Situated outside the interior ranch gate, this site offers easy pull-in access without navigating deep into the property.
Completely Off-Grid: Please note there are no hookups (no electricity, water, or sewer). This is a primitive site for self-contained travelers.
Bison Neighbors: While this site is outside the main gate, the ranch’s bison may be visible nearby. For your safety, do not approach the fence or the animals.
Leave No Trace & Preparation Because we are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Hartsel, we require all guests to follow strict Leave No Trace protocols:
Pack-In, Pack-Out: There are no trash services. Everything you bring in must leave with you.
Waste Management: Since there is no septic or water source, campers must be prepared to manage all waste responsibly (portable toilets are highly recommended).
Water: Ensure your tanks are full before arrival, as there is no water available on-site.
Prime Location You couldn't ask for a better jumping-off point for Central Colorado:
Fishing & Boating: Minutes from Antero, Spinney Mountain, and Eleven Mile Reservoirs.
Town Access: A short, scenic drive to Hartsel, Fairplay, Buena Vista, and Salida.
Public Land: Surrounded by endless acres of National Forest and BLM land for hiking and exploring.
Park your rig, unhitch the world, and enjoy the famous Colorado dark skies at Dark Sky Ranch.
Pets allowed
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Location
Hartsel, Park County, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Will W.
Joined in January 2026Things to do nearby
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