Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Is drinking water available at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have picnic tables?

Yes — picnic tables are available at every site at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have trash disposal?

Yes — trash disposal is available at every site at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

How do you get to the sites at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

2WD accessible. Park at your site.

Are pets allowed at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

Yes — Frenchman's Creek Ranch is pet-friendly. On leash.

Are campfires allowed at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

Fire ban in effect. Campfires are temporarily unavailable due to a fire ban. However, the ban still allows charcoal grills, gas firepits, gas BBQs and gas stoves.

What is the check-in process at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

You'll meet and greet with your host upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

Check-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.

How far in advance can you book, and how long can you stay at Frenchman's Creek Ranch?

Book up to 9 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 12 hours' notice. Stay up to 7 nights depending on the site.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have cooking equipment?

No — no cooking equipment at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have a hot tub?

No — no hot tub at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have laundry?

No — no laundry at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have a playground?

No — no playground at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

Does Frenchman's Creek Ranch have wifi?

No — no wifi at Frenchman's Creek Ranch.

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Frenchman's Creek Ranch

Hosted by Belinda · Buena Vista, Colorado

5 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 100 acres

99%

295 reviews

Best Hipcamps in Colorado

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best in Colorado: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

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.

Select a site

RV/tent sites

1 site

No Frills in the Cottonwoods

99%

(67)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft

A few frills like a shaded spot with a picnic table, a gas fire pit and a couple chairs. Mountain and field views. The bathrooms are nearby. No electric, water or sewer. Campervans, popups or tents work here. Leisurely walk to the Arkansas river.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

RV-only sites

2 sites

Site 2 - Cottonwood Shaded RV Spot

99%

(84)

Vehicle site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 24 ft

The trailer spaces have water, sewer and electric hookups. There is a picnic table and views of hay fields across the wooden fence to the east and mountains to the west. Large cottonwood trees surround the area. There is a gas firepit and a couple Adirondack chairs nearby to sit and relax or roast some marshmallows. Antique farm equipment is scattered around, and the barnyard is so close the rooster may wake you up in the morning. The hike to the river is about a quarter mile on the road that goes through the ranch. This was one of the first ranches established in this valley. In 1863 a French man named Francois Mayol, hence "Frenchman's Creek", homesteaded here where the creek runs into the river. He raised beef, pigs, potatoes and other produce that he sold to the miners living at Cache Creek. His place was also a stop for stagecoaches heading to Leadville. He, his first wife and a child are buried in a small gravesite by the creek.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Site 1 - Cottonwood Shaded RV Spot

100%

(54)

Vehicle site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 24 ft

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Lodging

2 sites

Canvas Tent in the Aspen Grove

100%

(90)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 3 · 1 bedroom

We have a 10 x 12 canvas tent on a wooden platform. The tent has a screened window and front door. There is a small bistro table and a couple folding camp chairs inside and two Adirondack chairs on the deck outside. There is a picnic table and the firepit. For an extra charge we can provide a queen or twin cot with an air mattress, a cooler, a propane grill and a camp cook stove. It is very private and tucked away in the aspen trees. There is a bathroom with flush toilets and a shower nearby. There is access to the Arkansas river within a short walking distance. Various wildlife wander through every day. Hay fields and pastures on one side and mountains on the other. Nights are cool so be sure to bring warm bedding and clothing. We are at 8600 feet.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

Medium Canvas Tent in the Aspens

99%

(80)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 6 · 1 bed · 1 toilet

Medium size (12 x 14) canvas tent situated on a wooden platform tucked in our Aspen grove. Private but still near the bathrooms! Flush toilets, showers with hot and cold water. Inside the tent is a bistro table, some camp chairs and a battery operated Coleman lantern. Outside is a picnic table, fire pit and a couple Adirondack chairs on the deck. For an extra charge we can supply queen or twin cots with an air mattress, a camp cook stove, a propane grill and a cooler. Enough room for 4 adults or a family. Relax by the fire or on the deck. Bird and wildlife watch or go for a hike to the Arkansas river. Hay fields and pastures on one side and mountains on the other. Listen to the owls and quaking aspens as you fall asleep. Nights are cool so be sure to bring warm bedding and clothing. We are at 8600 feet.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

Reviews

99%· 375 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Frenchman's Creek Ranch offers a serene camping experience with beautiful mountain views and convenient access to the Arkansas River. The site is loved for its clean facilities, spacious tents, and friendly farm animals that add a unique charm to the stay. While the proximity to the highway might bring some noise, the overall atmosphere remains peaceful and welcoming. Visitors appreciate the engaging hosts and the ranch's closeness to Buena Vista, making it a favored spot for both families and solo adventurers.
Alex L.
Camped at Medium Canvas Tent in the Aspens with kids, Sept 2026.
Recommends
Amazing experience camping with my daughter. Belinda and Todd were incredibly hospitable hosts and even let my daughter feed milk to one of their highland calfs. Great campsite - and we loved visiting the animals and walking to the river. Highly recommend and hope we're able to return at some point.
Rebecca W.
Tent camped at No Frills in the Cottonwoods with pets, Sept 2026.
Recommends
My absolute favorite camp site in all of Colorado. Beautiful scenery, clean and serene camp site, incredible access to the river too! Last year I brought my mom on her first camping trip and she loved it. This year I came on my own with my dog and it was exactly the refreshing weekend I needed. Thank you so much for having us back to the site!!!
Thomas W.
Camped in a 18 ft rooftop tent at No Frills in the Cottonwoods, Sept 2026.
Recommends
It was a great area to stay! Entrance was a little challenging to find but the GPS location for the entrance and tent location was spot on so trust it!

Amenities

Fire pitsTemporarily unavailable due to a fire ban
Flush toilets
Potable waterTap, Pump or well
ShowersHot water, Cold water only
Picnic tables
Electricity hookupAt some sites · 30 amps
Water hookupAt some sites · On-site hookup
Trash disposalTrash bin
No wifi
No laundry
No cooking equipment
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

2WD accessiblePark at your site.
Pet-friendlyOn leash.
Fire ban in effectCampfires are temporarily unavailable due to a fire ban. However, the ban still allows charcoal grills, gas firepits, gas BBQs and gas stoves.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.
Booking windowBook up to 9 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 12 hours' notice. Stay up to 7 nights depending on the site.

Extras

Queen IYEE Nature Tri Fold 6 inch $15.00 per itemAt select sitesIYEE Nature 6 inch thick, Tri Fold camp mattress. 1 inch memory foam and 5 inches high density support foam. Medium firm. 78" L x 58" W.
Twin IYEE Nature Tri Fold 6 inch$10.00 per itemAt select sitesIYEE Nature 6 inch thick, Tri Fold camp mattress. 1 inch memory foam and 5 inches high density support foam. Medium firm. 75" L x 38" W.
Propane cook stove$8.00 per itemAt select sitesColeman classic stove with 2 burners and wind blockers. Includes 16 oz propane cylinder. Rental per day.
Cooler $8.00 per itemAt select sitesLifetime 55 quart, bear proof, 7 day ice retention cooler Rental per day