1 / 100

Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

Hosted by Slv · Center, Colorado

5 sites · Lodging · 200 acres

96%

68 reviews

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

SLV is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, and a covered porch. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -[xxxxxxxx]) Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood. As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp! Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.

Select a site

Filter by

Lodging

5 sites

Instant book

#2 Saguache Cabin

96%

(26)

Tiny home · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

A modern, 128 square foot off-grid "tiny home" located on a 200 acre property at the intersection of the Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area and Carnero Creek Canyon. Penitente Canyon is home to more than 400 technical climbing routes, and 30+ miles of non-motorized trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Carnero Creek Canyon provides access to 100s of miles of OHV 4x4 roads, great fishing, sightseeing on the Rio Grande National Forest and the remote La Garita Wilderness. A 128 square foot cabin is tiny, and spending your whole day at Tin Can Camp in one will quickly give you cabin fever. The cabin is great for resting, cooking and eating dinner, and coming in to warm up, but ultimately outside is where you will most enjoy your stay. The cabin has off grid solar electricity and propane heating. The cabin is ideal for up to two people, but can accommodate up to four. The cabin has two lofts with full size Mattresses. Linens are not provided with the cabin, and guests must bring their own linens or sleeping bags and pillows. The cabin has a compact kitchen with a stovetop, sink, Electric pump faucet, and two 5 gallon jugs. No water is available at the site, so guests must bring their own water. It is recommended that guests have at least 2 gallons of water per person per day. Water is available (seasonally May - October) at a pump house at the intersection of County Road 38A and 40G. There is a small table with two folding chairs. Guests can enjoy the views and beautiful nighttime sky from a covered porch or around a private fire ring. Wood gathering is not permitted, so guests must bring all their own firewood. Guest will also need to extinguish the fire using water each evening before leaving the firepit unattended. Although the cabin offers protection from the elements, the experience may be more like camping than staying in a hotel. Guests should be aware that the amenities are modern, but the setting of Tin Can Camp is rustic and the area is known for experiencing extreme weather. When the wind blows the cabin is drafty and loud, thunderstorms and heavy rain make a lot of noise on the roof, and summer temperatures can often push 90 °F.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

Instant book

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

98%

(25)

Tiny home · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

A modern, 128 square foot off-grid "tiny home" located on a 200 acre property at the intersection of the Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area and Carnero Creek Canyon. Penitente Canyon is home to more than 400 technical climbing routes, and 30+ miles of non-motorized trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Carnero Creek Canyon provides access to 100s of miles of OHV 4x4 roads, great fishing, sightseeing on the Rio Grande National Forest and the remote La Garita Wilderness. A 128 square foot cabin is tiny, and spending your whole day at Tin Can Camp in one will quickly give you cabin fever. The cabin is great for resting, cooking and eating dinner, and coming in to warm up, but ultimately outside is where you will most enjoy your stay. The cabin has off grid solar electricity and propane heating. The cabin is ideal for up to two people, but can accommodate up to four. The cabin has two lofts with full size Mattresses. Linens are not provided with the cabin, and guests must bring their own linens or sleeping bags and pillows. The cabin has a compact kitchen with a stovetop, sink, Electric pump faucet, and two 5 gallon jugs. No water is available at the site, so guests must bring their own water. It is recommended that guests have at least 2 gallons of water per person per day. Water is available (seasonally May - October) at a pump house at the intersection of County Road 38A and 40G. Cabins 3, 4, and 5 share a common outhouse. There is a small table with two folding chairs. Guests can enjoy the views and beautiful nighttime sky from a covered porch or around a private fire ring. Wood gathering is not permitted, so guests must bring all their own firewood. Guest will also need to extinguish the fire using water each evening before leaving the firepit unattended. Although the cabin offers protection from the elements, the experience may be more like camping than staying in a hotel. Guests should be aware that the amenities are modern, but the setting of Tin Can Camp is rustic and the area is known for experiencing extreme weather. When the wind blows the cabin is drafty and loud, thunderstorms and heavy rain make a lot of noise on the roof, and summer temperatures can often push 90 °F.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

Instant book

#5 Conejos Cabin

88%

(13)

Tiny home · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

A modern, 128 square foot off-grid "tiny home" located on a 200 acre property at the intersection of the Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area and Carnero Creek Canyon. Penitente Canyon is home to more than 400 technical climbing routes, and 30+ miles of non-motorized trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Carnero Creek Canyon provides access to 100s of miles of OHV 4x4 roads, great fishing, sightseeing on the Rio Grande National Forest and the remote La Garita Wilderness. A 128 square foot cabin is tiny, and spending your whole day at Tin Can Camp in one will quickly give you cabin fever. The cabin is great for resting, cooking and eating dinner, and coming in to warm up, but ultimately outside is where you will most enjoy your stay. The cabin has off grid solar electricity and propane heating. The cabin is ideal for up to two people, but can accommodate up to four. The cabin has two lofts with full size Mattresses. Linens are not provided with the cabin, and guests must bring their own linens or sleeping bags and pillows. The cabin has a compact kitchen with a stovetop, sink, Electric pump faucet, and two 5 gallon jugs. No water is available at the site, so guests must bring their own water. It is recommended that guests have at least 2 gallons of water per person per day. Water is available (seasonally May - October) at a pump house at the intersection of County Road 38A and 40G. Cabins 3, 4, and 5 share ac common outhouse. There is a small table with two folding chairs. Guests can enjoy the views and beautiful nighttime sky from a covered porch or around a private fire ring. Wood gathering is not permitted, so guests must bring all their own firewood. Guest will also need to extinguish the fire using water each evening before leaving the firepit unattended. Although the cabin offers protection from the elements, the experience may be more like camping than staying in a hotel. Guests should be aware that the amenities are modern, but the setting of Tin Can Camp is rustic and the area is known for experiencing extreme weather. When the wind blows the cabin is drafty and loud, thunderstorms and heavy rain make a lot of noise on the roof, and summer temperatures can often push 90 °F.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

Instant book

#1 Costilla Cabin

94%

(8)

Tiny home · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

Instant book

#3 Mineral Cabin

100%

(7)

Tiny home · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet

A modern, 128 square foot off-grid "tiny home" located on a 200 acre property at the intersection of the Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area and Carnero Creek Canyon. Penitente Canyon is home to more than 400 technical climbing routes, and 30+ miles of non-motorized trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Carnero Creek Canyon provides access to 100s of miles of OHV 4x4 roads, great fishing, sightseeing on the Rio Grande National Forest and the remote La Garita Wilderness. A 128 square foot cabin is tiny, and spending your whole day at Tin Can Camp in one will quickly give you cabin fever. The cabin is great for resting, cooking and eating dinner, and coming in to warm up, but ultimately outside is where you will most enjoy your stay. The cabin has off grid solar electricity and propane heating. The cabin is ideal for up to two people, but can accommodate up to four. The cabin has two lofts with full size Mattresses. Linens are not provided with the cabin, and guests must bring their own linens or sleeping bags and pillows. The cabin has a compact kitchen with a stovetop, sink, Electric pump faucet, and two 5 gallon jugs. No water is available at the site, so guests must bring their own water. It is recommended that guests have at least 2 gallons of water per person per day. Water is available (seasonally May - October) at a pump house at the intersection of County Road 38A and 40G. There is a small table with two folding chairs. Cabins 3, 4, and 5 share a common outhouse. Guests can enjoy the views and beautiful nighttime sky from a covered porch or around a private fire ring. Wood gathering is not permitted, so guests must bring all their own firewood. Guest will also need to extinguish the fire using water each evening before leaving the firepit unattended. Although the cabin offers protection from the elements, the experience may be more like camping than staying in a hotel. Guests should be aware that the amenities are modern, but the setting of Tin Can Camp is rustic and the area is known for experiencing extreme weather. When the wind blows the cabin is drafty and loud, thunderstorms and heavy rain make a lot of noise on the roof, and summer temperatures can often push 90 °F.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

Reviews

96% Recommend79 ratings · 68 reviews

Recommends

· July 2026

Small, but clean and convenient

#5 Conejos Cabin

Camp manager communication was fantastic. The sight has spectacular views of the valley floor and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, as well as the Great Sand Dunes. The cabin was clean and a perfect size for one or two people. I stayed with my dog and we were both very comfortable. I appreciated that you have running, potable water and the option to cook inside, as evening storms in the valley are a frequent occurrence. If going in the summer months just prepare to have to air out the loft area nightly. Heat rises and a small ceiling fan was available, but sleep can be uncomfortable if the heat in the loft hasn’t been vented via the window. The cabin has solar power so if you plan ahead (which I will next time) and bring a fan that runs on usb connection, you would be able to vent the warm air a lot better. I also appreciated that the cabin has a small private area, similar to a bathroom with no toilet, sink , or shower, for changing clothes, etc. I stored my supplies in there to keep the main part of the tiny home clutter free. Also note that there aren’t any curtains or blinds. I was able to easily hang some spare pillowcases to remedy this. The communal toilet area was also kept very clean. Overall I had a great stay and will absolutely be returning. To management: thank you for being so welcoming and accommodating. I love that the proceeds of my stay will go to help with conservation and recreation efforts in the San Luis Valley.

Amanda R.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

With pets ·

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

This site was delightful. The tiny cabin has more amenities than you would expect and the environment was beautiful. I would love to come back in the future prepared with my own drinking water and stay for several days.

Colin M.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

With pets ·

#2 Saguache Cabin

Very cute tiny cabins, with all you need. It was an overnight trip only. We would have stayed a day longer, but there was a hiccup with the hipcamp reservation system. Unfortunately, due to the fires in southern Colorado you could see and smell the smoke, and we missed the beautiful scenery! Super attentive host, and very easy to communicate with. Thanks for the stay!

Claudia A.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

Tin Can Campground

With pets ·

#2 Saguache Cabin

This camp was so cute and had great views. You could hike right from camp to the canyon & the river wasn’t too far away either. The cabin was super cute with anything you would really need. Definitely recommend & would definitely stay again.

Robin S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2026

With pets ·

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

We had a great stay! It's in a quiet and beautiful area. Del Norte is 20 minutes away and the Trading Post is less than 10 for a good breakfast. Chris was great!

Heather B.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

I was the only person in the camp. Stayed a single night. Blissfully quiet! Excellent view of La Garita and the church off in the distance. The cabin is super cute! Love the topo map on the ceiling in the pantry. Can’t wait to visit again.

Christina N.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

#2 Saguache Cabin

Everything was fine. I screed up on the booking and they tried to be as accommodating as possible

Kurt L.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2026

With pets ·

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

A wonderful and beautiful, secluded environment. It has well maintained accommodations that have everything you need and nothing that you don’t. The host give you all the information you need and communicate well. We would be happy to stay here again.

Jocelyn M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2026

#1 Costilla Cabin

Truly spectacular. Peaceful and beautifully set up. I will definitely come back and recommend it to everyone.

Carlos R.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2026

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

We had a great time at Tin Can Camp! Had the entire area to ourselves, very peaceful and beautiful location!

Macey D.

4 reviews

Mixed feelings

· March 2026

With pets ·

#2 Saguache Cabin

We enjoyed our stay at the Tin Can Camp and had the campground to ourselves for the most part while we were there. However, the advertising on their website states that there are incinerator toilets in each of the cabins. That is no longer the case, which is fine because the incinerator toilets don't work well. Just be aware that the toilet available is like a porta potty. Fortunately, we were not bothered by this and enjoyed our stay. Website needs to be updated with correct info.

Krista S.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

#2 Saguache Cabin

stayed solo and i was great! the cabin was so cool and the views were great!

Grace A.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

Great stay

With pets ·

#2 Saguache Cabin

My wife, two dogs and I stayed for three nights during an unseasonably warm mid-March, using TCC as a basecamp for sandhill crane viewing and other SLV exploits. Overall, it was great, especially for the price. The cabin was well-built and well-equipped (even better so than some pricey Airbnbs), the view was spectacular, and the great outdoors were immediately at hand. The only downside is that it is a bit remote from some of the attractions we wanted to visit, but you can't have everything. If you stay, check out the church next door.

Nathan M.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

Everything was fantastic except for the fact that there was no mention that the incinerating toilets were removed! :( Instead, there was an outhouse/porta potty situation which wasn’t too bad all things considered, I just wish communication would have been a bit more transparent given that there was plenty of time/ways to do so.

Emily G.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

Good cabin

#2 Saguache Cabin

The cabin had everything we needed. Location was beautiful. We were there for the Sandhills crane migration and it was an easy commute to the wildlife refuge. Everything was as advertised and we had pretty decent privacy. Cabin was perfect for a home base when our hiking or enjoying the scenery.

Jack H.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2026

A great stay!

#2 Saguache Cabin

Great lil cabin with easy access to Penitente Canyon and the San Luis Valley. The cabins have all the basics for a weekend stay. We found the instructions for all the amenities and the directions to the place to be very helpful. Highly recommend to folks looking for an elevated camping experience!

Pamela C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2026

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

Quiet location, dark skies - could see ALL the stars! Heater worked well, toilet worked well, and bed was comfortable. Proceeds from the stay all go back into the community which was a huge plus!

Christina L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2026

#2 Saguache Cabin

Very nice! The view is beautiful. We were the only one on the site, we spent only one night but everything was as indicated.

Aénor C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2025

With pets ·

#2 Saguache Cabin

Great tiny cabin with amazing views of the night sky and distant city lights

Erica Y.

18 reviews

Recommends

· November 2025

You want to stay here - I promise!

With pets ·

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! Honestly, I will be back - many times. Beautiful views, extremely communicative host, and all around great property and stay. Home was comfortable, clean and truly one of a kind.

Ashley P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

#2 Saguache Cabin

We loved it! Grateful there was a pour-over coffee set up because we forgot our french press!

Stephanie L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2025

Far Away From Society

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

This is in an open space with mountains behind you and fields in front. Such a peaceful space with a sky full of stars. Plus, just a 30 min walk away is this wonderful historic church. The walk was easy and beautiful. Visiting that church was a nice spiritual experience. We settled into our space nicely and slept comfortably. Very Cool Space!

Amanda C.

20 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

#2 Saguache Cabin

Everything was great. We found everything in the cabin, very cozy!

Ilaria G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

Great little cabin. We usually camp in the canyon but saw the evening rain in the forecast so wanted to try these. They are small, but good for a couple. Everything was just as described, and the views + access are just amazing from these cabins. The rock art lighting was a great touch! My only suggestion for SLVGO would be to add blinds. It might help deter the moths/insects at night.

Kristina C.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Great cabins in a great location!

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

First, it was way easier to get to than we were worried about. Made it in a Tesla 3 without any problem (charged in Del Norte on the way in, Alamosa on the way out). Probably wouldn't try it in that car in winter or mud, but don't be intimidated. The cabin was absolutely perfect. I mean, adorable, functional, warm, clean, great location, the whole deal. The incinerator toilet was easy to use but you kind of have to plan around the burn cycle time. Not a big deal at all since there were just two of us. We had great night skies (this long weekend trip was planned around hiking and skywatching) and plenty of space. We hiked Penitente Canyon and had an amazing time, but didn't even scratch the surface of stuff to do in the area. The only minor issue is that if something is awry, there's no one out there to mitigate. The neighboring site started pulling branches off of trees right by our cabin as their fire started to die down around midnight and kept coming back for a couple of hours. But your get dumb people at any campground anywhere these days. We're already trying to plan a trip with our adult kids and a couple of friends for next year, so we'll definitely be back.

Joy G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Really great!!

#2 Saguache Cabin

Absolutely amazing. Tiny cabin, which I enjoyed. Just watched your head when you sit up in bed 😅. Peaceful and will be visiting again, probably quarterly if can!!!

Nicole M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

#2 Saguache Cabin

This place is so cute and well done and you have everything you need for a wonderful getaway. Outside shower and water nearby and the cabin has everything a person could need to just relax and be with nature. April also keeps the cabins sparkling clean. You won't be disappointed and the view is magnificent

Maria V.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

#3 Mineral Cabin

Beautiful, private setting in an tiny cabin with a small stove, cooking utensils, pots, skillets, plates and cups. A solar panel provides just enough electricity to turn on the ambient lighting and operate the faucet pump, but not so much that you feel like you're in a boring hotel room. There's also a solar shower enclosure for post-climbing, hiking, biking rinse-offs. You're also REALLY close to Penitente Canyon (there's even a trail straight from camp). If you're coming to Penitente and want to upscale your camping, this is the place.

Donna S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

#1 Costilla Cabin

Good location for riding and close proximity to Del Norte.

Loren J.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

#5 Conejos Cabin

Small, remote campsite with access to the great outdoors no matter what floats your boat. Perfection.

Richard R.

2 years on Hipcamp

Location

Center, Saguache, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Slv G.

Joined in August 2023

Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

Select a site

Lodging

#2 Saguache Cabin

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

#5 Conejos Cabin

#1 Costilla Cabin

#3 Mineral Cabin

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Slv G.

Things to do nearby

Similar campgrounds nearby

Popular searches in Colorado