1 / 77

Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

Hosted by Slv · Center, Colorado
3 sites · Lodging · 200 acres
95%
·
49 reviews
Avatar
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.
Private sites
96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
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, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. 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, -106.271551)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). 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.
from
$45
/ night
3 sites

Select a site

Filter by

Lodging

3 sites
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

#4 Rio Grande Cabin

97%
(15)
Tiny home · Sleeps 2
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. Each cabin has a private incinerating toilet for guest use. 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
from
$45
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

#2 Saguache Cabin

100%
(14)
Tiny home · Sleeps 2
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. Each cabin has a private incinerating toilet for guest use. 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
from
$45
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

#1 Costilla Cabin

93%
(7)
Tiny home · Sleeps 2
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. Each cabin has a private incinerating toilet for guest use. 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
from
$45
/ night
for NaN guests
from
$45
/ night
3 sites

Reviews

95% Recommend54 ratings · 49 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.
A
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!
S
Stephanie L.
4 months 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!
Avatar
Amanda C.
20 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
#2 Saguache Cabin
Everything was great. We found everything in the cabin, very cozy!
I
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.
K
Kristina C.
2 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.
J
Joy G.
5 months 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!!!
N
Nicole M.
2 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
M
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.
Avatar
Donna S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
#1 Costilla Cabin
Good location for riding and close proximity to Del Norte.
L
Loren J.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
#5 Conejos Cabin
Small, remote campsite with access to the great outdoors no matter what floats your boat. Perfection.
R
Richard R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
#4 Rio Grande Cabin
Cabins had all you need and were very clean. Site was very nice.
P
Paschal D.
8 months on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· June 2025
Okay overall
#5 Conejos Cabin
The area is beautiful and the home itself is very appealing on the outside. I found the inside to be very underwhelming. Most places I stay have some personality. This was very plain. I found it a little difficult to get from the top of the ladder to the landing for the bed. Also there are tons of rules - and dictates surrounding cleaning. An expectation to vacuum the loft. I could barely get up there, much less with a vacuum. The toilet was really cool - nice amenity. Overall I enjoyed my stay but would find different accommodations next time.
L
Laura D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Skywalking The Night
#5 Conejos Cabin
The whole experience was wonderful. The cabin accommodations was everything they described. Night time sky views where beyond amazing. Incinerator toilets were convenient to use just make sure you read directions thoroughly. The troubleshooting tips are to the left of the toilet instructions on the wall . Definitely helpful when filter doesn't go all the way in the Incinerator portion. If you are gonna be wasting dishes Definitely bring more than the 2 5gal water containers provided. Sleeping lofts are low so don't expect to be able to sit up straight while in them otherwise a very comfortable sleeping experience. Trail entrance is right near the cabin. Had a wonderful stay all together. And I'd say book two or more days. One is not enough to take in all the beauty of the area
C
Chef E.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
With pets ·
#2 Saguache Cabin
Nice base camp for so many things to do nearby. Cabin had all the essentials and we packed way too much. Would stay again.
C
Corey R.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
With pets ·
#4 Rio Grande Cabin
Such a fun unique psudeo-camping experience! The cabins are very cute and well stocked, there were more kitchen supplies than we expected. The loft beds were comfy and the cabin offered just enough space to get out of bad weather. The outdoors is what really shines with the fire pit and gorgeous San Luis valley views. Super quiet, even for a holiday weekend, and we loved being able to have our dogs with us. The trail connection to the trail system is awesome and we didn’t get in the car at all for the whole weekend. The incinerating toilet was a new experience for us, but we got used to it too.
E
Erin H.
4 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2025
Work In Progress-But still good
#4 Rio Grande Cabin
There was a lot to love about this place. The cabinette has some unique features inside, like ambient lighting, a stove top and a pump with a hose that fit into a big water bottle to actually have running water...in theory. it's a great idea, but it wasn't working for us. The view was absolutely incredible and it was pretty easy to find, very convenient for Penitente climbing and surrounding trails. The cons, besides the faucet was that the camp relies on the integrity and cleaning skills of the previous occupant, meaning no cleaning service, and whoever rented before us didn't bother to clean the meat off the counter nor out of the sink. And we're guessing the meat left behind is what drew the droves of flies that met their demise in the window of the sleeping loft. Fortunately, there is an electric vacuum available for just issues. The incerator toilets are a great solution to dealing with human waste, but the cycle is 30 minutes so going elsewhere if you can would be easiest. There's a woodpile for campfires to enjoy the incredible starry skies and absolute peace. I would recommend the owner remove the cloth covered palates and ask that renters bring their own sleeping pads since they'll already need sleeping bags, because it seems cleaner than the palate, but overall, I think this place would be great...if it was clean upon arrival. Truly unique.
Avatar
Donna S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
A National Park getaway
#5 Conejos Cabin
The cabin was absolutely perfect for our trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. The cabin had a full kitchen and all the amenities you could ask for. The toilet was really cool and worked well. The loft was comfortable with mattresses. The scenery was truly beautiful and breathtaking.
Avatar
Joseph H.
49 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
With pets ·
#5 Conejos Cabin
These cabins are in a wonderful location. You can access trails right from camp. The cabin is small (plan on spending your time outside, not inside). Everything worked great and there were plenty of directions available for operating the propane, stove, heater and toilet. The cabin had great views of the mountains, and the stars were amazing. I would stay again.
Avatar
Sheila G.
11 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
#3 Mineral Cabin
This little cabin was very cute. The extra provided instructions for finding this place was helpful. We did a 5 mile hike to a canyon and back from the cabin. It was warm and clean. Wish it wasn’t so cold outside to sit out some more since there’s no good living space inside, but it was enough for me. If it’s snowy or rainy a 4x4 car would probably be best to get here. We did okay in a toaster (Kia soul). Incinerator toilet was quite the experience.
Avatar
Bri S.
7 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
Enjoyed my stay at tin can camp
With pets ·
#4 Rio Grande Cabin
I had the whole campground to myself and it was absolutely lovely. Hope to come back soon and definitely recommend for a solo trip. So cozy.
M
Melody W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
#5 Conejos Cabin
Clean, easy booking, host was helpful! Would book again!
Avatar
Emily M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Tiny home
#4 Rio Grande Cabin
It was the perfect base camp for my adventures. Sometimes you just want a bed after a day of hiking. The tiny home was cozy and had everything I needed.
Avatar
Deirdre K.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
#1 Costilla Cabin
The cabins are in a beautiful desolate area with some good hiking. I misplaced the key for a bit during my stay, and an alarm went off in the cabin, so our host came to help us get back in and turn it off. He was very kind and prompt. The only downside was we were there during fly season and they were swarming in and out of the cabin the whole time, but I think it’s just this time of year. Good price for the extra amenity to not have to set up your tent for a night while camping
Avatar
Melanie O.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· October 2024
Great idea - needs improvement
#1 Costilla Cabin
I like the idea, however I think the loft or sleeping space could be more comfortable if there was some more head room. The full sized mattress was comfortable; it was the space it was in that was too tight. I liked having a couple of burners, a sink, and pans, dishes and cutlery; unfortunately the unit we were in had a dining table that would not stay extended. The incinerating toilet was one to get used to; as the smell was horrid! I think the bathroom would be better outside. The bathroom area would make a better bedroom. The area is a great place to explore! The stars and the milky way was a lovely sight.
K
Katy J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
#4 Rio Grande Cabin
These cabins are great little retreats. Just far enough apart to be private, incredible views, c
M
Mick D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Great tiny home for a night
#2 Saguache Cabin
Super cute place to spend a night close-ish to the sand dunes! Definitely was very tiny, but had enough room for two of us and our pups. The toilets were having issues prior to us coming (we could have used them per the owner, but we didn’t want to run into any issues) so that was unfortunate since the convenience of a toilet in the home is one reason we booked it! But there were super clean portapotties a few houses down to use at least. There was a lot of cacti around the fire pit and the picnic table so we didn’t feel safe using it at night (especially with dogs) which was a bummer, but we understand that it’s nature, we just wish we would have known it wasn’t cleared of cacti prior to booking.
Avatar
Erin B.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· September 2024
#5 Conejos Cabin
Super cute place, once we found it! The GPS coordinates are a bit tricky (make a hard off road left). Perfect tiny home for a brief stay with a small group or a few small groups at neighboring cabins. Be careful of the cacti though! There aren’t many cleared spots
J
Jenna F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
With pets ·
#2 Saguache Cabin
Great little cabins just outside of Penitente Canyon. The cabins have all the essentials for an elevated camping experience. Highly recommend!
P
Pamela C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Fun for everyone
#3 Mineral Cabin
These cabins are built for adventurers! The trail to access Penitente was 50 ft from the door, making for easy climbing biking, hiking, bird watching, and incredible star gazing. I really enjoyed the wood and natural stone accents inside the cabin, and the kitchen was way better stocked with cooking supplies than we thought it might be. We'll be back!
Avatar
Meg M.
5 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
Avatar

Hosted by Slv G.

Joined in September 2019

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Popular searches in Colorado

      Glamping
      Private sites camping
      Camping with hiking
      Tiny homes
      Camping with campfires
      Dog-friendly camping
      Camping with a private bathroom
      Desert camping
      1. United States
      2. Colorado
      3. Center

      About us

      Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

      Hosting

      Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

      Everywhere You Want To Camp™

      Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

      Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

      Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
      © 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
      Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.