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ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM

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· Gila, New Mexico
8 acres
3 sites
3 RV
The L.C. Ranch was the second largest Cattle Ranch in American history. In its heyday around 1900 it was over one million acres. Today, the cows are gone, along with the vast tracts of land and the cowboys that managed the herds. The Lyons and Campbell Ranch Headquarters remains as a time capsule of an era past. The extensive adobe compound includes the 27 room adobe mansion of Cattle Baron Tom Lyons and his wife Ida Campbell, along with the fabulous Old West Saloon, Jail, post office, bunkhouses, Theater and Chapel. In the summer months enjoy the great swimming pool, and in the spring and fall enjoy the Mimbres design hot tub. Our RV sites are closed in the winter, but our Airbnb apartments are closed in January only. The Theater has just added a video cinema system to its live performance capabilities. Think "movie night". There is a lot of history here, and for just $10/person you can take the 2 hour tour of the historic grounds. The L.C. Ranch is located in the tiny village of Gila, just 30 minutes from Silver City, right off U.S. 180 on NM Hwy 211. Learn more about this land:         Near Silver City, New Mexico, the Historic Lyons & Campbell ranch is in the tiny village of Gila in the lush Gila river valley in the otherwise arid Mountain Southwest. Dog Friendly!  (Cats? Not so much, better keep them inside your RV at all times).  This massive 60 room adobe compound dates from 1810, is one of the oldest houses in the southwest and was a million acre ranch, the second largest in America back in its heyday from 1880 to 1920, and includes a museum, theater, Old west Saloon, Chapel, jail and two apartments "Inn at the L.C. Ranch" in Gila, NM, available for short term rental on a!rbnb.      3-RV spots with full hookups, AND Wi-Fi.  20 or 30 amp, are $40 per night for up to 4 people. 50 amp for $50 per night and up to 6 people. Hook ups include sewer and water connections, and access to the swimming pool, Hot tub, Old west Saloon and Gallery.  Two night minimum.  Two group maximum, which means we will not book the third site unless it is with one of the first two sites booked.  Swimming pool is open May thru September, Hot tub is currently off-line due to rennovations.    NO FIREWORKS! Please!  We are relaxing our fire ban to allow charcoal or gas BBQs, and fully screened portable fire pits, if it is NOT windy.  We do not supply these. There is plenty of firewood here, but you will have to cut/break it to usable size.    The authentic old west Saloon, Historic Main House, Theater, Gallery, Jail are all available to tour, and for workshops, retreats, Weddings, groups etc. The two hour guided tour of the museum in the main house, the "adobe mansion" of Cattle Baron Tom Lyons, is $10 per person for RV guests.   The swimming pool and Lanai are located next to RV Site #1.  It will handle any size rig, 65'+, Big fifth wheels, Class A or C Motorhomes, no problem, back-in, has a little shade, but for now has only 30 amp temporary power, 3" sewer connection.  We will be upgrading this to 50/30 amp soon. The Lanai by the pool has BBQ, pizza oven, sink, refrigerator, music, games, horseshoes, croquet, darts...   The other two RV spots are a short walk away, about 150 feet.  Site #2 is good for up to 65', pull in, perfect for any size Motorhome or big rig, 50/30 amp. It also has its own shaded picnic area and picnic table. 4" sewer connection.  Site #3 has a full tree canopy over head, perfect for Class C or Travel trailers. 50/30 amp, water, 4" sewer and wi-fi.     The Mimbres design hot tub is located in the bath house between the two RV locations.  It is wood-fired and available on request. (currently off-line due to rennovations)  It takes all day to heat it up and it is NOT recommended on windy or freezing nights as it is quite exposed.   There is also a bathroom with flush toilet at the pool, along with fridge, BBQ, Wood fired pizza oven, misters and bar in the Lanai, and a guest laundry with an indoor shower nearby in the Spanish courtyard. There are additional bathrooms in the Saloon and the Theater.     Karaoke at night in the old west Saloon used to be a regular occurrence on weekends before covid, let's see if we can get that going again this summer. The Saloon is equipped for live music as well, with guitar and bass amps, P.A. and electronic drum kit. The Saloon as well as the entire property is BYOB. The Saloon is not open to the public and has no liquor license. We like it this way.      Wi-fi is available at all our RV sites, and is best in the Saloon and Gallery.  We have just installed new Wi-Fi extenders.  Cell phone service is sketchy, some people with Verizon or T-Mobile get service. It's best on the observation mound.  Discounts for longer stays...
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Location
Gila, New Mexico, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Alex O.Joined in June 2020
Response rate: 80%Response time: Within 20 hours
100%
23 ratings · 19 reviews
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Doug B.recommends
September 19, 2022
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Quiet. Off the beaten path. A great host.
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Carol S.recommends
June 18, 2022
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Camping at an authentic hacienda
Everything was wonderful from Alex greeting us to swimming in the pool , providing a very informative museum tour and a great movie watching experience in the theater! We had plenty of space and privacy the entire week we were here and yet Alex was always accessible.
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Pattie R.recommends
June 3, 2022
Site 3 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Dog paradise
Alex’s property is in a beautiful part of New Mexico and it was cool seeing a piece of history. He was a generous host - the pool was amazing and he played a movie for us in the (legit) movie theater. We watched Clifford and it felt like a 4d experience with the three newfoundlands around us. We brought our two heeler mixes with us and they had an amazing time wandering the property off leash and playing with the other three dogs. The internet was fine for work and movies (the cell service is not great). The tour was really cool.
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Debbie C.recommends
April 19, 2022
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Beautiful & historical
The formerly 1,000,000 acre LC Ranch is now a much smaller property that includes huge cottonwood trees and 200 year-old buildings from the Spanish, Mexican & American eras. Alex's two-hour tour of his family-owned property is interesting and entertaining. And then -- he turned us loose in the BYOB Saloon in the evening - it was like sneaking into a museum at night by ourselves!
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Bill D.recommends
April 18, 2022
Site 1 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Enchanting Ranch, Museum and Saloon
If you like wide-open spaces, locations just off the beaten path, history, inspiring settings, welcoming and unique places to stop for a few days - this is one of those places not to miss. Alex, Robin and their family have created an oasis in time and space that will renew your sense of the American West. If you're fussy or enjoy the banality of a KOA campground or find yourself at home in a shopping mall, do not visit. If you like to discover interesting folks, history and artwork, then don't miss this. Lots of space for RVs, full hook-ups, 30 and 50 amp, wifi, pool, a real Wild West Saloon where you can BYOB, big friendly dogs, and a museum containing marvelous contents and reams of history dating back to the Spanish, Apache, and early cattle ranch days. Once part of the largest cattle ranches in the West, the spirits seem to linger on at this enchanting propery. Thank you Alex and Robin, we'll be back soon!
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Paul T.recommends
April 13, 2022
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
We enjoyed the quiet, rural area. Looking across the field and seeing the black angus cows and calves was very plesant. Alex's tour was intesting and very informative.
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Mary Shelley M.recommends
March 22, 2022
Site 1 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
History, Vistas, Hospitality - A+
This was a great stop and stay - good hookups, level spot, gorgeous views with ever-changing skies and light. A flock of Whooping Cranes, our first (!), and 4 Quail visited us, both thrilling to us east-coast birders. Be sure to make time for the history tour which Alex gives personally, and I do mean personally. He is very immersed and knowledgeable of the Gila valley's history, its place in US History (and kind of within world history, when it comes right down to it) and he makes it a very enjoyable and memorable experience. The saloon is a fun evening also, so much to explore and imagine the stories told at that bar over the years .... We highly recommend. Learned that Alex has an AirBnB also, in case you are trying to meet friends who don't RV, you can all stay at the same place.
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Judy W.recommends
March 13, 2022
Site 1 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
The ranch headquarters, a place steeped in history, made for an enjoyable stay. While quite rustic, it served our desires nicely. We spent nine days at the ranch alternating between bike rides and local hikes. The Catwalk, a favorite, had an exceptional wow factor. Visitors must understand that getting anywhere requires significant driving. We managed a trip to the City of Rocks and a soak in the tubs at Faywood. We viewed the petroglyphs along the Dragonfly Trail. We enjoyed both of the local restaurants, and we spent nice afternoons lounging in the saloon. If the weather had been warmer, we’d have enjoyed the hot tub and the pool, and if the projector hadn’t malfunctioned, we’d have enjoyed movie night on Alex’s twenty foot screen. Alex was a gracious host, and gave us an informative tour of his family’s collection of antiques. So, if you’re up for a bunkhouse experience, give the ranch a try. We would definitely return if we were in the area!
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Rachel P.recommends
February 24, 2022
Site 3 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Alex is a great host and very knowledgeable about the area. I loved that my dog could roam the property with his pack. I enjoyed the mountain views and starry skies.
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Shawn P.recommends
February 20, 2022
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Great Views and Location
Alex, thanks again for the opportunity to stay at your property. We had a great time. Location was very convenient for the day trip to the Catwalk Rec Area and kids had a blast. Our dog also loved your dogs and the freedom to roam and play. That was a huge plus. We will definitely be back for a summer trip if you will have us again. Shawn
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John P.recommends
October 24, 2021
Site 3 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
We have a Winner!
This is exactly the place I hoped to find on Hipcamp. The host was laid back yet attentive. The property was very unique, historically important to the region and safe for my dog to run loose on. I stayed on Site 1 across from the Saloon. The hookup was totally legit and included sewer. I cannot wait to come back and spend more time at the pool after a long day of hiking in the Gila mountains.
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Bianca M.recommends
July 28, 2021
Site 1 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Perfect weekend Gila escape
What a wonderful adventure! We loved, loved the place. Such a unique lil oasis in the desert with magnificent views. The space had everything the RV needed and we were lucky enough to be set up under a beautiful canopy of trees right next to the Hacienda. We had a late arrival because of rain, but we had a delightful time in the Saloon the first night. What a set up - played a great game of pool and took lots of pictures ala old west. The next day we explored the property, swam in the pool and then the hot tub. Alex and his son were so kind in getting it ready for the perfect evening soak. It was marvelous. I need that hot tub in my backyard. The views while soaking as the clouds rolled in. Priceless. The cherry on top was the tour given to us on our last day there by our host Alex. He is such a charismatic gentleman with so much history and stories to tell about his place that it is mind-blowing. I highly recommend that you take the tour so that you learn about all the things that you are surrounded by. The history of the region of Gila, New Mexico is quite intriguing and Alex is very well versed. Thank you so much for hosting us. You and your family were such gracious hosts. We will visit again. Gracias.
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Heather H.recommends
July 26, 2021
Site 1 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Fun place to stay!
We had a great time camping at LC Ranch! We loved the tour with Alex and his two big dogs are so sweet! It is indeed rustic, the pool was amazing, and it was fun to spend time in the saloon.
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Dane D.recommends
June 12, 2021
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Hidden Gem! Spacious, private, and a destination all in itself. Truly had a great time. Thanks Aleks
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Warren R.recommends
May 15, 2021
Site 1 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Outstanding! I hesitate to recommend the Ranch only because I want to save it for our selves. This is an experience in like no other, history, culture, Ambience, escapism, what else could one ask for? Perhaps kareoke in the saloon? Got that too. Do it!
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Daniel M.recommends
April 12, 2021
Site 2 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
What an awesome 1st hipcamp experience, for us. Alex and Robin were excellent hosts, have a wealth of information about their area, and are passionate about the history and continued existence of the L.C. property. We would highly recommend a stay here and take advantage of the L.C. ranch tour. Dan and Kay Martin
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Wil R.recommends
April 7, 2021
Site 3 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
The L.C Ranch is a must see!
The L.C Ranch is incredible! Alex and Robin are super sweet and accommodating. Their property is absolutely remarkable. This was definitely one of our favorite hipcamp finds and we've stayed allover the country. The saloon, museum and gallery bar are one of a kind. They have one of the best private collections I've ever seen. This place is a gem. The operation is a nonprofit historical site. Alex has been working on restoring the Spanish mission building and ranch outpost for several years. It will be a lifetime achievement to restore the whole place. I hope you'll stay here to help fund that work. It is something I hope stands forever. This place is one of a kind and a must see. Not to mention the Gila National Forest is right up the road and beautiful. Good food in the region and a peaceful, quiet night's sleep. You can't get much better than this.
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Dani H.recommends
April 6, 2021
Site 3 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Quiet, but made for the party!
I was looking for a quiet place to try to outrun my job and hang out in my teardrop for a few days and LC Ranch was just the spot! The owner, Alex, is friendly and accommodating and his family property is interesting and fun. Definitely get him to give you the tour so you can see inside the 200+ year old home and make sure to hang out a bit in the property’s saloon. It’d be a really great place for a group of campers—quiet surroundings with a great venue for a get-together and wifi with power to charge up the gadgets, and a huge sky of stars at night. The restrooms are at the back of the saloon and the shower and w/d are in another area of the property, but hey...you’re camping, right? I really enjoyed my stay.
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Heather B.recommends
March 24, 2021
Site 3 - ESCAPE to the L.C. Ranch , Gila NM
Eclectic spot with some history!
This was a cool spot to stay. It’s a really eclectic place with an interesting history that Alex is obviously very passionate about. His family has filled it with interesting finds from their travels around the world, and while not historically relevant to the place, they are still really fun to look at and hear about! The place is a work in progress, as Alex fixes up different parts of the large ranch at a time. It is definitely a labor of love, and we enjoyed seeing what has been done over the 60 years that his family has owned it. He has two large Newfoundland dogs that are out whenever he is out and about on the property, and they are SO sweet and great with my kids. Kids are understandably not allowed to roam the property by themselves because of the pool and the fact there are different project areas, but they had plenty of space to run around near our trailer. We had no problems with the water, electric, or wifi (which wasnt super fast, but worked just fine at our site and good enough for video calls in the saloon). There was also laundry, which was super helpful for us. The pool was not open because of the season, and the hot tub was not open either....I would double check on their availability if those are important to you. There was a great little hang out spot by the pool with a kitchen area, grill, pizza oven, games, and seating. It would be super fun to camp here with friends and hang out by the pool or in the saloon :) At the time of our stay, camping was new at the ranch, and the area we parked was dirt, but Alex is working on getting grass going there. This wasnt a problem for us, but I think it’s worth mentioning.All in all, we all really liked staying here and would recommend it and happily stay again!
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