Camping in Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area, CO

Discover the natural allure of Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area.  

Top camping near Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area, CO

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Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

1. Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

95%
(53)
5 sites · Lodging · Center, CO
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.
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$45
 / night
Country Homestead

4. Country Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Del Norte, CO
Experience Rustic Homestead Life in the San Luis Valley Welcome to our homestead, located in the wide-open beauty of the San Luis Valley, Colorado. We’re a family-friendly, down-to-earth ranch where guests can enjoy fresh mountain air, starry nights, and a taste of authentic country living. We are a working family homestead, so you’ll hear the sounds of farm animals, tractors, equipment, and children at play. You’ll be camping near our main house and are welcome to be as involved in whatever is going on around the farm as you like. We do have dogs of our own, but unfortunately, we cannot allow outside dogs due to possible interactions with our farm animals. Campers can choose from several options: • Tent Camping – Pitch your tent on open pastureland with stunning valley views. • RV Camping – Park your rig with access to water and electricity. • Rustic Garage Apartment – A simple, no-frills option for those who prefer a roof overhead. You’ll have access to a shared shower, shared kitchenette, well water, and electricity—along with plenty of space to spread out and relax. Whether you’re passing through or exploring the valley, our homestead offers a peaceful retreat rooted in simplicity, hospitality, and family. Come and enjoy the beauty of rural Colorado!
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$20
 / night
Tomichi Creek Trading Post

5. Tomichi Creek Trading Post

100%
(2)
45 sites · Lodging, RVs · Garfield, CO
Make the Most of Your Next Outdoor Adventure Whether you're looking for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures, or a relaxing weekend away where you can breathe clear mountain air and observe beautiful wildlife, Tomichi Creek Trading Post is the place you want to be. ​ We are located in one of the most scenic areas of Colorado and the year-round list of things to do is limitless. If you're new to the area, we'll be happy to answer your questions and offer our recommendations for activities during your stay. ​ Our property is ride-in, ride-out to hundreds of miles of off-road trails, so you can unload at your site, and get out into the wild right away. And when you're at your site, you'll have just about everything you need close at hand. Gas and fuel, a well stocked store with gifts and souvenirs, a restaurant and bar, and even an EV charging station. We'll take great care of you!
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from 
$45
 / night
Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

6. Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

100%
(177)
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Moffat, CO
Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.
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$25
 / night
Creekside Chalets

7. Creekside Chalets

98%
(109)
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Salida, CO
Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.
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$50
 / night
Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

8. Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

98%
(64)
7 sites · Lodging · Salida, CO
The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.
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$109
 / night
The stars at New Sky Ranch are truly out of this world and visible every night as long as it isn't too cloudy

11. New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

100%
(56)
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Saguache, CO
New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history. New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth. We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.
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$39
 / night
Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins

12. Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins

96%
(88)
23 sites · RVs, Tents · Creede, CO
Learn more about this land: At the head waters of the Rio Grande River, Mineral County is 96% National Forest with 4.5M acres of National Forest lands surrounding us.  You can see the largest wilderness area in the United States from your camp site, at 9,000 ft. We are an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Wolf Creek ski area 'The Most Snow In Colorado'. Creede Repertory Theater rivals Off Broadway. We offer cabins, RV sites and Campsites at Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins. Please call our office or visit our website. RV Sites are NOT booked through hipcamp, they run $50-$60 nightly and can only be reserved through the Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins website.  We are 32728 hwy 149 Creede. 11 miles towards Lake City on hwy 149. Pull all through the Cabins and either turn left up the little hill camping anywhere, but keep the fire pit open for everyone. Or drive through the green gate past cabin #7 and camp in the pasture. Bathhouse is in the middle of the cabins. (No Bathhouse or water after September 15th.) Fire pit and picnic table are on the hill.  You can have dogs off leash anywhere away from the cabins and RV sites, just be careful as we have horses, we don't want the pup's getting kicked.  Let me know if you need anything. NO BATHHOUSE BETWEEN SEPT 15-JUNE 1 PRICE $30 BATHHOUSE AVAILABLE JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 14 Price $35 Dale, Anne, and Susan.
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$30
 / night
Salida RV Resort

13. Salida RV Resort

100%
(13)
76 sites · RVs · Salida, CO
Salida RV Resort is a brand new luxury RV park in Colorado with over 1,600 feet of Arkansas riverfrontage and is surrounded by the beautiful Collegiate Peak mountains. Book your spacious RV Site and be just 2.5 miles to shops and dining in Salida’s lovely and hip historic downtown district. With year-round full hookup RV Sites, Salida has four seasons of outdoor adventure awaiting you! Perfect for year-round guests, we offer access to all of the wonderful river activities, including our private river access ramp for non-motorized rafts and floats. Visitors can explore wonderful mountain biking and hiking trails for all skill levels in the nearby Sawatch Range, or participate in the town of Salida’s many great summer festivities! In the winter, Monarch Ski Resort is just 23 miles away. Don’t forget to take a dip in one of the local hot springs while you’re here any time of year! Salida’s mild year-round climate caused by the “banana belt” is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets!
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$65
 / night
Hoskin’s Place

14. Hoskin’s Place

100%
(10)
1 site · RV · Crested Butte, CO
A lovely flat spot alongside our garage for a van, small RV, teardrop or truck camper. Electric and water. No available bathroom. This option is especially great since van/rv/trailer camping is not allowed on public streets or in public parking lots in the Town of Crested Butte. (Our spot is a great way to avoid the Marshal knocking on your window at 11 PM and asking you to move on. Yes it happens because we know the officers.) Gorgeous views, easy dog walks and a recreation path right nearby. Walking distance to downtown Crested Butte. Bikable to some of the best mountain biking in the USA. Available year-round, even in the deep snow. Nordic skiing right outside your door. Public transit nearby so you can get settled and leave your van/camper without all the pack up, unpack, leveling process. Local public transportation is great! Quiet dog-friendly neighborhood of locals. Sustainable! (Power is photovoltaic solar. 20 Amp. Not so well suited to AC units or electric heat) Trash, compost, recycling and potable water are available on site. Two blocks away is the CB dump station for sewer and non-potable/potable water except in winter months. A great spot to support evening and late night arrivals to avoid driving all over looking for a dispersed spot during busy times. Worry free! Easy walking distance to the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenglow (Mondays), Music on the Mountain (Wednesdays), Public House, wedding venues and other music venues, bars and nightlife. 1/2 a block from the Slate River and paddleboarding put-in. 1 block from Rainbow Park and playgrounds, soccer fields, etc. 2 blocks from the public/ski bus. Reliable high speed internet. This is a relatively small, site in town, not a spacious farm/acreage type of site or a campground. Crested Butte has a lot of dispersed camping available so this is ideal for vans and campers with a bathroom who want to camp within town limits and be able to walk everywhere.
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$55
 / night
Chinook Cabins & RV Park

15. Chinook Cabins & RV Park

100%
(61)
29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · South Fork, CO
Our RV Park in South Fork CO has space for 18 R.V.’s. Each site has full hookups with the majority being 50amp service and are oversized so that they can handle any big rig! There is a shower house and laundry facility available for our guests (seasonal). There is more than ample parking and each site is easy to access. Our sites are back off the highway for a more relaxing atmosphere and the view is amazing. We have a community fire pit of which we can roast hot dogs, marshmallows for s’mores and tell all the stories you would like. “What goes on at the Fire Pit stays at the Fire Pit.” Come and join us! We have a lot of fun! South Fork Colorado has all the family fun and challenging terrain you could ever look for. 1000’s of miles of trails to hike and bike. Snowmobile/ATV/UTV and Motorcycle riding multi-use Rio Grande National Forest Service trails and roads. We welcome you with plenty of parking area on site for your trailers to park. The Rio Grande River offers world class fly fishing. There are plenty of lakes and creeks to enjoy also. Wolf Creek Ski Area is just up the road from South Fork, Colorado for all your winter fun downhill skiing and snowboarding. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing are fun low cost family activities with plenty of terrain to enjoy. Great Sand Dunes National Park is open all year long and is a day trip from South Fork. Enjoy the Sand Dunes National Park, learn how they were formed, hike a dune and try sand boarding. Zapata Falls is a short hike near the Sand Dunes. South Fork Colorado has several other waterfalls nearby to visit, Treasure Falls and South & North Clear Creek falls. You will want to come back year after year to explore all we have to offer.
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$49
 / night
Yurts at Poncha Pass in Autumn in the heart of the Sangre Mountains.

16. Lone Tree Yurt at Poncha Pass

98%
(20)
1 site · Lodging · Bonanza, CO
Settled in the remote headwaters of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, you'll find Yurts At Poncha Pass as a perfect stepping off spot for endless mountain adventures and dark sky star gazing. Along with close access to the Ark river, mountain biking, and the sand dunes, you'll find fun little towns to visit like Salida, Poncha Springs and Buena Vista. With plenty of hiking right from the yurt north towards the Sangre De Cristo range, this space offers a genuine ability to disconnect and be in nature. The Lone Tree yurt is a 30ft diameter yurt with sleeping accommodation for 4 and is pet-friendly. (1 queen, 2 single beds) Equipped with water jug, a coffee maker and fridge as well as a composting toilet gives you the simplicity of mountain living with clean sheets. Note that no cooking stove, sink or utensils are provided. A common area does host a propane fire table, a wood fire sauna and cold plunge. This area allows one to enjoy the outdoors simply while also meeting other traveling guests.
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$100
 / night
Panoramic view of drive-up/parking

18. Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

98%
(97)
20 sites · Tents · Almont, CO
We believe campgrounds should be more fun, more accessible and more inclusive for all kinds of campers - that's why we started Campfire Ranch to make camping easier. Our campground is nestled between the granite walls of Taylor Canyon alongside the Taylor River in central Colorado, halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte, CO. If you've never been to the area, get ready to be amazed, with over 2,500 square miles of public land, 700+ miles of singletrack trail and countless rivers, creeks and lakes to explore. We'll see y'all in the woods! We will open May 16th for the 2025 season! Bookings are available up to 60 days in advance. Please contact us before booking if you are seeking a family focused experience - we do not have a kids area or playground and require that children under the age of 16 be in the company of an adult at all times due to our proximity to Co Rd 742 and the Taylor River. No multi-room tents are allowed at camp, we simply don't have the room, the largest tent size we can accommodate is 12'x12' - please inquire if you have specific tent questions. You can check-in with us anytime after 3pm the day of your reservation, please message us if you need to check-in after 8pm. All campers will be required to sign our release of liability waiver before camping (parents/guardians will have to sign for minors in your group) - you can review these terms and rules on our website: CampfireRanch.co
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$78
 / night
Grandview RV Resort

19. Grandview RV Resort

100%
(11)
91 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · South Fork, CO
Welcome to Grandview Cabins and RV Resort, nestled in the heart of beautiful South Fork, Colorado. This small town sits at the confluence of the South Fork and Rio Grande rivers. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and forests, South Fork is home to year-round activities for visitors. Grandview is the perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas. Grandview Cabins and RV Resort offers a variety of comfortable and spacious accommodations to suit any traveler’s needs. Our cabins are fully equipped with modern amenities such as a full kitchen, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. Our RV sites offer full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric, and can accommodate RVs of various sizes. For those who prefer camping under the stars, we also have tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables. All of our accommodations provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in the heart of South Fork, Colorado. Our resort offers an unbeatable combination of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty that will make your stay unforgettable. Our spacious cabins and RV sites are the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We pride ourselves on our exceptional hospitality, and our staff is always available to assist you with anything you need during your stay. Our resort is in the heart of South Fork, making it the perfect place to stay for all your outdoor adventures, from fishing and hunting to hiking and horseback riding. At Grandview Cabins and RV Resort, you’ll enjoy all of our amenities while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Colorado. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of South Fork – book your stay with us today. Discover the endless possibilities of a Colorado vacation at Grandview. Indulge in a variety of outdoor activities: fishing in lakes, streams, and rivers, exploring ATV and Jeep trails, hiking, and mountain biking. Take in the breathtaking sights of ghost towns, historic points of interest, and museums, and end the day with some fine dining. Experience the thrill of riding historic trains from Alamosa or Antonito, or take a trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. For those who love golf, the Rio Grande Club is a PGA championship 18-hole golf course located just 5 minutes from here. ATV riders can hit the trails right from their cabin or RV site. And for hunters, reserving a cabin or RV site at Grandview is the perfect base camp for big or small game hunting. Before heading out, check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for regulations and licenses. Whatever adventure you seek, Grandview has something for everyone. Book your stay now and start planning your unforgettable Colorado getaway.
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$40
 / night

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Camping in Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area, CO guide

Overview

About

For those adventurous campers seeking an immersive experience in nature's finest settings, camping near Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area should be at the top of your list. Nestled within Colorado's vibrant Rio Grande National Forest, this locale offers more than just a night under the stars.

Dome Lakes, split into two moderate bodies of water, is a thriving habitat for a variety of aquatic wildlife. Rainbow trout and brook trout populate the lakes in abundance, much to the delight of fervent anglers. But that's not all, it's also an enticing venue for birdwatchers. Sightings of Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, and Ring-necked Duck are common, especially during the breeding season. Migrating phalaropes and potential other shorebirds also add to the lakes' vibrant ecological scene.

The allure doesn't end there. A Dome Lakes camping trip is your pass to an array of land-based activities too. Hiking trails crisscross the region, inviting exploration and a chance to encounter the local fauna, including coyotes often seen hunting in the vicinity. Remember though, this is a State Wildlife Area, so anyone aged 16 and above is required to have a valid hunting, fishing license, or a SWA pass.

Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting to explore the great outdoors, Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area offers an enriching wilderness retreat. The blend of fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and camping in the midst of nature makes it an idyllic destination for any camping expedition. So, ready your gear and set your sights on a Dome Lakes camping trip; nature is calling!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall, when mild temperatures create perfect conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities. Summer brings warmth and an abundance of life, but also a surge of visitors. Winters can be harsh, with snow and cold potentially limiting access and activities.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park updates for any closures or restrictions before planning your visit.
  • Ensure you have the necessary permits for fishing or hunting, as regulations are strictly enforced.
  • Prepare for varying weather conditions by dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear.
  • Accessibility information can be obtained by contacting the park's office prior to your trip.
  • Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty for future visitors.
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  1. Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area