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Colorado · Camping
Camping near Saguache, Colorado puts you in the southern San Juan Mountains, where the Rio Grande National Forest runs into the broad, high-desert floor of the San Luis Valley.
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Camping near Saguache, Colorado puts you in the southern San Juan Mountains, where the Rio Grande National Forest runs into the broad, high-desert floor of the San Luis Valley. The four campgrounds listed here — Carnero Guard Station, Brewery Creek Guard Station, Upper Crossing Guard Station, and Stone Cellar Guard Station — are all historic guard stations converted for public rental, which means you get a roof over your head rather than a tent pad, but you're still well out in the backcountry. These aren't developed campgrounds with hookups and camp hosts; they're remote cabins that require advance reservations and some self-sufficiency. The area sits at elevation, so even summer nights get cold, and afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly from July into early September. Roads to these stations are typically dirt and can be rough, so knowing your vehicle's clearance matters before you commit. If you're coming from Saguache town, stock up on supplies before heading out — there are no services once you leave the valley floor. For anyone who wants solitude, a historic setting, and a genuine feel for the high country west of the Sangre de Cristos, these guard station rentals are a practical and underused option.
Carnero, Brewery Creek, Upper Crossing, and Stone Cellar are all historic Forest Service guard stations available for cabin rental, not traditional tent or RV sites. You're reserving a structure, typically a small cabin or bunkhouse, rather than an open campsite. Bedding and kitchen gear are not always provided, so check the specific listing for each station before you pack.
All four stations are reserved through Recreation.gov. Popular summer weekends can book out weeks or even months ahead, especially for a region that sees steady interest from San Luis Valley visitors. Check availability early if you're targeting July or August.
MONARCH PARK
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
UPPER CROSSING GUARD STATION
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Buffalo Pass Campground
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Buffalo Pass Campground
~12 min drive
High-elevation Colorado campground for mountain recreation and scenic camping.
Buffalo Pass Fishing Site
~12 min drive
Small USFS fishing campground in Colorado with 20 sites and mountain stream access.
CARNERO GUARD STATION
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Luders Creek Campground
~16 min drive
Creek-side Colorado campground perfect for fishing and forest recreation.
Luders Creek Campground
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Storm King Campground
~18 min drive
Mountain campground in Colorado with access to outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes.
Poso Campground
~24 min drive
Rustic, first-come Colorado campground in a forested setting for backcountry recreation.
Poso Campground
~24 min drive
Rustic Colorado forest campground for backcountry recreation and wilderness access.
Poso Campground
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Access roads to these guard stations are unpaved and can be rough, particularly after wet weather. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for all four locations. Call the Saguache Ranger District ahead of your trip to ask about current road conditions, since seasonal closures and washouts can affect access.
Late June through early September is the main window when roads are reliably passable and snow is unlikely. That said, afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through August, so plan outdoor activities for mornings. Nights at elevation near Saguache can drop into the 30s even in summer, so bring layers regardless of how warm the days feel.
There are no stores, gas stations, or services once you leave Saguache and head into the backcountry. Fill your tank, buy groceries, and pick up any gear you need in Saguache or Gunnison before driving out to any of the four guard stations. Cell service is limited to nonexistent in these areas, so download offline maps before you go.
