Forest camping near Aurora

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97% (5914 reviews)
97% (5914 reviews)

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12 top forest campgrounds near Aurora

96%
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Clear Creek Getaway

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Dumont, CO
Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway Please understand that winter is approaching and it gets really cold up there I will not be maintaining the roads. It is a beautiful, secluded spot in the winter to snowshoe up and snowshoe out parking will be available at the bottom and it’s less than 1/8th of a mile walk uphill, if anyone is interested, just email me for details on how to book Please note these Mountains are home to a lot of people therefore I do not allow any open burning wood burning no one wants start a forest fire even though the county will say it’s OK for open burn. Please respect The neighbors they request that we do not have open flame. I’m sure you can understand. Beds : you will need to bring your own For the glam dome: file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/cd/13/3781DC46-F036-428E-BFC5-447B16E14D54/Image-1.jpeg Roads : This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt. If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type We are available all year round. No power in units. All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck.. Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs. River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing. Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s) Hot springs within miles. We have portable toilets located close to the units Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures! Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70 Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70 St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70 Hot Springs 2 miles east I70 All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky. ( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road. When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).
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$20
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Prospector’s Rush

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD or AWD is necessary to access our property!!! Accessing the campsite is an off-road adventure. Please only book if you are comfortable with off-road driving. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature. As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky. At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature. 4WD / AWD is mandatory!!
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$29
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Serenity in the Foothills

12 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED*** Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads. If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event! YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed. Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent. Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property, we are very conservation minded with the history as well as the natural beauty of the area. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado! We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer. -NO fifth wheels (ALL sites). -Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites) -Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing. -Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max) -Site 3 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only -Sites 4-12(excluding site 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max) -Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only. If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp) **When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**
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$32
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93%
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Neverland/Camp Wilder

5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO
Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.
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$49.50
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99%
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Gold Nugget Tree House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Gold Hill, CO
Come visit our sweet little treehouse in the woods. Our property is just steps away from the bustling historic town of Gold Hill, a destination for tourists and road bikers alike. The treehouse is a glamping experience with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable. Food - Bring your cooler with food supplies or take out in Boulder before you head up the mountain. Or grab a coffee, pizza, snack or a glass of wine at the Gold Hill store. If you'd like a full service dining experience, make a reservation for a 5 course meal at the Gold Hill Inn. What To Do: Walk around the historic town of Gold Hill. We promise you will be entertained. Ask a local about the museum, the cemetery, or the historic two room school house, or any other favorite spots they have around the area. Love the woods and nature, but would like a little action? Attend a local live music concert at the Gold Hill Store or the Gold Hill Inn on a beautiful summers night. Drive to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park to explore for the day. Boulder - 20 minutes Nederland - 35 minutes Estes Park - 45 minutes The Treehouse is furnished with Queen size bed and plenty of blankets to keep you warm, but feel free to bring your sleeping bag if you prefer. A roll out twin size feather bed for the floor is available upon request if you have a few more folks joining. We provide a portable toilet with WagBags. Please always pack out all human solid human waste. Gold Hill Store offers a toilet for a minimal fee and the Gold Hill Inn has a toilet for customers. A camp stove is available for outdoor use. The camp stove and the propane heater both use 1 lb propane canisters, so feel free to bring your own fuel to cook and keep you warm. A can of propane is always available for your use of the stove. * A note to novice campers and regular hotel patrons: Though you are in a shelter, you are still exposed to the elements. The treehouse is not insulated. Wind, bugs, and critters may all be a part of the variable treehouse experience mother nature has planned for you. If you are not comfortable camping, getting dirty, swatting flies, being too hot, being too cold, hearing the noises of animals at night, waking up to the sound of magpies, and who knows what else, this experience may not be for you.
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$139
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Camp Always Choose Adventures

13 sites · Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures, the nation's first off-grid outdoor educational campground. Situated at an elevation of 9,300 feet in Central City, Colorado, we're just a 15-minute drive from Idaho Springs. Our unique campground offers a Tipi and dispersed camping sites amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, where you can often spot elk, moose, deer, and bears in their natural habitat. Our driveway is the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Road Highway Vehicle area in the Front Range of Colorado, with numerous hiking trails nearby. For your convenience, we offer rental options for outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and almost anything else you might need. You can arrive empty-handed and still enjoy a full camping experience in the Rockies. We offer a one-stop-shop for all of your Colorado bucket-lists! Camping in The Rocky Mountains WITH premier outdoor gear provided, 4x4 adventures, and everything in-between! At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are excited to partner with Native Jeeps and Colorado Adventure Guides to enhance your Rocky Mountain experience. Native Jeeps will meet you at our campground and hand you the keys to your unforgettable 4x4 adventure. As the only permitted You-Drive Jeep tour company operating in Clear Creek and Eagle County, Native Jeeps offers unique expedition tours on breathtaking trails that no one else can show you. Colorado Adventure Guides is our trusted backcountry outfitter and avalanche education provider, offering activities for all ages and experience levels throughout all four seasons. In the summer, enjoy adventures like white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and mountaineering. In the winter, they offer backcountry education, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, snowshoe tours, winter peak ascents, and hut trips. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime with our expert partners! To book an adventure with Native Jeeps or Colorado Adventure Guides and receive a discount become an ACA paid member today: alwayschooseadventures.org/join Already a paid member? Contact us to book your discounted adventure now! 720-331-2499. Leave No Trace: As a proud partner of the Leave No Trace. We promote the practice of Leave No Trace and emphasize responsible outdoor ethics, encouraging all our visitors to minimize their impact on the environment. By fostering a deep respect for nature, we aim to protect and preserve our beautiful surroundings for future generations while promoting outdoor accessibility for youth and individuals with disabilities. Accessibility: At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are thrilled to offer Extreme Motus wheelchairs to our guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. These all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, providing unparalleled mobility and freedom. Whether you're exploring our scenic trails, joining an off-road adventure, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our campground, the Extreme Motus wheelchairs empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all our outdoor activities. We are committed to making outdoor adventures accessible to all, breaking barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. Wildlife: We typically have moose, elk, deer and sometimes even bears in our valley. If you wake up between 5:30AM - 6:30AM, you'll most likely see animals in the valley, or willow grove. Be aware there are four friendly resident camp dogs ready to greet you upon arrival. This campground is very dog-friendly, but if you have any concerns about dogs, please let us know, and we can ensure they are kept away from the campground during your stay. We will make every effort to accommodate you. Outdoor Amenities: Guests have access to outdoor amenities such as a communal fire pit for evening gatherings, picnic tables, and clean, port a pot restroom facilities. Educational Opportunities: As part of your stay, you can participate in outdoor educational clinics offered by Camp ACA, learning about Leave No Trace principles, various outdoor recreational gear, local wildlife, the history of Idaho Springs and Central City and the importance of environmental stewardship. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to break barriers in the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities. Funds raised from our campground directly benefit underserved youth and those with disabilities, supporting our goal to make the great outdoors accessible to all. We thank you for your donation. For more information about us please visit: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org
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$30
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Harmony Ridge Farm

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Ramah, CO
We purchase the land in 2010 with the hopes of building our dream home. We would come out and camp on weekends and soon built a small cabin from reclaimed materials. This barn style cabin is available to our tent camper when the weather is inclement so you can relax outside your tent...The west side opens up onto a deck with picnic table to provide sun/rain shade. In 2012 we were given a 12x20 ft addition to a mobile home that formed the basis of "the cottage" that we lived in "little house on the prairie" style for 2 years while we built our home from trees my husband cut down and processed on his portable sawmill. It took 2 years to build our home with the help of our 15 year old grandson and his friend who were taking a construction technology class for their homeschooling education. Other friends and family helped on occasion and we were finally able to move in just before Christmas 2014. In 2019 we started with Hipcamp providing rustic campsites and our little cottage. in 2021 our son moved into the cottage which made it unavailable for campers so this past year we got another bright idea and the "Tree House" was conceived and built! Come enjoy the incredible view from this little house in the trees! Queen sized bed, (you provide the bedding), camp chef propane stove (outdoors) and tiny wood burning stove inside to take off the morning chill! We sold the sawmill to our architect who is building his own home in Wyoming. What do we do with the large awning we put over the sawmill? How about another small cabin? This is a very rustic cabin with no real amenities other than two bed platforms where you must provide your mattress and sleeping bags. The bunk has a unique ladder and the views of Pikes Peak are awesome! Enjoy the gentle humming of the alpaca's as they greet you in the mornings or whenever. Our 9 alpaca's are friendly and very curious. The boys enjoy showing their stuff whenever we have guests! Come and get acquainted. We also have two guard dogs; 3 cats and 4 kitties--soon to be leaving; one rooster, 13 chickens. The sounds of the birds, cows in the meadow, early morning visits from the local deer and antelope herds; a star studded night sky while the trees whisper you to sleep at night . Incredible views of Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Mount Evans on a clear day. Beautiful Colorado Sunrises and Sunsets! We hope for green pastures and wildflowers this spring/summer! Relax and read; play a few rounds of horse shoes; take a nice long walk around the perimeter of the property and get your miles in...
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$30
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99%
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Standiford Goat and Equine Ranch

7 sites · RVs51 acres · Larkspur, CO
Our family-owned noncommercial ranch/campground is nestled against the Raspberry Butte hillside and near the Front Range Mountains on the West side of Highway I-25. It is 51 acres of rolling hills, Ponderosa Pine, and Douglas Fir Trees. Our property extends halfway up Raspberry Butte therefore there are lots of large rocks on our property. It is a working ranch with several horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, ducks, and dogs. Due to the fire risks in our area there are NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED which includes propane fires. On our property you will see an enclosure with Nigerian Dwarf goats, chickens, ducks, and two donkeys. You can enter the enclosure BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Our eight-stall barn is where we feed our horses and raise our baby goats, chicks, and foals. We offer our hip campers an opportunity to learn how to care for our animals; horseback rides in a round pen; and a dump station. Just sign up at the time you book your stay under EXTRAS. Thirty acres of our property are fenced for the horses and located directly behind the campsites. In addition, we have lots of wildlife including but not limited to: Deer, Elk, Coyotes, Bobcats, Wild Turkeys, Mountain Lions, Snakes, and Bears. We are approximately 2 miles from the town of Larkspur between Spruce Mountain Road and Perry Park Road. (Please note Google Maps will try and send you to a location on Perry Park Road which is incorrect. Please refer to the map located on this website.) Due to our remote location, we have spotty Wifi. Typically ATT, Starlink, and TMobile work best. Verizon reception can be located at certain spots around our ranch. There are three restaurants located in the town of Larkspur including pizza, Mexican food, and a pub. There is also a large park with lots of kids' play equipment. During the summer there are concerts at the park on the weekends. We are approximately 2 miles from the Colorado Renaissance Festival located in Larkspur. The Renaissance Festival typically runs between June and July. We are 10 miles from the town of Palmer Lake which has fishing, kayaking, and several restaurants. Spruce Mountain hiking trails are 2-3 miles away. We are approximately 40 miles north of Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, and Manitou Springs. We are approximately 40 miles south of Denver and all of its attractions. Campers will be required to sign a Waiver and Release of Liability when camping with us. The following is a copy of the Waiver: WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY (Please email to: TeresaSOrtez@msn.com) IN CONSIDERATION OF the risk of injury that exists while participating in CAMPING (hereinafter the “Activity”) at Standiford Ranch LLC with restricted access to horses, donkeys, goats, dogs, and other various farm animals, and IN CONSIDERATION OF my desire to participate in said Activity and being given the right to participate in the same: I, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, or personal representatives (hereinafter collectively, “Releasor,” “I,” or “me,” which terms shall also include Releasor’s parents or guardian if Releasor is under 18 years of age), knowingly and voluntarily enter into this WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY and hereby waive any and all rights, claims, or causes of action of any kind arising out of my participation in the Activity. I hereby release and forever discharge Clint, Amy, and Teresa Standiford (Standiford Ranch LLC) located at 1225 Fox Farm Road, Larkspur, Colorado 80118, their affiliates, managers, members, agents, attorneys, staff, volunteers, heirs, representatives, predecessors, successors, and assigns (collectively “Releasees”), from any physical or psychological injury that I may suffer as a direct result of my participation in the aforementioned Activity. I am voluntarily participating in the aforementioned Activity at my own risk. I am aware of the risks associated with participating in this Activity, which may include but are not limited to physical or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability (including paralysis), economic or emotional loss, and death. I understand that these injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or others' negligence, conditions related to travel to and from the Activity, or from conditions at the Activity location(s). Nonetheless, I assume all related risks, both known and unknown to me, of my participation in this Activity. I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Releasees against any and all claims, suits, or actions of any kind whatsoever for liability, damages, compensation, or otherwise brought by me or anyone on my behalf, including attorney’s fees and any related costs. I acknowledge that Releasees are not responsible for errors, omissions, acts, or failures to act of any party or entity conducting a specific event or activity on behalf of Releasees. If I require medical care or treatment, I authorize Clint, Amy, and Teresa Standiford (Standiford Ranch LLC) to provide all emergency medical care deemed necessary, including but not limited to, first aid, CPR, the use of AEDs, emergency medical transport, and sharing of medical information with medical personnel. I agree to assume all costs involved in my medical treatment and to indemnify, save, and hold harmless the Releasees from any loss, liability, damage, or cost, including bodily injury or death. I understand that my access and the access of any members of my party are limited to our designated camping area also referred to as campsite which is marked with a designated number(s). We are prohibited from entering any other areas of the property without express permission and must be accompanied by an authorized member of Standiford Ranch LLC. This restriction applies to all members of my party, including but not limited to family members, guests, and any other individuals who accompany me. I acknowledge that any violation of this rule may result in immediate removal from the property and potential legal action. I agree to inform all members of my party of this restriction and ensure their compliance and will not hold Standiford Ranch LLC liable for any unintended or unaccompanied use of the property. I understand that myself and my party are financially liable for any damages, injuries, or loss as a result of our actions, intentional, negligent, or otherwise. This includes all property, equipment, tools, structures, trees/agricultures, residents, guests, campers, or animals, whether intentionally or as an act of negligence. This includes any unauthorized use of the property including such as hunting, hiking, climbing, illegal dumping, or pollution. I understand that myself and my party must have insurance for any and all vehicles brought onto the Standiford Ranch property to cover any accidents and damage to vehicles caused by fallen trees. In the instance of a dispute arising between the user(s) and Standiford Ranch LLC, both parties agree to seek arbitration as a means to resolve such disputes. The parties shall agree on a single neutral arbitrator to conduct such counsel. If the parties cannot agree on a single arbitrator, they will each select one arbitrator who will then agree on a single arbitrator to resolve the dispute. The arbitrator will under no circumstance be allowed to modify or change this limitation of liability agreement. Furthermore, the arbitrator’s decision shall be final, and the user(s) will be responsible for all fees incurred during the arbitration. Any disputes will be handled in Colorado court. I agree that in the event of any injury or loss of life arising out of my participation in the Activity, including the event of negligence on behalf of Amy, Clint, and Teresa Standiford (Standiford Ranch LLC), the total damages to which I, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, or personal representatives may be entitled shall not exceed $10,000. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT. I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT, ASSURANCE, OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME. I INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND ALL MEMBERS OF MY PARTY, AM AUTHORIZED TO DO SO, AND I CERTIFY THAT I AM AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE. IF A MEMBER OF YOUR PARTY DOES NOT AUTHORIZE YOUR SIGNATURE ON THEIR BEHALF, THEY MUST ALSO SIGN AND AGREE TO THIS AGREEMENT BELOW. BY SIGNING, YOU AGREE TO ACCEPT FULL LIABILITY ON BEHALF OF YOUR PARTY AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE RECEIVED AUTHORIZATION FROM EACH MEMBER OF YOUR PARTY. Authorized Signer: Print Name: ________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Campsite Number: ___________________ Additional Signer(s) Who Do Not Authorize the Individual Above: Print Name: ________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Print Name: ________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ___________________
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Resort Valley Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
Historic Ranch Resort Valley Ranch was homesteaded mainly by the Corbin family starting.in 1884 They had moved their cattle here from nearby Pleasent Park during a particularly hard winter, as a "last resort", leading to the creeks being named Last Resort and West Resort. Hard times in the 1930's and drought conditions, convinced the Corbin's to sell out and move to lusher climes. Tom’s father, Dr. O.J. Butterfield was another doctor that invested his spare money in cattle ranching. Purchased mainly before. 1945, Tom's older brother Rupert tried to make a living raising trout on the Resort Creek property in the late '40's. Otherwise, the place was occupied by various old-timers who caretook the place until 1955, when Barbara and Tom moved here to oversee the cattle business. The second slope of the driveway frequently had to be dug out by hand for access. The years of drought had left the place overgrazed and barren. Times were hard, and the horses needed to work the cattle ate plenty. The opportunity arose to lease them out in nearby Foxton--Foxton Stables was born. An old livery and other outbuildings provided the facilities needed. Mutual benefit was derived from the business as customers to the general store also would take advantage of the riding horses just across the bridge. Workers and helpers came from off-duty air force boys, as well as volunteer children from the local summer cabins. Guided rides were offered, as well as moonlight rides when appropriate and by appointment. There were also "Chuck Wagon" cookouts which included a horse-drawn hay ride to and from. Tom and Barbara also put on a Trail Horse Trials which was an annual competition over obstacles, judged, set up to simulate obstacles a horse might encounter while out riding. This became more widely attended the second year, coming to the notice of horse breeders like Mary Woolverton, who competed in it for the first time in 1963. (That's when Nan first fell in love with Prince of Pride, a golden palomino Morgan stallion who always looked like the perfect horse showing how to do it perfectly.) 1963 is the last year this event, and the stable business, was held in Foxton. From then on, the stable was run from the barn at the ranch, and the Trail Horse Trials was not put on again until 1966, when it was sponsored by the 4-H Trail Dusters and put on in conjunction with the first annual Top of the World Competitive Trail ride which was head-quartered on the west end of the property. As the stable became busier, more horses were purchased or leased to meet the need. Many of these horse were grade individuals from known breeds. The better mares did double duty by raising foals each year, that would be sold or auctioned off. Some of the mares were bred to our Shetland pony stallion, Tarzan, he was called a chocolate-dapple. Several years we had Appaloosa offspring from a friend's stallion. For a short time, a Moroccan Paint stallion was used, but he tended to throw the lethal white gene, as well as breaking Tom Butterfield's knee with his bad behavior. He soon found his way back to auction! A couple of the leased mares were Morgans. They proved to be easy to work with as well as hardy individuals that kept well, and the foals proved easier to halter break than the other horses. They made a good enough impression that a young gelding was purchased, and one nice mare was bred to the Morgan stallion Julio--descended from Juzan. The resulting colt, Julian, was kept as stallion until age eight, before being gelded and living out his years as a family favorite. Julian did a lovely running walk. Unfortunately, none of his offspring were kept, including the two from the half Shetland mares kept for the family. It may seem that the cattle operation got dropped by the wayside. In actuality, that's not far from the truth. The fact that the registered Herefords purchased by Tom and Barbara, turned out to carry dwarf genes, which soon became apparent each calving season. This rather limited the value and productivity of the herd. Financial concerns brought on by Dr. Butterfield's death in 1967, subsequently led to the dispersal of the cattle herd. It was fortunate that the Stable had become established enough to become one of the mainstays of the family fortunes. Diversification was always a necessity. Horses were leased to the Forest Service when they needed them. The entire string would be utilized for company picnics, with the horses being brought to the site. Churches were sent flyers promoting group rides and hayrides. Boy Scout troops were welcomed to camp, ride and work on both Horsemanship and Conservation Merit Badges--which benefited in valuable erosion control work. Many times, ranch hands were obtained from these sources, both for fencing and Christmas tree cutting. There were many winters that the place carried over a hundred head of horses, as several camps in the area would winter their horses here. Dad would haul them back and forth, pull their shoes, etc. Our pinto line originated with Barbara's mare Calico, a pinto mare of unknown breeding, though Tennessee Walker was suspected due to her gaits. Having been diagnosed with Navicular disease, she was bred to the Shetland, Tarzan, a chocolate-dapple--producing the mare Feather (Nan's pony). This line has been bred only to Morgans since '66, when Feather was bred to General James, producing the mare Calico Doll, granddam to our stallion RV Eagle Feather. Doll was only 14.2, but she had heart, stamina and intelligence. Having learned much at the knee of the Shetland, Feather, Nan began training Doll in 1970. This mare was just four years old when she took the High Point Champion in the '71 Trail Horse Trials, over some tough competition, including Mary Woolverton's Prince of Pride. She could side-pass, two track, drag a log, pull a cart without blinders, open gates, work livestock and run all day. She also would gait occasionally, a trait that skipped a generation. Calico Doll was bred to Prince of Pride five different times, prior to his death in 1973(?). She would get in foal but never carried to term. Nan did some riding for Mary in exchange for these breedings, working Victory Vagabond. Finally the arrangement was settled by getting Calico Doll in foal to her stallion, Great Hills Richmond. Calico Doll's brown colt from this cross was sold on to the Tumbling River Ranch for cattle work. In the 1970's, a local breeder came to our attention with her stallion, Topside Midnight, when she competed him in the Top of the World Competitive Trail Ride. The crossing of Calico Doll with Midnight produced the black 3/4 Morgan stallion, Jaspar, in 1974. He was used for breeding four or five years, overlapping the transition to pureblooded Morgans in 1977. I always thought it unfortunate that he wasn't pure-blooded as he had wonderful manners, was very solid and typey and a generous sire. We sold his offspring until 1985 and still have a great-granddaughter. He was gelded in '81, and sold in '82. A few of the solid colored part-bloods come down from this line of the family. One of his daughters has competed as a grade horse in Competitive Trail riding for the past ten years. Three major land sales were required for operating expenses during the late '60's and early '70's. The Indian Park Ranch was decreased to 280 acres, Resort Valley Ranch decreased from 5,000 acres to its present 4,000. The Camp Fire Girls purchased the property adjacent to the driveway, leading to their utilizing horses from our string for their horse program. As the Camp increased its horse program, the public stables was gradually phased out. This freed up the Butterfield's lifestyle enough for them to focus on starting raising the pure-blooded Morgans, beginning with their purchase of SH Crescent in 1976.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Aurora guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Aurora, Colorado. With over 459 options in the area, all surrounded by beautiful forest terrain, you're sure to find the ideal spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Glen Isle Resort (461 reviews), Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), or Serenity in the Foothills (295 reviews). Plus, with popular amenities like campfires, showers, and pet-friendly locations, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can enjoy activities like whitewater paddling, boating, and surfing. Prices start as low as $17 per night, with an average price per night of $65. So start planning your forest camping getaway today!

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