How much does camping cost at Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Camping fees at Upper Crossing Guard Station range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Upper Crossing Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Crossing Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Upper Crossing Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Upper Crossing Guard Station has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Upper Crossing Guard Station is open January 1 - December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Yes, Upper Crossing Guard Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Fire policies at Upper Crossing Guard Station: Campfires allowed in designated fire pits; do not burn garbage.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Upper Crossing Guard Station have?

Upper Crossing Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Crossing Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Upper Crossing Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Popular activities at Upper Crossing Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper Crossing Guard Station

4.18

42 reviews

46525 ST HWY 114

Peace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Saguache Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Saguache Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Crossing Guard Station

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin nightly rate is $75.00 per night during the peak season (January 1 to December 31). Additional reservation fees may apply.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

719-655-2547

Help improve this page

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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 42 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"Overall, the cabin is praised for its scenic and secluded location but criticized for maintenance and cleanliness issues. Reviews highlight the cabin's potential for peaceful solitude and its accessibility features."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

46525 ST HWY 114

Upper Crossing Guard Station

46525 ST HWY 114

Nearby places

Saguache (22 miles), Gunnison (approx. 26 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and supplies available in Saguache, approximately 22 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Saguache, take Highway 114 west for approximately 22 miles. The turnoff for the Guard Station is 1 mile past County Road NN14. From Gunnison, remain on Highway 114 until approximately 4 miles past the Buffalo Pass Campground entrance. The exit to the station is between mile marker 39 and 40. Look for the Upper Crossing sign on the highway. Turn east for a short distance until the road ends in a "T". Turn right and go .5 mile. The cabin will be on the left. During the winter, guests may need to snowmobile, snowshoe, or ski .5 miles from the nearest maintained road to access the cabin.

Accessible year-round via CO Highway 114. The brief dirt road leading to the cabin is the old stagecoach route. Winter access may require snowmobiles, snowshoes, or skis due to snow coverage.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Crossing Guard Station

Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for mornings. This is the best time for fishing the creeks, wildflowers, and ridge hikes without deep snow blocking access. Winter turns the area into a snowpack landscape with frigid temps and potential road closures.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp mountain air, scenic views and solitude make fall attractive; trails accessible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Upper Crossing Guard Station

Upper Crossing Guard Station sits at 8,400 feet near the Continental Divide in Rio Grande National Forest, about a mile off the highway. This single two-bedroom cabin rents for $75 per night and sleeps six or more on bunk beds. Reviewers praise the isolation and lack of light pollution but consistently mention maintenance issues and the presence of mice.

Upper Crossing Guard Station offers cabin lodging with modern amenities, providing a comfortable retreat in a remote forest location. Primitive camping is not available.

Historical Significance

The cabin served as headquarters for the old Cochetopa National Forest. Nearby routes bear stagecoach-era graffiti. The Ute people traveled these mountain paths, though no specific sites or dates are documented in available records.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for mornings. This is the best time for fishing the creeks, wildflowers, and ridge hikes without deep snow blocking access. Winter turns the area into a snowpack landscape with frigid temps and potential road closures.

ElevationAt 8,400 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, where thin air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers. Visitors should allow time to acclimate to the altitude, as the elevated perch rewards those who adjust with crystalline skies and temperatures that remain pleasantly cool even on the warmest days.

Natural Features and SceneryTwo mountain creeks converge near the cabin, which sits among forests and ranch lands with views toward the Continental Divide. The area supports diverse wildlife and streams that draw anglers. The high-elevation setting provides dark skies and quiet, though the cabin itself has needed better upkeep according to recent visitors.

Geological RegionNestled in the geological wonderland of Rio Grande National Forest, this mountain escape sits at the doorstep of the Continental Divide's ancient backbone. Majestic peaks rise from a landscape sculpted by millennia of wind and water, where pristine streams carve through diverse forest ecosystems and pastoral ranch lands create a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain terrain.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 9 guests are allowed.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin with bunk beds for six-plus people. The structure sits isolated from the highway, providing quiet but also zero cell service for miles. Pack out all trash and secure food due to bear activity in the area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityPublic access only via directions provided; no first-come, first-served availability explicitly stated.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before the arrival date; a $10 cancellation fee applies, with late cancellations incurring additional penalties such as forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityThe cabin is wheelchair-friendly, with accessible amenities like an indoor bathroom and shower. 'The ranger station worked very well for handicap accessible needs,' a user commented.

Site SizeThe cabin itself provides spacious lodging for family groups or small parties. It is described as 'comfortable and roomy, with bunk beds that sleep six or more.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, situated about a mile off the highway. Multiple reviewers noted the peaceful solitude and isolation from urban noise and light pollution.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring cleaning supplies, tools for minor repairs, and a bottle of bleach, as reviews describe cleanliness issues. Avoid leaving food out to prevent attracting mice/rats.

Need help booking Upper Crossing Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at the Upper Crossing Guard Station can engage in an array of year-round recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and winter sports like snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity mentioned. Winter conditions may require snowmobiles, snowshoes, or skis.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits; do not burn garbage.

Emergency ServicesSaguache Ranger District Office (Phone: 719-655-2547); No explicit details on other emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food to avoid attracting bears. Burning garbage in the fire pit is prohibited.

Water FeaturesSituated near the confluence of two creeks, providing fishing opportunities for trout species.

Camp HostSaguache Ranger District oversees the cabin, and visitors may encounter routine checks by forest employees.

Weather at Upper Crossing Guard Station

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

42 reviews

Satisfactory

Upper Crossing Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the cabin is praised for its scenic and secluded location but criticized for maintenance and cleanliness issues. Reviews highlight the cabin's potential for peaceful solitude and its accessibility features.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the quiet and isolated setting, accessibility for handicapped guests, and proximity to outdoor activities. One reviewer noted, 'The cabin worked very well for handicap accessible...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance concerns include broken windows, worn furnishings, mouse activity, and poor cleanliness upon arrival. 'Cabin hasn't been kept up' and 'Toilet needed a new float and thus we had to refill...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cleaning supplies, including bleach, and a toolkit for minor repairs. 'If you visit, bring a tool kit if you're handy,' one guest suggested. Additionally, pack out all trash and avoid leaving...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months offer hiking and fishing while winter months are ideal for snow sports. Rain and thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons, as noted by one user: 'It rained every day in the...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'One of my favorites no matter what time of year I've gone.' - Dan K. 2. 'Beautiful cabin in a very serene setting.' - Janet C. 3. 'I wish they would change the availability to more than 3...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site UCGS01 is the primary cabin, praised for its location but criticized for maintenance. 'The location by far is the best and only attribute worth noting,' one user remarked.

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple reviewers noted accessibility features, such as easy bathroom access and proximity to the highway. The cabin 'worked very well for handicap accessible needs' and is 'great for older & more...

Based on 42 reviews