Cabin interior

Bassam Guard Station

Closed

Currently closed for the season. Opens May 15 and operates through November 30. Advanced reservations via Recreation.gov are required. You will receive the gate combination with your reservation confirmation.

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

Sacramento Gulch Mill Site removal action Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis

This alert contains project documents for the Sacramento Gulch Mill Site removal action Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis. The project documents will be available for public review for 30 days beginning on May 18th, 2026 and ending on June 18th. Written comments may be submitted electronically…

Sharpe Fire Update

Sharpe FireCurrent as of 5/21/2026 9 a.m.Update/clarification: The Pueblo Interagency Zone Type 3 Team will be managing only the area of the Sharpe fire that is burning in Colorado. This includes firefighting activities, counting of acreage (in Colorado only) and containment. Date of…

Blue Mountain Flats 2 Fire Update

Blue Mountain Flats 2 FireCurrent as of 5/17/2026 3:20 p.m.Containment: 100% @11:16 a.m. 5/16/26 for 1 acreControlled: 5/17/2026 @12:30 p.m., 0.1 acreSize0.1 acreCauseHuman caused; under investigationLocation5 miles southwest of Florissant, CO, South Park Ranger District, Park CountyResourcesLake…

Spring Creek Trail and Area Closure

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while fuels reduction work utilizing heavy equipment is occurring.

LaSalle Pass West and Elevenmile Canyon Entrance Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District. The purpose of the Order is to protect active nest sites of birds of prey pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 668-668d) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. §§ 703–712).

Turquoise Lake Road (County Road 4) Closure

To prioritize public safety, Turquoise Lake Road (County Road 4) has been closed due to asphalt damage. The road is barricaded from the Abe Lee parking turnoff to Hagerman Pass. Access to Turquoise Lake is still available via County Road 9C and County Road 9 to the Hagerman Pass intersection. The…

PSICC Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

This order affects all districts on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

Seasonal Prohibition of Motor Vehicles on Roads and Trails

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife by implementing specific seasonal road and trail closures identified in the September 26, 2022, Final Record of Decision for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests Motorized Travel Management (MVUM)…

Eagle Rock and Observatory Rock Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of the Order is to protect active nest sites of bald eagles and golden eagles pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 668-668d) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. §§ 703–712).

Downed and weakened trees on South Platte Ranger District

Due to sustained high winds from the last stormfront, expect to see many downed and weakened trees on roads and trails in the South Platte Ranger District.Be mindful that, even if a tree looks okay, it may be weakened and could fall. Forest Service crews are working on clearing trees over the next…

Seasonal area closure for Rock Climbing near Devils Head Trailhead

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.Please note that this closure is only in effect between March 1 and July 31 of each year.The purpose of this Order is to protect American peregrine falcons, a species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.Please see the attached document…

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville, Salida and South Park ranger districts.This order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness and to protect the character, solitude and condition of this wilderness.Please see the attached document for more…

Wigwam Spur Trail, NFST 609.A closure

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and a sensitive riparian habitat from further damage.

Trinchera Road and Vicinity Closure Order

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety by prohibiting entry into the associated road and surrounding area while logging operations are underway.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

South Platte Ranger District Over-Snow Vehicle Use

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Mount Evans Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Lost Creek Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park and South Platte ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Mount Massive Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Collegiate Peak Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville and Salida ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Waldo Canyon Burn Area Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety due to impacts of the Waldo Canyon fire.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Regulations

This order affects the San Carlos and Salida ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness and Spanish Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Pike National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte and South Park ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Occupancy and Use Prohibitions

This order affects the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

South Catamount Dam Repair

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during Colorado Springs Utilities South Catamount Dam repair.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

East Bear Gulch Trail Seasonal Closure Order

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nesting sites. The peregrine falcon is listed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a species of State Special Concern, and guidelines have been identified that calls for no…

Food Storage Prohibitions on Pike-San Isabel National Forests

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.The purpose of the order is to protect public safety by minimizing adverse interactions between bears and humans.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Castle Rock Area Closure

This order affects the Salida Ranger District.The purpose of the order is to protect an active golden eagle nest site.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Holy Cross Wilderness Prohibitions

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character by managing recreational use within the Holy Cross Wilderness.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Occupancy and Use Prohibitions Pertaining to Lakes

This order affects the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public safety.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Crags Winter Area Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Rampart Range Road 300 Winter Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to implement requirements of the July 17, 2016, final Decision Notice for the Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project designed to protect a unique population of greenback cutthroat trout, a threatened species under the…

Occupancy and Use Restrictions with Designated Camping and Parking Areas

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

East Indian Creek Road Closure

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety due to erosion and flooding in the area affected by the Spring Creek Fire.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Badger Flats Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Prohibition on Camping in Areas Posted as Closed to Camping

This order affects all districts on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is for protection of public health and safety and resource protection due to flood potential and environmental and facilities damage within the Hayman Burn…

Seasonal Restriction on Dogs Near Section House and Wagon Cabin

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.This order is needed to protect the health and safety of the public staying at the huts through the winter months. Melted snow provides the water source. To prevent fecal contamination of this water source, it is essential that dogs are not…

About

Bassam Guard Station is a historic cabin built around 1911 as one of a network of remote stations used by the first forest rangers to monitor grazing, manage timber harvesting, apprehend poachers, and report conditions on National Forest lands. The rustic 14x16 structure sits at approximately 9,700 feet elevation in a stand of aspens within the Salida Ranger District of San Isabel National Forest. The furnished cabin includes a small full-sized bed, dresser, table with two chairs, wood-burning stove for heat, and a two-burner propane stove for cooking. Limited cooking and dining utensils are provided. Two adults can sleep inside, while up to six additional guests may tent camp or use pop-up campers outside. A metal campfire ring with grill top and picnic table are provided. The cabin is located near the eastern boundary of Browns Canyon National Monument, accessible on foot or by mountain bike via Trail 1435. The Arkansas River valley offers kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. The historic ghost town of St. Elmo is nearby. Horses may be picketed or corralled outside the gated entrance area.

Directions

From Salida, travel north on Highway 285 to the junction with Highways 24/285 near Johnson's Village. Turn right onto Hwys 24/285 and continue 5 miles. Turn left onto County Road 307 (next to private property with railroad items on display). Travel 1.5 miles to CR 187, turn right and travel south 7 miles to the intersection with CR 186. Turn left on CR 186 and travel southeast 0.10 miles. Watch for a two-track road on the left leading to the gated entrance.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (719) 539-3591

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Cabin interior
Bassam Guard Station information
Bassam entrance sign
Historic Bassam Cabin
Wood stove inside cabin
Bassam Cabin
Road to cabin
Historic photo

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