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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.

Flash Flood Warning issued July 22 at 3:00PM MDT until July 22 at 4:15PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

3:00 PM — 4:15 PM

At 300 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Mainly rural areas of Central Chaffee County.

San Isabel National Forest

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.

San Isabel National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

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

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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