Crescent Mining Camp
Are you looking for somewhere a little different to stay during your Rocky Mountain group getaway? Well, look no fur-ther than Crescent Mining Camp! Crescent caters to hound-dog history buffs and outdoorsy pooches alike. You’ll have a choice of two cabins, each a remnant of an old 1890s mining camp. Expect a truly rustic experience -- the cabins provide a structure only, and you won’t find any showers or electricity. Tent camping and RV parking are permitted at each of the sites.
Historical interest isn’t all that Crescent Mining Camp has to offer -- it’s also in a spectacularly scenic location. The cabins sit on the side of Clear Creek, and there are fabulous views of the high peak of the Sawatch Rains. Although there are four cabins at Crescent, only two are reservable, and they must be booked together and in advance. One cabin sleeps two, the other sleeps four, and there’s room for a couple of tents or small RVs at each site, so this campground is suitable only for small groups. You’ll have to fight it out to see who gets a roof over their head! There's no entrance fee to the area, and cabins go for $50.
You and your buddy certainly won’t be bored during your stay. Cultured canines might be glad to know that the history lesson doesn’t stop at the campground. Winfield, one of the four ghost towns of Creek Canyon, is just a couple of miles away. Your pup won’t be able to enter the museum, of course, but you and your buddy can still take a wander around the remaining structures. It’s almost a given that hound-dog hikers are also catered for -- Collegiate Peak Wilderness is just a nine-mile drive from camp. Famous for its tall peaks and striking alpine landscape, the trails at Collegiate Peaks are most suitable for four-pawed fitness freaks, but you’ll find the occasional easier trail meandering through the preserve. Be sure to look up a map (and pick up a wilderness permit) before you go!
Wifi isn’t available at Crescent, and there’s no cellular service, so this certainly isn’t a good camping choice for those who need to stay in constant contact. Otherwise, enjoy your digital detox. Fires are permitted, but there’s no drinking water. You’ll have to bring your own bottle, or filter or otherwise treat the water from the creek. Remember to bring waste bags for your pupper, and have a pawesome time!
