Bassam Guard Station/Cabin
The cabin was built around 1911 and was home to a Forest guard. Forest guards lived and worked in remote areas on National Forest lands. Early Forest guards lived in tents or if they were lucky, in a cabin like the Bassam Guard Station. These hardy men monitored sheep and cattle grazing allotments, managed timber harvesting, apprehended poachers and wrote reports about conditions on our National Forests.
The 14’x16’ rustic cabin includes a small full-sized bed, dresser, a small table with two chairs, a two-burner propane stove for cooking, and a wood-burning stove for heat. The cabin is able to sleep two adults and an additional 6 adults may camp outside of the cabin which can accommodate tent camping or pop-up campers but space is limited especially for vehicles pulling campers. The bunkhouse and barn are off-limits to the public.
Water is available from a hand-pump but it is always a good idea to bring extra drinking water. Guests should also bring food, matches, flashlights, bedding, garbage bags, and an ax for chopping firewood. Dead and downed wood may be collected and used in metal campfire ring with grill top and in the wood-burning stove.
Horses may be picketed or corralled outside of the fenced and gated area at the entrance to the cabin site. The use of portable corral is permitted outside of the gated area but it must be moved every few days to prevent damage to vegetation and soils.
General Information
You will received the combination to the locked gate when you receive your confirmation of reservations from Recreation.gov. If you do not received the combination in the mail, please contact our office at 719-539-3591 (Monday-Friday).
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.74591292
Longitude: -105.93898728
Directions
From Salida travel north on Highway 285 to the junction with Highways 24/285 near Johnson's Village. Turn right onto Highways 24/285, passing through Johnson's Village. Stay on this highway for 5 miles, then watch for a sign on the left for County Road 307 (next to private property with railroad items on display). Turn right onto CR 307 and travel for 1.5 miles to the junction with CR 187. Turn right onto CR 187 and travel south for 7 miles to the intersection with CR 186. Turn left on CR 186 and travel southeast for .10 miles. Watch for a two-track road on the left. This road will take you to the gated entrance to the cabin.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.