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campground

Observer Ranch Campground & Learning Center

4509 Co Rd 123, Penrose, CO 81240, USA

Introduce

Observer Ranch Campground & Learning Center, located at 4509 Co Rd 123, Penrose, CO 81240, provides a unique camping and event experience within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. This location offers more than just traditional camping, combining it with a learning center environment.

Based on customer reviews, Observer Ranch provides a memorable and welcoming experience. Visitors praise the clean facilities, accommodating staff, and beautiful location. The ranch offers various accommodations, including cozy campers, which are described as spotless and well-equipped. Guests have also noted the availability of larger, beautiful showers in the lodge, supplementing the camper showers.

The ranch is family-friendly, featuring a play area and library within the lodge. The surrounding area offers convenient access to grocery and dining options in nearby towns. The atmosphere is described as peaceful, making it a relaxing getaway.

Observer Ranch also hosts events, which contribute to its vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Visitors have highlighted the magical experience of attending events at the ranch, even during unexpected weather conditions like snowfall, which transforms the location into a winter wonderland.

It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, as Observer Ranch is expected to be a popular destination, especially during the spring. If online availability is limited, contacting the ranch directly at (719) 203-2436 or +1 719-203-2436 is advised. Observer Ranch offers a hidden gem experience, combining comfortable camping with a welcoming and engaging environment.

Gallery

Service options

Onsite services

Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings

Grilling

RV camping

RV electric hookup

RV sewer hookup

RV water hookup

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Barbecue grill

Picnic tables

Public restroom

Public shower

Restroom

Running water

Tent sites

Payments

Camping fee

Credit cards

Debit cards

Children

Good for kids

Kid-friendly activities

Kid-friendly hikes

Playground

Parking

On-site parking

Pets

Dogs allowed

Jaida Bentley Feb 16
★★★★★5

I drove from Omaha to attend an event at Observer Ranch, and every moment of my visit was truly unforgettable. Warm and welcoming staff to the stunning establishment and the incredible souls I had the pleasure of meeting at the event, the experience was nothing short of magical. An unexpected snowfall turned the ranch into a winter wonderland and decided to stay for the night. Fortunately, I was able to secure a cozy camper for the night—an unplanned yet incredibly relaxing experience. The Ranch has several towns nearby that offer great grocery and dinning options. Despite the weather, the accommodations were comfortable, and the atmosphere remained peaceful. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend booking your stay in advance—this place is bound to be a popular destination come spring. And if online availability looks limited, don’t hesitate to call and check in! Observer Ranch is a true hidden gem, and I can't wait to return.

My Nietzsche Jan 24
★★★★★5

It was a beautiful location. Super clean facilities and the staff was most accommodating and friendly. The camper we stayed in was spotless and had all we needed. There is a small shower in the camper, but there are also big beautiful showers in the lodge available for use free of charge. There is a play area and library inside the lodge as well. Great place for kids!

Courtney Curreri Feb 28
★★★★★5

I recently attended a workshop about Quail here and was amazed of what Observer Ranch is! The owner Barb is so kind and passionate about what her and her husband do here. While I didn’t camp here, I did use their restrooms, and I was SO impressed. The amenities are spotless and beautiful. Their classroom is amazing, and their outside area includes a huge deck that provides incredible views of the mountains. They have a small shop inside that sells things you would need for you stay, but also products tbst are made local. I will definitely be checking their calendar and attending more events and classes here!

Robert Marlett Jan 04
★★★★★5

We rented the Saturn camper, and it was a wonderful experience. The library and store were enlightening and the staff was friendly and helpful even after hours. Talked late into the night with intelligent and friendly folks we had just met. Absolutely worth the cost. I will be returning, probably often.

Brezi Swann Dec 12
★★★★★5

My guy and I drove down from the Springs to get away for a night before our baby comes. And we had a great time! We went during a heavy snow storm which I don’t really recommend unless your car can make it which ours did but we committed to that date and I’m so glad we did because the snow just made it feel so dreamy and cozy. The campsite was lovely, the “Mars” RV was just what we needed for the two of us and our doggo. We took a short drive over to “Desert Reef Hot springs” and I think that was just the best addition to the stay. We went right when the sun was going down and the snow was still falling and there wasn’t really anyone there so we had one of the pools all to ourselves. So fun! We ended the night getting food in the little town nearby as well. The ranch was so accommodating we went and borrowed games and hung out in the library for a bit. It’s such a beautiful space. I look forward to going down again for more of their events they host there and I’m glad we live so close. 10/10 highly recommend checking it out!

Chelsea Stockton Apr 12
★★★★★5

We visited Observer Ranch with our MomCo group and had such a fantastic experience! The space-themed attractions were a huge hit with the kids—they loved exploring, riding bikes, and running around the beautiful outdoor area. The giant chess board added a fun twist, and the big patio was the perfect spot for us moms to relax and enjoy lunch while keeping an eye on the little ones. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the whole space is so thoughtfully designed for families. We’re already looking forward to coming back., hopefully to stay overnight next time. Highly recommend for a fun and unique outing with kids!

Susan Craig May 14
★★★★★5

Gratifying to see community coming together in a grand way. The RV sites were level and spacious with sturdy & pretty furniture around fire pit rings.. The shower & laundry are immaculate & well appointed. Common areas welcoming & graciously furnished. Love the library/kids room! I plan to return & spend more time with the Solar 0bservers as the community grows!

Ellen Leone Jun 08
★★★★★5

We spent a quick weekend camping at the ranch. This place is fantastic! From the super friendly staff, Down to every detail, they thought of everything! At every site there is a concrete pad, Picnic table, fire ring and Adirondack chairs. The facilities were pristine with clean restrooms, showers and coin laundry. There is ping pong tables, corn hole, a giant Light Brite, giant chess, comfortable couches to relax in the AC, a beautiful library to sit and read, or watch movies, and a large deck overlooking the brook. They offer learning classes and workshops all year round. We can’t wait to come back again!

Carolyn Work May 02
★★★★★5

I know it’s a very new ranch / camping site, so no trees and it’s full sun and wind, by wow the view! So many things for the kids to do! I love the ranch lawn chairs and the fire pits. Can’t wait to see what they have planned for the next time we go!