Frenchman&#x27;s Creek Ranch

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft

100% (16)

A few frills like a shaded spot with a picnic table, a gas fire pit and a couple chairs. Mountain and field views. The bathrooms are nearby. No electric, water or sewer. Campervans, popups or tents work here. Leisurely walk to the Arkansas river.

RV sites 2 sites

Instant book

Vehicle site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 24 ft

100% (55)

The trailer spaces have water, sewer and electric hookups. There is a picnic table and views of hay fields across the wooden fence to the east and mountains to the west. Large cottonwood trees surround the area. There is a gas firepit and a couple Adirondack chairs nearby to sit and relax or roast some marshmallows. Antique farm equipment is scattered around, and the barnyard is so close the rooster may wake you up in the morning. The hike to the river is about a quarter mile on the road that goes through the ranch. This was one of the first ranches established in this valley. In 1863 a French man named Francois Mayol, hence "Frenchman's Creek", homesteaded here where the creek runs into the river. He raised beef, pigs, potatoes and other produce that he sold to the miners living at Cache Creek. His place was also a stop for stagecoaches heading to Leadville. He, his first wife and a child are buried in a small gravesite by the creek.

Instant book

Vehicle site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 24 ft

100% (34)

Lodging 2 sites

Instant book

We have a 10 x 12 canvas tent on a wooden platform. The tent has a screened window and front door. There is a small bistro table and a couple folding camp chairs inside and two Adirondack chairs on the deck outside. There is a picnic table and the firepit. For an extra charge we can provide a queen or twin cot with an air mattress, a cooler, a propane grill and a camp cook stove. It is very private and tucked away in the aspen trees. There is a bathroom with flush toilets and a shower nearby. There is access to the Arkansas river within a short walking distance. Various wildlife wander through every day. Hay fields and pastures on one side and mountains on the other. Nights are cool so be sure to bring warm bedding and clothing. We are at 8600 feet.

100% (47)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 3

High demandInstant book

Medium size (12 x 14) canvas tent situated on a wooden platform tucked in our Aspen grove. Private but still near the bathrooms! Flush toilets, showers with hot and cold water. Inside the tent is a bistro table, some camp chairs and a battery operated Coleman lantern. Outside is a picnic table, fire pit and a couple Adirondack chairs on the deck. For an extra charge we can supply queen or twin cots with an air mattress, a camp cook stove, a propane grill and a cooler. Enough room for 4 adults or a family. Relax by the fire or on the deck. Bird and wildlife watch or go for a hike to the Arkansas river. Hay fields and pastures on one side and mountains on the other. Listen to the owls and quaking aspens as you fall asleep. Nights are cool so be sure to bring warm bedding and clothing. We are at 8600 feet.

100% (44)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 6

Reviews

100% Recommend220 ratings · 170 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

16 ft travel trailer ·

We had a great site with all the hookups for our RV. Belinda and Todd’s ranch is beautiful with touches of the old ranch life. The shower house and bathroom was an added plus We would definitely come back.

Alison W.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

With pets ·

Great place and friendly hosts! This was also my dog's first camping experience, and she loved it, too! The only minor drawback is the road noise. I had ear plugs and could still hear the loud trucks when they rumbled through.

Leslie B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

We loved our stay! There were beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and being nestled in the trees made it feel private and secluded. Other campsites are far enough away to not feel like you’re stacked on top of other people. There was some highway noise but nothing that ever bothered me or kept me up. The host was also friendly upon arrival. Would definitely stay again!

Morgan M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

19 ft travel trailer ·

We enjoyed another comfortable stay in our 19’ camper at the Frenchman’s Creek Ranch. Full hook ups in a shady spot with a propane fire pit provided by Belinda and Todd. Close to BV and all the collegiate peaks hiking opportunities. We will return again!

Tom B.

9 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

23 ft travel trailer ·

This place is fantastic! Beautiful farm animals and great access to Arkansas River. Very friendly hosts.

Maureen T.

10 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Arkansas River Ranch Retreat

20 ft Class B ·

Belinda & Todd's Homestead Ranch at Frenchman's Creek is the perfect stop along your journey or as a basecamp to explore the many offerings of the surrounding area. They were warm welcoming hosts and the site offers everything you need at a great price. Full hookups (electric & water), fire pit, picnic tables, access to the Arkansas River, heated bathhouse with shower & restrooms, and plenty of charm with farm animals roaming to visit. There's plenty to do in the surrounding mountains and towns of Leadville & Buena Vista nearby. We definitely recommend a stay here, if you're checking out the area. - J & T

Joshua S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent ·

We loved how charming our spot was with the view of the cows and mountains in the background. We took the short walk to the river and it was beautiful. Bathrooms were close and clean.

Kimmy M.

7 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

With kids ·

Great place to camp. Owners are very nice and accommodating. We stayed in the medium tent and it easily fit two air mattresses inside with room to spare. The tent is located in a nice aspen grove with a good amount of shade. Bathroom and showed are great. Fairly close to Buena Vista, plenty of outdoor activities. Would stay again.

Ray R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

19 ft travel trailer ·

Beautiful spot! Would live to know the history of this ranch! We did not find the hwy noise to be bothersome.

Mary B.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Farm views, perfect BV camp spot!

20 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

We feel so lucky to have been able to stay at Frenchman’s Creek Ranch! Belinda and Todd were super hosts, giving us all the privacy needed yet available if we had any questions, and allowing us to explore the trails of their farm down to the Arkansas! The sunrises over the meadow, priceless and peaceful. Evening sunsets across the mountain ranges and starry nights, stellar! A bit of traffic noise from 24, but that’s overcome with the scenery, amenities (full hookup, clean showers and restrooms, and well cared for land!). Charming, and a perfect location just 10 minutes to downtown BV. Also, Charlotte Hotsprings just 20 min away. Leadville 30 min north, Salida 30 min south. Looking forward to a return trip from Ohio next year!

Diane A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Living history

Great spot in shaded aspen grove. Really appreciated the deck, picnic table and fire pit. Great to be on a working ranch and meet Todd and Belinda. Highly recommend.

Daniel R.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

20 ft travel trailer ·

Awesome place! Belinda and Todd were great hosts. The property is amazing. Can’t wait to come back.

Drew M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Lovely Overnight Tent Camping Trip

Tent · With pets ·

For an overnight tent camping trip, this place worked really well for us. While being so close to the main road was a bit of a bummer (could hear the traffic although there isn't a ton of it), all the pluses outweigh that one detail, including: hospitality of the hosts, clear and prompt communication and directions at every stage, incredibly gorgeous expansive land (including trails to the Arkansas River), spectacular views, and the healthiest most adorable farm animals we've ever seen! And the bathrooms: so clean and convenient (didn't use the showers but how nice to have that option!). Also appreciate the distance between us and the other campers. Overall a terrific camping experience!

Lori R.

6 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

20 ft Class C ·

Amazing ranch with beautiful views of the mountains and access to the river. The hosts were very sweet and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. One of my best stays with hipcamp.

Bonnie T.

9 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

What a lovely campsite. The surrounding Aspen grove is beautiful, the tent is very clean and comfortable, and the nearby bathroom and shower are very nicely maintained. The gas fire-pit is a nice, safer option, and the walk to the river is lovely.

Richard P.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

The tent and site were lovely for us glampers. I loved walking around the site seeing and hearing the animals. Hosts were wonderful.

Sue B.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Beautiful with road noise

With pets ·

A beautiful spot near BV with welcoming hosts! Huge bonus to have a flush toilet and to see all the animals. Plenty of space from the other campsites (at the canvas tent sites), but you can hear highway noise. The only other downside was the mosquitos. We were not prepared and ended up getting pretty eaten up so bring your buy spray!

Caroline O.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

With kids ·

The location is fantastic. Our tent was clean and cozy. We walked to the river access several times and it was lovely. Our hosts provided a great spot in the heart of it all! I highly recommend earplugs for nighttime. The road was very loud at night, although my kiddos didn't hear a thing! We would stay again for sure!

Ellie R.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

10 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

True HWY 24 goes right by and yet with all the Cottonwoods and shrubs we could focus on the flock of Evening Grosbeaks, Western Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers and other animals including the occasional stray pig and chicken. I really enjoyed it!

Nancy C.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Camping with animals and AR river!

20 ft campervan · With pets ·

The camping spot was perfect with hot showers and a butane fire grill! All the beauty of a working ranch yet the seclusion of a very short walk to the Arkansas River. Perfect combination. Magestic!

Lori H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

The tent was very nice and so was the area. Their farm is beautiful and it is not far from downtown.

Lindsey C.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent · With kids ·

Great campsite. It was exactly as described. Belinda and Todd were fabulous and very cheerful. The kids and I had a great time. Thanks!

Megan A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Bathrooms were very nice, wonderful to be able to take a warm shower after a couple days outdoors! Close to town with good food and coffee and to the collegiate peaks!

Tatiana S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

24 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

This was a great location for us to explore Buena Vista and the surrounding area. Belinda and Todd were welcoming hosts and site 1 was nice - having the gas fire pit and extra space right next to us. If we weren’t camping with friends (site 2), we’d pick the site down by the bathrooms (for the privacy, view, and pull-through spot) but this worked out just fine! Our toddler enjoyed saying “hi” to the chickens and pigs everyday and the walk down to the river was well worth it! Beautiful view and there were a couple sandy places on the shore for our dog and 2 year old to get their feet/paws wet.

Jamie B.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Canvas tent on the ranch!

With kids ·

The canvas tent was on a raised wood platform. Out of the mud. There were rustic wood recliners, propane fireplace, coffee table, camp chairs and a wooden picnic table. Excellent amenities, more than I expected. The toilet and shower were nice and rustic. Running water and hot water were just fine. Don't expect a 5 star toilet shower experience. It's a working ranch, and the rustic conditions were great! Belinda was very helpful and available throughout our stay. We walked all over the property where cattle and other various farm animals roamed. It was nice to walk along the river as well. You also get a front row view of the collegiate peaks. Overall, Excellent value and location.

Joseph S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Fun place to camp!

Tent · With kids ·

No Frills in the Woods was so lovely. Shaded, private, scenic. Close to clean bathrooms, a really nice shower and potable water pump. 10 minute drive to BV and 25 minutes Mt. Princeton Hot Springs— a great home base for adventures. Our 9 year old LOVED the animals. They’re so cute!!! Hwy 24 is nearby. The traffic noise is easy to tune out, trails off at night, but light sleepers may want to bring earplugs.

Jennifer S.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Beautiful Glamping Spot

With kids ·

Beautiful glamping spot surrounded by aspen trees. It’s an easy and short walk to the river which was fun to play in. You can see the other camp spots but we couldn’t hear them. It’s close to BV making runs to town easy. Belinda and Todd were great hosts. The only thing we didn’t love was the road noise which was much more noticeable when trying to fall asleep at night. Other than that it was perfect.

Emily M.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

17 ft travel trailer ·

Really enjoy my time at Belinda and Todd's ranch. Farm animals, space and a great shower. Highly recommend.

Stu F.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Nice setup!

We had a very sweet stay in the Aspen Grove. The platform and canvas tent are really well done – love the honey, artsy touches with potted flowers, barbed wire wreath, and solar powered lights. It’s great to have the bathhouse with running water and hot shower – even though it was a bit far from our 10th site. We would definitely come back here!

Michelle W.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Historic Ranch with RV Hookup

17 ft travel trailer ·