The first time I stayed in Tin Valley was in July a few years ago. Not many folks were there, and we stayed in Pancho Villa, a refurbished Airstream that was wonderful. We had a perfect view of the Milky Way at night, and spent our days in Big Bend - and had both places almost to ourselves. This week we returned to Tin Valley prepared to camp, but then a record-breaking snowstorm settled in. Rhonda moved us to a converted trailer with room for the four of us, heat, and a kitchenette.
Rhonda is a wonder. The place is pretty much off-the-grid, so don’t go if you want to be pampered and online. Go if you want a taste of independence, to hear coyotes howling at night, and zero light noise to see the sky. Can’t wait to return.
A large campground at the foot of the southern San Isabel mountain range. When you first drive in there are secluded tent spots, then small cabins. There are many spots all around the lake, with large tenter sites on the opposite bank of the lake. We set up amongst the trees in a relatively open spot but there weren’t many campers there so it was no problem. Had a view of the lake and a vault toilet nearby (it was pretty disgusting). Clean showers/toilets on other side of lake. No picnic table on site, but it did have a box grill and a fire pit — burn ban was in effect though. A little stream nearby. Camp store, restaurant, boat rental on site. In all we were thankful for a spot in the summer with no reservations.
Like other reviewers, we tried to get a first come/first served spot up in San Isabel NP but were too late. We found GMP in Colorado City and was told they never turn away a tenter. There are a number of spots aligned below a bluff, and a large open field for additional tents. We set up in site 20, which actually was very spacious and more private than a lot of the others. Plenty of trees, a small creek, and trails. Woke up to an 8-point deer munching in the bushes. Cons- -some traffic noise -no toilet nearby, but a clean shower house was available for use a short drive away. -camp has a lot of litter on site Otherwise it was a good experience.
We lucked out on a first come-first served spot on a Friday - spot #10 is tent only, by a creek and several private trails. The camp was quiet with a vault toilet nearby. We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks. Bears are in the area, but a bear-proof locker is on the site. The lake itself is pretty developed with boat rentals and fishing, but if you drive past the group camping there is a great hike that knocked us out. Highly recommend! (July 25, 2020)