Please note as this is a newly acquired campsite for YMCA of Northern Colorado and they are currently engaging in renovations, retrofitting, and new construction, this information may be subject to change. The information on this page is accurate as of September 9th, 2024.
Where is it? - about an hour west of Denver in the mountains just off CO 72 between Ward and Allenspark. The actual address is 173 Co Rd 96, Ward, CO 80481. Here’s the location on Google Maps. General information about the site (which is used as a kids camp during the summer) is available here.
As the site was recently acquired from the Boy Scouts, you may see a sign that says “Boy Scout Camp” and the entrance says “Tahosa High Adventure Camp”, unless they update the sign.
Altitude and weather- the site is in the mountains at about 8800 feet above sea level. Surrounding mountains can result in shorter amounts of daylight as the sun rises and sets at a higher azimuth (e.g., above the natural horizon) compared to lower altitude areas. It might be warm during the day, but it can get quite cold at night, even in the summer. Please see our page on local expectations for advice about weather, layering, and self-care.
Parking - There are two areas, but one will be for overflow only. Carpooling is still highly recommended. Cars are allowed on site but must be parked in the parking lot between lay-on and lay-off. Camper RVs are allowed in the parking area, but there are no RV electrical, water or sewer hookups/dump locations. Please let us know if you intend on bringing a camper.
Smoking and Vaping - are not allowed on site; please go out to the main gate or your car in the parking lot.
Food - all food must be kept in the dining hall, in the kitchen fridges or coolers. No food should be kept in cabins, cars or tents, out of wildlife concerns. Kitchen access will be restricted to those with an active ServSafe Food Handlers certificate; a member of the YMCA camp staff will be on site to ensure all safety practices are being followed, so please have a printed copy of your certificate available for inspection. A microwave may be available on site for those not using the kitchen.
Cabins - there are seven cabins with six to eight bunks each; depending on the event, some or all may be available. We will have separate cabins for Medical Sleep and staff. These cabins have electricity and space heaters. You will be allowed to drive your car up to the cabins prior to opening announcements and after closing announcements.
Glamping Tents - As of September 2024 there are five glamping tents, each with 12 bunks. Three of these tents have doors, the others have tent flaps, but they are still drafty and cooler at night, so please be prepared if you want to stay in one of these tents.
Bathrooms - All of the cabins are within a short distance of the Dining Hall which has toilets, sinks and showers. There are additional bathrooms in some of the common buildings and pit toilets around the campsite as well. We have been told that during the summer, there will be port-o-potties in other areas of the camp as well.
Tents - Tents will be allowed. The best place is a flat spot behind the Counselor break cabin.
Trails - there are trails at this site that go deeper into the wilderness. Please be aware that this wilderness can include mountain wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, moose, elk, and other dangerous animals. Please do not go out on those trails alone.
Cell Service - cell service was non-existent when we visited the site in April 2024. Internet access on the site will be limited to staff; please contact us if you have any concerns.
Ops (NPC Camp) - Most events, we are using the Arts and Crafts building, near the main parking lot.
Public Works (Logistics) - Right now we are using the main office.
Off Limits Areas - there will be a number of places that will be “out of bounds” for game purposes. These areas (subject to change) currently include:
Camp Director’s Cabin, near the entrance
The lake, unless a lifeguard is present.
Any locked utility or storage sheds.
Any rooms in the main office being used by Campsite Staff
Others TBD
Respecting the site - in accordance with our Community Guidelines and our culture of respect, please avoid climbing, sitting, or standing on any cultural landmarks, such as statues and ruins. We may use some of these locations for settings but look, don’t touch.
When I can be on site?
For 2024, players can arrive on site at 3 PM. This is subject to change. For June, July and August we can be on site at 5 PM.
When do we have to be off site?
June, July - To accommodate the tighter schedule, we will need to be off site at 2 PM. Casting shifts and Public Works hours will be updated to reflect this need.
All other months - we have more flexibility but will have to be completely off site at 3 PM.
What’s nearby? - Your closest town with grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations is Nederland, twenty minutes south of the site. Estes Park is 40 minutes north and has more choices. Both are tourist destinations and can be busy on weekends year-round. Ward is the closest town, but services and business there are minimal. For big stores (e.g. Target, REI), your best bet is to stop in Longmont, Denver, Westminster, or Boulder on the way up into the mountains, depending on where you’re coming from.
Questions? - please send them to drco.customerservice@gmail.com