Lazy Acres Campground

Introduction / Overview

Lazy Acres Campground, nestled in the serene countryside of Rye, CO 81069, USA, offers a distinctive camping experience for those Coloradans who truly appreciate peace, quiet, and a touch of rustic charm. This is not your typical resort-style campground; instead, it provides a more secluded and back-to-basics environment, appealing to campers who prioritize tranquility and a genuine connection with nature. Lazy Acres is known for its quiet atmosphere, set amidst the country landscape, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While it presents some unique challenges, particularly in locating it for the first time, the rewards for those who persevere are a truly memorable and undisturbed outdoor stay. It's important for prospective visitors to arrive with a clear understanding of its amenities, which lean towards the primitive, balanced by an unexpectedly well-equipped communal kitchen. For locals seeking a peaceful retreat where the sounds of the natural world prevail, and who don't mind a bit of an adventure to find their haven, Lazy Acres Campground promises a refreshingly simple and authentic Colorado camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

Lazy Acres Campground is situated at 9157 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USA, placing it in a peaceful, rural setting within the beautiful landscape of Southern Colorado. Rye itself is a small community offering a gateway to the San Isabel National Forest and the scenic Wet Mountains. While the address provides a geographical marker, it is paramount for prospective visitors, especially Colorado locals, to be aware of the significant challenges in locating the campground. According to multiple past visitors, Lazy Acres is "extremely hard to find, especially at night." One reviewer explicitly states that "the location that Google Maps shows is wrong by at least 9 miles," and highlights that there is "no visible address and the sign is within the trees so it's not very visible from the road." This means that relying solely on GPS or mapping applications without additional, detailed instructions could lead to considerable frustration and delays. Visitors should plan to arrive during daylight hours and meticulously follow any provided directions from the campground directly, rather than just an online map. Despite these navigation hurdles, the remote location contributes directly to the campground's appeal for those seeking solitude. Once found, its setting offers a quiet retreat amidst the natural beauty of the area, allowing for easy access to regional outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the surrounding forest. This balance of being "out in the country" yet within reach of the scenic Colorado Highway 165 makes it an attractive, albeit adventurous, destination for locals.

Services Offered

Lazy Acres Campground offers a rustic and primitive camping experience with a unique communal amenity. Visitors should be prepared for a self-sufficient stay with limited traditional facilities.

• Individual Campsites: The campground provides sites for camping, likely suited for tents and smaller RVs/vans, set in a quiet, country environment. Specific site amenities like picnic tables or fire rings are not explicitly detailed in reviews, so campers should be prepared for a basic setup.
• Communal Kitchen: A significant and highlighted feature is a "terrific" communal kitchen. This facility is well-equipped with a "large refrigerator and a freezer," a "stove with a grill," and "lots of dishes." Basic supplies such as "salt and pepper and oil" are also noted to be available, which is a considerable convenience for a rustic campground.
• No Showers: It is crucial for prospective campers to be aware that Lazy Acres Campground "has neither showers." This means visitors should plan for sponge baths, solar showers, or off-site arrangements if a full wash is desired.
• Primitive Toilets (Latrines): The campground provides "latrines" for restroom facilities. These are described as "completely dark," implying they are basic pit toilets without lighting. Campers should bring headlamps or flashlights for night use.
• No Potable Water at Sites: While a kitchen is mentioned, specific details on potable water access at individual sites are not provided. Given the rustic nature, it's advisable to bring your own drinking water or confirm a communal water source.
• No Ice Maker: The kitchen has a refrigerator and freezer, but "no ice maker," so campers will need to purchase ice before arrival.
• Limited Signage/Visibility: As noted in reviews, finding the campground can be challenging due to a lack of visible address and a sign hidden within trees. This is a point of preparation rather than a service, but directly impacts the initial experience.
• Quiet Environment: The overall "quiet place out in the country" atmosphere is a key feature, contributing to the tranquil experience offered.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Quiet and Seclusion: Lazy Acres Campground's most praised feature is its profound tranquility. Located "out in the country," it provides a truly quiet and peaceful escape from noise and light pollution, ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.

• Well-Equipped Communal Kitchen: This is a significant highlight, offering an unexpected level of convenience for a rustic campground. The presence of a large refrigerator, freezer, stove with a grill, and ample dishes/utensils greatly simplifies meal preparation for campers.

• Authentic Rustic Experience: For those who appreciate a less developed camping environment, Lazy Acres delivers. It offers a genuine back-to-basics approach, free from the distractions of modern amenities, allowing for a more immersive outdoor experience.

• Dark Skies for Stargazing: The remote, rural location ensures minimal light pollution, creating excellent conditions for stargazing and appreciating the vast Colorado night sky.

• Sense of Discovery: While challenging to find, the process of locating Lazy Acres adds a unique element of adventure and discovery to the trip, often leading to a greater appreciation once the hidden gem is uncovered.

• Potential for Wildlife Viewing: Being "out in the country," the campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat, contributing to the overall outdoor experience.

• Value for money for its offerings: Despite limited amenities like showers and flush toilets, the provision of a fully equipped kitchen could represent significant value for campers who prefer cooking their own meals and don't mind the more basic sanitation.

Contact Information

Address: 9157 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USA

Phone: (877) 404-5708 (Note: This number is often associated with the Girl Scouts of Colorado, which manages Lazy Acres as one of their properties. It's recommended to confirm booking and access details through their official channels, as the site may primarily cater to Girl Scout groups or be managed under their outdoor program.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Colorado locals seeking a genuine escape into the state's peaceful countryside, Lazy Acres Campground in Rye offers a uniquely suitable, albeit rustic, retreat. This destination is particularly well-suited for adventurous Coloradans who prioritize profound quietude and a back-to-basics camping experience over extensive modern amenities. For those living in the more populated Front Range or Southern Colorado areas, Lazy Acres provides a tangible sense of getting "out into the country," offering a much-needed respite from urban noise and light pollution.

The primary appeal for locals lies in its secluded atmosphere and the promise of undisturbed nature. While the initial challenge of finding the campground, as noted by past visitors, might deter some, for the intrepid Coloradan, it adds an element of discovery and a rewarding sense of accomplishment upon arrival. This very remoteness ensures that the campground remains quiet and less crowded than more easily accessible sites, fostering a deeper connection with the natural environment. The standout feature, an unexpectedly well-equipped communal kitchen with a large refrigerator, freezer, and stove, is a significant practical advantage for locals. This amenity simplifies meal preparation and reduces the need to pack extensive cooking gear, allowing campers to enjoy homemade meals even in this rustic setting.

Furthermore, for Coloradans who are accustomed to outdoor adventures and comfortable with more primitive facilities, the absence of showers and the presence of basic latrines are manageable trade-offs for the tranquility and natural beauty offered. This campground encourages a self-reliant approach to camping, which aligns well with the independent spirit of many Colorado outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's for a peaceful solo retreat, a quiet couple's getaway, or a small group of friends embracing simplicity, Lazy Acres provides a unique opportunity to unplug, enjoy dark starry nights, and reconnect with the serene landscapes that define much of rural Colorado. For those prepared for a bit of an adventure to find their haven, Lazy Acres Campground is a truly authentic and rewarding local camping gem.

Lazy Acres Campground

9157 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USA