Experience the majestic grandeur of a Colorado high-altitude wildlife sanctuary with the unforgettable opportunity for RV camping in the unspoiled wilderness. Tucked away within the serenity of Lump Gulch Valley, our incredible 13.2-acre refuge offers a unique blend of nature, history, and conservation, creating a sanctuary not just for local wildlife, but for the spirit of adventure that draws RV enthusiasts to the roads less traveled. This restored wetland is a critical resource for valley water and a diversity of animals, offering sightings of moose, coyotes, bears, foxes, and many other species, including a myriad of birds during the annual migrations in May and September. Wander along trails that interlace with those of the Roosevelt National Forest, or simply relax by your campsite, situated near tranquil ponds and campfire rings where the music of nature serenades you under the stars. RV camping spots here are more than just a place to park; they're gateways to exploring our history, including the tale of a Panama Canal Steam Shovel, celebrated by the History Channel, and vintage railroad cars begging for restoration. Engage with the land that was passionately protected as a sanctuary, its development rights donated to ensure its preservation for future generations. Any donations above the membership fee contribute to this mission, nurturing the habitat that provides a safe haven for elk, deer, and other wildlife who roam these corridors. By choosing to rest your wheels here, you become part of a larger effort to combat wildlife habitat encroachment and diseases, and to maintain the integrity of this mountain ecosystem. Engage with an environment where dreams and hard work manifest in every inch of land, and where your presence supports ongoing conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, the rich history, and the important ecological work happening here. Your RV camping adventure awaits in this one-of-a-kind Colorado refuge, where the wild heart beats strong and conservation thrives.

The best way to help our organization is to offer a monetary donation toward the cause.

EHWR is a private property wildlife refuge with the purpose of a sanctuary for all of Colorado's native wildlife. We do not have state or county 'signage' to direct you to our place. You will need to use your gps or the 'screen shot' your directions/maps when cell coverage is not available. AT&T is the best and only reliabe cell coverage in our area. Also: We are not a state or national park but a very small sweet place on a mining parcel (13.2 acres created in Colorado's Mining District #1 the very first district! Mining started here first in the 1960's. So you are visiting the first area of Colorado to host white men!) As a small non profit on conserved land, we do have a with a huge mission: Protecting all of the natural resources in our valley! The Wildlife refuge is a rustic and undeveloped but was damaged with small placer mining activities on 800' of Lump Gulch Creekside banks. Most of the mining occurred along the stream in the 50's and 60's. The older load mine on the opposite side of our pond was filled in with wood from fallen structures on the property and crushed into place by an antique bulldozer. The load claim had been dug from the 1920's and worked until the Durand Brothers bought the claim (in the 50's) Lump Gulch Placer, Tract A. The good news! The claim had a chance to heal! But the buildings and junk, as well as, mining equipment and supplies were strewn around the property while Mother Nature grew over much of the placer mining dredging equipment. We won a grant from the USFS to pull this metal equipment out of the banks of the creek. It took approximately 6 yrs to completely clean up 'responsibly' recycling: 800 tires, 180 vehicles, 50 barrels of crude, 350 gal of crude in a container (with spring water surrounding it), lead paint, barrels of unknown substances (removed with a grant from CDPHE) 4 large containers of household garbage, 20 tons of metal and more!! I have photos to prove it. We have a Facebook page which we hope you will follow! The access to the refuge is via an old mining road from County Road 12/ Lump Gulch Rd. You will see red flagging on the left side of Lump Gulch Rd. On Our living "Entrance Tree," we posted a moose crossing caution sign, a 1744 address sign, and the EHWR sign. The property is just before the row of subdivision mailboxes on right hand side of road and with 3 houses on either side of the road. This is a high mountain area of 9000' (so, make sure your tires have the required tread.) Please be realistic about your capabilities or if you have health issues. Be sure you can 'handle' the characteristics of a 'high altitude' 8 miles from the continental divide, mountain habitat, very rustic, mining road and hiking the trails. The turning areas are tight but doable. We dont have cement or asphalt like so many other camp sites. So, after a rain the mining roads can become a bit muddy. Being a careful, enlightened and experienced driver of a vehicle up to 25' here is very important. I have had members with trailers make reservations of up to 35'. Everyone who has visited so far has had no issues. We have one spot where we can accommodate that length. Otherwise: You are welcome to walk the refuge camping areas before making a decision on where you will camp. If there are 4 guests, the last booking will take the only spot left. Each spot is separated for privacy. If you are looking for a true Colorado 'mountain experience' this is one of the most tranquil, comforting, healing, sweet, and beautiful places on our Front Range: A unique experience and one you will fondly recall from all of your other adventures! FYI: I've had guests who have not seen any wildlife during their visit! I hope you are given the 'gift' of a sighting during your stay. But! We do not have a 'petting zoo'! and our 'wildlife' comes and goes as in the word 'wild'. The moose are our most common visitors. For example: I have taken many hikes on our trails over the last couple of years and I have seen one adult black bear, coyotes, fox, bobcat, small herd of deer and single (mostly in the autumn) elk on our trails and those that lead into Roosevelt NF. Usually the wildlife is fleeting in the early morning or evening hours. The Elk love moving around in bad weather, mostly in the autumn. On our families travels, We were appalled to learn from visits to our state and federal wildlife refuges that they allow 'Hunting' during the autumn. When we developed our mission for non profit status, EHWR mission would include year round protection to our 'stressed' populations of Colorado mountain wildlife. There are abundant Hunting grounds on ALL National Forest and BLM Lands. Further Parking Instructions: Upon entering the refuge drive past the blue cabin and the second gate. Proceed down the mining road into the refuge. In fact, please drive into refuge and find your perfect spot by parking at the bottom of hill and walking to the picnic area and pond areas, (unless I reserve a spot for members pulling Trailers when upon making your reservations). I am not always available to guide you or greet you. But I usually show up every day when we have guests unless I am traveling in my Winnebago Solis 59P. I will try to stay in close touch with those that text me. There is a donation box for cash or checks (otherwise please Venmo to Laurel-Higgins) on the old WWII garage next to largest pond.) The official HH member donation is $30 a night at this time. At the bottom of a gentle hill there is a level parking spot #1. Across from this parking spot is a another hill that leads to the campfire picnic area and there are 2 lovely spots: #3 & 4 for bird watching and viewing the sweet valley filled with willows or enjoying a fire when there are no fire bans. Finally: there is a parking spot #2 across from the garage just past the first spot mentioned above. This is my favorite! One is able to hear the water sounds and possibly see our beavers. Actually: There are few other areas where one can park, but we believe these are the very best to maneuver in and out of. If you are towing a camper the first parking spot would be best for backing in your camper and parking your tow vehicle next to it. The bottom of the hill has hard ground when not wet for maneuvering your towed camper. ( We have finally! dried out and unless we get some big rain in the future, the parking everywhere should be adequate.) Please contact me if you have further questions before and during your stay. I am here to assist you with any questions. Thank you for choosing our beautiful small but critical water resources and refuge preserving our wetlands/wildlife, open views and space, and the education and history of Gilpin County, State of Colorado.