Located less than an hour south of Colorado Springs and just east of Cañon City in Penrose, Observer Ranch is much more than your average campground. It showcases a giant Learning Center focused on nature, astronomy, and building community, hosting various activities and events for campers and guests alike.
Boasting a motto of “Campground for Today, Education for Tomorrow”, Observer Ranch is a terrific place for friends and families to visit during any time of year. Stop by just for the day, or book a one-of-a-kind camping trip and experience the unique joys of this place. Their wonderful and friendly staff is happy to show you around and welcome you to the Observer Ranch.
Obeserver Ranch Learning Center
The Learning Center features several attractions for children, including astronaut suits for dress-up, a couple of arcade-like commander stations, a vacuum ball lift where kids can put balls in a tube and watch as they go up, down and around, and a kids playroom with various games like legos and giant connect four.
A library inside provides more than 350 books on nature and astronomy. There’s also a Gift Shop where you check in that provides various space and camp-themed souvenirs, as well as some food and camping items.
Outside there’s cornhole bagtoss, several dirt diggers for the kids, and giant chess, among other games. A big wrap-around patio is a perfect place to lounge in the Adirondack chairs and soak in the views.
Community Events
Each month, Observer Ranch hosts a variety of neat events, some free, some paid. They range from parent meetups and kids’ planetary playtime to goat yoga and space mini-conferences.
The center can also be rented out for private events, including family reunions and birthday parties.
Just a few of the recurring events each month include:
- Moms Support Meetup — Free event for kids and parents held on the first Wednesday morning of each month, open to dads too.
- Planetary Playtime — Free afternoon playtime for kids
- Trailblazer Series – Monthly workshop designed to teach you self-reliance. Events include gardening, sustainable living, DIY solutions, and various other self-sufficiency-minded sessions.
OBSERVER RANCH MISSION STATEMENT:
“At Observer Ranch, we cultivate a vibrant community rooted in sharing knowledge, sustainability, and the beauty of the natural world. Through determination, preparation, and open-mindedness, we strive to empower individuals with the skills, values, and critical thinking needed for a resilient future. We celebrate integrity, respect, and gratitude as we build lasting relationships, embrace curiosity, and foster independence in a space where learning and growth flourish.”
Campground, Cabin and Trailer Rentals
The campground has several overnight options, depending on what you’re after. For camping, there are both RV sites and tent sites, plus trailer rentals and cabin rentals. Campsites are open all year, and accommodations include:
A-Frame Cabins (coming later in 2025)
- Full hookup RV sites
- Tent Sites
- Planet Camper Rentals
- Mood Pod Rental
- 3D Printed Home
- A-Frame Cabins (coming later in 2025)
- Reserve your stay here
The RV Sites have 20/30/50 amp service, full hookups and level concrete pads. 1/10th acre campsites include outdoor POLYWOOD® furniture and a fire pit with a cooking grate. Complimentary trash pickup is provided every morning.
The Planet Camper Rentals sleep between 3 and 6 and have beautiful mural wraps showcasing the surface of each planet. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Neptune, and Uranus sleep 3, while Jupiter and Saturn sleep 6.
The Moon Pod Rental sleeps 2, requires a 2-night minimum stay, and has a pull-out full bed and a small bathroom. It’s located next to the Earth camper and can be rented separately.
The 3D Printed Home by Azure Printed Homes is the first one in Colorado. It requires a 2-night minimum stay, sleeps 2 people, and has a full-size bathroom and shower.
Campers have full access to the Learning Center, which has modern restrooms and private hot showers, plus a laundry room. Complimentary bikes are available.
There’s a camp store beside the lobby for anything you might’ve left at home. The Great Room and wrap-around patio are wonderful places to hang out, whether during the day or night.
Call 719-203-2436 for more information. Book your campsite here.
This family-friendly campground sits between Cañon City, seven miles to the west, and Penrose, seven miles to the east. Florence is only six miles south. There are dining, shopping, and activities surrounding Observer Ranch in all three towns. Colorado Springs is only thirty-seven miles to the north.
Details
Address: 4509 Co Rd 123, Penrose, CO 81240
Phone: 719-203-2436
Season: Year-round
Pets: Yes, welcome on-leash
Website: observerranch.com