We stayed two nights - Dad and two teenage boys - and this was our fifth primitive camping trip to go on so we're relatively experienced at this. Overall, the trip was a success but there were some surprises.

Things to know before you go: Unless you have an ATV (and I mean four-wheeler not side-by-side - certainly no 4x4 pickup) you CANNOT drive to this cabin. I should say, you are not allowed to drive to this cabin. We saw a couple of two seat side-by-side ATVs on the trail, but there really is no way to get a 4x4 on the trail even if you wanted to. So be prepared to hike-in everything you need. The drive-in from Del Norte takes about an hour - about half of it on gravel road and you park in a meadow at the Burro Creek south trailhead. We used the 4 wheel drive just once on the drive in due to mud on the road, but in good weather I imagine a Prius could make it. From the parking area, it is about a 1.5 mile hike downhill most of the way. Two things I wasn't expecting on the trail - lots of cow pies and mosquitoes! We were there during the monsoon season so everyday rain was common. There was plenty of mud on the trail and a few damp spots (one creek crossing) so bring dry socks. Once there, the cabin was plenty roomy and comfortable - three bunks and a futon that makes into a double bed. No linens or pillows. Note that the adjacent Off Cabin is pretty close - close enough to hear kids playing - so if you're looking for peace and quiet you had better hope your neighbors are looking for the same thing. The cabin has some frying pans and pots along with some basic cooking utensils, plates, and flatware. Most important, the coffee pot is missing the inner basket and there is only one coffee cup so plan accordingly. We arrived to very little firewood in the tub and it rained all night so there was no dry firewood to scavenge the next day. We ended up driving into town (four-hour round trip including the hike-in and out) just to get a bag of firewood for the stove. You might consider bringing one with you just in case you need to draw from it. There's an outdoor fire-ring that has one broken weld on it so it requires some jerry-rigging to work right. The indoor stove works pretty well but it will heat up the cabin so use it sparingly in the heat of the day. The view from the cabin is gorgeous - best we've ever had! We saw no wildlife except a few Mule deer on the road in and out. I don't consider the huge marmot couple and accompanying chipmunks who all live under the cabin to be wildlife - more like family after spending a day or two with them! There are a few mice that will keep you awake at night; make sure to keep a clean cabin and set the trap. The privy is ... well it's a privy - better than nothing. Bring your own toilet paper. We didn't have horses but I'm not sure how we'd use the barn if we did - it was full of fencing and construction supplies (that might be a temporary thing though). We expected to hear a lot of ATV traffic on the Burro Creek Trail - especially since it runs right next to the cabin, but we only saw a couple over Sat-Mon period. We were there in mid-July and temps fluctuated from mid 40s during rain storms to around 80 during the sunny day. A good bet is subtract about fifteen degrees from whatever the temp is in Del Norte. The altitude was somewhat of a surprise - if you're not used to hiking above 10K feet, the hike in (and especially hike out since it's almost all uphill) might be a challenge for you. Burro Creek runs nearby the cabin and can provide water as long as you filter it well. It's cold, so be prepared to wait a while for it boil. All in all it's a pretty good place to be and we enjoyed it.