Snow-covered Dark Sky River Lodge property in winter

Stay a Little Longer on the Arkansas River

Seasonal and extended stays at Dark Sky River Lodge — a quiet home base in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley.

RV Sites from $650/mo · Lodge Rooms from $995/mo · Select Cabins from $1,495/mo

Utilities included

Start an Extended-Stay Inquiry

Make DSRL Your Home Base

Some places are worth staying a little longer.

Dark Sky River Lodge offers a limited number of extended stays of 30 nights or more in RV sites, lodge rooms, and select cabins along the Arkansas River.

Whether you’re here for seasonal work, spending a few months exploring the valley, working remotely, between homes, or simply looking for a quieter place to land, DSRL offers a comfortable home base surrounded by the landscape that makes this part of Colorado special.

Step outside to the river. Watch the mountains change with the weather. See more stars than streetlights. And enjoy the convenience of Salida just down the road.

Find the Stay That Fits

RV sites at Dark Sky River Lodge beside the Arkansas River

RV Sites

From $650/month

Utilities included

Bring your home on wheels and settle in along the Arkansas River. Extended-stay RV sites offer full hookups with water, sewer, and electric and a quiet home base for exploring, working, or spending the season in the valley.

Winter RVs must be appropriately prepared for freezing temperatures and winter conditions. DSRL’s bathhouse is closed during the winter, so guests must have functioning bathroom facilities in their RV.

Up to 2 approved pets · $100/month total

Furnished lodge room at Dark Sky River Lodge

Lodge Rooms

From $995/month

Utilities included

A simple, furnished place to call home without bringing the whole house with you. Our lodge rooms offer a comfortable, move-in-ready option for spending a month or more in the Arkansas River Valley.

Up to 2 approved pets · $100/month total

Cabin at Dark Sky River Lodge

Select Cabins

From $1,495/month

Utilities included

For guests looking for a little more space and privacy, select DSRL cabins may be available for extended stays during the fall and winter season. Availability is limited and varies by date.

Up to 2 approved pets · $100/month total

Guests relaxing together in an outdoor area at Dark Sky River Lodge

A Quiet Place Depends on Good Neighbors

Staying somewhere for a few months is different from staying for a weekend. You’ll get to know the property, the people around you, and probably us, too.

We want DSRL to remain a peaceful, comfortable place for everyone who calls it home for a while. That’s why every extended-stay guest goes through the same application and screening process.

We’re always happy to answer questions and help you determine whether DSRL is right for you. The application and screening process is required for every extended-stay guest and cannot be waived.

Screening is completed through KeyCheck. Applicants pay the screening cost, which is credited toward the first month’s charges for approved stays.

  • Quiet hours: 10:00 PM–8:00 AM
  • Reasonable visitors are welcome — extended-stay guests are responsible for their visitors
  • Visitors may not become additional occupants without prior approval and required screening

30+ nights · First month prorated · Most stays end by April 30

Extended stays are offered for defined dates. RV guests may request an extension beyond April 30, but extensions are considered case-by-case based on availability and are not guaranteed.

How Extended Stays Work

Extended stays are a little different from booking a few nights. We use a simple inquiry and screening process to make sure the stay, accommodation, and property are a good fit before either side commits.

1

Start an Inquiry

Tell us about your desired dates, accommodation type, occupants, pets, and—if applicable—your RV.

2

We Review Availability & Accommodation Needs

We review your inquiry and confirm whether we have an appropriate extended-stay option available.

3

Complete Screening

If we can move forward, each required adult applicant completes the KeyCheck screening process.

4

Approval & Stay Details

Once screening is complete, we confirm the approved accommodation, dates, monthly rate, utility terms, and any applicable pet charges.

5

Agreement & Payment

Approved guests complete the applicable rental agreement, provide a card for required payments/autopay, and pay the amount due before arrival.

6

Settle In

Once everything is complete, you’re ready to make DSRL your home base for the agreed stay.

Screening is required for extended stays and applies consistently to prospective extended-stay guests. The screening fee is paid by the applicant and credited toward the first month’s rent for approved stays.

We don’t use a single hard credit-score cutoff. Screening considers the overall application, including identity, background, rental history where available, and verifiable ability to meet the financial obligations of the stay.

What to Expect During Your Stay

Mail & Packages

DSRL does not provide mail or package delivery service. Guests who need a local mailing address should obtain a PO Box through the Howard Post Office and arrange package delivery independently.

Laundry

There is no guest laundry at DSRL. Laundry is available approximately one mile down the road at Sugarbush Campground.

Linens & Housekeeping

Linens are not provided for extended stays. Guests provide and launder their own linens, keep their unit clean during the stay, and leave it broom-clean at checkout.

Snow Removal

DSRL plows designated roads and common areas when snowfall reaches approximately 6 inches or more. Guests are responsible for keeping the area around their RV, steps, entry, and personal setup reasonably clear.

Pets

Up to 2 approved pets per accommodation at a flat charge of $100/month total — not per pet. Pets must be leashed at all times outdoors, and guests are responsible for their pets’ conduct and for cleanup.

Utilities

Utilities are included in the monthly rate. RV sites include up to 650 kWh of electricity per month; usage above that is billed at approximately $0.15/kWh based on metered usage.

Payments

The first month is prorated when applicable. Ongoing monthly charges are due on the 1st. Approved guests are required to maintain a valid card on file and participate in automatic monthly payment.

Winter RV Stays

Winter in the Arkansas River Valley is beautiful, but freezing temperatures require the right setup. RV guests staying through the winter are responsible for arriving with an RV and utility connections prepared for sustained freezing conditions.

  • DSRL’s bathhouse is closed in winter — your RV must be self-contained with a functioning toilet and bathing facilities.
  • RV must be appropriately prepared for sustained freezing temperatures.
  • Freeze-protected or heated potable-water equipment is required when connected during freezing conditions.
  • A proper, secure sewer connection is required.
  • Guests are responsible for protecting their RV, plumbing, utility connections, and personal property from freezing or weather-related damage.
  • Site setup must not interfere with utilities, property access, or snow removal operations.

Skirting is recommended for added protection but is not required.

Questions about whether your RV is ready for winter? We’re happy to talk through your setup before you submit an inquiry.

Interested in an Extended Stay?

Tell us what you’re looking for. Start with a short inquiry about your dates, accommodation needs, occupants, pets, vehicles, and RV setup if applicable.

Start an Extended-Stay Inquiry

Have a question first? Call or text (719) 626-1429