Load up the car and head for the hills, let’s go camping! Many may find themselves making home in the woods, others prefer the comforts the State Parks, and some find the best way to unplug is in the back country. How about camping among the fruit trees of a family owned orchard?
Agrotourism has become increasingly popular throughout Colorado and many other parts of the US, drawing in tourists and locals alike.Farming is hard work and can face difficult challenges, but many growers have thought of inventive ways to draw people onto their farms, offering unique and tangible experiences that help visitors to have a greater appreciation of where their food comes from.
Earlier this summer, we pulled our little pop-up camper from Grand Junction just over an hour to a charming little orchard for a weekend of camping. Big B’s Orchard is located in Western Colorado in the North Fork Valley, between Hotchkiss and Paonia. Famous for their hard cider and known as a U-Pick destination, Big B’s Orchard has 360 degree views that will not disappoint. Our camp site was in Peach Lane, providing a front door view of the West Elk Mountains. Guests are invited to make themselves at home and wander about the orchard to enjoy the scenery. During our stay we meandered about the fruit trees, past the pond, and over to the garden to say hello to the chickens. Our pups wandered and enjoyed the laid back vibe of the farm. Along our stroll, we met the owner as he was doing his daily farm chores; he was welcoming and took time to ask where were visiting from and he shared his plans for future expansion of the established camping areas at Big B’s. They were planning to add more camp sites, cabins, and showers.
The orchard is not a far drive from Paonia, which has a cute little downtown area with plenty of shops. If you are looking for an easy walk with your family or pooches, check out the Paonia River Park; it features a short trail that passes along the North Fork of the Gunnison River and offers lovely mountain views. We had attempted to do a hike to the Lone Cabin Reservoir, however there was heavy rain and the dirt road became impassible, which is how we ended up at the Paonia River Park. The rest of the day we spent enjoying the atmosphere of the orchard. Big B’s hard cider is a refreshing treat after battling wind and heavy rain. We took the dogs and sat outside the café on the patio with a cider slushy in hand, watching many visitors play on the tree swings. By the time we finished our drinks the swings had cleared, and I had to try it, it was probably the highlight of the afternoon. Before making our way back to the camper we grabbed a six pack of cider for the evening. If you want to make things simple on your camp trip, you can check out the café menu for lunch or dinner. Big B’s also has a small country store with fresh produce, honey, jam, a selection of Colorado beer and wine, and a few groceries. If you forget something, Hotchkiss has a full service grocery store and it is only a five minute drive.
Camping reservations can be made online through the Big B’s website.While you are browsing, check the event schedule, the orchard often has live music.We plan to go back again this summer for another overnight stay, and hopefully we can plan a visit during one of the concert dates.If you want to get outdoors and do some hiking or biking on your stay, the Crawford State Park is only 18 miles from the orchard.
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