Where is it? - about an hour west of Denver in the mountains on US 285 between Bailey and Grant. The actual address is 51321 US Hwy 285, Grant, CO 80448. Here’s the location on Google Maps. If you search for “YMCA Camp Santa Maria” on Google, you may find an address in Lafayette, Colorado; DO NOT GO THERE, that is the administrative office and not the actual campsite. General information about the site (which is used as a kids camp during the summer) is available here.
If you’re coming from the east (southbound US 285), you’ll see a blue sign that says “SANTA MARIA”. Keep going. The entrance to the camp is right after an amber “road curves right” recommended 45 MPH signs. If you miss this entrance, slow down and take the immediate next right, it also enters the camp.
Altitude and weather- the site is in the mountains at about 8500 feet above sea level. Surrounding mountains can result in shorter amounts of daylight as the sun rises and sets at a higher azimuth (e.g., above the natural horizon) compared to lower altitude areas. Please see our page on local expectations for advice about weather, layering, and self-care.
Parking - The are two areas, but one will be for overflow only. The parking area is on a bit of a slope, so please use your parking/emergency brake and plan accordingly. Carpooling is still highly recommended. Player vehicles are only allowed in the parking areas - there will be a limited number of wagons available to transport your game belongings, and bringing your own wagon or cart is also recommended. Camper RVs are allowed in the parking area, but there are no RV electrical, water or sewer hookups/dump locations. Please let us know if you intend on bringing a camper.
Smoking and Vaping - are not allowed on site; please go out one of the main gates by the highway, and police your butts.
Food - all food must be kept in the dining hall, in the kitchen fridges or coolers. No food should be kept in cabins, cars or tents, out of wildlife concerns. Kitchen access will be restricted to those with an active ServSafe Food Handlers certificate; a member of the YMCA camp staff will be on site to ensure all safety practices are being followed, so please have a printed copy of your certificate available for inspection. A microwave will be available on site for those not using the kitchen.
Cabins - there are a multitude of cabins with bunks. Each cabin building has two areas, and each area has 14 bunks. We will have separate cabins for Medical Sleep and staff. We will not use all cabins for each event unless attendance necessitates it; please fill available spaces with other players before entering an empty one as directed by game staff. These cabins have heat and electricity.
Bathrooms - All of the cabins are within a short distance of the bathhouse which has toilets, sinks and showers. There are additional bathrooms in most of the common buildings as well. We have been told that during the summer, there will be port-o-potties in other areas of the camp as well (e.g., by where the tents will be).
Tents - currently we are setting up genre tents just to the north of the Dining Hall.
Trails - there are trails at this site that go deeper into the wilderness. Please be aware that this wilderness can include mountain wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, moose, elk, and other dangerous animals. Please do not go out on those trails alone.
Cell Service - cell service is spotty in this area, so please plan accordingly. Verizon appears to work fine; T-Mobile works in some parts but not others. Internet access on the site will be limited to staff; please contact us if you have any concerns.
Ops (NPC Camp) - In St. John’s Hall
Public Works (Logistics) - Below the dining hall (the arts and crafts area).
Off Limits Areas - there will be a number of places that will be “out of bounds” for game purposes. These areas (subject to change) currently include:
Campsite Staff cabins on the west end of the campsite
The Yurts on the far east end of the campsite
The chapel and any areas with bells (do not ring)
The old mill (an obviously condemned building near the pond)
The pool and all outdoor water areas (Danger River, Danger Lake, etc)
Any of the antique carts or implements
Any rooms in the main office being used by Campsite Staff
Respecting the site - in accordance with our Community Guidelines and our culture of respect, please avoid climbing, sitting, or standing on any cultural landmarks, such as statues and ruins. We may use some of these locations for settings but look, don’t touch.
When I can be on site?
For 2023, players can arrive on site at 3 PM. This is subject to change.
When do we have to be off site?
June, July - To accommodate the tighter schedule, we will need to be off site at 1 PM (the alternative was no events at this location during these months). Casting shifts and Public Works hours will be updated to reflect this need.
All other months - we have more flexibility but will have to be completely off site at 3 PM.
What’s nearby? - There are some stores, restaurants and gas stations along US 285 east (downhill) from the site, practically all the way back into Denver. Nearest large grocery stores are in Conifer and Aspen Park, along with many other stores and services, about twenty minutes away.
Questions? - please send them to drco.customerservice@gmail.com