CENTRAL CITY – Thrills, treats, and outdoor ethics came together on October 20, 2024, at the first annual Always Choose Adventures (ACA) OHV Trick-or-Treat event. The off-road joyriders stopped in their tracks as visitors made a pit stop at Camp ACA to enjoy some Halloween fun and learn about the nation’s first off-grid outdoor educational campground.

Founder and Executive Director Chantelle Shoaee shared that the event aimed to familiarize visitors with Camp ACA while also promoting the “Leave No Trace” guidelines, a core principle of the camp. 

She also said the road from Central City and Columbine Campground has been fixed all the way to the camp, and encouraged visitors to take that route instead of the one from Fall River Road.

Volunteers greeted guests with candy from a giant plastic pumpkin, and participants enjoyed free water, energy drinks, and ACA-branded schwag.

Perched at 9,300 feet near Central City, Camp ACA offers a unique off-grid camping experience. The campground features tipi and dispersed camping options, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, where elk, moose, deer, and even bears roam freely. 

Its location serves as the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Road Highway Vehicle (OHV) area in the Front Range, making it the perfect spot for adventure seekers.

Visitors don’t need to worry about packing all the essentials, as Camp ACA provides rentals for everything from tents to sleeping bags, ensuring even those arriving empty-handed can enjoy a full camping experience. 

Whether you’re looking to check off items on your Colorado bucket list or enjoy 4×4 adventures, Camp ACA has it covered – especially through its partnerships with Native Jeeps and Colorado Adventure Guides.

As a dedicated partner of the Leave No Trace organization, Camp ACA stresses the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. 

All visitors are encouraged to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife; and be considerate of other visitors. 

By promoting these practices, Camp ACA strives to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor recreation while enhancing accessibility to the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities.

Inclusivity is at the heart of Camp ACA’s mission. To make the rugged terrain accessible to everyone, the camp offers Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchairs. These specialized wheelchairs provide guests with mobility across rocky landscapes, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty of the mountains.

Guests can also enjoy outdoor amenities like a communal fire pit for evening gatherings, picnic tables, and clean port-a-potty restroom facilities.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Camp ACA is committed to breaking down barriers to the outdoors, particularly for youth and individuals with disabilities. Proceeds from their campground directly benefit these underserved groups, supporting their mission to make outdoor adventures accessible to all.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to support a great cause, Camp ACA welcomes you to join in their efforts to protect nature and ensure that the great outdoors can be enjoyed by everyone.

For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, visit: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org.