Sitting along a branch of the South Fork of the Arkansas River near Monarch Pass, this US Forest Service campground in San Isabel National Forest runs at high elevation and operates on a short seasonal window from early June through early September. The road in has a reputation for rough conditions, so drivers of larger rigs should be prepared. That said, campers with Class A motorhomes up to 45 feet have made it work, though leveling can be a challenge depending on the site.
Sites are well-spaced by Forest Service standards, with some sheltered by bushes and conifers and others offering open sightlines to the surrounding ridgelines. The campground tends to stay lightly used, with multiple visitors reporting only a handful of other campers even on summer weekends. A branch of the South Fork runs directly past several sites. AT&T users can expect roughly two bars of LTE, and Starlink has performed well here due to clear sky exposure to the south and north.
Full hookups with water and sewer are available, which is uncommon for a Forest Service campground at this elevation. Fee is $24 per night, and America the Beautiful pass holders will find the rate reasonable. Nearby, Old Monarch Pass Road Dispersed — San Isabel NF provides a no-fee dispersed alternative for campers who want more flexibility. "Very quiet, only a few other campers," notes Shelby R. of a late-summer stay. Monarch Park is a good match for RV travelers who want hookups and water access in a high-country setting without the crowds of more developed campgrounds.
Description
Overview
After being closed the past couple of years for renovations, look for Monarch Park to reopen on Friday, August 21, 2026!Monarch Park is nestled at the base of Monarch Ridge, a short drive north of Monarch Pass on Highway 50. Some campsites at the family-friendly destination are located on the banks of the South Fork Arkansas River, while others lie along a creek. Popular activities in the area include hiking the Colorado/Continental DivideTrail and fishing. Beaver ponds near the entrance to the campground make a great fishing spot for families with young children. Monarch Pass is a high mountain pass along the southern part of Colorado's Sawatch Range. The pass crosses the Continental Divide at an altitude of 11,312 feet.
Recreation
Popular trails near Monarch Park include Waterdog Lakes, the Monarch Crest Trail and the Hunt and Boss Lakes trails. Wildflowers are abundant on these trails in late summer. The river and nearby ponds provide quality fishing for all ages. Brook trout is the most likely reward for fishing efforts.
Facilities
Vault toilets are available and one is wheelchair accessible. All sites come with picnic tables and campfire rings. No electrical or sewer hookups are available. The nearest RV dump station is at the Poncha Springs Visitor Center located at 7001 Highway 285 (near the intersection of US Highway 285 and US Highway 50) in Poncha Springs, CO.
Natural Features
The elevation is 10,500 feet, and visitors should plan for cool nighttime temperatures. Some campsites are located near the south fork of the Little Arkansas River.
Nearby Attractions
The city of Salida is only a short drive away where visitors can enjoy unique restaurants, shops, art galleries, and antique shops. The area boasts more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak, as well as fifteen 14,000 ft. mountains. Visitors can choose from recreational activities like hiking, biking, ATV/UTV riding, kayaking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, zip lining, and swimming.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
After being closed the past couple of years for renovations, Monarch Park will reopen for your camping pleasure on Friday, August 21, 2026 at NOON for first come first served camping.The campground will have NO WATER available so be sure to bring all water you need for the duration of your stay.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMonarch Park is located in Colorado near Monarch
Public CampgroundDirections
From Poncha Springs, travel west on Highway 50 for about 15 miles, then turn left on County Road 231 and drive south to the Monarch Park Campground.
Address
SALIDA RANGER DISTRICT
(719)539-3591 (FOR INFORMATION ONLY M-F 8AM-4:30PM)
5575 CLEORA RD
Salida, CO 81201
Coordinates
38.5155556 N
106.3241667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 9/8/26
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/8/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 9/8/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/8/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 1 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 22 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 46 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 56 min from Boulder, CO
