Established Camping
Monarch Park
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is closed this season for renovations. Will reopen in 2025. See you then!
Monarch Park, near Salida, Colorado, is a scenic campground that offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the mountains. With its beautiful surroundings, including a bubbling creek and stunning views, it’s a great spot for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
The campground features spacious sites that are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy while still being close to the natural beauty around you. Visitors have noted that the sites can be a bit uneven, but many have found them to be well-maintained and suitable for both tents and RVs. As one camper mentioned, “The campsite was very level and well taken care of,” making it a comfortable choice for your stay.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Monarch Park is a fantastic base for exploring the nearby trails and enjoying activities like fishing in the creek. The area is known for its fresh mountain air and beautiful flora, making it a perfect backdrop for relaxation or adventure. Just keep in mind that the campground is closed for renovations in 2024, so plan your visit accordingly.
Description
National Forest
PSICC
Overview
This Campground is Closed for the 2024 Season for renovation. Will reopen in 2025. 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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
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.
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.
Location
Monarch Park is located in Colorado
Directions
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
