Dispersed camping sites near Monument, Colorado range from 6,500 to 8,500 feet elevation with significant temperature fluctuations even in summer. Mount Herman Road offers primitive camping while Rampart Range Road provides dozens of established pull-offs with views of Pikes Peak. The area experiences afternoon thunderstorms regularly during summer months, with overnight temperatures commonly dropping into the 40s.
What to do
Fishing at Rampart Reservoir: Located approximately 20 miles west of Monument, the reservoir offers trout fishing and a scenic 12-mile trail. A visitor to Thunder Ridge Campground mentioned, "The walk around the lake (12 miles) is awesome and gorgeous. The site does not have any hookups, it does have toilets."
Explore mountain towns: The charming towns near Monument offer shopping and dining options. A camper at Lone Duck Campground noted, "Easy access to local eateries and shopping. Verizon, 2 bars."
Visit Mueller State Park trails: Located 45 minutes from Monument, the park offers extensive hiking opportunities. A visitor shared, "The trails were beautiful, well maintained, and not crowded at all."
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas feature deer, elk, and small mammals. One camper at Lone Duck Campground reported, "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us."
What campers like
Natural privacy: While some campgrounds have tightly packed sites, dispersed areas offer seclusion. A Mount Herman Road camper shared, "Looking for a quick spot to stay the night as we were traveling through. Easy drive up, found a pull out fairly close to the main road with established fire ring. Great views of the city lights and then sunrise."
Fall colors: September brings spectacular aspen displays. A Rampart Range Road visitor wrote, "The nights were cold some lows 32° and it snowed the first night which we were hoping for❄ The sunrises were stunning watching the sunlight slowly shed light on the golden aspens was a beautiful sight."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevations provide relief from summer heat. A visitor commented, "The air is crisp, people are up early strolling with their dogs and the vague sounds of local traffic mix with the sounds and smells of bacon."
Established fire rings: Many dispersed sites come with previously built fire rings. One camper noted, "Pretty great dispersed site. Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Colorado Campground warned, "No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups...no showers."
Weekend crowds: Dispersed sites fill quickly Friday afternoons. One camper reported, "Ended up a parking lot by the end of the night. Too busy with inconsiderate neighbors. Beautiful views though. I think it's luck of the draw depending what night you go."
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly. A visitor noted, "We stayed there 4 days through every type of weather imaginable. Look out when the sky clears the views are amazing. The road in is a bit rough but quite manageable."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. A camper stated, "No water sources so you'll have to pack out water. All the fire pits are hand build and being on the finger you're pretty exposed to the wind keeping the fires small and not very hot."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Families often prefer sites with amenities. At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, a visitor noted, "Paved roads throughout made for nice bike rides with the kids and larger than usual dog run area was nice (right next to the playground made it easy to run both the dog and the kids)."
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights get cold at elevation. One camper shared, "Very nice quiet stay in the woods. All camp sites are very easy to get to and nicely groomed. Very pleasant stay. Got below freezing so be ready for the cold."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A visitor commented, "This campground is exceptionally nice and the staff is amazing, but if you are in a tent there is a lot of noise pollution from the interstate and trains that come by at all hours of the night blaring their horns."
Bring entertainment: Some campgrounds offer additional activities. A camper mentioned, "All of the amenities. Pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms. Best place every. And surrounded by mountains!"
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Large RVs face restrictions at several campgrounds. A visitor to Colorado Heights Resort warned, "This is not a big rig friendly park. Really did not like it. A lot of trees close to the road, making it hard to move around. Sites are close together and haphazardly played out. Trees are not trimmed to a good height for a large rig."
Water pressure issues: Some campgrounds have unusually high pressure. One RVer noted, "Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy."
Electrical supply fluctuations: Power can be inconsistent at some sites. A camper cautioned, "Electricity fluctuated throughout the park 104 to 118. Be careful."
Leveling requirements: Be prepared to level your rig. One RVer explained, "Our location is quite unlevel. It took four blocks under all tires on one side of our Class A to bring near level."
