Looking for the best campgrounds near Monarch, CO? Monarch is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Monarch and user-submitted reviews.
"This spot is one of the best kept secrets for dispersed camping in Colorado. The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade."
"And do not drive up that section to the 3rd if it is already taken (scout ahead here, trust me). You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around and no spots."
"If you ever been to any of the BLM camping locations around Salida, Mt. Shavano is not anything different."
"It was easy to find and close to the highway.
The road was pretty good but got a bit bumpy as we got closer but still not a problem with our trailer."
$25 / night
"This is probably my family's favorite area to camp in Colorado. Off the beaten path enough that traffic is minimal. But nice and close to some great four wheel and off roading areas."
"This place is beautifully positioned in the trees. Clean facilities, a wonderful camp host and fellow campers were great. 15 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 to Salida. "
"The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."
"Recommend the hike to browns lake nearby. Vault toilets at the trailhead if needed.
Our spot was right off the Colorado trail, lots of thru hikers going by."
"Within 20 minutes of driving you have multiple Colorado 14ers to hike, amazing fishing, miles of mountain biking trails and 2 amazing towns with great places to eat or grab a beer. "
"Beautiful surroundings, picnic tables, fire rings. I gave it a 4 because of annoying rig running generator and a little highway noise."
$145 / night
"The Colorado trail runs right next to campground and offered amazing hiking. Tons of Aspen trees!"
"Quiet, fairly secluded, has its own fishing pond and nearby beaver ponds, N. Fk. S. Arkansas flows past, and it is right on the Colorado Trail."
"Wide variety of campsites here close to the Colorado trail and two 14ers. Where we camped was a cow field and they came and went so would be careful with dogs."
"I’ve camped next to the creek and further out away from the water. Honestly, it’s hard to find a bad campsite here!
If you want a site close to the creek, you have to get there early."
$24 / night
"I made a stop knowing there was to much snow in the area to actually stay but I wanted to see what Monarch had to offer when it wasn't ski season and I was so pleased with the campground itself."
"According to the forest service website, Monarch Park campground is closed for 2024 season to make renovations. Too bad."
$28 - $56 / night
"This is one of my favorites from this summer trip to Colorado. O’Haver Campground is a high altitude lakeside campground outside of Salida Colorado."
"Sweet campsites on a nice small lake up at around 9000 feet surrounded by mountains. Weekend summer use is heavy so plan to reserve in advance if possible. can be chilly at night."
$28 / night
"The campground is north of Salida Colorado on the Arkansas River. This is the busy spot at the end of the commercial river rafting run."
"Beautiful in its location, there were site improvements several years ago, which are nice and still hold true in 2023. (level tent pads, delineated sites, etc.)"
GuideLove love love. Will stay here again. Private enough but still see people drive by and watch people wraft the river right by camp.
ScoutThe directions were great, it was a quiet little campsite with a fire ring, we really enjoyed it!
GuideExisting campsites lots of space
GuideWe remember this area being over run with rvs and atvs. They camped and parked all over the place. Now it has a concession. The area was improved. Only thing now is the host won't enforce rules. Like leash, no atvs, folks parking in first come first serve and saving a spot for a friend ( against the law) and tents off the pads. The poor fish are totally harassed and left for dead on shore. People need to learn if they fafo they can lose all our public lands. That wonderful experience we all loved as kids? Gone!
GuideBoth areas, Castle rock, Gulch, and mushroom gulch have forest roads with multiple disperse, camping spots off the road in both open and secluded areas. Including areas where multiple vehicles can park and camp in the same central location. Roads continue for miles and miles with many camp spots. Some roads are well maintained while others are rockier and more rugged.
TravelerOpen spots Memorial Day Weekend. Well labeled from Highway 50 just before entering Salida. About or greater than 20 camping spots (but we didn't venture to the last site). Initial road was more rough but evens out as you go further back (we don't have 4-wheel but made it no problem). Porta-potties when you enter the road but no toilets for the campsites further back. Built in fire pits at each established campsite.
TravelerOnly about 10-15 campsites in the section but good area to camp. They've added portapotties to help with the toilet issue but they're only at the entrance. Get there early if you want to reserve a site!
ScoutLots of dispersed camping throughout this area. At this spot we found a nice area for a tent that had a fire pit.
GuideNot bad close to river. Ideal for tenting or small RV. Hiking nearby. 2025.05.24
Camping near Monarch, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Monarch, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Monarch, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 275 campgrounds and RV parks near Monarch, CO and 99 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monarch, CO is Road 240 - Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 99 free dispersed camping spots near Monarch, CO.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Monarch, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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