Best Campgrounds near Monarch, CO

The San Isabel National Forest surrounding Monarch, Colorado provides multiple camping options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Monarch Park Campground, located near Monarch Pass at an elevation of approximately 10,500 feet, offers developed sites for both tent and RV camping from June through September. Several dispersed camping areas can be found along Forest Service roads, including Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping and Road 240 Dispersed sites, which provide more primitive camping experiences without designated facilities. The region includes mixed-use campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from basic vault toilets to sites with drinking water access.

"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," notes one visitor about Road 240 Dispersed camping. High-clearance vehicles are often necessary to access remote dispersed sites in the area, particularly after rain or snowmelt. Most campgrounds near Monarch operate seasonally, typically closing by early October due to snowfall at higher elevations. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months, with overnight lows frequently dipping into the 40s. Cell service is limited throughout much of the region, particularly in canyon areas and at higher elevations. Campfire restrictions are common during dry periods, and campers should check current fire regulations before their visit.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites that provide mountain views and access to hiking trails. The proximity to the Colorado Trail makes several campgrounds popular with hikers and backpackers. Angel of Shavano Group Campground and Cascade Campground receive positive reviews for their natural settings and relative seclusion. According to feedback on The Dyrt, Monarch Park Campground offers "several trails that ran through or near the site" making it convenient for day hiking. Wildlife viewing opportunities include mule deer, marmots, and various bird species. Visitors should be aware of bear activity in the area and follow proper food storage practices. The region's campgrounds provide good access to nearby towns like Salida, which is approximately 20-30 minutes away and offers supplies and services.

Best Camping Sites Near Monarch, Colorado (292)

    1. Road 240 - Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Monarch, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-3591

    "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."

    2. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    16 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Cascade (colorado)

    18 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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. "

    4. Browns Creek

    23 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    16 miles

    "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."

    5. Salida North BLM

    23 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "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."

    7. Angel Of Shavano Group — Psicc

    10 Reviews
    Monarch, CO
    7 miles
    +1 (719) 539-3591

    $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."

    8. Monarch Park

    7 Reviews
    Monarch, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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."

    9. Ohaver Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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."

    10. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too."

    "Close to hiking at browns which is really pretty hike and lots of options. We found a place on Memorial Day without a reservation which never happens in Colorado. It is near the co trail too!"

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Recent Reviews near Monarch, CO

1528 Reviews of 292 Monarch Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Natural Arch Dispersed Site

    Great views

    One of the best places I’ve camped. Have 30ft 4x4 rv. One spot prior to natural arch. Up rocky incline on right. Level and awsome!

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Co Rd 306 Dispersed Camping

    Head up the hill instead

    There are maybe 3 spots within a mile of the highway. The spots are spread out but right against the road. They sit under rocky ridges so some fun hiking but nothing special. The road is very good shape. If you have an suv or van the spots all the way up the road are better but there is a couple rough spots I wouldnt drive a normal car. Verizon signal is spotty here.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Buena Vista Dispersed

    Good views

    Head all the way up the road until you get to a brown sign and the road T's turn right and there are a few great spots with views. 2 bars verizon signal. The road is not ad bad as it looks. It has a rut in the middle in a few spots but just straddle the rut and you are fine. The last switchback is the only bad spot. It is steep and loose with a bit of wash out but stay to the right with your tires on the flat apot and ease up and around. Once you get to the sites its very peaceful and quite with alot of cool rock features to check out.

  • MP M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Shavano Mountain

    So many spots!

    Great access, up to 100 spots?! Largest dispersed I’ve seen.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Dan's Land Free Camp

    Small circle cool spot

    This is just like a 20 yard circle right off a dirt road. Cool idea from Dan to offer this. Its a great off the highway spot. Only a mile down an easy dirt road. No amenities just a place to park and sleep. Dont be suprised if someone else pulls in close and parks. Not a ton of space but a great location with good views and 2 bars verizon cell

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Salida North BLM

    Cool location close to highway

    Right off the highway. Cool place with a little canyon. Reminds me of a state park campground. Very close and open sites with campfire rings and picnic tables. The road gets pretty bumpy going to the back half but I bet they fix that soon. Some easy family friendly hiking. Verizon cell is 1-2 bars. No bathrooms!

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Mountain Goat Lodge

    Cute private area with great views

    Right off the highway but has an amazing backdrop. The property is fun to explore with hiking trails and alot of character. Really a gem highly recommend. Good cell service

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Salida BLM Land

    Close to town good cell

    This place ia close to salida which is nice. Your Google maps may not get you here . Instead put in race track trail trailhead and it will take you right to to main parking lot. The road to the dispersed sites goes up from there. Its not great but 2wd van is fine if careful. Good cellphone signal. But the spots are small, close together, and super uneven. It makes no sense why some of them are so slanted, but its fine for a 1 night stay. I wouldnt recommend this as a destination

  • L
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Browns Canyon Dispersed

    Great

    Some nice campsites not too far from civilization, but far enough away that you don’t see many people besides a few other campers. The spots are spaced out well, some larger than others. The road coming in is very rough, I drive a subaru impreza hatchback and felt very nervous because I don’t have high clearance. Beautiful view.


Guide to Monarch

Camping near Monarch, Colorado takes place at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 10,500 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even in summer. The region's forest roads often require high-clearance vehicles after rain, with many roads becoming impassable during spring snowmelt through May. Monsoon season from July through early September brings afternoon thunderstorms almost daily.

What to do

Hike to waterfalls: Browns Creek trail offers a rewarding 6-mile round-trip hike to a series of cascading falls. "The Colorado trail runs right next to campground and offered amazing hiking. Tons of Aspen trees!" notes a visitor at Angel of Shavano Group Campground.

Fishing opportunities: O'Haver Lake provides excellent trout fishing for all skill levels. "The trout fishing here is incredible and many folks were getting their 4 fish limit each day," reports a camper at Ohaver Lake Campground. The stocked lake maintains healthy fish populations throughout the season.

Four-wheeling adventures: Multiple forest roads provide access to remote areas with old mining sites. "There's tons of trails to ride on, some have old mines off to the side, really cool to see," says a visitor about the trails near O'Haver Lake. Road 240 continues to Billings Lake, though high clearance vehicles are recommended.

Hot springs access: The region offers access to natural hot springs for post-hiking relaxation. "You can head over to nearby hot springs," suggests a reviewer about camping near Cascade Campground, referring to attractions accessible within a 30-minute drive.

What campers like

Mountain views: Sites at Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping offer unobstructed views of 14,000-foot peaks. "I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring," describes one visitor at Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping who appreciated the scenery.

Wildlife encounters: Early mornings and evenings bring opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We saw Bats, Nighthawks, Turkey Vultures, Coyotes, and Deer," reports a camper at Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area. Another camper mentions: "Cows grazing around our campsite in the morning (it was adorable)."

Site spacing: Raspberry Gulch offers unusually spacious campsites compared to many Colorado camping areas. "The 'spots' were very far apart which was great and if they're full you can honestly find a flat grassy spot to park," says a reviewer from Raspberry Gulch BLM who appreciated the privacy.

Night skies: The area's high elevation and distance from major cities creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Very dark, great for stars," notes a camper at Cascade Campground, while another mentions "the sky was amazing at night" at Raspberry Gulch BLM.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. "The road is definitely chunky!" warns a visitor to Road 240. "Believe the reviews when they say the road to get to these campsites are ROCKY. I was able to get there in my Hyundai Santa Fe but got nervous a couple of times."

Weather patterns: Afternoon storms are common in summer, while early and late season camping means freezing nights. "Weather has been rainy each afternoon and cool mornings," notes a camper at Road 240 - Dispersed. Temperatures regularly drop below freezing even in summer at sites above 10,000 feet.

Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds open late and close early due to snow conditions. "Closed Dec 1-June 1 for wildlife management. Watch out in the wet weather—road super muddy a bit difficult to get through," reports a visitor about Browns Creek in early spring.

Water sources: Most dispersed sites lack potable water. Cascade Campground provides drinking water during operating season. "There is fresh water and a dump station at the visitors center in Salida," notes a camper about logistics when staying at dispersed sites.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites near water features: Stream-side sites provide natural entertainment for children. "We were lucky enough to end up right along the river," mentions a camper at Road 240, while another found "a little waterfall and fast flowing creek next to it."

Prepare for temperature swings: Pack extra layers as temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset. "Even in mid-September it was cherry warm, up to 90°. There was some smoke on some days from the Forrest tire's," reports a camper at Mount Shavano, highlighting the need to prepare for varying conditions.

Wildlife education opportunities: The area provides excellent wildlife viewing for children. "We saw 2 great horned owls during our stay on several occasions," reports a camper from Salida North BLM, who also spotted "big horn sheep in the campground when we pulled in."

Plan for limited facilities: Most sites lack amenities like flush toilets. "Only 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," mentions a visitor to Salida North BLM.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Some dispersed areas accommodate larger RVs better than others. "I was able to get my 25ft rig pretty far up the mountain on road 274A. There was 30-40ft class A in the spot closest to me," shares a camper at Browns Creek.

Level sites: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven sites requiring leveling equipment. "We couldn't get fully level, but it was a good site otherwise. The sites are fairly nice for a FS CG and very well spaced. Some sites are fairly level, but others will present some challenges," advises an RV owner who stayed at Monarch Park Campground.

Water and dump stations: Plan for limited facilities at most sites. "Nearest dump station is about 2 miles away at the Crossroads Visitor Center in Poncha Springs," notes a camper from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping, providing crucial information for RV planning.

Road navigation: Forest roads require careful navigation with larger vehicles. "As you climb the mtn the last mile or so you are greeted with numerous washboards on the switchbacks but don't worry, it's worth it!" shares an RV camper about the road to O'Haver Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Monarch Campground located in Colorado?

Monarch Park is located in the San Isabel National Forest near Monarch Pass along Highway 50, between Salida and Gunnison in central Colorado. The campground sits at high elevation in the mountains, making it a perfect seasonal escape when the snow melts. For those looking to stay closer to Salida while exploring the Monarch area, Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground offers convenient access to both the town and the nearby Colorado Trail, just a mile up the road.

Can you camp near Monarch Lake in Colorado?

Yes, there are several camping options near Monarch Lake in Colorado. Road 240 - Dispersed offers excellent dispersed camping with spots all the way up to the lake. Most sites are wooded with plenty of shade, and some lucky campers find spots right along the river. For a developed option with amenities, Ohaver Lake Campground is a high-altitude lakeside campground outside of Salida with approximately 35 sites surrounding the lake, offering excellent trout fishing opportunities.

What camping is available near Monarch, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Monarch, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 292 campgrounds and RV parks near Monarch, CO and 113 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Monarch, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monarch, CO is Road 240 - Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monarch, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 113 free dispersed camping spots near Monarch, CO.