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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.
"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."
"Pulled by a 2 wheel drive tundra. The road in is a little bit rough but I had no trouble. Slow and steady. Once you get up the entrance it is easy driving."
"It's about 20 mins outside of Salida. There are a few sections of the road that are pretty rocky/bumpy, but I think anyone could get up here."
"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."
"Stayed here while thru hiking the colorado trail, what a wonderful time! Salida is a quick drive away and the trail is only a mile up the road. Staff was incredible and store well stocked."
"It’s near a highway but we never found the road noise a problem. Didn’t even notice except an occasional truck using Jake brakes. It all but stopped at night. Owners are super nice and helpful."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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.)"
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availability
TravelerBasic amenities, but clean and easy to find. The campsite is very close to the highway, so if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, keep looking. However, if you just need a place to sleep with great views, this is a solid spot. We saw bighorn sheep and even heard what sounded like a bobcat possibly mountain lion at night.
TravelerThis is BLM land there are places to park and pick a spot. Set up your tent. Then you walk (about .66 miles) into the were Cache Creek is located. You can pan for Gold and rockhound. No mechanical dredge allowed. Camped here for three nights. No fresh water to drink you have to bring your own in. One lonely port-a-potty available. I brought our own port-a-potty. Made the visit run smoothly. No where to dump trash. You have to take the trash you make out with you. I am heading there fir a second time this fall.
ScoutClose to the road but also the Arkansas river, decent service for the area. Not an area for trailers
ScoutWater fill is extremely slow!
Otherwise fine.
TravelerSeen my first Bull Moose in rut here! Amazing! Atv traffic but nothing horrible
ScoutOvernight getaway, perfect camp spot nice and flat ground
TravelerCan see both twin lakes and Elbert at this spot. Aspens are currently just past peak. Feels like out of a fairytale
TravelerAmazing spot! Can perfectly see both lakes and then the reservoir behind us! Easy to get to, don’t need 4wd to get up here! So many other spots around the area!
ScoutThe air is dry, the sun is intense and the sky is clear, especially at night. Star gazing is a hobby around here. We were on the upper level, close to the outdoor pool, which made it very convenient for us. The roads in the park are blacktopped. The landing area's for RV's, are a black rock. No dust problems! Most sites have a small concrete slab and picnic table. We stayed for 20 nights. Will be coming back. The Gunnison Reservoir was dried up this season. Hoping for rain and snow fall this Fall and Winter. All in all, it's a great stay!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 312 campgrounds and RV parks near Monarch, CO and 123 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 Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monarch, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 123 free dispersed camping spots near Monarch, CO.
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