Camping options abound near Monarch, Colorado, located in the high-altitude region of the Sawatch Range at elevations between 8,000-11,000 feet. The area experiences cool to cold nights even during summer months, with temperatures regularly dropping below 40°F after sunset regardless of season. Access to multiple rivers and mountain trails provides diverse recreational options with several campgrounds offering electricity despite their remote settings.
What to do
Mountain biking from camp: BV Overlook offers direct trail access from the campground itself. According to one visitor, "We visited Buena Vista mainly to mountain bike and we loved that you can ride right from the campsite onto the trails."
Fishing opportunities: Near Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground, anglers can access brown and rainbow trout in the South Arkansas River. A reviewer notes, "It is right on the S. Arkansas, which has browns and rainbows for skilled and licensed anglers."
Rock climbing exploration: Turtle Rock Campground provides access to climbing areas within walking distance. "Turtle rock is a bit difficult to get to in an RV, but is a great spot with climbing mountain bike and hiking trails," mentions one camper.
Off-roading adventures: The area offers extensive trail networks for OHV enthusiasts. One visitor to Taylor Park Trading Post stated, "This is a nicely equipped park, very popular with the OHV crowd. Great access to many miles of forest service roads."
Hot springs access: Multiple hot springs resorts operate within driving distance of Monarch-area campgrounds. Campers frequently use these sites as base camps for day trips to hot springs during cooler months.
What campers like
High elevation camping: Sites at elevations above 8,000 feet provide relief from summer heat and exceptional night skies. A camper at Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground commented, "It's at over 8000 feet and the views are amazing. We can see snow."
Four-season options: Some area campgrounds maintain year-round operations despite the mountain climate. A reviewer noted about Salida East Campground, "Sites for camping were nice, there were many campgrounds to choose from along the area and sites were large and spacious. Most importantly they were reasonably priced at only $18."
Privacy in tent areas: Some campgrounds separate tent camping from RV sections. At Turtle Rock Campground, "Each site has a fire pit and ample space for group camping. Our group consisted of 4 tents and 4 vehicles, our site had plenty of space for parking and for all of tents to be quite well spaced out."
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to spot wildlife. One camper mentioned, "And we even saw a moose. The stars are amazing here BTW."
Water features: Many sites feature river or creek access. A camper at Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek shared, "Wonderful location with a peaceful stream running through it."
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: The high altitude causes significant temperature drops after sunset. A reviewer noted, "High altitude means cool to cold nights. Gorgeous area and park!"
Limited cell reception: Many camping areas have limited or no cell service. A camper at BV Overlook explained their work-around: "We camped from a Thursday-Sunday and needed a place with WiFi or strong cell reception so we could work remotely on Friday before hitting the trails. BV Overlook has both! AT&T had strong 5G coverage and the starlink internet reached all the way to our campsite."
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping close to Monarch, Colorado operates only during warm months. Campgrounds at lower elevations like Salida East offer year-round access, while higher elevation sites typically close between October and May.
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. Always check current restrictions before planning campfires.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigation on unpaved roads. A visitor to Turtle Rock Campground mentioned, "It is a bit bumpy getting to this point, but most awd cars/suvs should be ok if they go slow."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins provides family-friendly infrastructure and natural spaces. A camper noted, "The kids didn't want to go anywhere they were happy just to hang out here at the campground."
Activity programs: Some resorts offer organized activities for children. At Cutty's Resort, "They had young staff that organized hands on crafts and science experiment classes for all the kids to participate in who were staying that weekend. One class was the kids making alka seltzer rockets."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities. A visitor shared, "We had a great time. Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids."
Digital detox planning: Most remote sites have limited connectivity. One camper noted, "No cell service so teens not happy about this." Consider bringing offline games and activities.
Weather preparation: Pack warm clothing even for summer camping. Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 40°F even in July and August.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many glamping options near Monarch, Colorado include electric hookups. At Arrowhead Point Resort, "I would definitely stay here again. The only negative I can say is the showers took quarters to get water...other than that it was great. Great location, good RV campsites, decent wi-fi."
Site dimensions: Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds. One RVer at Monarch Spur noted, "Site was incredibly long but a bit skinny but did the trick."
Winter preparation: For camping during colder months, protect water lines. A visitor to Taylor Park Trading Post advised, "The temps were getting below freezing at night. Nice change from the Texas heat. The morning we left it was 23 degrees so protect your water lines."
Site selection: For RVers seeking shade, consider specific campgrounds. At Mountain Time RV Park, a visitor appreciated the "Good spacing between sites. Lots of trees."
Power considerations: Several campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger rigs, though availability is limited during peak season.
