Several RV campgrounds in the Monarch area of Colorado sit above 8,000 feet elevation, offering cool summer nights that often drop below 45°F even in July and August. The region combines high-altitude camping with proximity to the Arkansas River, providing access to both mountain and water recreation. Most campgrounds remain open seasonally from May through October due to winter snowfall.
What to do
Fishing access: Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground sits on the S. Arkansas River with trout fishing opportunities. "It's at over 8000 feet and the views are amazing. We can see snow. They have a nice camp store, WiFi that works, golf cart rental, a playground, kids games, a community area, fishing, and a river running through," notes a camper.
Colorado Trail hiking: Located one mile from the Colorado Trail, Monarch Spur provides a strategic base for day hikes. "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," reports a hiker who stayed at the park.
Mountain biking access: Salida RV Resort offers direct access to Methodist Trail system. "Perfect spot for access to Methodist Trail system, down town and easy bike ride away. Grounds were immaculate, sites perfectly level and raked after each guest," writes one mountain biker.
What campers like
River access: Many campers appreciate riverside sites at Wilderness Expeditions RV Park. "We were lucky enough to get a spot to park our 27ft trailer parallel to the creek - so we have a perfectly private front yard with a view. You can still hear the main road at times, but we have great wifi connection with our set up," notes one visitor.
Dark night skies: Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "The stars are amazing here," mentions a camper who stayed at Monarch Spur.
Mature tree shade: "The park is beautiful, covered in trees, almost all sites are shaded. We have 103 RV Sites, 5 cabins and 6 tent sites," notes a Mountain Time RV Park visitor, appreciating the natural canopy that keeps sites cooler during summer days.
What you should know
Elevation effects: The high altitude at Monarch area campgrounds impacts temperatures and comfort. "High altitude means cool to cold nights. Gorgeous area and park!" notes a Monarch Spur visitor, highlighting the need for warm clothing even in summer.
Highway noise: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch and some other campgrounds experience road noise from nearby highways. "Some noise from hwy 50 but overall quiet at night. Cell service for T-Mobile is not good however head into Gunnison and it's good," writes one camper.
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Monarch operate from May through October or early November. "I stayed here throughout the summer in 2024. It is a great place to explore from into the many surrounding popular locations," notes a Blue Mesa Ranch visitor, emphasizing the seasonal nature of camping in this high-elevation area.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch offers both indoor and outdoor pools for families. "One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring," reports a family that visited.
Kid-friendly amenities: Monarch Spur RV Park provides dedicated recreation areas. "They have a nice camp store, WiFi that works, golf cart rental, a playground, kids games, a community area," notes a camper, adding "The kids didn't want to go anywhere they were happy just to hang out here at the campground."
Pond fishing: Sangre Vista RV Sites and other campgrounds offer fishing ponds suitable for children. At Mountain Time RV Park, one visitor mentioned the "campground is nestled among giant cottonwood trees and small pond. Easy access to downtown Gunnison."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites at Salida RV Resort and other campgrounds may require leveling equipment. "The gravel site was level side to side but sloped slightly back to front," notes one RVer about Riverside RV Park, suggesting campers bring leveling blocks.
Electric service options: Most rv campgrounds near Monarch, Colorado offer various hookup options. "Sites were incredibly long but a bit skinny but did the trick. You can hear the river running almost everywhere in the park," writes a visitor about Monarch Spur, which provides both 30- and 50-amp service.
Winter access limitations: Year-round RV campgrounds near Monarch are limited. Tomichi Creek Trading Post in Sargents remains open during winter but with potential access challenges due to mountain roads. "The Walmart is not a super store and has very little in the way of groceries. Local Grocers and Safeway are your better choice for food," advises a Blue Mesa visitor about nearby resupply options.
