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Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers free pet-friendly sites near Monument, Colorado, with designated fire rings and drive-in access. Dogs are welcome throughout the camping area with no additional pet fees, though all pets must remain leashed when outside vehicles. Colorado Heights Resort accommodates pets with RV and tent camping options, featuring full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. The tight spaces between campsites provide limited privacy, but the pine tree setting creates a rustic mountain atmosphere. Fishing opportunities exist at the resort's stocked pond, which requires a small fee of $4.50 with a two-fish limit.
The dispersed camping areas along Rampart Range Road provide pet owners multiple spots to set up camp, with established fire rings and spectacular views of city lights and mountain sunrises. Camping with dogs requires preparation as there are no facilities, drinking water, or trash services at these free sites. While sites are accessible by most vehicles, the road becomes challenging during snowfall or wet conditions. Local campers note the area can become busy with off-road enthusiasts during daylight hours, particularly on weekends. For campers seeking more amenities with pets, the nearby Peregrine Pines FamCamp and Garden of the Gods RV Resort both offer full-service options with picnic tables, showers, and drinking water while still accommodating pets.
"Stayed in a site off from Rampart Range FS roads, but took a service road back to Monument and passed all of the Mt Herman sites. So sad we didn’t find these sooner!"
"Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be"
"Met some nice people and some very rude people who would not control their dog. "
"Campground Review Note: This is a military campground only, on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy just north of Colorado Springs, CO. "
"The park is conveniently located close to everything to do in Colorado Springs. Spaces were VERY close together. There is no view of any of the surrounding beauty."
"This campground is a great central location for everything around Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. It is very close to Garden of the gods park and red rock open space."
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
"It is in Cascade, CO right off of Highway 24. It is minutes away from Pike's Peak, Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds, Red Rocks Open Space, and Colorado Springs."
from $40 - $87 / night
Check Availability"Bears and cats abound. I heard a cat bigger than the one that I had with me screaming his/her lungs out before sunrise. The area is beautiful and wild with an expansive tree canopy."
"Great boulders to climb great area overall we had our two kids and two dogs as well as me and my wife. We’re here in a pop-up and the only downside was it got really windy on our first two nights"
"This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook. Given we went in October, but we were the only campers around our area."
"There were a few pull-off roads off of rampart. Each pull off had a few camping spots with a place for a tent and a fire circle. The view was great and it was a beautiful area."
"Pets are not allowed on the trails & they do have rangers hiking looking for rule breakers. "
"We tent camped at a walk-in site on “Prospector’s Ridge.” Big wheelbarrows we’re provided to haul stuff to and from the campsite, which was definitely useful!"
from $28 - $270 / night
Check Availability"Great campground on Monument hill about 25 miles north of Colorado Springs. It has a outstanding view looking south of front range."
"This campground features a fishing pond, pool, standard amenities (showers, store, laundry) and is close to Monument stores. Spaces can be tight."
"Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"PROS: Lots of activities; Dog park; Well stocked store; Lots of “comfort stations”; 2 different pool options; Restaurant with bar CONS: Road noise; Train noise; lots of cars driving around (not super"
"We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."
from $50 - $170 / night
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LegendStayed in a site off from Rampart Range FS roads, but took a service road back to Monument and passed all of the Mt Herman sites. So sad we didn’t find these sooner! Great views, beautiful rocks, and so many site options. Keep going up the road and you will find many!! Road was only bad for a few miles from Monument to the Mt Herman trailhead, after that it smooths out.
ScoutI noticed on here that it says there's water hookups and electric and Sewer excetera however this is dispersed camping and does not have any type of amenities at all. if you go up to the Meadows or thunder ridge it is a pay campgrounds and they do not have electrical water are sewer but they do have restrooms if I am remembering correctly. It's been 15 years since I've been up there to camp. Now if you're talking about the dispersed camping this is where all the kids from Monument and the areas go up to party on the weekends and it can get pretty Rowdy from what I understand. It's a beautiful area up there I could have it that but you need to be careful and Camp away from the kids.
GuideAwesome campground. Activities for the kids. Helpful and kind staff. Rented golf cart to ride trails there the kids loved it. Nice dog park. Close to everything in Colorado Springs. Can't wait to go back.
TravelerAs it is very close to the city, the temperature stays consistent with Denver temps. So in the summer, it will not be as cool as some mountain spots. That being said, it is very easy to get to and you’ll have the lake right there to cool off!
Entrance into the state park is about $7/day. There is a dog park within the state park that allows off leash and has some ponds the dogs can swim in. Entrance to the dog park is $2.
GuideThis park is definitely well visited, but for good reason. It is located in Woodland Park, a lovely mountain town about 30-40 min. outside Colorado Springs. Lots of sites, mostly RV but there is a nice tent only section with a good number of spaces. We stayed overnight in early July and actually pitched our tent next to our family RV underneath the awning, safe from the summer showers that seem to pass thru almost daily in the summer months. Lots of amenities, including parks with play equipment for the kiddos, a dog park, nice bathrooms & showers.
TravelerLocated in the city, but once you’re in the park you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all!!! The RV spots have full hookups and are nice and spacious, as are the neighbors. We were able to set up a tent too! Great place to stroll and relax. Beautiful sunsets. Clean bathrooms and laundry facilities with a little vending machine.
A great place for camping (RV and tent spots), fishing, wildlife/nature viewing, hiking, boating (all water activities), has a swim beach, marina, off leash dog park, shooting range, horse stables that you can do a beautiful hour horseback ride.
FEES: Campsites $41 full hookup, basic campsite $28, daily park pass is $11, annual park pass $83, daily dog park pass $3, annual dog park pass $25, and group camping is available too.
TravelerLocated in the city, but once you’re in the park you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all!!! The RV spots have full hookups and are nice and spacious, as are the neighbors. We were able to set up a tent too! Great place to stroll and relax. Beautiful sunsets. Clean bathrooms and laundry facilities with a little vending machine.
A great place for camping (RV and tent spots), fishing, wildlife/nature viewing, hiking, boating (all water activities), has a swim beach, marina, off leash dog park, shooting range, horse stables that you can do a beautiful hour horseback ride.
FEES: Campsites $41 full hookup, basic campsite $28, daily park pass is $11, annual park pass $83, daily dog park pass $3, annual dog park pass $25, and group camping is available too.
TravelerGreat Campground, Incredible Dog Park
GuideGreat campground here at this state park. We have always stayed in the Arapahoe Group Loop for holiday weekends. Arapahoe Group Loop has a great pavillion with outdoor kitchen and bathroom. Overall Camper amenities are great and very clean. Many well shaded individual sites are available. Campsites are far from other park amenities like Dog Park, Shooting Range, Marina. Swim beach is a 10 minute walk-able distance from campground. Recommend driving to get around the park.
Dispersed camping near Monument, Colorado offers sites at elevations around 7,000-8,000 feet in the Pike National Forest. The forested terrain features predominantly ponderosa pine trees, with temperature drops of 20-30 degrees at night even during summer months. Camping conditions vary significantly between the east and west sides of Rampart Range Road, with eastern sites providing more shelter from winds.
Fishing at stocked waters: Thunder Ridge provides easy access to Rampart Reservoir with "a nice trail down to the water or you can take your vehicle a short 3-4 minute drive to Rampart Reservoir" according to Neil B. At Colorado Heights Resort, anglers can use "the resort's stocked pond, which requires a small fee of $4.50 with a two-fish limit" as Cody notes, "no catch and release" allowed.
Hiking the reservoir circuit: The 12-mile trail around Rampart Reservoir offers "breathtaking" views according to Joshua who stayed at Thunder Ridge. Samantha L. adds there's "an awesome little hike down to the reservoir" directly from the campground. For families, the Rainbow Gulch trail from dispersed sites provides a gentler option as Heather C. describes: "a majestic walk through the woods brings you to flowing creek that you follow all the way down to the reservoir."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the area provide chances to observe local wildlife. At Lone Duck Campground, Lindsey M. reports they "saw so much wildlife" including deer along the creek. Near the dispersed sites on Rampart Range Road, campers might encounter "many deer" according to Heather C., who warns to "be cautious at night" while driving.
Expansive views: Rampart Range Road dispersed sites feature "stunning views of Pikes Peak" according to patty H., who notes the area feels remote despite being "only 18 minutes from Woodland Park." Bailey H. confirms the "beautiful views of Pikes Peak" make the challenging access worthwhile. For early risers, the BigRed Overlander observed "great views of the city lights and then sunrise" from Mount Herman Road.
Natural water features: Campers regularly mention the water elements as highlights. Tessa S. at Lone Duck Campground recalls, "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us." Chester R. specifically recommends "campsite 46 very nice 47 even nicer two best lots here for us cuz we like being the by the water."
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, timing is crucial. At Mueller State Park, Steve C. found the "trails were beautiful, well maintained, and not crowded at all." For dispersed camping, Heather C. notes they "woke up a few mornings to other campers down the road from us usually only stayed one night" during their Sunday to Friday stay at Rampart Range Road.
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to many dog friendly campgrounds near Monument requires navigating unpaved forest roads. For Colorado Campground, Dave V. reports sites are accessible via paved roads. In contrast, Joanna E. warns about Thunder Ridge: "Do not attempt to access this campground if you do not have a decent suspension system or shocks. The forest service road that takes you to the Pike National Forest areas is a poorly maintained dirt road that will make your teeth rattle."
Campsite proximity differences: At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Jason F. discovered that despite paying "$63/night for a Deluxe Plus Back-In spot," it was "incredibly narrow" and difficult to back into while "other, cheaper sites around the campground were much more spacious." Caroline D. confirms that sites are "cramped" despite the campground being "centrally located."
Seasonal considerations: Snow can impact site access significantly. Monte P. noted that Mount Herman Road "access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles."
Look for amenities that entertain kids: Peregrine Pines FamCamp offers "a new playground that is huge for the kids with a rubber floor in case kids fall" according to Anthony B., who adds "there is tetherballs and open fields for fun ball or frisbee activities." At Lone Duck Campground, Cody K. praises the "Pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms."
Consider noise levels for sleeping: Frank C. had a negative experience with noise at Mount Herman dispersed camping, stating they "initially planned to do disperse camping for 4 nights here but ended up having to leave early after 3 unbearable nights" due to "ATVs and all kinds of traffic drove past every 5 mins into night and early morning." Amanda M. suggests Colorado Campground as "some areas of the campground" can be loud while "Sunday was quite peaceful in comparison."
Beware of glass and hazards: At several dispersed camping areas, previous visitors have left behind dangerous debris. Evan E. warns about Mount Herman Road: "Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones." Similarly, Ashley B. reported finding "a lot of broken beer bottles scattered throughout the campsites" near Cascade-Chipita Park.
Tight turns and clearance issues: RV accessibility varies widely among Monument-area campgrounds. Jaymin B. warns about Mount Herman Road: "the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks... Don't go up if you are pulling anything larger than a tear drop trailer." At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Becky W. notes it is "poorly laid out" with "trees close to the road, making it hard to move around. Sites are close together and haphazardly played out."
Water and electric considerations: Mary T. reported at Colorado Heights Resort "Electricity fluctuated throughout the park 104 to 118. Be careful." Jason F. discovered at Garden of the Gods RV Resort that "after getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose. The spigot was shared between our sites."
Leveling challenges: Several RV sites require significant effort to level. Billy W., who has a "42ft trailer," found Colorado Heights Resort "a little tight at the entrance with the tree of shame" but "didn't hit the tree," suggesting arrivals "get there early enough that light is still out." Brenda A. reports "our location is quite unlevel. It took four blocks under all tires on one side of our Class A to bring near level."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Monument, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Monument, CO is Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Monument, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 185 dog-friendly camping locations near Monument, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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