Camping near Sargents, Colorado encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites within the San Isabel National Forest and surrounding public lands. The area sits along US Highway 50 in central Colorado, with Tomichi Creek Trading Post offering year-round camping with full RV hookups right in Sargents. Nearby, Monarch Park Campground operates from June to September at higher elevation, while Ohaver Lake Campground provides lakeside camping with excellent fishing opportunities from May to September. The region features several dispersed camping areas along forest roads, including sites near Mount Shavano and along Marshall Pass Road that connects to Poncha Pass.
Most campgrounds in the Sargents area operate seasonally due to the high elevation and winter conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 70°F during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for accessing remote dispersed sites. Fire restrictions are frequently implemented during dry periods, so visitors should check current regulations with the Salida Ranger District before planning campfires. Cell service is limited in canyon areas and at higher elevations, though some coverage exists near major highways.
The camping experience varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. According to reviews, O'Haver Lake Campground is particularly popular for fishing, with "incredible trout fishing" and campsites surrounding the lake. Dispersed camping areas along Marshall Pass Road provide access to extensive OHV trail networks, with one visitor noting "miles of trails to explore" and connections to Poncha Creek that "can be taken all the way to Sargents." Most established campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water, while dispersed sites require visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. Wildlife encounters, including bears, are possible throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential.
$24 / night
"Sites were sheltered slightly by bushes it looked like and I noticed at the kiosk that there were several trails that ran through or near the site."
"We stayed in site 34 next to a bubbling creek. Very quiet, only a few other campers. The vegetation is beautiful, the air smells refreshing, and the water is extremely clean."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes."
"Close to the highway peek-a-boo views of the surrounding mountains nice campsites no water. If you walk down to the cattle great you can get a Wi-Fi signal"
$40 - $60 / night
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"You can still hear the highway, but I think it’s the just the valley, I can’t see it."
ScoutGreat campground about 15 spots first come first serve easy to find! Camped for a few nights, didn’t hear a peep from other campers!
There are four big horn sheep that hang out in the last two campsites along the cliffs! What a cool little spot!
ScoutPossibly the best dispersed camping I’ve found. Lots of sites, lots of privacy, great views. Only slight downside is that it has been pretty windy, but it’s not the end of the world.
The road up is a bit washed out but I’ve seen a few cars up here that I wouldn’t have expected to get past that, so it isn’t too bad.
Also, the Applejack RV resort you pass by on the way in offers showers for $7 if you’re in need.
GuideQuiet with not another camper in site
Great setting Level sites
Probably 6-7 sites with makeshift fire rings
Check fire restrictions!!!
GuideThis is right off the road and winds back between the trees. Some spots can be accessible by low clearance vehicles but others require higher clearance. I parked my car and walked to a site I liked. The sites aren't perfectly flat but the one I used worked well enough for. my single person tent. The views were stunning. Definitely stick around for sunset and sunrise.
LegendHalf mile from town. Full Verizon 5g. The main feature of this campground is the sweeping Mountain View among the valley. This campground is a Good Sam campground, so if your a member you could get some good discounts.the campground itself is nothing special it does have tiny homes for rent. The real star is the view and the nature access. Set in foothills and big rocks there is a ton of fun exploring todo find a nice spot and have a picnic with a world class view
LegendRight in town, not in the best area, but close off the main highway. Looks like a city park with tent camping only, no fires, charcoal grill only. Picnic tables at all the spots. Close to a river where people can surf the wave. Ok to swim in the river with a life jacket.
LegendGood Verizon lte. Mile off the main highway. The neighborhood you go through looks super run down but don’t let that get to you. The rv park is new and surprisingly nice. The crowd in April is mostly traveling workers with nice rigs. They have a big pavilion and a nice playground. The buildings are new construction. There are some spots by the river in a more secluded wooded area compared to the main Rv lot. That’s where I would recommend staying
LegendIf you are in a 2wd car or small suv, stay on a and b loop. There is one hill thats steep and loose rock to get up here and the views are only marginally better. Dont risk it if you have a 2wd heavy van. Not saying it cant be done, just saying there is a measurable risk for inexperienced drivers in low clearance cars. The views are amazing and the road keeps going up and up well beyond where I stopped. Honestly tho only go up here is the loops below are full its not much different but the whole area is amazing. Pack an extra blanket it gets cold and windy at night up here
LegendGo up to the y and take a right. These are all designated spots on a gravel loop. Good verizon cell depending on where you park. Watch out when baking up the road is lined with guard posts and saw some People accidentally back into them. Lots of wildlife and amazing views up here. If you get to a scary hill that looks steep and rough you went to far that way only gets worse. Turn around and try again. Follow signs for a and B loop to access this area
Camping spots near Sargents, Colorado sit at elevations between 8,000-9,000 feet along the Continental Divide. The area experiences severe temperature swings even in summer months, with nighttime lows frequently dropping into the 40s°F after 80°F daytime highs. Winter access to most camping areas becomes restricted from October through May due to heavy snowfall that blocks forest roads.
Fishing alpine lakes: O'Haver Lake Campground provides accessible fishing for families. "Sweet campsites on a nice small lake up at around 9000 feet surrounded by mountains. Tons of folks fishing and playing in the lake," notes Chris M. The lake supports "a healthy fish population" according to Paden K., making it ideal for teaching beginners.
Explore old mining areas: Road 240 dispersed camping areas serve as excellent basecamps for mining history exploration. "If you continue driving up the rocky road, you'll get to billings lake which was gorgeous," shares Emma H. Holly C. adds that her group "went all the way up to the mines in 2wd" though she recommends good tires.
Creek-side relaxation: Angel of Shavano Campground offers sites directly alongside flowing water. "Live water ran behind our campsite and was easily accessible to collect for filtering," explains Glenn K., while Marasha L. appreciated "camp spot 16" which provided "complete privacy" despite being at an established campground.
Wildlife viewing: Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area provides opportunities to see native species. "We saw Bats, Nighthawks, Turkey Vultures, Coyotes, and Deer," reports Sheridan B. Another camper mentioned "heard elk bugling through the night" in October, marking the fall mating season.
High elevation cooling: Buffalo Pass Campground delivers relief from summer heat. "At a little over 9,000 feet elevation it cooled off nicely in July," shares David R. Similarly, Monarch Park visitors appreciate the temperature differences: "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 28 for 3 days in mid June... as soon as we camp at altitude a cold front moves through, the temps drop and it gets rainy and/or snowy."
Cell service in specific spots: Despite remote locations, some areas offer connectivity. At Buffalo Pass, Jorge G. advises, "No AT&T cell service in the campground proper but the hill just beyond the cattleguard in the entrance gets full bars." At Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area, Larry B. notes "WiFi is pretty good with ATT" while another reviewer confirmed "My husband and I both had full service on t-mobile and Verizon."
River sounds: Monarch Spur RV Park features the calming sound of flowing water. Matt S. observed, "You can hear the river running almost everywhere in the park." Another camper mentioned staying "in number 4, it was great, secluded, and right on the river."
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution makes for exceptional night skies. At O'Haver Lake, Don L. appreciated that there was "No ATT cell service and no tv access" which enhanced stargazing, while Allen B. stated "the stars are amazing here" at Monarch Spur RV Park.
Road conditions vary drastically: Road 240 dispersed camping requires careful vehicle selection. Katie M. warns, "I wouldn't go any further on that road unless you have high clearance and 4x4" while Sydney C. provides more specific guidance: "DO NOT bring your trailer past the 3rd spot up the road after the bridge... You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around."
Weekend crowding patterns: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At O'Haver Lake, Angela L. advises "Summer weekends are packed and non-reservable. We arrived at 11AM on Friday morning and all the sites except one were already taken for the entire weekend." To secure preferred sites at Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping, Kim M. suggests, "If you want a site close to the creek, you have to get there early. I went on a Thursday in October and the sites were filled before noon."
Limited hookup options: While several campgrounds offer partial hookups, full-service sites are scarce. At Monarch Park, campers note "Very basic amenities" but appreciate that "The price is nice." Some campers reported having to "pack in water and pack out waste" at dispersed sites.
Seasonal closures: Campground availability follows strict seasonal patterns. Monarch Park was "Closed for 2024 season to make renovations" according to a recent visitor, while Crystal C. advises "The peak season for this campsite is May through September, while you can visit until October weather often changes and it gets very cold at night."
Beginner fishing spot: O'Haver Lake Campground provides ideal conditions for teaching fishing skills. Robyn O. describes it as "Small lake with fishing, hiking, easy and strenuous bike trails, and kayaking. Great for teaching the grandkids fishing."
Kid-friendly amenities: Monarch Spur RV Park offers dedicated children's facilities. Allen B. reports, "They have a nice camp store, WiFi that works, golf cart rental, a playground, kids games, a community area... The kids didn't want to go anywhere they were happy just to hang out here at the campground."
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing as educational experiences. Kim K. recalls at Angel of Shavano, "Because of the quiet seclusion, Dahl sheep not only wonder through camp but they stuck around for about 3 hours! Also had a cow moose munch her way through."
Protection from elements: Weather changes quickly in the mountains. At Monarch Park, Susan D. suggests finding sheltered sites: "We spent one night on Site #32. It was somewhat of a challenge setting up our 6 tent because the site was small and the tent pad was surrounded by bushes, trees, and a tree stump on the tent pad."
Site leveling challenges: At Monarch Park Campground, Ray & Terri F. report, "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."
Road washboard effects: Chad M. cautions about roads to Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area: "The road starts as tar and converts to gravel. It is a maintained road but is loaded with washboard so you may just have to take it easy if you have a motor home or trailer."
Length accommodations: Larry B. notes that at Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area, "We saw a large diesel pusher all the way down to a 1 person tent and several in-between." Another reviewer confirms, "The road is pretty wide, we have a 30' trailer and had no problems getting by oncoming vehicles if everyone gives a little."
Satellite access considerations: For those requiring connectivity, Ray & Terri F. advise, "We had a clear view of the southern and northern sky, so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site and Starlink had speed up to 9 MB/s."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Sargents, Colorado?
The Sargents area offers excellent camping options for those seeking less crowded mountain experiences. Poncha Pass Dispersed provides miles of trails to explore, with easy access to O'Haver Lake for fishing and connects to roads leading directly to Sargents. For RV enthusiasts, Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins is considered one of the most beautiful RV parks in the region. Other noteworthy spots include Road 240 Dispersed camping, which offers wooded sites along a river, and Tomichi Creek Trading Post for those wanting more amenities. The Sargents area is particularly appealing because it's off the beaten path enough to minimize traffic while remaining close to excellent four-wheeling and off-roading areas.
When is the best season for camping in Sargents, Colorado?
Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the most reliable weather for camping near Sargents. Ohaver Lake Campground outside of Salida is particularly enjoyable in summer when the high-altitude lakeside setting provides great trout fishing. Early October can also be spectacular, as visitors to Oh Be Joyful Campground have experienced amazing views and pleasant weather. The area's higher elevation means summer temperatures remain comfortable, while spring access can be limited by snowmelt and muddy conditions. Late fall brings colorful foliage but increasingly cold nights. Winter camping is possible for experienced cold-weather campers, but many access roads become impassable and facilities close for the season.
What amenities are available at camping sites in Sargents, Colorado?
Camping amenities vary widely around Sargents. Riverside RV Park offers developed sites alongside the Arkansas River with hookups for RVs. For public campgrounds, Buffalo Pass Campground provides basic facilities while offering a more secluded experience away from crowds. Dispersed camping areas like 228A Dispersed Campsite typically offer no facilities beyond fire rings. Many campgrounds in the region feature vault toilets, while some developed sites include water access. For RV campers, Tomichi Creek Trading Post provides necessary hookups and toilet facilities. For those seeking more amenities, sites closer to Salida offer showers, electrical hookups, and dump stations. Most dispersed camping in national forest land follows pack-in, pack-out principles with no provided amenities.
Keep Exploring
