Monarch Park

Star4.02
47 reviews
5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Quick Facts

10,500 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open July 4th - Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salida Ranger District, Pike and San Isabel National Forests site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Monarch Park
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are $24 per night for standard non-electric and tent-only non-electric sites during the peak season (July 4th - September 20th). Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(719) 539-3591
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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 47 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefullocationhiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews reveal a mixed experience. While many praise the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, others criticize maintenance issues and road noise. The camp host, Steve, receives consistent praise for being welcoming and helpful."

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Campground Map

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Monarch Park

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Driving directionsFrom Poncha Springs, travel west on Highway 50 for about 15 miles, then turn left on County Road 231 and drive south to the Monarch Park Campground.
The campground is accessible via County Road 231 off Highway 50, which is a paved road. However, the roads within the campground may have uneven spots, as noted by user reviews mentioning poor parking spot leveling.
Nearby places
Salida (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Salida, CO, approximately 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Monarch Park

At 10,500 feet, Monarch Park offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with crisp mountain air that calls for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags even in July. Afternoon thunderstorms roll across the peaks with dramatic flair, painting the sky with nature's own light show—a reminder to plan your hiking adventures for morning hours and to always respect the mountain's moods.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Jul 4–Sept 20): trails accessible, wildflowers, popular with visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-Sept so early fall access possible; shorter season limits full fall experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Jul 4–Sept 20; spring use not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Jul 4–Sept 20; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 4th - September 20th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open July 4th - September 20th for peak season; closed the rest of the year.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed for renovations for the 2024 season and will reopen in 2025.

About Monarch Park

Nestled at the foot of majestic Monarch Ridge, Monarch Park Campground beckons families and adventurers to experience Colorado's high country at its finest. Here, where the South Fork Arkansas River whispers through pine-scented meadows and pristine mountain ponds reflect endless skies, you'll discover a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cast a line into crystal-clear waters, explore winding trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, or simply sit quietly as elk and deer emerge from the forest shadows at dawn.
Monarch Park Campground caters to a range of campers, with options for tent camping and small RVs. Sites vary in size and amenities, offering flexibility for visitors.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Monarch Park supports a variety of outdoor activities. Campers can explore nearby hiking trails, enjoy fishing in the South Fork Arkansas River or beaver ponds, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trails like the Colorado/Continental Divide Trail and the Monarch Crest Trail are popular hikes.
HikingPopular trails include Waterdog Lakes, Monarch Crest Trail, and Hunt and Boss Lakes. Wildflowers bloom in late summer, making the hikes scenic and memorable.
FishingFishing is a highlight, with brook trout being the primary catch. Families with children can fish in the nearby beaver ponds.
BikingThe proximity to trails makes the campground appealing for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, chipmunks, and squirrels, as noted by a user review. "Saw deer, chipmunks, & squirrel. Quiet," said one camper.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDead trees due to beetle infestation pose safety risks. Other hazards include lightning during thunderstorms and wildlife interactions.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed for renovations for the 2024 season and will reopen in 2025.

Weather at Monarch Park

Reviews

4.0
47 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Monarch Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal a mixed experience. While many praise the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, others criticize maintenance issues and road noise. The camp host, Steve, receives consistent praise for being welcoming and helpful.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Camp host is great. Steve knows the area well and can help you find whatever it is you're looking for." - "Location, Location, Location! It's proximity to mountain biking, hiking, & alpine lake...
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Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

- "Noise from the highway is pretty bad...air braking from trucks is probably the worst of it." - "Lots of dead trees and debris." - "Messy campground with broken-down bridges and unkempt toilets."
Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Sites 21, 23, and 25 are recommended for their quality and location. - AT&T has good cell service, but Verizon does not work. - Be prepared for cool nighttime temperatures because of the high...
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Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with wildflowers blooming and trails accessible. However, some campers note that thunderstorms are common during this time.
Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Steve keeps the bathrooms clean as well." - "It was beyond beautiful and peaceful...we loved this place!" - "Very kind campsite host as we were struggling to find a spot." - "...too close to loud...
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Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 21, 23, and 25 are praised as the best options in terms of location and quality. Site 2 offers views of Mt. Aetna and Taylor Mountain over green meadows and beaver ponds.
Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

One vault toilet is wheelchair accessible. No further details related to accessibility were provided.
Based on 47 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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