Outdoor Fun: Camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur, and Monument

June 1, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

castlewood canyon — *Big valley views from Castlewood Canyon State Park near Castle Rock, CO. Photo: Cathy McCray*

Camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument, b/w Denver and COS on I-25

Aside from the natural attractions within the Rocky Mountains, Denver and Colorado Springs are the state’s two largest attractions. So it makes a lot of geographic sense to basecamp right between the two major cities, connected by I-25. Let’s discover the best campgrounds around the interstate towns of Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument.

The Pike National Forest lies to the west of I-25 from Castle Rock south through Colorado Springs. It provides easy outdoor adventure from any of these I-25 towns. There can be congestion on the drive between Denver and The Springs but not a problem if you’re already at camp, or take the Highway 67 back way between the cities.

Here are the best camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument, CO, from north to south:

Consider Sedalia/Deckers

If you’re looking to camp in nature near Castle Rock your best bet is the USFS campgrounds to the west in Sedalia/Deckers. They provide the in-mountain experience most look for in a Rockies camping trip. Sedalia is a tucked away southern metro town and gateway to the dirt biking, hiking and fishing within the Pike National Forest. Deckers in a tiny renowned fishing village in the heart of it.

From Castle Rock you’ll just head west to Sedalia via Highway 85, and next Highway 67 further on to Deckers nestled along the South Platte River. Otherwise if you’re okay with with a more rolling plains and foothills experience, opt for a privately-run campground south of Castle Rock in Larkspur or Monument, or due east of town in Elizabeth. All are very doable day trips from either major city.

Private Campgrounds near Castle Rock

Castle Rock to the north, lies about 30 highway miles south of downtown Denver, and only about 40 miles from Colorado Springs. It’s a bit of a western town with its monumental castle rock and historic district. There’s no campgrounds within the city limits. For RV and tent sites with a rolling plains geography, head east to Elizabeth or south to Larkspur for a private-run campground, the two closest options to Castle Rock. Franktown, just east of Castle Rock, is home to the day-use Castlewood Canyon, a must-visit state park for hiking and stunning views.

Casey’s RV Hideaway

Summer games, activities, rodeos and festivals set in a wooded Colorado countryside. This campground offers a variety of activities for adults, and children with sporting events, facilities for family reunions, group picnics, and gatherings of all types. Going between Castle Rock and Elizabeth on CO-86 you’ll pass the turn off to Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown.

Closest town: Franktown (11mi); Castle Rock (16mi)
Specs: 25 RV sites, 3 pull-through sites, water, restrooms, open year-round, tent camping only in summer
Amenities: Disc golf course, pavilion, rodeo event area, splash pad
Recreation: Stampede Rodeo first weekend in June, Celtic Festival third weekend in July, disc golf, camps throughout the summer, yoga, dog training, softball, volleyball, football, kickball tournaments
Reservations: Yes, at elizabethpr.com
Address: 4189 CO-86, Elizabeth, CO 80107 (Map)
Directions: From Franktown take Colorado Highway 83 North .2 miles. Turn right on Kelty Trail, go 1.2 miles. Turn right onto Burning Tree Drive .2 miles. Turn left on Colorado Highway 86 east, go 9.2 miles, the campground will be on the left.

Private Campgrounds near Larkspur

Larkspur is really only know because of the annual summer Renaissance Festival that goes on there. It makes a great festival to pair with a weekend camping. There aren’t really commercial facilities in Larkspur, you’ll head north to Castle Rock or south to Monument for shopping and dining.

Jellystone Park at Larkspur

Family fun close to the Denver Metro is yours at this newly renovated RV park. You can relax on the 10-acre expanse of the campground or take part in the wealth of recreational activities offered. The Colorado Rockies shine against the western sky, making it the perfect backdrop to your weekend or extended vacation.

Closest town: Castle Rock (7mi)
Specs: 536 RV, tent, cabin and yurt sites, full hookups, 20/30/50 amp service, RV lengths to 45’, open July 1 to October 18
Amenities: Water Park (Yogi Bear’s Waterzone) Different themed activities every week of the summer,
Recreation: Swim in the heated pool, family outings to the playground, wagon rides
Reservations: Yes, call 888-726-7807
Address: 650 Sky View Lane, Larkspur, CI 80118 (Map)
Directions: From Castle Rock take I-25 south 6.8 miles to Exit 174. Turn right onto Sky View Lane and into the campground.

Private Campgrounds near Monument

Monument is a fun, little foothills town of about 8,000 residents. It has a cool historic district and recreation in its backyard. Enjoy the stunning hiking trails along the front range, gaze a Monument Lake, or head a few minutes over to the town of Palmer Lake and its Regional Recreation Area.

Colorado Heights Camping Resort

Located only a couple miles north of Monument on I-25, Colorado Heights Camping Resort provides two hundred and fifty RV-friendly campsites on a more than two dozen acres. It’s fast to access to Denver in 45 minutes and 30 minutes to Colorado Springs. There is a general store on-site to equip you with whatever your camping needs are.

Closest town: Monument (2mi); Castle Rock (19mi)
Specs: 200 full hookup RV sites, 50 partial hookup RV sites on 28 acres
Amenities: Special celebrations all summer including RC cars and boats, Death by Chocolate, Christmas in July and Hawaiian weekend
Recreation: Close proximity to trails, Garden of the Gods just 20 minutes away, the United State Air Force Academy near the campground,
Reservations: Yes, at coloradoheights.com
Address: 19575 Monument Hill Rd, Monument, CO 80132 (Map)
Directions: From Monument east on Colorado Highway 105 .9 miles. Turn left on Monument Hill Road go 1.4 miles to the campground.

That’s a roundup of the top campgrounds between Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument. Drive safe and make sure you get a chance to explore the Pike National Forest.

Don’t forget – check with the facility when making reservations to see what amenities are available during this time as some features may be closed!

Article originally published at https://www.uncovercolorado.com/camping-near-castle-rock-larkspur-monument-co/

Outdoor Fun – Spend an Afternoon at the Park

May 19, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Take the Fun Outside

Get into nature and have some fun at one of our many parks around the area! Below are just a few ideas of fun things to do, but check out El Paso County’s Parks and Rec website for more information before you head out to play.

Trails and Hiking

For active folks who love hiking, there are 21 miles of trails to explore in the Garden of the Gods! Explore the park on your own or take one of the free guided walks from the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center.

Go Fly a Kite

This is a perfect time to get outside and fly a kite! Find an open space and have some fun. There are some awesome kites for purchase online – or, get creative and make your own!

Have a Picnic

Picnics are always a great way to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Pack a blanket and some of your favorite snacks and drinks in a backpack or basket. Keep it simple. Here is a list of picnic areas worth exploring: https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/outdoors/picnic-areas/.

Check out local information for the parks and open spaces around El Paso County and make a plan before you venture out and enjoy some fresh air fun!

Get Into Nature and Experience the Great Outdoors Safely

May 4, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY DURING COVID-19

Get outside for some fresh air and much-needed adventure with these great offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the order, residents can leave their homes to engage in outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, biking or running. For purposes of outdoor activity, state parks will remain open to the public to engage in walking, hiking, biking, running, and similar outdoor activities but all playgrounds, picnic areas, other similar areas conducive to a public gathering, and attended areas shall be closed.

SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Trails & Open Space Coalition – The team at TOSC is busy putting together some suggestions for alternative outdoor spaces that they are finding to be less crowded. When possible, stick close to home and check out your local park or trails. Enjoy virtual hikes for people to enjoy online as well as mapped locations for walking, hiking, biking and more.
UpaDowna – They have created a page with many ways for people to stay active and healthy (both mentally and physically). They also offer virtual trail cleanups and hikes, photo scavenger hunt challenges and more. Learn more by visiting their site or Facebook page. Also accepting donations.
Parks & Recreation – Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Canon Park, Mueller State Park, Fossil Beds National Monument, or other hiking opportunities in Teller County (i.e. The Crags) and Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site remain open. Playgrounds, pavilions and other gathering spaces are closed.
Fremont Adventure Recreation – Compiled a list of “easy” trails that can be accessed and utilized by folks of all ages and abilities. Resources online for kids and families.
Teller County – Hiking and biking options are a great choice and relieve overburdened trails in the COS/El Paso County area.
Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) – For those wondering if you can go to a local park, trail or campsite, PPORA has put together a page with the region’s land manager’s information on what is open/closed. You can also experience new trails and prepare for your adventure with equipment and tips from the experts on the site.
Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) – With help from local, state and federal partners, COTREX is now monitoring trail-related COVID-19 closures across Colorado on a daily basis.
Angler’s Covey – You can still outfit your fly fishing adventure – whether tying flies or preparing for your next on-water adventure! Angler’s Covey is available 9:00am-1:00pm each day for online and phone orders and curbside pick-up during the stay at home order. You’re also able to book future guided fly fishing trips!
Dragonfly Paddle Yoga – Classes will commence May 2nd. They will follow social distancing and prevention protocols for everyones safety. Pre-season classes (May 2-17) are now available to book. Stay tuned for announcements on specials – including Season Passes – plus the full class schedule.
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain – Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain will resume accepting cash and credit cards beginning Friday, May 1. To minimize interaction between visitors and staff, a 20% discount will be available to guests who purchase tickets online in May. Visit www.pikespeakcolorado.com and use the code “May20” to receive the discount. We ask for your patience as these new procedures may slow interactions. Gateway hours are 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Will open on a drive through only basis for $20.00 a car load, 10 am – 7 pm beginning Friday, May 1. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is allowing regular passenger cars, motorcycles, SUV’s and minivans holding 8 persons or less to drive across the bridge in compliance with the Safer At Home guidelines issued by the State. The park will continue to open gradually in phases permitting more activities in the park as ordinances permit by Fremont County and the State of Colorado, according to Brent Hargrave, Chief Operating Officer.

(Article originally published online at https://www.visitcos.com/carry-on-colorado-springs/carry-on-outdoor-adventure/)