The best camping near Staunton State Park

A short drive southwest of Denver near the town of Pine, Staunton State Park attracts day-trippers and overnight campers alike with its 30 miles of multi-use trails and its easy access to rainbow trout fishing in Davis Pond. The park is also popular for rock climbing and offers a variety of traditional and sport routes ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging.  For those who want to spend the night, the park offers 25 walk-in campsites, each of which is equipped with a tent pad for up to two tents, a bear-proof food storage container,  and a picnic table.

1. You can reserve a site at Staunton through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.
2. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Same-day reservations are also available
3. If you can’t find a site in the park, there are plenty of other places to camp in the vicinity. Options include campgrounds in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as well as private campgrounds and Hipcamps.

While Staunton State Park and its campground are open throughout the year, the weather is at its best in the summertime. This is, naturally, also the busiest time to visit the park, particularly when area kids are on summer vacation, and late July and August can see summer downpours. September is a great time to visit if you want fewer crowds and good weather.

• You can stock up on groceries and supplies or fill your gas tank in Pine Junction, about five minutes by car from the park or in Conifer, a 10- to 15-minute drive away.
• Fires are not allowed in Staunton State Park, but propane and white gas-powered stoves are fine.
• Campsites are anywhere from 180 to 800 yards from the parking lot. Sites 1-4, 6, and 11 are among the closest to parking, while sites 16-19 are the furthest away.
• Dogs are allowed at the park and its campground, although they must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet.