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Staunton
Overview
Staunton State Park represents a stunning piece of Colorado history, gifted to the state by Frances Staunton. Located near Pine, this park offers a pristine mountain experience that balances modern accessibility with deep wilderness. It serves as a gateway to the high country, providing visitors with thousands of acres of granite outcrops and lush meadows. The park's atmosphere is incredibly serene, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the bustle of the Denver metro area without the need for a long, arduous drive. It is widely considered one of the state's most visually diverse mountain parks.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away off the Highway 285 corridor, the park sits at an elevation of approximately 8,100 feet, offering cooler mountain air during the summer months. The landscape is characterized by its dramatic transition from montane forests to subalpine ecosystems. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by massive granite cliffs and sweeping views of the Continental Divide. The rugged terrain provides a sense of deep seclusion, even though it is conveniently located less than an hour from the front range, allowing for easy access to the mountain lifestyle.
Amenities & Park Features
RV camping at Staunton is focused on the Meadow Camping area, which provides a rustic and authentic experience for travelers. The park offers 25 campsites designed for smaller RVs and trailers, though it is important to note there are no hookups or dump stations on site. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and seasonal water spigots located nearby. This setup prioritizes the natural environment and preserves the quiet nature of the forest, ensuring that the footprint of the campground remains minimal and unobtrusive.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for many visitors is the hike to Elk Falls, the highest waterfall in the region. With over 30 miles of multi-use trails, the park is a premier destination for mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders alike. Rock climbers frequently visit the Staunton Rocks area for world-class vertical challenges on established routes. For those seeking a quieter afternoon, the Davis Ponds offer excellent opportunities for fishing and birdwatching in a tranquil, accessible setting that highlights the park's diverse wildlife populations.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who prefer solitude and natural beauty over luxury resort amenities. It is a dream destination for outdoor athletes and photographers who want early-morning access to trailheads. Because the sites are restricted in size, it is best suited for small-to-medium rigs and those who truly appreciate the art of dry camping. If you are looking for a deep connection with nature and a rugged mountain backdrop to call home for a few days, Staunton is the perfect fit.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ashley Morikawa
Large trails to share with bikers, other hikers and climbers. Biggest incline we encountered was hiking up to a climb area. Those hikes are short for climbers and there’s multiple areas throughout. Trails are dog-friendly and cleaned up. Beautiful views from the bottom and top. Lots of space at the top to sit and rest apart from others with 360 views. There’s multiple gender-neutral bathrooms, no running water so bring your sanitizer. The parking lots are large and paved. There’s one across the road from the trailhead and across from the horse trailer lot, plus another lot closer to the climbing trailhead.
Melinda Estrada
This is a beautiful State park! Loved the creeks. Enjoyed my hike. The trees were so beautiful this time of the year (fall). I would definitely recommend visiting this State park 🥰
Craig Malott
This is my favorite hiking haven. It is challenging. But the sprawling vistas are WELL worth it (see video). Truly some of the best +180° views you can find. Take 45-60 min to slowly get up to the overlooks and you'll be glad you did. Wildlife is everywhere out here. The deer are even curious (see video) 😁
Marcus Forelius
Beautiful views and trails in what feels like a hidden gem in the state park system. There were trails for all abilities but ended up doing an almost 10 mile hike and got to see only half of the park at most. Can’t recommend enough
Edward Bean
Staunton State Park is a wonderful inheritance for the people and visitors in Colorado. This park is beautifully maintained and literally offers something for everyone. Whether you are young, old or disabled you can find nature waiting among the diverse environments of this close to 4,000 acre gem. I went for a hike on the Davis Pond Loop. It offered great views of beautiful alpine meadows against the backdrop of towering rock walls. I was encouraged by the signage explaining that people with disabilities can get access to motorized “track chairs” capable of negotiating many of the trails on site. I know some people that would love to be able to get out in nature but are limited by their mobility. Now they can enjoy the park. The park is easy to get to. It is typically less than an hour’s drive from Denver along scenic Highway 285. Since it is Colorado’s newest state park it boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Everyone will appreciate the clean vault toilets found at trailheads and plenty of parking. Do yourself a favor and check out this park. You will be glad that you did.