Overview
Angel of Shavano Group Campground is considered one of the area’s best kept camping secrets. It is situated next to the North Fork South Arkansas River and offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking and fishing. Reservations are REQUIRED at this facility.
Recreation
The Colorado Trail begins within the campground and provides excellent hiking, horseback riding and biking opportunities. The trail stretches 487 miles across Colorado from Denver to Durango, with segments ranging in elevation from 5,500 to 13,300 feet.
The North Fork South Arkansas River flows next to the campground and it offers rainbow and brook trout fishing.
Fun facilities like a volleyball court, baseball field and horseshoe pits are available within the campground. Visitors must bring their own equipment.
Facilities
Angel of Shavano offers one group campsite best suited for tent camping. It can accommodate up to 100 people and 12-14 vehicles. Parking is not available for large RVs.
The site is equipped with a picnic shelter, tables, six pedestal grills and a campfire circle with benches. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. No drinking water is available within the group site, but it is available at the nearby family campground.
Natural Features
The campground is named after an image of an angel that appears as winter snow fall on Shavano Mountain. The site lies at an elevation of 9,200 feet along the North Fork South Arkansas River. A forest of aspen and pine covers the area. Beaver ponds dot the landscape at the base of nearby Shavano Mountain.
Nearby Attractions
From the Angel of Shavano Group Campground the road continues west for 6 miles to the North Fork reservoir and campground. The road is extremely rocky and rough and high clearance vehicles are recommend. The reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and it offers anglers a chance to fish one of the area’s most popular high elevation lakes. It is situated at 11,000 feet so anglers should be prepared for all types of weather.
The Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway is located on the top of Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet (3.45 km), which is on the Continental Divide at the southern end of the Sawatch Mountain Range. The Monarch Crest is along the border between Gunnison and Chaffee counties, approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of the town of Salida.
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Water sports
Directions
From Poncha Springs, Colorado, take U.S. Highway 50 west 6 miles, then right on County Road 240 and travel 4 miles to the campground.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 38° 34′ 58.0001″ N
Longitude 106° 13′ 12.0000″ W