Colorado National Monument's Saddlehorn Campground Reopens Monday

Are you ready to go camping? The wait is almost over. Here's your chance to enjoy the great outdoors without having to leave the region.

The Colorado National Monument announced the Saddlehorn Campground will reopen on Monday, June 1. How many people can you cram into a camp space? According to the Colorado National Monument's official Facebook page, each space can accommodate seven people and two vehicles.

You'll find the Saddlehorn Campground near the Visitor Center, roughly four miles from the west entrance to the monument. This is the only designated campground on the Monument. In other words, overnight in the various picnic areas, scenic pull-offs, and overlooks are not allowed.

Silly me, I just sold my camper. I've never been one for camping, but when my parents died, I inherited their travel trailer. After having been cooped up for months, even I would enjoy rounding up the dogs and spending a night or two on the Monument.

For some reason, I rarely get up there. If you haven't camped on the Monument in a while, here are a few things to remember, pulled directly from the Monument's official webpage:

$22.00 camping fee is in addition to monument entrance fees. Camping fees for Senior and Access Pass holders is $11.00.
Seven persons per site limit, three tents per site, and two vehicles per site.
Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
If not reserved, Sites in A-Loop and B-Loop can be used for one night only on a first-come-first-served basis.
Groups of 15 or more people require reservations through the Monument. Make reservations by calling 970-858-3617 Ext. 300.
The length limit of 40 feet for recreational vehicles. (the camper I just sold was 23 feet... 40 feet is a huge camper)
Restrooms have flush toilets and water available during the summer.
Each site includes a charcoal-only grill, picnic table, and a parking area.
No electric hookups or showers.
Wood fires are not permitted anywhere in the monument.
Checkout time is 11:00 a.m.

I mentioned above I was looking to take the dogs on a little trip. Are pets allowed? I know pets are NOT allowed on the Monument's hiking trails. As it turns out, pets are welcome in the campground so long as they are on a leash six feet in length or less, well behaved, and attended at all times.

What about the physically-impaired? The Saddlehorn Campground does have spaces designed especially for the mobility-impaired.

The time is here. Let's go camping. I sold my camper, so it appears I'll be sleeping in my Honda with three fuzzballs. You, on the other hand, being more intelligent than I, probably have a camper, RV, or tent all prepped and ready to go. The Colorado National Monument is a treasure, and after the quarantine, it will no doubt be better than ever.