## Overview

 Colorado Campground is a favorite family destination near Manitou Lake Picnic Area north of the town of Woodland Park. A short trail leads to the lovely lake, where visitors enjoy fishing, bird watching and canoeing.
## Recreation

 Manitou Lake offers trout fishing and lakeside picnicking. Canoeing on the small lake is also a popular activity. The Centennial Bike Trail, a paved, accessible recreation trail, connects Colorado Campground to Manitou Lake Picnic Area and South Meadows Campground. The trail is popular among hikers, roller bladers and bicyclists. The nearby Rainbow Falls OHV Trail System and North Divide OHV Trail System are recommended for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
## Facilities

 The campground offers single and double-family campsites. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection. The road is paved and parking spurs are gravel. Campfire programs are held at the campground\'s amphitheater on most Saturday evenings.
## Natural Features

 The campground is situated at 7,800 feet in a ponderosa pine forest near the 5-acre Manitou Lake. The campground lies in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak summit reaches an elevation of 14,115 feet and is America\'s easternmost peak over 14,000 feet. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Colorado Springs is about 25 miles southeast of the campground and offers many services. Garden of the Gods is a popular attraction just outside of town. This free park offers hiking trails, rock climbing routes, a visitor center and cafe. Pikes Peak lies west of Manitou Springs, which is about 20 miles from the campground. Visitors can hike, or drive to the summit of this beautiful mountain. The town of Woodland Park, located 6 miles south of Colorado Campground, offers gas, groceries, dining and shopping.
## Charges &amp; Cancellations

 Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.\_\_ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night\'s use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night\'s rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.\_\_\_\_ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.\_\_ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

Colorado Campground

We ended up at Colorado Campground on a whim. We arrived in the early afternoon on a Friday and were greeted by a friendly camp host. He told us we could drive around and select any spot without a reservation tag. There were only a few left and we chose 79. The campground has many pine trees and the campsites are large. We had 7 people, 3 cars and two large tents and plenty of space. Initially, I was afraid it would be too noisy due to the large number of people camping, but it was actually pretty quiet. There’s an easy path to Manitou Lake where lots of folks were fishing and boating. The vault toilets were as clean as you’d expect. 

There were, unfortunately, many cigarette butts around our site but that is my only complaint.

Pleasantly surprised

This campground is well maintained and near a lot of fun things to do. It's right by Manitou Lake, and just a little ways away is Rampart Reservoir. They are pretty strict about how many cars can park in the allotted driveway for each site, but it wasn't busy when we were there and they allowed us to park one of our vehicles somewhere else, since we had 3. The sites are pretty well spread out and its a nice, quiet campground. Close to Woodland Park.

Good Campground

What a trip. A couple of friends and I decided to camp and hike in the San Isabel National Forest. We camped at a site toward the trailhead of the Mount Harvard trail which was beautiful. The ground was a bit uneven so sleeping didn't come easy but all else was fine. After climbing to the summit of Mount Harvard, which was significantly harder than expected, we decided to hike the Colorado Trail. We camped at a site just south of Rainbow Lake that was picturesque but a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Significant takeaways are as follows: Make sure you camp at a location with a natural water source, and always filter or purify your water. Be careful with how much you pack because the trails have steep inclines and you have to haul it all to where you decide to camp, which can be very far from the car.  And make sure you have good hiking shoes.

Colorado Mountains

This Pike National Forest campground is run by Rocky Mountain Recreation which means you'll pay a $10 transaction fee if you make a reservation on recreation.gov. It looks like some sites are strictly walk-up. Check recreation.gov to see what's available, but you can just show up if there are available sites, pay at the self-pay station, and avoid the $10 transaction fee on recreation.gov.

Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets (rather fragrant as you walk by because of the vent pipes) and trash dumpsters are conveniently located throughout the campground as is potable water. There are no bear-proof lockers but locking up your food is a prudent move.

There are mostly back in sites but some pull through sites. Most of the pull through sites are partially protected from the road by a few tall pines and large rocks, but the pull through curve may be tight for some RVs. There are a few double sites (with double charge) if you need more space.

Manitou Lake on the edge of the campground is a popular fishing spot, and there's a trail around the lake.

Our site (#45) was rather close to the road, but the road noise was not bad throughout the park. Sites 40 through 44 are on a small loop and are probably the nicest sites even with a bit of road noise; these sites are near the trail to the lake.

In my opinion, there are two things that make this campground stand out: 1) The sites are large and not on top of each other. This campground could have twice as many sites, but it's nice that it doesn't. 2) It's a great location because you're close to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, US Air Force Academy, Cripple Creek (only if you're into gambling), lots of hiking trails...and on and on. It's close to Colorado Springs and even closer to Woodland Park. If you want craft breweries and restaurants, you'll find plenty. We enjoyed being close to a larger city after being in lots of small towns. We loved the inexpensive food at Uchenna (Ethiopian and Mediterranean), Taste of Jerusalem, and Azada Mexican as well as craft beer (Fossil Craft Beer Company and Phantom Canyon Brewing Company with ginger wheat ale, Belgian ale aged on cherries, hazelnut coffee stout, coconut/chocolate porter, and on and on) in Colorado Springs. Beer is $3 during a 3 to 6 pm happy hour at Phantom Canyon....yes!

This campground is only open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

Great location for exploring Colorado Springs and the area

This is a great campground for introducing little ones to car camping. The campground is clean and well-maintained, the sites are good-sized and it’s a short hike to decent fishing at Manitou Lake. Woodland Park is also a short drive away, in case you forget anything, or need to make a beer run. Before we even left, our kids were asking when we can go back! 

Great family spot

bring lotts if water and make sure ur camera is charged

lovely

**CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST**

[https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&amp;parkId=70684](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&amp;parkId=70684)

Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.

Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.

Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.

There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.

Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.

The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on [www.recreation.gov.](http://www.recreation.gov.) There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.

No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.

With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.

Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.

You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!

Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.

All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.

There are many campgrounds in Colorado, but only one Colorado Campground!

Lots of trees and coverage, the Host was extremely nice. Multiple vault bathrooms on site, fully paved main road, metal fire pits. $21/night

Flat spacious sites

What a gem! This campground has spacious sites like none I've ever seen. The pit toilets are the cleanest I've ever used and the campground is well maintained. We loved how close it was to Manitou lake which was great for fishing and birdwatching.

Big sites, great location

Large campground with many sites that fill up during weekends in the summer, and can be loud in some areas of the campground. Vault toilets are super smelly, but many spots ideal for campers and RV made this a moot point for us other than when walking through the campground. Easy hike to Manitou Lake Recreation Area for fishing, and we always get at least one fish on the line here! Just a quick 10 min drive to Woodland Park and various amenities. Some of the sites have electric but no sewer or water, and there is an extra $3 a night for electric. Site 56 fit our 23’ camper and truck with room to spare and provided wide expanse of campsite for the kids and dogs to play away from other campsites. Road noise on this side of the campground can be heard from the 67, but it would have been worse in a tent. Last summer our spot was on the east side of the campground with very little noise in comparison. Saturday night was very busy and noisy all around with campers and traffic, but Sunday was quite peaceful in comparison. The campground road is easy to access and drive as it is paved and well maintained, and sites are clean and easy to get in and out of. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful, but, due to Restrictions on gatherings in the summer of 2020, the ranger talks at the amphitheater were cancelled.  

Convenient Location for Perfect Family Campground

Awesome little campground for both RVs and tent campers. This time we chose to tent camp and it couldn’t have been more relaxing. 

There are some great little lakes nearby to walk around and the bathrooms are clean. The camp host was friendly and the trees provide ample shade. 

Do keep in mind if you are tent camping, it can be cold here at night- even in the summer! 

Great place to unwind 

Great campground close to the cities.  Heavily wooded and spacious sites.  Water available and clean latrines.  Only downside was, since it is so close, all the open sites fill w/overnighters and it was a bit noisy, but everyone settled down by 930-1000.  Great hiking for little kids around the lake.

Close to the cities and heavily wooded

This was our second time camping at Colorado campground. It seems to meet the needs of campers of all types from the biggest rigs to the tent campers, they can all find a home here. The size of the sites, especially on the outer ring, can't be beat. 
We like the natural beauty in the campground and surrounding area as well as easy access to hiking.

Great spot for campers of all kinds

Very wooded area, lots of vaulted toilet and water access. If you are tent camping you can set up your tent anywhere in your space (not restricted to just a pad) Can easily camp 2 families (limit of 2 tents and 8 people) Close walk to a lovely little pond for fishing and plenty of beautiful trails and hikes nearby.

Great car camping spot!

I picked this campground to be near Pikes peak and Garden of the Gods. It did not disappoint. I did not feel like it was too far away, and we passed several commercial venture that just looked crowded.

  

It had pit toilets that need a flashlight to use when it's getting dark. Water spigots not too far away. Friendly camp host with firewood for sale, but it was on the pricey side, ($7) compared with what was sold at Rocky Mountain National Park, or even back home.

Great campground near major attractions.

This is a beautiful National forrest campground. It has only 2 electric sites. You are a short hike to Lake Manitou where you can go fishing and non motorized boating (swiming is not allowed).  Water is available but not in individual sites. 

Fun spot

Midvalley Colorado you'll lose wifi in the entire town thanks to a dispute between locals and Verizon who now also owns T-Mobile. The locals saved all the public spaces Wi-Fi.

The upside of Midvalley is its definitely geared towards bushcraft, overlanding, hike-in, boondocking etc. This isn't your stop for hotels, family vacations, or developed "camping".

I've gone to Sopris/El Jebel every year for 12 years now because NOTHING can compare.

El Jebel will be your last stop small town but has anything you should need before heading in.

Airbnb is very limited due to the size of the town. They do have some motels for stops but I don't recommend them.

Your best bet for rest is back between Denver and Vail- if you're looking for a "major" city or higher end rest point before roughing it in the real outdoors.

The locals live here because they LOVE their mountain- you can find a expert on where to go from any random person walking about.

Right outside the VERY small strip of restaurants which includes a Starbucks, Whole Foods, Burger joint and a handful of outfitters you'll have a round about which will begin your drive into Sopris.

As you drive in be aware this area is filled will many free roaming and stubborn cattle.

The road will turn from paved to dirt and you'll begin to see a few boomdocking pull offs if your set up is hauling a RV this would be the place to set that because the road the rest of the way is best for a midsized or truck- but I've managed in a Sudan. 

The narrow and sharp turns while passing others and still more cattle means no large rv should attempt to continue.

Left side you'll see a parking lot. It over looks the 14-. Behind you you'll see sopris peak.

I recommend making one night a camp here. You'll be above the clouds when the sun rises and sets and there us a clear view of the milky way.

A path a cross from this lot will begin to take you into Sopris.

Along the way it will open into a flower filled space surrounded by a birch forest- depending on the year you'll see sopris snow capped peak past.

Inside the forest all previous climbers have carved their years into the birch. Closer to eye level more recent but if you look high enough the years go back into the 60s

The space will eventually lead to crater lake. Which is a good area to hammock camp in complete solitude.

Protips- St. Mortiz hostel aspen for a rest stop in upper valley if you intend to go there after.

Rudy Reservoir is a good day them hammock spot.

Carbondale for local small businesses and a breakfast or lunch stop.



Outside El Jebel- Sopris Wilderness

Awesome Campground - camp hosts very nice. ~60 sites, I reserved ahead of time but you can drive through and see if any are open. I think it was like $20/night. Lots of variety of sites, back in, pull through. Sites well spaced apart. Each site had fire ring and picnic table. Multiple pit toilets and trash bins. Walking access to the lake next door