Dispersed camping opportunities near Calhan, Colorado include primitive options on public lands as well as established campgrounds with varying amenity levels. Located at around 6,500 feet elevation, the eastern Colorado plains transition to foothills in this area, creating diverse camping terrain with temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night during camping season. The region experiences significant wind patterns compared to more sheltered mountain camping areas.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers well-maintained hiking options suitable for all skill levels. "Nothing technical, well manicured trials with amazing views. Lots of wildlife, beware of rattlesnakes. Awesome Mountain Biking, great for family's and beginners," notes one visitor to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The area surrounding Calhan provides opportunities to observe native Colorado wildlife in their natural habitat. At Falcon Meadow RV Campground, campers report seeing mule deer regularly. One reviewer at Cheyenne Mountain noted, "Mule deer wondering around, humming birds whizing by truly enchanting."
Off-road exploration: For those seeking more remote camping experiences, the region offers dispersed camping options accessible by 4WD vehicles. A camper at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping shared: "This area is beautiful with lots of great sites available along mt. Herman rd. Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be."
What campers like
Convenience to attractions: One of the best places to camp near Calhan, Colorado is the Colorado Springs KOA, located 30 minutes south. A visitor noted: "We stayed her while passing through to Kansas. The cabin was clean, the staff was nice and polite, they have fun activities for the kiddies or young at heart."
Scenic views: Many campsites in the region offer panoramic views not mentioned in standard site descriptions. At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, a reviewer observed: "Nice park for the kids to enjoy. Tight spots and some 'pull through' sites aren't actually pull through. This isn't the spot to hang out but you're so close to the places you'll want to be spending your time."
Peaceful setting: Less developed camping areas provide quieter alternatives to busier campgrounds. Regarding Goose Creek Ranch, a camper stated simply: "Great primitive site. Beautiful and quite."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds near Calhan require advance booking, particularly during peak season. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, visitors noted specific entry requirements: "DAV 0-100% service connected are allowed to camp here beginning 1.1.2020. I took my family of six. The full bike rack tipped off the host that there was more than just me. She explained that each family member had to be sponsored."
Site conditions: Campsite terrain varies significantly across the region. A Falcon Meadow RV Campground visitor reported: "The park itself is a little run down, with a few recent looking upgrades mixed in (shower house, new chairs at each campsite). The worst part of being here IMO is the rigs that are obviously long term and look it, e.g., makeshift DIY winterization like plywood skirting."
Noise considerations: Campers should be aware of potential noise disruptions in certain locations. "This campground is exceptionally nice and the staff is amazing, but if you are in a tent there is a lot of noise pollution from the interstate and trains that come by at all hours of the night blaring their horns," reported one Peregrine Pines FamCamp camper.
Tips for camping with families
Selecting family-friendly sites: When camping with children near Calhan, choose campgrounds with dedicated facilities. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a visitor noted: "We had a walk in sight that was beautiful! Great view, private, and even saw some deer walk by at dusk. Showers cost a couple bucks coins and only last 4 minutes, so scrub quick. Lots of stuff for kids to do and close to Colorado Springs."
Water features: During hot summer months, campgrounds with water activities provide welcome relief. "They do have a water slide and other fun activities. But this doesn't feel like being in nature," mentioned a Colorado Springs KOA visitor.
Last-minute options: Families needing flexible camping arrangements can find accommodations even with late arrival. One Falcon Meadow RV Campground reviewer shared: "Very accommodating staff. Most camping grounds in the area weren't answering their phones after 16:00, others had automated systems and others had phone numbers that weren't valid anymore. This camping ground not only was it open until 7pm on Saturday but they had super friendly staff that did a great job and accommodated us last minute."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers recommend researching specific site configurations before booking. A visitor to Falcon Meadow RV Campground advised: "We set up three tents on one site and had a great experience. Nice bathhouses and many guests who looked like they stayed here for weeks at a time. Good views of pikes peak and 28 mins to downtown. Choose your spots wisely, the road can be noisy and the meadow side gets windy. If you want shade, check out the satellite image to check which spots have trees nearby (about half do)."
Utility considerations: RVers should come prepared for varying utility qualities across different campgrounds. "Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy," noted a Peregrine Pines FamCamp reviewer.
Access limitations: When seeking camping options near Calhan with larger rigs, carefully research road conditions. "Sorry, No photos. It is very beautiful up there. I have only been here once, and I did not do enough research. I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks," warned a Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping visitor.
