Calhan, Colorado sits at an elevation of approximately 6,535 feet and experiences a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters. The surrounding area features rolling grasslands interspersed with pine forests and sandstone outcroppings. Campers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, with summer evenings often dropping below 50°F despite daytime highs in the 80s.
What to do
**Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Mueller State Park Campground, visitors regularly encounter deer and other wildlife. "We saw some deer that came through our site. Just a real nice relaxing place!" reports Brian F. The park maintains well-marked trails with strategic wildlife viewing areas.
**Hiking trail access: Colorado Springs KOA serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby natural areas. One reviewer mentioned, "Grabbing a quick cabin... Me along with four other friends spent several days tent camping around the Colorado Springs area." The campground's location provides easy access to multiple trail systems within 15 minutes.
**Fishing opportunities: Small trout ponds are available at some campgrounds near Calhan. At Lone Duck Campground, "They have breakfast for you in the morning if you wanted for $5... We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," wrote Tessa S. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores in Colorado Springs.
What campers like
**Clean facilities: Peregrine Pines FamCamp maintains exceptionally clean bathrooms and shower facilities. "This campground was great! Lots of trees. Sites that were easy to access for RVs. Clean bathrooms and showers. View of Pikes Peak," notes Tabitha M. The campground enforces strict cleaning schedules throughout the day.
**Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate the strategic location of glamping sites close to Calhan, Colorado. "If you are looking to stay near Colorado Springs this campground is perfect! It is darn enough away to be fairly quiet at night but close enough that all the fun stuff in Colo Springs is under a 20 minute drive!" wrote Emilie K. about Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
**Level, well-maintained sites: Several campgrounds offer properly engineered camping pads. "Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in," reports Sarah S. about Mueller State Park Campground. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature gravel or concrete pads to prevent pooling water during summer thunderstorms.
What you should know
**Railroad noise: Several campgrounds near major transportation routes experience periodic train disturbances. "One night we got snowed in and another night we slept with open windows! 😂 Beautiful scenery, neat atmosphere... rated 4 stars because there were no campfire pits," reports Megan R. about Peregrine Pines FamCamp.
**Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "It was warmer than mountain sites by 15-20°. Overall the price seems a little expensive," notes Brooks M. about Colorado Springs KOA. Reservations for weekend stays should be made 2-3 months in advance.
**Temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant daily temperature swings. "Very nice quiet stay in the woods. All camp sites are very easy to get to and nicely groomed. Very pleasant stay. Got below freezing so be ready for the cold," warns Bruce K.
**Limited shade options: Swift Puma Heights Campground and other nearby sites offer minimal tree cover. "Stayed in the walk in tent sites on my way passing through the area. Plenty of room for your tent and stuff and lots of bushes in between spots for moderate privacy. No real shade though, that is the only negative I had," explains G C.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Families value campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is a new playground that is huge for the kids with a rubber floor in case kids fall. In addition to the park there is tetherballs and open fields for fun ball or frisbee activities," shares Anthony B. about Peregrine Pines FamCamp.
**Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park at Larkspur offers extensive children's programming. "What a place. Hundreds of spots- a water park, a bounce pad, cabins, golf carts, putt-putt oh my! This place is a campers with kids dream. It can get noisy and it's definitely not remote," describes Sarah F.
**Bathroom proximity: When glamping close to Calhan, Colorado with children, consider site location relative to facilities. "We RV camp. you MUST make reservations well in advance... The area is beautiful and there is a lot to see within a short distance," advises Deni B. Most family-friendly campgrounds have bathroom facilities within 200 feet of camping areas.
Tips from RVers
**Water pressure considerations: RVers should come prepared with pressure regulators. "Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy," advises Anthony B. Most campgrounds in the area maintain water pressure between 60-80 psi.
**Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling adjustments. "Spacious spots with full hookups. There's a park entrance fee in addition to the spot rental. Park entrance fee is available to purchase via an automated kiosk," notes Brandie about Swift Puma Heights Campground.
**All-season access: Many campgrounds near Calhan operate year-round. "Super clean. Nice spacious sites FHU sites at a reasonable rate," reports Lisa D. about The Meadows Campground. Winter camping offers unique opportunities with fewer crowds but requires proper cold-weather preparation.
