J
Jessica B.
Scout
ScoutGoldfield RV Park
Dump Station and Potable Water
We just came here to dump and fill. Dump: $15 Fill: Sign says $4, but it was actually $.10 a gallon.
Best Campgrounds near Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs provides a range of camping environments within easy reach of the city, from developed sites at Garden of the Gods RV Resort and Cheyenne Mountain State Park to dispersed camping along Mount Herman Road. Accommodation options include tent camping, RV sites with hookups, cabin rentals, and even glamping facilities at several campgrounds. Many locations offer convenient access to popular attractions including Garden of the Gods park, Pikes Peak, and the Air Force Academy, making the area a practical base for exploring the Front Range region.
Road conditions vary across the region, with some dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles while established campgrounds generally offer good accessibility. Weather patterns in the area can be unpredictable, with strong winds sometimes affecting exposed camping areas and afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. The camping season generally runs year-round at lower elevations, though some campgrounds like Golden Eagle operate seasonally from May through September. Elevation differences across the region create significant temperature variations between Colorado Springs and the surrounding mountains. A visitor camping at Eleven Mile State Park noted, "Winds in evening almost made me leave site. Chairs and equipment will blow away."
Campers frequently mention the convenience of staying near Colorado Springs while still enjoying natural settings. The state park campgrounds receive particularly positive reviews, with well-maintained facilities and scenic views of the mountains and city below. Many sites feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during dry periods. Family-friendly amenities can be found at several campgrounds, with one visitor highlighting that their children "LOVED the activities they offered like the pancake breakfast, pool, hayride." For those seeking more solitude, the dispersed camping areas provide a more rustic experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Access to hiking trails directly from campgrounds is frequently cited as a benefit, with many sites offering immediate access to the region's extensive trail networks.
Campground Showdown near Colorado Springs, CO
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Best Camping Sites Near Colorado Springs, Colorado (228)
1. Garden of the Gods RV Resort
47 ReviewsManitou Springs, CO7 milesWebsite+1 (719) 475-9450"The park is conveniently located close to everything to do in Colorado Springs. Spaces were VERY close together. There is no view of any of the surrounding beauty."
"This campground is a great central location for everything around Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. It is very close to Garden of the gods park and red rock open space."
2. Colorado Springs KOA
39 ReviewsFountain, CO11 milesWebsite+1 (719) 382-7575"Located about 10-15min from Colorado Springs area."
"Very Clean and convenient location to Colorado Springs. Thought highway traffic noice would be a problem but, could not tell rv park is next to the interstate."
3. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins
34 ReviewsGreen Mountain Falls, CO13 milesWebsite+1 (719) 684-9907$40 - $87 / night
"It is in Cascade, CO right off of Highway 24. It is minutes away from Pike's Peak, Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds, Red Rocks Open Space, and Colorado Springs."
"We live in Colorado Springs so this camp ground is very close! Pros: So fun to have a swimming pool! Great for kids! Great site with lots of trees!"
4. Pikes Peak RV Park
23 ReviewsManitou Springs, CO8 milesWebsite+1 (719) 685-9459"** General: Small (47 site) RV park at the eastern edge of downtown Manitou Springs, next to Schryver Park."
"Another nice feature is the free shuttle for Manitou has a bus stop along the road just outside the entry. I was suprised upon arrival the campground changed ownership since our last visit."
5. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
24 ReviewsFountain, CO10 milesWebsite+1 (719) 576-2016$28 - $144 / night
"Easy park to get to, right off hwy 115, in Colorado Springs. The camp sites are decent. Tent, drive in, walk in drive through sites."
"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."
6. Golden Eagle Campground
28 ReviewsFountain, CO13 milesWebsite+1 (719) 576-0450$39 - $77 / night
"We booked 2 adjacent sites."
"Pretty rugged and simple campsite, but pretty road to drive on to get there and very accessible to Colorado Springs!"
7. Peregrine Pines FamCamp
20 ReviewsMonument, CO10 milesWebsite+1 (719) 333-4980"Downtown Colorado Springs is minutes away and close to attractions. Plus you can take advantage of on base shopping and more."
"Love the ability to base from here in the Colorado Springs area and branch out for all adventures you can imagine. Campground is clean. Friendly staff. Level spots."
8. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
36 ReviewsMonument, CO16 milesWebsite+1 (719) 636-1602"If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"
"30 minutes and kick back and please crack a cold one for Colorado being the best place."
9. The Meadows Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park
17 ReviewsManitou Springs, CO10 milesWebsite+1 (719) 576-2016$28 - $120 / night
"There are some nice trails from the campground and it’s close to Colorado Springs."
"Cheyenne Mountan State Park is remarkably close to Colorado Springs, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway…. if you can score reservations. This park fills up fast!"
10. Swift Puma Heights Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park
16 ReviewsManitou Springs, CO10 miles+1 (719) 576-2016$28 - $41 / night
"It’s very close to Colorado Springs and even closer to Fort Carson. So many things to see and do in the hiking trails are great."
"This is a lovely campground, overlooking Colorado Springs. There are some pull through sites and many back in. The wind can be a little fierce."
Recent Camping Photos near Colorado Springs, CO
598 Photos of 228 Colorado Springs Campgrounds
Ben
Goldfield RV Park
Rebecca M.
Garden of the Gods RV Resort
Lee D.
Pikes Peak RV Park
Ryan M.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Erin S.
Peregrine Pines FamCamp
Dave V.
The Meadows Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Fabio O.
Gobbler Grove Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Alex A.
Swift Puma Heights Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Steve D.
Colorado Springs KOA
Todd W.
Lone Duck Campground and Cabins
Alex F.
Golden Eagle Campground
Recent Reviews near Colorado Springs, CO
1541 Reviews of 228 Colorado Springs Campgrounds
johny R.
LegendRampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
The road is so bump
As mentioned the pins are wrong and the actual sites are much further down the road. If you see this random circle spot on the right side of the road just take it becauae it saves you alot or bumpyness. You get a view through the trees and its much quicker back to town. Only press forward down the road if you really care about maximizing your view.
- johny R.Legend
Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
None of the pins are right
Ignore all of the pins on the map. None of them are right all the spots are WAY past the pins by a couple miles on one of the worst dashboard roads you will ever ride on. It is a torture test for any van or RV. If something is loose you Will find out very soon. There are signs about no camping on one side of the road but you just have to look for little pull offs along the way. Like I said well past the pins and they are spread out pretty good. Some amazing views out this way. 1 may e 2 bars cell unless you can get a spot over woodland park but if you are on the backside facing away, forget it.
- johny R.Legend
Springdale Campground
Better free spots
There are better free spots just down the road. I feel like this place is a bit expensive for what it is. I didnt see any hookups and there is just a vault toilet. There also isnt really any good views and the spots are close together. Not a big fan of this place
- johny R.Legend
Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
Great views quiet
Road is so bumpy will give you a headache. Depending where you stay you will have good verizon or no verizon. We found a spot with crisp mountain air and some great rocks to play around on. There was an amazing spot juat up the ridge but someone had it. It had fully uninterrupted views of Pikes peak
- DDaniel C.Scout
Rampart Reservoir Dispersed
Remote, quiet, beautiful
Listen the road up here is rough, much of it is gravel. I managed to get up here with an 03 astro and a 20 ft trailer. It's doable but I did have to dig the seat out of my butt.
Gorgeous views, perfect weather for me in April (nice n cool!)
Random E.
TravelerPenrose BLM sites
Good For OHV or a Boondocking Shakedown.
I came up here to shakedown my trailer and myself for boondocking. preparedness. It was far enough away from civilization yet close enough at the same time.
This is after all, and OHV site, so you have to expect OHVs. Which there were a few this is mid-spring and the weather's been a little weird so I'm not sure the volume but I've only over two days now, seeing or heard maybe six of various types. A couple came through late at night playing the music really loud kind of obvious they were trying to be jerks cuz there's literally only three people camping around this place right now. Getting past that, it's beautiful it's got a beautiful view it's very close to Brush Hollow reservoir for fishing or walking or just hanging out. I stopped very close to the gate because the road was doing a number on my trailer that I did not wish done, but there are campsites further up, It seems to me there might be 10 or 12 but they're not numbered.
If you're local and an off-roader, this place has got to be a perfect gem not too far away with a lot of fun trails.- Random E.Traveler
Haggards RV Campground
It May Be The Windy Dusty Plains of Pueblo. . . .but
But, honestly you cannot beat the view especially when storms are moving in. Amazing views. This is definitely a base camp, 45 minutes in any direction (except east) and you are in the Rockies. 2 hours and you are in the wilderness.
It's 7 PM and I'm watching the clouds dust the east range of the Rocky Mountains with rain. It is almost a daily show. I've been all the way out to Texas Creek, all the way up to Divide (and it snowed), all the way down to Lake DeWeese and each time I've been back to watch the sunset. Not intentionally, just to illustrate how central Haggard's is.
And yes, everything people Say about Nancy and the illusive Matt is true. Genuinely good people.
- SSam K.Scout
Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
Good spot
The roads getting to this campsite were some of the better ones I’ve seen, even though the gravel can get a bit washboardy. You can almost guarantee to be sleeping on a hill, but there are some good hammock trees as well.
Guide to Colorado Springs
Campgrounds near Colorado Springs span from 6,000 to 9,500 feet elevation, creating temperature differences of up to 20 degrees between valley and mountain sites. Extreme weather variations are common, with sites like Pikes Peak RV Park experiencing afternoon thunderstorms in summer while snow can affect higher elevation camping into late May. Visitors should prepare for these elevation-based climate shifts regardless of season.
What to do
Visit local attractions: Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers extensive hiking with "20 plus miles of trails that are well marked and maintained," according to one camper. The park features "lots of wildlife, beware of rattlesnakes" and provides "awesome mountain biking, great for families and beginners."
Explore military history: Camp near the Air Force Academy at Peregrine Pines FamCamp where you'll find "several walking trails that start at campground access with beautiful views of the AF Academy." Military campers note that "wildlife is abundant with many black squirrels and a ton of black bears."
Fish at local ponds: Some campgrounds colorado springs feature stocked fishing options. Golden Eagle Campground offers a "great fishing lake" while also providing unique educational opportunities with its "cool bug museum in the registration building."
What campers like
Quiet mountain settings: Campers appreciate locations away from city noise. At Lone Duck Campground, visitors love camping "right next to the little stream and saw so much wildlife!" One camper mentioned waking up with "deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us."
Easy access to trails: Many campgrounds provide direct trail access. At Swift Puma Heights, one visitor noted it "offers no shade, and no trees for a hammock" but praised the "amazing" restrooms with "running flush toilets with sinks with running water and soap provided."
City views from elevated sites: Camping at higher elevations rewards visitors with panoramic views. One camper at Mount Herman Road dispersed camping area described "great views of the city lights and then sunrise" while another mentioned the area offers "panoramic views of the Rockies."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance planning. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, "you MUST make reservations well in advance" especially during peak summer months.
Weather challenges: Wind can significantly impact camping comfort. Sites on exposed ridges experience strong gusts that can damage equipment. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, one camper reported that "power went out and fried our surge protector."
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted tent areas. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a camper noted "our 8 man tent was hanging off of the camping plot in some places, so measure your tent before you go!"
Noise factors: Military installations and transportation corridors create regular noise at some campgrounds. At Colorado Springs KOA, a camper mentioned it's "next to the highway the people are grumpy sometimes just like at all the koa's but sometimes there nice."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds colorado springs provide family-oriented amenities. At Lone Duck Campground, families enjoy "all of the amenities. Pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms."
Choose campsites with playground access: Children need play areas to burn energy. Colorado Springs KOA offers a "water park for kids and a bounce pad" which provides entertainment options during downtime between activities.
Consider noise tolerance: Some locations have regular noise from military bases or highways. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, campers hear "a railroad is close by so, there was a lot of noise at 2AM on one evening."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds have tight turns or difficult entry points. At Pikes Peak RV Park, a camper warned, "spots are TIGHT. We had to work so hard to get our trailer in. It's pretty cramped all around actually."
Water pressure issues: RV campers should be prepared for variable utilities. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, a visitor noted "water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy."
Hookup placement matters: Utility connections aren't always conveniently located. At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, one RVer discovered "after getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose."
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year for camping in Colorado Springs?
What's the best time of year for camping in Colorado Springs?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best camping weather in Colorado Springs, with July and August providing the warmest temperatures. Be aware that Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park can experience strong evening winds that might affect your camping equipment, particularly in spring and fall. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping is popular during summer months but can be enjoyed during shoulder seasons with fewer crowds. Early fall brings beautiful changing colors while avoiding summer thunderstorms. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations but requires proper cold-weather gear. Always check weather forecasts, as mountain conditions can change rapidly regardless of season.
Where are the best tent camping sites near Colorado Springs?
Where are the best tent camping sites near Colorado Springs?
For tent camping near Colorado Springs, Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed offers primitive sites next to Boehmer Creek with 5-6 spots perfect for tents. These sites are surrounded by nature with fishing opportunities in the creek. Another excellent option is Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, a free camping area about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs with stunning views. The dirt road access is manageable for most vehicles. Both locations provide a true outdoors experience without the crowds. If you prefer more established facilities, Mount Herman Road offers free dispersed camping closer to town, though it can get busy on weekends.
What are the most popular campgrounds in the Colorado Springs area?
What are the most popular campgrounds in the Colorado Springs area?
Popular campgrounds near Colorado Springs include Colorado Springs KOA, which offers numerous activities, well-maintained sites, and is just 10-15 minutes from Colorado Springs attractions, though sites are somewhat small and exposed to sun. Garden of the Gods RV Resort is another favorite due to its proximity to the iconic park and city amenities. For those seeking a quieter experience, Round Mountain provides access to numerous trails and is typically less crowded except on holiday weekends. Many visitors also enjoy the free dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forest lands, which offer more privacy but fewer amenities.
Are there any good lake camping options near Colorado Springs?
Are there any good lake camping options near Colorado Springs?
Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park offers excellent lake camping about an hour from Colorado Springs. The reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, water skiing, and swimming, with the added benefit of warmer temperatures than the Springs area—perfect for cooling off during summer months. Another great option is Springer Gulch in the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area, located about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs. This beautiful setting along the South Platte River provides water access in a canyon setting. Both locations require state park passes in addition to camping fees, but the water access and recreational opportunities make them popular destinations for those wanting to camp near water.
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