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Best Tent Camping near Colorado Springs, CO

1,258 Reviews

Tent camping options surround Colorado Springs with a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites in the surrounding Pike National Forest. Lone Duck Campground offers dedicated tent sites with grassy areas and shade trees, while Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite provides more primitive options for those seeking solitude. Turkey Roost Group Camp in Cheyenne Mountain State Park features dedicated tent pads designed specifically for group camping experiences, with sites positioned away from RV areas.

Most tent-specific sites in the region feature picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during dry summer months. Walk-in tent sites at dispersed camping areas in Pike National Forest near Divide require campers to pack in their own water and pack out all trash. A visitor commented, "Sites are super close together at established campgrounds, but dispersed camping in the national forest offers more privacy." Vault toilets are available at some established tent campgrounds, while primitive camping areas have no facilities. Many tent campsites are accessible from spring through fall, with higher elevation areas closed due to snow in winter months.

Tent camping near Colorado Springs offers varied terrain from forested sites to open meadows with mountain views. The primitive tent areas in Mt. Herman Road provide quieter alternatives to the more developed campgrounds closer to town. The tent pads at Turkey Roost Group Camp include space to store food away from wildlife, enhancing the safety of the tent camping experience. A camper wrote, "The tent sites by the stream offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer in the early morning." Tent campers frequenting the area often appreciate the proximity to hiking trails in Pike National Forest and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, where backcountry routes connect directly to several walk-in tent sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Colorado Springs, Colorado (30)

    1. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins

    34 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 684-9907

    $40 - $87 / night

    "Our site had grass, shade, a picnic table, and a fire ring - everything you need for a basic campsite."

    "Lone Duck Campground was a good home base for us during our visit to Colorado Springs. The campground is several miles down from Woodland Park and about the same down to Manitou and the Springs."

    2. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Honestly so many spots some trash I picked up. But nothing to crazy. Lots of self made fire pits"

    "Some people left trash, which is annoying. Views are great. Rough road getting there though"

    3. Turkey Roost Group Camp — Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    1 Review
    Manitou Springs, CO
    10 miles
    +1 (719) 576-2016

    $144 / night

    "Wonderful tent pads and facilities with space to wash dishes and store goods from wildlife."

    4. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Found a great little campsite and had a fox as a neighbor! Only downfall was there was broken glass everywhere 😔"

    5. Wye

    4 Reviews
    Manitou Springs, CO
    14 miles
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Has fire rings and picnic tables. Closed for good, apparently because of bears, but far down the road so it’s very unlikely you’ll be bothered"

    6. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    38 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    32 miles

    "Free BLM sites along Phantom Canyon Road, an hour outside Colorado Springs. Small creek that follows the road to camp along. Pre-existing fire rings."

    "Driving down to this campsite I was happy to have a small car because the road is very narrow to say the least. I cannot imagine the feeling of driving a large rig here."

    7. Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    9 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "There are a lot of dirt bikes and atvs driving during the day however I didn’t find it overly disruptive."

    "Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD."

    8. Red Canyon Park

    21 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    "This was my first time solo tent camping. It went well. The space had a fire ring and picnic table. I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful!"

    "Views were terrific, whether you want something a bit more open or further into the canyon where it’s surrounded by gorgeous red rocks. I chose an open site and if you do, beware of the wind."

    9. "Glamping" Pike's Peak Camping Spot- Reservation Only Site

    1 Review
    Midland, CO
    22 miles
    +1 (719) 400-9283

    $99 - $150 / night

    "Camp site has everything you need without the hassle of pitching your tent and packing it up."

    10. Rocky Mountain Oasis!!

    2 Reviews
    Midland, CO
    25 miles
    +1 (303) 748-2969

    $150 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Colorado Springs, CO

135 Photos of 30 Colorado Springs Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Colorado Springs, CO

1258 Reviews of 30 Colorado Springs Campgrounds

  • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2022

    East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

    Pricey but beautiful

    This campground used to be free when I first found it years ago while visiting the Royal Gorge. Since the city has invested money into fixing up the campsites with fire rings, tent pads, and what seems to be pretty good county road maintenance, it’s definitely understandable why they charge a fee.

    No water is available. There are vault toilets.

    There are NO bear boxes.

    Rules worth nothing (according to the sign upon entering camp):

    1. no alcohol (that didn’t seem to stop anyone from enjoying themselves at their site)
    2. You can only stay for 72 hours per visit unless otherwise noted.

    There’s lots of hiking and mountain bike trails near the campground, which brought lots of mellow mtb riders in during my stay.

    Because of the rules/amenities, i felt the price was a little steep as others have mentioned. However it is clean, close enough to Cañon city that you can go to town if needed, but far enough away to “unplug” from the world in a beautiful location. Overall I’d recommend visiting this campsite! I’ll happily return.

  • Elizabeth Anne W.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park

    Crazy winds

    Need a day pass and camping pass. Too much money for too little. No hookups, trashy. Winds in evening almost made me leave site. Chairs and equipment will blow away. There are two entrances to this area, second one from Colorado Springs is much easier access.

  • J
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Rocking Chair Campground — Eleven Mile State Park

    High Winds, Rough Roads - Won't Stay Again

    The reservoir and surrounding areas are beautiful, but we don't plan to return to this campground. The roads in are so rough and created so much vibration that it was actually damaging to our A-Liner camper (with an off-road package). The speed limit is 55 and we weren't able to go much faster than 10 mph without the vibration becoming unbearable. The campsites are totally exposed with no tree cover, but it was too windy to set up our shade tent. The winds were so strong that we slept poorly; a neighbor in a tent said the wind ripped off two of his rain fly straps overnight. We chose Site 612 because the sites in that loop looked more private and spacious, but we failed to note that there was no bathroom on that side of the campground, with the nearest facilities being a short drive away. We left after the first night.

  • K
    May. 2, 2019

    Mueller State Park Campground

    Amazing Facilities

    Some friends and I camped here in early October. It got a bit chilly at night, two layers, smartwool socks, a Carhart beanie, sleeping pad plus a medium temp sleeping bag kept me semi warm in our tent. The hikes we went on were beautiful and the restrooms were clean and close to our site. Because it was a last minute reservation we ended up in the RV section of the campsite so it was a little nosier than neccessary. We saw the park ranger ride through about every half hour to hour during our weekend stay. I would defintely stay there again!

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Buffalo Campground

    Great Campground for Hikers and Bikers

    This campground is set a couple miles down road 550 after all the free recreation area campsites.

    The sites are pretty close together but there are well maintained pit toilets as well as a dumpster on site for trash. The surrounding area is filled with hiking and biking trails, including the Colorado Trail. 

    The campground is over 7k feet of elevation and a lot of trails intersect so make sure you keep track of where you are and what trail you are hiking on for the day. Not many are loops on their own. 

    There are a couple pit toilets places throughout the campground. Clean fire rings and picnic tables at all the sites. 

    Keep your eyes out for ticks and mosquitos. We found a couple of ticks on the dogs after they ran through the tall grass and the creek. 

    Across the road is a creek that is great for water hangouts and light fishing. We were here in May and the weather was about 70 during the day and 35-40 at night with plenty of shade and wind protection. It has sites for RV’s, tent, or van stay.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    The Meadows Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    Mile High Camping!

    Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, CO.

    http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/cheyennemountain

    Made our way to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs. The tent only sites are walk-in and $18…and by walk-in…between 10-100ft from the parking area depending on the site. By midday most were taken and we landed in the available #45 (which was handicap accessible). Pluses and minuses: close to the restroom. Convenience comes at a cost, a motion sensor light constantly tripping on and a tad noisy. Tent pads only…comprised of a small pea gravel base, but elevated two railroad ties high…you will not get standing water, that's for certain. #45 is a handicap site so it is all paved…walkway, picnic table, animal-proof food container and fire pit area…no dust or dirt. Could be a positive or negative depending on your expectations. In April the trees were just budding so there wasn't a ton of concealment or cover from your neighbors provided by the leafless shrubbery and mountain scrub. A water pump is ten feet away. Another site was handicap accessible like this one but the others were situated further back in the scrub in dirt trails offering greater privacy. Hammock hanging was limited on site #45 but could be creatively managed. Restrooms were very clean and well-stocked. The visitor center is beautiful, large, interesting and offers local trinkets to purchase. Camp registration office is located by the campground and also houses restrooms and the coin operated showers and laundry. Water appeared to be at a premium as the water fountains were not operating. Depending on the wind direction, and with no leaves on the trees yet…highway noise could be heard in the distance from interstate 25…but not loud enough to be an irritation… Not to mention the sound breaking the early morning air…revelee from the nearby Air Force base. Signage leaves little doubt where you are or where to go throughout the park. The trails are superb and offer a variety of high plains and mountain views. Trail markings are remarkable, offering both self-guided tutorial placards and strategically located gps coordinates, in case of injury. Runners and mountain bikers frequent the trails. Wildlife aplenty. Mule deer sauntered by throughout the park and tom turkeys strutted their stuff for all to see. Colorful songbirds dotted the trail (my favorite…bright blue mountain bluebird). Keep the elevation in mind when choosing activities. Being a "flatlander," it takes about 7-10 days for your body to adjust to high elevations, so allocate more time on the trails for recovery breaks and hydration. Definite plus or minus…dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the trails and must be leashed at all times. Even on a Monday night in mid April, the park was filled so reservations would be advised. You can choose electric/water sites but there is no privacy from your RV neighbor.

    Creative mountainscape photos are necessary to avoid the mountaintop antenna towers from NORAD.

    It was a pleasant camping experience and would visit again.

    There is so much to do nearby that you need to stay in the area at least a week.

    Here are a few of my favorite nearby hikes: -Mt Cutler trail, Mt Muscoco trail, Helen Hunt Falls, Seven Bridges Trail, Red Rock Canyon, The Manitou Incline (parking fee), The Barr Trail (to Pikes Peak summit), Garden of the gods, Palmer Park, and Stanley Canyon Reservoir (on the Air Force Academy grounds)…all are must do's! Only Red Rock Canyon and Garden of the gods are flatter and easy strolling. Countless other trails exist and would take a lifetime to explore…worthy reason to return again and again!

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Swift Puma Heights Campground — Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    Easy to get to, not the most secluded

    We stayed at this campground in order to help out with the Xterra Race that was taking place the next day. We reserved two walk in sites (30 and 34) and it was easy to find them. The walk in sites are between 20-40 feet form the parking lot and on a slight (and rocky) hill. There was plenty of privacy by way of shrubs so it felt secluded even though the sites are right next to each other. 

    You can only set up tents on the tent pads in the sites so that was a little challenging being that we needed to sleep 10 and could only fit 1 tent per site. But we were able to make it work. Also, the ground is very compact, so stakes were hard to get into the ground and we had to tie off our guy-lines to the bushes to keep them in place during the night.  

    Keep in mind that you are on a military base area so you will hear TAPS periodically throughout the day and night. Campground is open year-round 

    It has:

    51 Full Hook-Up sites 

    10 Basic Tent sites 

    Coin operated showers and laundry (Seasonal; These amenities are for active campers only.)

    Overall the sites were great. Bear food lockers and water at each site. The firepits were large and well ventilated. The bathrooms were super clean and accommodating. Lots of trails and ranger led events happening to keep you (and your kids and dogs) entertained.

  • Cara W.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake

    Private but Crowded

    Beautiful lakeside camping just outside of Denver. Campsites are a bit close together, but great for groups! No hookups here but you have bathroom facilities and a visitor center where you can buy firewood. Campfires allowed in the fire pits. If you have an RV beware quiet hours from 10pm to 8am, no generators allowed. Lake is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing and you will most likely have phone service if you are with AT&T or Verizon. Many day use areas, however vehicles and individuals are charged. For campers, if you bring more than one vehicle you will be charged daily for any additional ones. No drinking water is available, you must bring your own. Dirt roads to the lake are rough and narrow. Close to Deckers for incidentals. Intersects with the Colorado trail for hiking and biking and close to the Colorado River for tubing!

  • Kristin D.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Buffalo Campground

    Spacious sites, great trail access

    Love this place. I’m a new mountain biker and it’s currebtly my favorite trail system to ride. There’s currently a fire ban in most of Colorado, and Buffalo Creek is included. We just got creative with a small lantern so it felt like we were sitting around a fire.🔥The sites are very full on the weekends being so close to Denver, so a few people asked to share. The signage isn’t always clear, make sure you only camp where there’s a site number or it’s a $1K fine! It’s a favorite place, but don’t tell everyone! 😂

Guide to Colorado Springs

Tent campsites near Colorado Springs, Colorado range from primitive backcountry options to accessible sites with amenities. The region sits at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet, creating temperature drops of 15-20 degrees at night compared to daytime highs. Fire restrictions typically start in June and extend through September, requiring campers to check current regulations before arrival.

What to do

Fishing at creeks: At Lone Duck Campground and Cabins, you can enjoy fishing at their small pond. "We stayed here twice once in campsite 46 very nice 47 even nicer two best lots here for us cuz we like being the by the water," notes Chester R.

Rock climbing access: Nearby camping at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites puts you close to climbing areas. "We found an amazing camp site that was down a slope. We parked up top and lugged everything down the slope. It was tough but so worth it," shares Madi G., who discovered secluded spots next to water.

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening wildlife sightings are common at higher elevation sites. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," reports Tessa S. about her experience camping at Lone Duck.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Finding separation between tent sites requires traveling to dispersed areas. "Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down. We didn't hear anyone late into the night due to the distance," says Brianna K. about Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide.

Natural features: Campers frequently mention the waterways as highlights. "My pictures are from a site after the second tunnel. All shade, you walk over a little creek to set up tent!" reports Amanda L. about her experience at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.

Cell coverage: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites maintain connectivity. "It's fun to watch other ITVs and dirt bikes drive past occasionally, but not enough to be annoying. Lots of dead/fallen trees for firewood. Many spots to choose from. Plus was we got cell service at our spot this time," notes Boldt E. about Pike National Forest Divide.

What you should know

Bug preparation: Biting insects can be problematic in several camping areas. "The worst and only bad part was the insane amount of biting flies. It was unbearable at times and our dogs were very stressed from them all over them. Bring those fly bags that attract them away from you unless you're prepared to get eaten up by the flies," warns Madi G. about Phantom Canyon.

Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. "The road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable. Hardly any at night. Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD," explains Lily R. about Pike National Forest Divide.

Wildlife precautions: Larger animals frequent camping areas. "BE SMART ABOUT FOOD! We did have a bear encounter as we were driving out of the park," cautions Abby D. about Red Canyon Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do tent campgrounds in Colorado Springs offer?

Tent campgrounds near Colorado Springs offer a range of amenities. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins provides reservable sites, a camp store, shower facilities, and a swimming pool, making it a comfortable basecamp option. Public campgrounds like Osprey typically offer basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and port-a-potties for $18-20 per night. Some sites are situated beside rivers or creeks. Most developed campgrounds provide vault toilets, while dispersed camping areas on BLM land offer minimal facilities but greater privacy. Water availability varies significantly by location, with some sites requiring you to bring all your water. Cell service is also spotty in many areas, especially in more remote locations. Plan accordingly for your specific needs.

Where are the best tent camping spots near Colorado Springs?

For tent camping near Colorado Springs, Idylease Campground offers well-established sites with a moderate half-mile hike in from parking. It's reservation-based through Jefferson County Open Space. Shelf Road Sites is perfect for climbers with clean vault toilets and hiking access to climbing walls. For those seeking free options, Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites provides peaceful creek-side camping about an hour from Colorado Springs. For a more peaceful experience, Red Canyon Park offers solitude with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Most tent sites around Colorado Springs feature beautiful mountain views and varying levels of accessibility, from drive-up sites to short hikes in.

When is the best season for tent camping in Colorado Springs?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) is generally the best season for tent camping in Colorado Springs. Summer offers warm days and cool nights, with temperatures typically ranging from 45°F at night to 80°F during the day. September is particularly pleasant with fewer crowds, as mentioned by visitors to Rampart Range Area. Higher elevation sites like those in Pike National Forest can be chilly even in summer, so pack accordingly. Weather can change rapidly in Colorado's mountains, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Spring camping (April-May) can be unpredictable with occasional late snowfall. Fall (September-October) brings beautiful colors but increasingly cold nights. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers but requires specialized gear and preparation.

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