Best Campgrounds near Cripple Creek, CO
Cripple Creek, Colorado sits at a high elevation of 9,494 feet and serves as a base for camping in the surrounding Pike National Forest and public lands. The area features a mix of developed sites and primitive camping options, including the Cripple Creek KOA and Gold Camp Road dispersed camping areas. Visitors can find accommodation for tents, RVs, and cabins across several managed campgrounds. Mueller State Park Campground, located about 15 miles from Cripple Creek, provides electric hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites in a forested setting.
Camping in the region requires preparation for thin mountain air and variable weather conditions, even during summer months. The higher elevation means cooler temperatures year-round, with most developed campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. One camper noted that "the air is thin up here - real thin. That also means that it's pure, clean blissfully light oxygen." Road access varies significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly when accessing dispersed sites along Phantom Canyon Road and Gold Camp Road. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, and fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods.
Campgrounds near Cripple Creek provide convenient access to historic mining sites, casinos, and mountain recreation opportunities. Many visitors use the area as a strategic base camp for exploring Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the historic mining districts. Reviews consistently highlight the mountain views and wildlife viewing as significant draws. A visitor mentioned that the "sites all have great views" at Mueller State Park. The proximity to gambling in Cripple Creek appeals to some campers looking to alternate outdoor activities with entertainment. Public lands camping offers more seclusion but fewer amenities, while developed campgrounds provide essential facilities like showers, toilets, and in some cases, full hookups for RVs. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region.
