RV campgrounds near Cripple Creek, Colorado sit at elevations between 8,500-10,000 feet, creating a high mountain camping environment with cool summer nights averaging 45-50°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible from late May through October, with several parks offering year-round RV camping despite seasonal snowfall that can exceed 70 inches annually.
What to do
Outdoor adventures: 10-30 miles from campgrounds. Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins provides excellent access to regional attractions. "The location was perfect, close to the Royal Gorge bridge, rafting in the Arkansas River, hiking trails, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and several great restaurants," reports one visitor.
Local wildlife viewing: Available at most campgrounds. Daily deer sightings are common at camping areas surrounding Cripple Creek. At Diamond Campground & RV Park, visitors mention "Wildlife right outside our door every morning" as a regular occurrence.
Exercise options: Walking paths and bike routes. Several Cripple Creek area RV parks connect to local trail systems. "Paved roads throughout made for nice bike rides with the kids and larger than usual dog run area was nice (right next to the playground made it easy to run both the dog and the kids)," notes a camper at Garden of the Gods RV Resort.
What campers like
Spacious sites: More room than typical RV parks. Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort receives consistent praise for site spacing. "The site was extremely spacious with room to park our truck to the side and still have a big yard. There is a fire pit and picnic table and we were shaded by some big pines," one visitor explains.
Mountain views: Visible from strategic camping spots. When selecting a campsite, position matters for optimal scenery. "The sites are terraced so that everyone has a beautiful view," notes a Mountaindale visitor. At another campground: "We had a great tent spot up on the hill with a great view of the valley behind."
Forested settings: Natural surroundings 20-45 minutes from town. Rocking M Ranch Campground offers a more natural camping experience than in-town options. "Views of mountains, pines and aspens and privacy in the well designed sites! Owners and camp hosts were delightful and helpful," writes one camper.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for summer stays. Campgrounds near Cripple Creek fill rapidly, particularly for holiday weekends. Most parks have cancellation policies requiring 72+ hours notice. "We had called in Dec 2024 and were told there were only 2 sites left," notes one visitor attempting to secure summer reservations.
Site selection: Request specific sites when possible. At Pikes Peak RV Park, location within the park significantly impacts experience. "This RV campground is along the creek that runs through Manitou Springs. We specifically asked for a creekside spot. I slept great listening to the creek."
Utility connections: Variable placement and limitations. Many RV parks have non-standard water and sewer setups. One camper noted: "Utilities in the back" requiring longer hoses, while others mention shared water spigots between sites.
Tips for camping with families
Facilities with kids' activities: Varies by park. When traveling with children, specific amenities enhance the experience. "The playground was very kid friendly and the giant jumping pillow was super fun! We are already planning our next visit!!" shares a camper at Royal Gorge RV Resort.
Accessible locations: Consider proximity to attractions. Garden of the Gods RV Resort places families near multiple activities. "Although the RV park is nice, you're more-so paying for the location. We spent most of our time out exploring the parks and historic Manitou Springs."
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature swings. Cripple Creek's elevation means significant day-to-night temperature variations of 30-40°F. Families should pack additional layers even for summer camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring adequate equipment. Many parks require significant leveling. One experienced RVer notes: "Sites are not level, bring proper equipment for leveling."
Connectivity considerations: Variable coverage. Cell service inconsistency affects most campgrounds in the region. "There is no cell service for AT&T or T-Mobile, but you are able to do wifi calling with their WiFi and we streamed a movie one night," reports a Mountaindale camper.
Access roads: Plan arrival routes carefully. Mountain roads leading to RV campgrounds near Cripple Creek can challenge larger rigs. "I had to leave two phone messages and a Facebook message to get info on how to maneuver around the horrible construction site right at the entrance," advises one RVer, highlighting the importance of researching current road conditions.
