Camping areas around Larkspur, Colorado range from family-oriented resorts to primitive dispersed sites in the Pike National Forest. Jellystone Park at Larkspur provides extensive family amenities including water parks, mini-golf, and cabin options, while Mount Herman Road offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more rustic experience. The region includes developed options like Colorado Heights Resort in Monument with full hookups for RVs, as well as established campgrounds such as Devil's Head Campground in Sedalia, which operates seasonally from May to October.
Road noise and train traffic affect several campgrounds in the area, particularly those at lower elevations near Larkspur proper. "This place is on the freeway. There is also no fence between the park and the frequently used railroad tracks," noted one visitor about Jellystone Park. Sites at higher elevations in the Pike National Forest generally offer more seclusion but may require high-clearance vehicles for access. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Devil's Head and Colorado Campground typically closing during winter months. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, especially at higher elevations where afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months.
Campers consistently mention the family-friendly environment at Jellystone Park, which caters primarily to families with children. "This place is great for little kids. From flag raising in the morning to hay rides, all day activities to the camp fire story times there is something for every kid to keep busy," according to one camper. For those seeking quieter experiences, dispersed camping options on Mount Herman Road and in the Rampart Range Recreation Area provide alternatives with fewer amenities but more privacy. The Dakan Road camping area receives positive reviews for its accessibility and natural setting, though sites can fill quickly on summer weekends. Most dispersed camping areas permit fires when no fire restrictions are in place, but many lack drinking water, toilets, and other basic facilities common at developed campgrounds.
"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."
$50 - $170 / night
"For the adults and families who want to hike I highly suggest spruce mountain trail. Nearby and full of great views! We drove around in the nearby quaint town of Larkspur and even spotted a bear!"
"We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."
$36 - $200 / night
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!! Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."
"Great campground on Monument hill about 25 miles north of Colorado Springs. It has a outstanding view looking south of front range."
"It’s a little tight at the entrance with the tree of shame. I didn’t hit the tree. So get there early enough that light is still out. Not like we did rolling in late."
"My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."
"Fun place to camp lots of sites and pretty trails, however this is known for its off-road ATV riders. If you're staying for a night or you're ATV for the weekend this is your spot."
$28 - $38 / night
"Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
$20 - $30 / night
"Dakan Road is mostly known as an Off-Road vehicle Road, so 4x4’s are suggested to get up to the sites."
"The only issue I found is that being so close to civilization/the city is that there was a lack of camp etiquette from neighboring campsites."
"Campground Review Note: This is a military campground only, on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy just north of Colorado Springs, CO. "
"Downtown Colorado Springs is minutes away and close to attractions. Plus you can take advantage of on base shopping and more."
"There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."
"The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."
$27 / night
"My first time In Colorado. It was a little busy but once we found our campsite you would never know it! Awesome views! Campsites very far apart."
"This is a primitive CG that is walk-up only and popular on the weekends..."
ScoutThe 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.
GuideStayed over night in April 2026. The night we stayed the campground was fully booked. Quite a few groups were young, loud, partying sort of groups. I will admit they toned it down once the sun went down and everyone started to head to bed. But during the day, not the most relaxing campground.
It is very centrally located and close to tons of restaurants and stores if you want to pop out and grab something to eat.
The bathrooms were very clean. Showers cost $1.50 for 5 minutes, credit card only. They were very hot showers. The bathrooms were clean and well kept. They also have laundry here, $1.50 for the washers and $1.50 for the dryers. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry are in a building that you need a door code for. You can call the park office or ask the campground host.
Overall, decent place for an overnight as you’re passing through, probably would look elsewhere for a dedicated camping trip.
ScoutThe Park is located in the city with a nice large lake to walk or bike to from the camping sites. The park has many easy walking trails that can be relaxing if there's not a lot of people!
GuideYou will need DOD ID to enter base, there is only 38 spots, clean bathrooms with showers and laundry facilities. Well maintained and very friendly staff.
GuideWe spent the weekend here to try out and fix some things on our travel trailer for the upcoming season.
In the off-season, only one loop is open, there's no water, and none of the bathrooms are open except the main shower building. Fine for us, just an FYI. The park was really well-maintained. It was quiet and peaceful since it wasn't crowded.
The sites are actually pretty spaced out for a bigger campground, but there's not a ton of shade. I think this one is best for spring and fall.
ScoutVery accessible, pet friendly and the kids love it! Lots of room and a fire pit with a built in grill!
ScoutStayed at site 34- which I believe was the last of this run. Went further up the road to Wellington lake after we set up. There was maybe 3/4 other sites during that drive.
Super cool area. Can walk around each site to explore and up to Wellington lake(very low water level). Welling ton lake also has camping but it is paid. There is also a fee just for day use as it is a private owned lake $14(adults 18+). Catch and release fishing. Unfortunately the hiking trail to the waterfall was closed due to May trees down :(
Rangers, sheriffs, and nps were up and down the road strongly enforcing the fire ban. I get it. When you camp you want a fire but unfortunately Colorado's winter sucked leading to it being dry as heck. Bring extra propane as camp grills are okay.
GuideWe drove in at night so it was hard to tell how many sites were available. We found a good one in a large clearing that easily fit our camper… it would have been a perfect site for multiple campers because there were multiple fire pits. It was also across the road from the creek! Overall easy to access, not crowded (in late March) and pretty landscape. Only drawback was a lot of casings and some trash leftover from previous campers.
Unless you want to off-road, recommend taking the route (if starting near COS) through Woodland Park & Divide.
GuidePulled in on a Wednesday evening (3/18) and 1/2 sites were full. We only drove into the 30s and turned around to claim site 23.
Only a few spots are across from one another or beside each other. Majority of the sites are spaced out which was really nice.
Lots of 🚴 so be prepared for bike traffic.
Each site is numbered and has a fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no electricity, and no T Mobile service. Sites are designed for tent camping, only a few allow you to pull a vehicle in past side of the road. #23 worked well for a car camp - level and far enough pull in from road.
Camping sites near Larkspur, Colorado sit between 6,700 and 8,000 feet elevation in the Pike National Forest, where afternoon temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs even in summer. The region's forests consist primarily of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, creating natural windbreaks at many campsites but also contributing to fire danger during dry periods. Many dispersed camping areas close after the first significant snowfall, typically in late October.
Mountain biking on established trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail systems ideal for various skill levels. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes one Buffalo Creek Recreation Area visitor. The area shows regrowth from a 1996 fire, creating unique riding terrain.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Colorado Campground provides access to Manitou Lake, just a short hike from campsites. A camper explains, "Manitou Lake Recreation Area for fishing, and we always get at least one fish on the line here! Just a quick 10 min drive to Woodland Park and various amenities." The $7 entry fee for the recreation area is separate from camping fees.
Off-road vehicle exploration: The Rampart Range Recreation Area features designated OHV trails throughout its extensive network. "The area is popular for ATV/Motorbikes but there are some great trails and scenery is wonderful," reports one Devil's Head Campground visitor. Weekdays offer significantly less traffic than weekends when the trails become crowded.
Proximity to mountain towns: Colorado Heights Resort in Monument puts campers within easy reach of supplies while maintaining a mountain feel. "Great campground on Monument hill about 25 miles north of Colorado Springs. It has an outstanding view looking south of front range. Close access to the Air Force Academy and all the great things to do around Colorado Springs," shares one Colorado Heights Resort camper.
Panoramic summit views: Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers exceptional vistas for those willing to navigate the access road. "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded. Very few other campers up there at the time we visited," reports one visitor. Higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures in summer months.
Water activities for hot days: At Chatfield State Park, the reservoir provides relief from summer heat. "Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," notes one camper. The park requires both a day use fee ($10) and camping fee ($26-41 depending on hookups).
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Mount Herman Road requires careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles. "The road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks. About half way up looking for a way to turn around. We got lucky and found a space just barely large enough to back in to carefully," warns one Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping visitor. High-clearance vehicles are recommended after rainfall.
Fire restrictions change frequently: Dakan Road camping areas implement fire bans during dry periods. "There is a fee when you enter. $20/night for one car and $10/night for additional cars. Someone drives around and makes sure you have paid," notes a camper. Always check current fire restrictions before planning campfires.
Noise levels vary by location: Train traffic affects several campgrounds, especially near town. "Not a quiet campground for tenting. This campground is exceptionally nice and the staff is amazing, but if you are in a tent there is a lot of noise pollution from the interstate and trains that come by at all hours of the night blaring their horns," reports a Peregrine Pines visitor.
Water parks and activities: Jellystone Park at Larkspur offers extensive programming for children. "The campsites are amazing and the activities are so much fun. I love the proximity to Denver. Our kiddos love the characters. We will definitely be back each year, even more so with the new park!" shares one Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur visitor.
Educational fire tower hike: Devil's Head Campground provides access to the Devil's Head fire lookout trail. "The view is worth it and the Ranger makes it a great learning experience," notes a visitor. Children can earn certificates from the fire lookout ranger after completing the moderate 1.4-mile hike with 143 stairs at the summit.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Rampart Range Recreation Area offers encounters with local fauna. "The wildlife is abundant with many black squirrels and a ton of black bears," reports a camper. Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife viewing times, particularly around water sources.
Site leveling challenges: Colorado Heights requires preparation for uneven terrain. "Our location is quite unlevel. It took four blocks under all tires on one side of our Class A to bring near level. We had to put blocks under the rickety picnic table to even use it," shares one visitor. Bring extra leveling blocks for most sites in this area.
Water pressure variations: Water hookup sites often have strong pressure that can damage RV plumbing. "Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy," advises a camper at Peregrine Pines. Most area campgrounds recommend water regulators for hookup sites.
Limited connectivity: Internet access is inconsistent throughout the region. "The internet is terrible. Worst of any campsite we have visited. The internet is recognized, then when you put in the password, an exclamation point pops up that says it is unavailable," notes a Colorado Heights visitor. For reliable service, consider sites closer to Larkspur or Monument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks in Larkspur, CO with full hookups?
Pikes Peak RV Park offers full hookups, though it's better suited for smaller RVs despite accommodating some larger rigs. This park is located at the edge of Manitou Springs. For those seeking a more premium experience, Dakota Ridge RV Park provides full hookup sites with on-site propane service, though it tends to be on the pricier side even in winter months. The staff is known for being friendly and accommodating. Other options in the region include Peregrine Pines FamCamp near the U.S. Air Force Academy and Chatfield State Park Campground in Littleton, both offering hookup sites for RVs of various sizes.
What campgrounds are available in Larkspur, Colorado?
Larkspur and its surrounding area offer several camping options. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur is a popular family-oriented RV park right in Larkspur. Nearby, Indian Creek Campground provides a more traditional camping experience with a friendly host, though it's worth noting its proximity to Denver means some airport noise. Other options in the region include Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping for those seeking free camping, and Devil's Head Campground near Sedalia for a more rustic experience. The area's central location between Denver and Colorado Springs makes it an ideal base for exploring both urban attractions and natural areas like Pike National Forest.
What is Jellystone Park in Larkspur, Colorado and what activities do they offer?
Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur is a large, family-oriented camping resort specifically designed for families with children. The park features hundreds of camping spots and offers an impressive array of activities including a water park, bounce pad, putt-putt golf, and golf cart rentals. While not a wilderness experience (it's located close to the highway with associated noise), it provides convenient access to attractions in both Colorado Springs and Denver. For those wanting to explore nature during their stay, Spruce Mountain Trail is recommended nearby. The campground can get quite busy and noisy, especially during peak season, making it better for social campers than those seeking solitude.
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