255 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Manitou Springs, Colorado range from established RV resorts to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. Garden of the Gods RV Resort and Pikes Peak RV Park provide full-hookup sites within city limits, while several dispersed camping areas exist along Rampart Range Road and Mount Herman Road for those seeking a more rustic experience. The region includes developed campgrounds with cabin rentals at Lone Duck Campground and tent camping at Mueller State Park, offering varying levels of amenities within a 30-minute drive of downtown Manitou Springs.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly by location and season in the Pikes Peak region. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round with paved access, while dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or snow. "This campground is very clean and well managed. Great location to visit Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Falls, Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, or the Cliff Dwellings which are less than an hours drive away," noted one visitor about Colorado Springs KOA. Elevation changes dramatically in the area, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations even during summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly on summer weekends and holidays.
Proximity to attractions represents a significant advantage for campers in the Manitou Springs area. Several visitors highlighted the convenience of using local campgrounds as a base for exploring regional highlights. Campers frequently mention the ability to access Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the Manitou Incline from nearby camping areas. Dispersed camping along Rampart Range Road receives consistently high ratings for its combination of natural setting and reasonable proximity to town. A visitor described Cascade-Chipita Park as "a gorgeous spot right outside of Woodland Park and only 35 minutes from Manitou Springs," noting its free camping and mountain views. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide showers and laundry facilities, while dispersed sites offer more privacy and typically allow pets with proper management.
"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."
"Although the RV park is nice, you're more-so paying for the location."
"Pets are not allowed on the trails & they do have rangers hiking looking for rule breakers. "
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
from $18 - $270 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."
from $40 - $87 / night
Check Availability"** General: Small (47 site) RV park at the eastern edge of downtown Manitou Springs, next to Schryver Park."
"Camp spots are super close to one another, but you are right up to a stream, there is a dog park and you can walk to downtown manitou springs."
"I loved this site it was close to everything I wanted to do and had the remote feeling I was looking for."
"We stayed for 8 days and enjoyed the hiking and town close by. Manitou springs is only 20 minutes away. Co springs is 10 minutes away."
from $28 - $144 / night
Check Availability"It is close to the highway and right on the Fountain river. Great stopping point for one night or use it as your base like we did."
"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."
"We booked 2 adjacent sites."
"We wanted to spend time in Colorado and Manitou Springs, but not be in town overnight. This is just off a main road, but is far enough away to not hear the noise."
from $39 - $77 / night
Check Availability"Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."
"Tucked back in National Forest land."
"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."
"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."
TravelerBasic amenities, but clean and easy to find. The campsite is very close to the highway, so if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, keep looking. However, if you just need a place to sleep with great views, this is a solid spot. We saw bighorn sheep and even heard what sounded like a bobcat possibly mountain lion at night.
ScoutI want to start on a positive because that is the type of person I am, and because this review is going to have a lot of negative. This park is a great location for sightseeing, especially if you are going to Pikes Peak by way of the Cog or shopping in Manitou. My GM and I worked hard to make the park as great as we could with the very little funding that we got. As seen in the reviews we had excellent customer service and had high standards for keeping the park clean. I was very good at my job and I loved doing the work until the new owners took over. When the park was sold, we had high hopes that the new owners would be good people and want to put real work into the park. We were very disappointed that they turned out to be money grubbing horrible people. Ken, one of the owners, treats people and his business very Trump like. He and his wife must state that they are religious more than a few times when having a conversation; I personally think this is to make themselves look good to cover the toxicity that truly lies under the surface. When they meet people, they put on a façade and lie and say whatever they think people want to hear to get what they want; proven to me by the broken verbal promises they made to me. They are not community driven; they are money driven; you can make money and still be good people, but they chose not to be. They practice wage theft just like big corporations by over working employees and under paying them; in their words“you must wear all hats”. They are the type of people that use others until they don’t need them then throw them away like garbage. I was bullied into quitting on a phone call where Ken was very disrespectful and unprofessional with me. The phone call was me trying to explain that I could no longer do the FB post due to our deferent ethical viewpoints, and he would not let me talk by saying“you are not doing your job, are you going to quit” repeatedly. I found out that I was not allowed to post about Manitou Pride parade because he said,“it is not family friendly, and the company and I do not promote the LGBTQ+ community”. I am a proud member of that community and so I should not be the one to post on FB for the company. The groundman quit a day later because of disrespect and broken verbal promises. Then a few days later my boyfriend was fired and then Sheryl the GM was fired.(I believe they were fired for retaliation) Ken only wants employees that are easy to exploit or controlled, because he is incapable of managing people without fear and bullying. He boasted that he is called the grim reaper in business, but I don’t think that is the flex he thinks it is. But yes, he was the destruction of the community we put so much work into. I also want to voice my disappointment in Dana, who Sheryl worked hard getting to be allowed to come back as an employee. Dana did great work her first summer with us, so it was a shock to see her true colors show when she started to brown nose Ken. She spread multiple rumors, I feel the worst one was about Melinda’s daughter and the things she wrote about in her diary. I also did not like how she used David, the guy that does the golfcart tours in Manitou, was nice to his face then talked so badly about him when he was not around. I truly think Jesue and her father would be ashamed of her for how she acted to get her new position.
TravelerIf you are going to camp at a lakefront spot definitely have something you can sit in else you will be attacked by flies. Super quiet during the week - got busy over the weekend.
ScoutFound a great spot a bit further in surrounded by Juniper trees and a bit of grassy patches and rock fire pit. Love the open space and secluded spots! Definitely not ideal for the cacti. Our pup ended up sniffing one and got the needles in her muzzle. 😬 Weather is pretty nice with highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s
GuideOur Campsite was nice, very clean and well kept. It did seems like the sites were a bit to close together and every spot filled. Pads were level, area around the picnic table spacious. Pit toilets were clean. The dump station was very nice and easy to use. We were driving down through Colorado to view the Fall Aspen leaves. I wish we would have stayed longer at this campsite. We stayed at the Conifer Ridge loop site 46 ...
ScoutWe absolutely love Badger Flats, and even though it’s no longer free ($15/night), it’s still our go-to campground. If you don’t mind the occasional dirt bike/ATV and no services, and love a beautiful area with camp spots spread out - then go to BF.
GuideBeautiful drive out here past window rock!
LegendThis middle section of the road has mixed spots some are wooded some are wide open it really just depends on whats available. People pour in around dusk so get there early and get a good spot with a mountain view and maybe you will see a moose like i did. Road is good cell is 1-2 bars in this secrion
LegendThis middle section of the road gas some of the best views of pikes peak. Just cruise along the road there are a couple prime.spots you could get a trailer in and then several car sized spots for vans and smaller rigs. Road is 2wd safe but cell is a little spotty
Camping sites near Manitou Springs, Colorado range from 6,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature variations between campgrounds. Summer nights at higher elevation campsites like Mueller State Park can drop below 40°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Winter camping is limited to lower elevations, with many mountain roads closed from November through April.
Fishing at Rainbow Gulch: The Rampart Range Road dispersed camping area provides access to Rainbow Gulch trail leading to Rampart Reservoir. "We took this hike and it was absolutely fantastic, a majestic walk through the woods brings you to flowing creek that you follow all the way down to the reservoir," notes one Rampart Range Road camper.
Wildlife viewing at Mueller State Park: The park offers excellent opportunities for animal spotting throughout the day. "We saw some deer that came through our site. Just a real nice relaxing place!" shares a Mueller State Park visitor. The park maintains over 30 miles of trails with regular wildlife sightings.
Visit the May Tropical Museum: Golden Eagle Campground features an unexpected attraction on-site. "Cool bug museum in the registration building," mentions one camper, while another notes it's worth seeing: "Also, be sure to see the May Tropical Museum while you are there."
Mountain views from elevated sites: Mount Herman Road dispersed camping offers panoramic vistas from several established sites. "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!" reports one Mount Herman Road camper. Most sites sit at elevations between 7,500-8,500 feet.
Creek-side camping: Pikes Peak RV Park features premium sites along Fountain Creek. "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," shares a visitor to Pikes Peak RV Park. Creek sites typically cost $5-10 more per night.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds near Manitou Springs feature facilities specifically for children. "The heated pool is awesome (and pretty darn warm!), the little trout pond is nice for the kids (you have to pay $6 for each fish that you catch, though, and there is no catch and release), and they have a really great arcade in the main office game room," reports a Lone Duck camper about the facilities.
Fire restrictions: Bans are common during dry summer months, particularly at dispersed sites. "Sadly no campfires, so early to bed," notes one Cascade-Chipita Park camper. Call the Pike National Forest office (719-636-1602) for current regulations before your trip.
Limited privacy at popular RV parks: Many established campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. "Sites are super close together. The 'mountain stream' buts up against an apartment complex and the highway noise is awful," warns a Lone Duck Campground visitor about site spacing expectations.
Weekend crowds at dispersed sites: Free camping areas fill quickly on summer weekends. "Ended up a parking lot by the end of the night. Too busy with inconsiderate neighbors," reports a Rampart Range Road camper. Thursday arrival is recommended for weekend camping at popular dispersed areas.
Budget-friendly cabin options: Colorado Springs KOA offers affordable cabin rentals when tent camping isn't ideal. "Me along with four other friends spent several days tent camping around the Colorado Springs area. On our last night of travel, our camping plans fell through and we needed to find a convenient place late at night to rest. We ended up at the KOA and took advantage of one of their adorable little cabins. All five of us spent the night, actually pretty comfortably," shares a Colorado Springs KOA visitor.
Morning wildlife encounters: Lone Duck Campground offers reliable wildlife viewing opportunities. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," recalls a camper. Early morning (5-7am) provides the best viewing opportunities.
Shower facilities: Cheyenne Mountain State Park provides clean bathroom facilities. "Excellent, new bathrooms with pay showers and a laundry facility," notes one visitor to the park. Showers cost $2 for 4 minutes, with quarters required.
Site selection for larger rigs: Garden of the Gods RV Resort requires careful site selection for bigger RVs. "I paid $63/night for a Deluxe Plus Back-In spot. I was given D18 which was not only incredibly narrow, but very difficult to get into. Other, cheaper sites around the campground were much more spacious and didn't require removing my sway bars to back in to," cautions a Garden of the Gods RV Resort visitor.
Shared utilities setup: Several RV parks in the area have unusual utility arrangements. "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. The spigot was shared between our sites," notes another Garden of the Gods visitor. Call ahead to confirm your specific site's utility layout.
Limited pull-through availability: Lone Duck Campground has few options for RVs needing pull-through access. "Could be a bit tough for fifth wheelers or people that need to pull through they only have a few of those," warns a camper. Reservations for pull-through sites should be made 4-6 months in advance during peak summer season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Manitou Springs?
For free dispersed camping near Manitou Springs, Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park is an excellent option. Located just west of Manitou Springs, this area offers well-maintained gravel roads with spots about 250 feet from your car. The sites are accessible for all mobility levels and provide a peaceful setting despite occasional passing cars. For additional dispersed options, Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping provides free camping opportunities in the Pike National Forest. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Are there RV parks or RV-friendly campgrounds in Manitou Springs?
Pikes Peak RV Park is located right in Manitou Springs along the creek that runs through town. This smaller park (47 sites) is better suited for smaller RVs, offers creekside spots, shade trees, and clean facilities. A free shuttle stop for Manitou Springs provides convenient access to town. Garden of the Gods RV Resort is another excellent option nearby, offering a central location for exploring both Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. While spaces can be tight, the prime location near Garden of the Gods park and easy access to local attractions makes it worth considering.
What campgrounds are available in Manitou Springs, Colorado?
While Manitou Springs itself has limited camping options, several great campgrounds are available nearby. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is about 20 minutes from Manitou Springs, offering simple sites with a remote feel while remaining accessible to attractions. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins in Cascade is minutes away from Manitou Springs, Pike's Peak, and Cave of the Winds, providing convenience while maintaining a secluded atmosphere. Both options serve as excellent bases for exploring the area's natural wonders and tourist attractions.
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