Dispersed camping near Manitou Springs, Colorado offers tent and RV sites at elevations above 7,000 feet throughout Pike National Forest. Weather patterns in this region create significant temperature variations, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping into the 30s and 40s even during summer months. Forest Service roads leading to campsites range from well-maintained gravel to rough, rutted paths requiring careful navigation.
What to do
Fishing at creekside sites: The Seven Lakes Road/Forest Service Road 376 area provides access to creek fishing opportunities. "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook," notes Brooke H. about the Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed area.
Reservoir recreation: Campers can access Rampart Reservoir for additional activities beyond the campsite. "Nearby is the Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch trail I recommend walking from the site due to limited parking at the trailhead. 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," writes Heather C. at Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.
OHV trails: Multiple trail systems accommodate off-highway vehicles with varying difficulty levels. "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," states Monte P. about the Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping area.
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week visits significantly increase chances of finding secluded sites away from crowds. "We arrived on a Sunday in late September around 2:00pm. This site has an amazing sunset view every night," reports Heather C. about Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park, noting the timing helped them secure an ideal location.
Wildlife encounters: Various wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience throughout the region. "Awesome camp spot. Met a friendly dog and a random turkey. Beautiful scenery," writes Noah T. about his experience at Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.
Creek ambiance: Waterside camping provides both practical benefits and sensory enjoyment. "Such a beautiful place makes it up for the norrow/bumpy 8 miles road to get there. The creek sound off the noise of the busy road since I camped close to the road with my 21'TT," explains Karla L. from her experience at clyde dispersed camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access requirements differ between sites and seasons, with many areas becoming challenging after precipitation. "Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles," advises Monte P. about Mount Herman Road.
Trash management concerns: Campers consistently report issues with litter at popular sites. "We love to camp and get away, but not to this campsite. We arrived and notice the trash not the beauty of the mountain. There was trash everywhere and not just camping trash. People have been dumping here," warns Ashley B. about the Cascade-Chipita Park area.
Limited level sites: Finding adequately flat areas for tents or trailers requires preparation. "Multiple side roads off rampart range road leading to 6-8 sites each. Excellent view of pikes peak. A little windy and exposed but not too bad. Most of the sites were taken at noon on a Wednesday," reports Dan T. about Rampart Reservoir Dispersed.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for possible wildlife encounters and establish safety protocols. "We had a moose and deer at our campsite during the mornings so I suggest being weary of wildlife," advises Brianna K. about Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide.
Noise considerations: Some areas experience heavy recreational traffic that can impact sleep quality for young children. "This site is right at the intersection of Gold, Camp Road and FR376. It sits in the meadow right next to the creek. Given that it's next to the creek, there are bugs, so go prepared with fly traps and mosquito repellent," notes Chris P. about clyde dispersed camping.
Temperature management: Pack additional layers for children as temperatures drop substantially after sunset. "The nights were cold some lows 32° and it snowed the first night which we were hoping for. The sunrises were stunning watching the sunlight slowly shed light on the golden aspens was a beautiful sight," describes Heather C. about her family camping experience at Cascade-Chipita Park.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access limitations: Several roads have tight turns that restrict larger RVs and trailers. "I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well 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 Jaymin B. about Mount Herman Road.
Limited turnaround areas: Many forest roads lack adequate space to maneuver longer vehicles. "To get to this spot from Rampart range road was a bit tricky pulling a 28ft trailer with a Chevy Suburban 2500. The road up after Loy Creek rd was EXTREMELY washboard for the next few miles we drove very slow," reports Heather C. about her experience at Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping.
Dispersed sites with RV capacity: Certain locations accommodate larger vehicles despite road challenges. "There are two sites one of which is definitely big enough for a decent size rig. If all the sites at seven Lakes are taken and the sites further up 376 in the meadow on the left-hand side are taken and this is a good back up option," advises Chris P. about clyde dispersed camping.
