Campgrounds near Manitou Springs sit at elevations ranging from 6,400 to over 9,000 feet, creating diverse camping experiences from high desert to alpine forest settings. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 80°F during day, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through August. While traditional tent and RV camping dominate the area, several locations now offer yurt camping near Manitou Springs for those seeking shelter with minimal setup.
What to do
Hike the extensive trail system: Mueller State Park Campground features over 55 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. As camper Steve C. notes, "The trails were beautiful, well maintained, and not crowded at all." Many trails offer opportunities to spot wildlife including deer, which regularly pass through campsites.
Explore mining history: Just 35 minutes from Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek KOA puts you near historic mining towns. "The towns of Cripple Creek and Victor are full of old mining history!" shares Sarah F. The campground itself sits at 10,000 feet elevation, making it "the WORLD'S HIGHEST KOA," according to Tasha M.
Visit military sites: Peregrine Pines FamCamp provides access to Air Force Academy grounds with several walking trails. One camper mentioned, "Several walking trails that start at campground access with beautiful views of the AF Academy. The wildlife is abundant with many black squirrels and a ton of black bears."
What campers like
Clean, accessible facilities: Colorado Springs KOA receives praise for its maintenance. "The restrooms, showers, hookups, and amenities are all good. The staff is informed and friendly," writes Brooks M. The campground also features a water slide and other activities for kids.
Wildlife encounters: Diamond Campground visitors regularly spot deer wandering through the grounds. As Ioan P. reports, "Beautiful rv camp. We have uninvited friends, deers all over!" The campground's wooded setting creates natural habitat right among the campsites.
Spacious sites with mountain views: Swift Puma Heights Campground offers sites with panoramic views. "When you look out you can see all of Colorado Springs and it is really breathtaking to have an 'Up in the mountains' feel," notes Anthony B. Sites are designed with privacy in mind, with "plenty of bushes in between spots for moderate privacy," according to G C.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Manitou Springs require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, camper Deni B. advises, "You MUST make reservations well in advance."
Weather considerations: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months. "We got snowed in and another night we slept with open windows!" reports Megan R. about Peregrine Pines FamCamp in March, showing the unpredictable mountain weather.
Altitude effects: Camping at higher elevations can cause symptoms for visitors not acclimatized. At Cripple Creek KOA, Sarah F. warns, "The air is thin up here- real thin." Remember that physical exertion feels more strenuous at altitude.
Military base proximity: Several campgrounds near Manitou Springs border military installations. According to Hayley K., "Keep in mind that you are on a military base area so you will hear TAPS periodically throughout the day and night."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: While natural swimming areas are limited, Lone Duck Campground offers pool access and more. Cody K. highlights, "All of the amenities. Pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms. Best place every."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Colorado Springs KOA, John N Tanya W. observed, "The water park is Amazing!" They also noted seeing "11 people working at the same time at one point during the day," indicating good supervision.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can enjoy close encounters with local wildlife. Tessa S. from Lone Duck Campground shared, "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us."
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. Hayley K. mentions that Cheyenne Mountain State Park has "Lots of trails and ranger led events happening to keep you (and your kids and dogs) entertained."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At The Meadows Campground, Lynn A. advises, "All level spots here, full hook-up. Not much privacy or shade, but would still highly recommend." RVers should select sites based on size needs and hookup requirements.
Water pressure variations: RVers should come prepared for strong water pressure at some campgrounds. Anthony B. notes about Peregrine Pines FamCamp, "Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy."
Campground layout considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts for larger vehicles. At Diamond Campground, Cheryl W. cautions, "It is a little hard to figure out the roads and the proper direction to go to find your site and get into it."
Leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. As Cheryl W. advises about Diamond Campground, "Sites are not level, bring proper equipment for leveling."
