Looking for the best campgrounds near Manitou Springs, CO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Manitou Springs is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Manitou Springs, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$28 - $270 / night
"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."
"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."
$28 - $120 / night
"Quick access to CO. Springs and Manitou Springs. I'd stay again if I want full convenience. Showers and laundry. $50"
"The tent only sites are walk-in and $18…and by walk-in…between 10-100ft from the parking area depending on the site."
"Only downfall is that it was a bit of a drive to many main attractions in Colorado, but it was worth the drive."
"Convenient location to Cripple Creek CO. Mountain views. Situated on meadow hillside. Hiking trails, full hookups, fire rings with grills, picnic tables. Level sites with many pull thrus."
$28 - $38 / night
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
[https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
"Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "
$36 - $200 / night
"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
"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."
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- Most sites appeared to be just off the road so you will see others driving by, and some sites have close by neighbors so keep that in mind if you're looking for something more private.
- Livestock"
"Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."
$24 / night
"This is a wonderful campground at the end of the road near the dam and right next to the Platte. This is a wonderful spot for fly fishing, and can get busy sharing the river with day visitors."
"There is a trail above the camp that will take you up to some beautiful views through a meadow. Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp."
"Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"
"The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to eachother, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."
ScoutI typically disperse, but needed a quick night. Stopped in. The visitor center employee was not friendly. I tried to home with her and was super nice. I got nothing. Saw some deer and elk. Quick access to CO. Springs and Manitou Springs. I'd stay again if I want full convenience. Showers and laundry. $50
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684
Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.
Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.
Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.
There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.
Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.
The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.
No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.
With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.
Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.
You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!
Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.
All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.
LegendWe stayed in site # 43 and had electric and filled with water there it was a nice site. It was a pull thru site Conifer ridge loop. I had 2 bars with Verizon, nice restrooms, showers & a laundry room.
The BEST sites in our loop were #40 & 41 big pull thru sites facing Pikes Peak. Site # 36 is great to it's a back in site. Nice hikes though out the park it's well maintained. Pets are not allowed on the trails & they do have rangers hiking looking for rule breakers.
Went to Mike's barbecue had a great meal & ask for the candied bacon he doesn't advertise it, sells out quickly. Also went to McGinty's slow service but a good dinner.
Pikes Peak is close & what a beautiful Mountain. We saw lots of wildlife, wildflowers, very winding road with switchbacks going up and the summit at the top. It was cold up there had a cloud come in & it covered the peak. They sell a shirt Got Oxygen we bought one it's true. Elevation is 14,115 Crystal reservoir was beautiful. Had some snow patches up higher. They hit a limit & part way up you may have to stop & take a bus the rest of the way (it's free) but we lucked out and got to drive the entire way up. Coming down they will stop you at a 1/2 way check point & check your breaks are not overheated. If they are you have to wait a 1/2 hour I believe to go back down. Drive in Manual and you will be fine.
Garden of the Gods isn't far that's beautiful too & the drive there is nice. Manitou Springs is a nice little town and Cripple Creek the other direction is really a cool town. springs
LegendThis campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!
ScoutMy grandson and I stayed there in June for 4 days in a 34ft travel trailer in a pull thru long enough not to have to unhook. The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site. About 30 min from Pueblo and 30 from Canon City on Hwy 50 just east of Hwy 115 Full hookup and good WiFi Also had 30 OTA channels. Beautiful sunsets of the mountains Hwy 50 close by but traffic was not loud enough to disturb us Horses on the property as well as a swimming pool and very friendly staff Very nice experience and only 40 min from Colorado Springs or Royal Gorge.
GuideColorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out. The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots. There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout. In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled. As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose. The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.
GuideMy folks bought property you can ride to Indian Creek from. Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!
GuideGreat location within Colorado's Mueller State Park. Easy access to trails, visitor center, and scenic drives. Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away.
GuideIndian Creek is lush and wooded, while still being close to Denver. The drive in is easy, following a paved road most of the way. Great spot for car camping. The Indian Creek trail system is ideal for mountain biking or running, with access to the Colorado Trail running through it as well.
Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manitou Springs, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manitou Springs, CO is Mueller State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 61 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manitou Springs, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Manitou Springs, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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