Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Manitou Springs, CO

PROS: It's FREE, as the great outdoors should be. Gravel roads are well maintained. Spots are far enough off the road w/o being too far from your car (~250 ft). Easy to access for any mobility-level or age. Peaceful and quiet except for the occasional passing car which is to be expected. Spots are relatively well spaced apart. Fire-pits galore! And our spot came w/ wood the last people left - thank you whoever you are! There's also plenty of other wood to gather if you aren't so lucky/didn't bring any. Absolutely gorgeous views - mountains, aspen, pine, wildflowers, etc.

CONS: We got there later in the evening and didn't have any issues with bugs but the next day the bees were out in full force for our lunch. There were some ants but they never really crawled on us or our stuff. Did see one tiny spider on the ground but otherwise didn’t seem like a very spider-ey place.

NOTES: Parking is only along the right side of the road so heads up. No restrooms. No water/stream access from the sites which is always nice to have but still. Farish Recreation Area is right down the street (although military only) and Rampart Reservoir is open to the public for $7/car in the same general area. 

Overall, cannot complain especially given that it's free! It's a gorgeous spot right outside of Woodland Park and only 35 minutes from Manitou Springs.

YES YES YES!! I loved this site it was close to everything I wanted to do and had the remote feeling I was looking for. I was able to visit rainbow Falls ( Graffiti Falls) in Manitou and Seven Falls in Colorado Springs from this site with no problem in the same day.

Sites were simple but had two different options with and without connections. When I was there it was considered winter rates which were $18 for no connections or $28 for full connections.

They do not require a reservation for this campsite and during the winter months are not full at all. I was there during the week and basically had the place to myself . But from what I was told they are very busy during prime months so it is suggested to get a site in advance especially for weekend stay.

This facility is very nice with several really interesting features including conference rooms and an amphitheater which you can rent.

One thing I wasn't expecting was pay showers so when I arrived I forgot to ask about that and had to make sure I had some cash when I returned from my adventures for those. I almost arrived to late for showers to be functioning, during cold weather months well into spring they are cut off for obvious concerns in freezing.

This site was around 20 minutes from Manitou Springs where I saw the Graffiti Falls and only about 10 minutes from Seven Falls. It was located in an area with quick access to Colorado Springs and the many amenities it has to offer in way of shopping and food without being right in the middle of the city.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes boondock style camping but can't find a spot due to the more strict rules in Colorado Springs, it is inexpensive and gives you a place to also have some really great amenities.

TIPS:

• If you are camping a lot in Colorado check out their State Park pass which is available for $70 and allows discounts and admission to state maintained facilities.
• Bring cash for showers!! Don't be like me be prepared.

The information above stating the campground is closed is incorrect! 

General: Small (47 site) RV park at the eastern edge of downtown Manitou Springs, next to Schryver Park. This park is best suited for smaller RVs (although we did see some larger rigs).

Site Quality: As is typical for RV parks, sites are close together and without privacy separation. There are trees for shade though. Sites 1-24 back up to the recreation path (with access to the path) and sites 26– 47 back up to the creek. Although being creekside would be nice, these sites are closer to the road, and you will hear more traffic noise. 

Restrooms: These require a code to enter and have showers. Cleaned daily from 11 am– 1 pm and they were very clean (with soap and paper towels). 

Activities: So much to do in Manitou Springs including the cog railway to Pikes Peak, the Manitou Incline (for the very fit), shopping, and restaurants. Close to Garden of the Gods City Park in Colorado Springs. Schryver Park is nice. There are eight mineral springs, and you can do a walking tour to visit all of them. Each has a different taste to the water. If you stop by the Chamber of Commerce, you can pick up a collapsible tasting cup. 

Sheryl, the General Manager, was very friendly and accommodating. We had not planned to stay here but were pleasantly surprised there was availability on Memorial Day weekend when we stopped in. Although we don’t typically like or stay in RV parks, this was a perfect base for us to explore what the area had to offer. WiFi is included.