Camping spots near Midland, Colorado range from secluded forest sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups. This mountainous region sits at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet, creating challenging access conditions for many dispersed areas. Winter closures typically restrict access to remote camping locations from October through May, with seasonal openings dependent on snowmelt and road conditions.
What to do
Hike to Pikes Peak: Access the less-traveled backside trail from Crags Campground. "Great place to stay if you are wanting to hike pikes peak. Close to the trailhead that will take you up. This is on the backside of the mountain if you are in Colorado Springs," notes one visitor to Crags Campground.
Fish at Rampart Reservoir: Located near Gold Camp Road dispersed camping areas, this reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities. "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," shares a camper who stayed at Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed.
Visit historic mining towns: The nearby towns of Cripple Creek and Victor provide glimpses into Colorado's gold rush past. "Great hiking nearby and the towns of Cripple Creek and Victor are full of old mining history!" remarks a camper who enjoyed Cripple Creek KOA.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many sites along water features provide peaceful natural soundscapes. "We have stayed here twice once in campsite 46 very nice 47 even nicer two best lots here for us cuz we like being the by the water. The rush go by all night let's just sleep so good," describes a visitor to Lone Duck Campground and Cabins.
Wildlife viewing: Deer frequently visit camping areas throughout the region. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," shares a camper about their experience at Lone Duck Campground.
Dark skies for stargazing: Remote dispersed sites offer excellent night sky viewing. "Very quiet, fairly secluded. Dark skies, direct access to creek," notes a camper who stayed at Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. "The road in is gravel and pretty choppy, but the weather was good and my car made it fine but I was going like 5 mph. If the weather wasn't good you would probably need 4x4," warns a camper about Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping.
Altitude affects comfort: Most campgrounds sit above 8,000 feet, which impacts sleep and physical activity. "The air is thin up here- real thin. That also means that it's pure, clean blissfully light oxygen so breathe deep and enjoy it," explains a visitor to Cripple Creek KOA.
Trash issues at dispersed sites: Pack-out protocols aren't always followed at free camping areas. "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," reports a visitor to Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some established campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "They have a pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms. Best place every. And surrounded by mountains!" recommends a visitor to Lone Duck Campground.
Consider campgrounds with playgrounds: Children need recreation spaces after long car rides. "We stayed in conifer 25. Close to comfort station and playground. Coin showers but are super clean," notes a camper who visited Mueller State Park Campground.
Plan for weather changes: Prepare for sudden temperature drops, even in summer. "We spent most of the days away from base camp but in the late afternoon and evenings it was mostly quite. We woke up a few mornings to other campers down the road from us usually only stayed one night. Got below freezing so be ready for the cold," advises a camper who stayed at Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.
Tips from RVers
Call ahead for tight sites: Many RV parks have limited maneuvering space. "Unfortunately the RV park is nice, you're more-so paying for the location. The spots were really tight, but we spent most of our time out exploring the parks and historic Manitou Springs so we made it work during our stay," shares a camper at Garden of the Gods RV Resort.
Check for leveling challenges: Bring appropriate equipment for uneven sites. "Some sites are not very level, but others are quite level. Easy to book and pick your desired site," advises an RVer who stayed at Diamond Campground & RV Park.
Prepare for seasonal extremes: Mountain elevations mean wide temperature swings between day and night. "By 10:00 P.M. it seemed most of the spots were filled. 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," explains a visitor to Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.
