Best Campgrounds near Palmer Lake, CO

Campers looking for spots near Palmer Lake, Colorado can find good options within a short drive. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground tends to have deer wandering through, making morning coffee more interesting. Over at Chatfield State Park Campground, the lake works well for paddleboarding when winds are calm. Mueller State Park Campground has trails leading up to some pretty mountain views that don't require serious hiking skills. The campgrounds generally have decent bathrooms and water spigots throughout. Some sites sit closer together while others have more trees between them for better privacy. Most camping areas have enough trees to give you shade during hot afternoons. Keep your food locked up at night since wildlife comes through regularly. The main Rocky Mountain areas are close enough for day trips if you want bigger mountains. Great Sand Dunes sits a few hours away but makes a worthwhile side trip. Fishing spots along the Colorado River attract many campers during summer months. Colorado Springs isn't far when you need to restock ice or groceries. Both tent and RV campers will find suitable sites at these parks. The weather changes quickly here, so checking forecasts daily helps avoid surprises. Palmer Lake's surrounding camping areas give you different landscapes to choose from depending on what you're after.

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Best Camping Sites Near Palmer Lake, Colorado (242)

    1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "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!"

    "30 minutes and kick back and please crack a cold one for Colorado being the best place."

    2. Peregrine Pines FamCamp

    20 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 333-4980

    "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."

    3. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins

    34 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 684-9907

    $40 - $87 / night

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    "It is in Cascade, CO right off of Highway 24. It is minutes away from Pike's Peak, Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds, Red Rocks Open Space, and Colorado Springs."

    4. Colorado Campground

    21 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    $28 - $38 / night

    "Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST

    [https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"

    5. Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    45 Reviews
    Manitou Springs, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 475-9450

    "The park is conveniently located close to everything to do in Colorado Springs. Spaces were VERY close together. There is no view of any of the surrounding beauty."

    "This campground is a great central location for everything around Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. It is very close to Garden of the gods park and red rock open space."

    6. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    11 miles

    "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. Given we went in October, but we were the only campers around our area."

    "There were a few pull-off roads off of rampart. Each pull off had a few camping spots with a place for a tent and a fire circle. The view was great and it was a beautiful area."

    7. Mueller State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Divide, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 687-2366

    $28 - $270 / night

    "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."

    "By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"

    8. Colorado Heights Resort

    13 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 481-2336

    "Great campground on Monument hill about 25 miles north of Colorado Springs. It has a outstanding view looking south of front range."

    "It’s a little tight at the entrance with the tree of shame. I didn’t hit the tree. So get there early enough that light is still out. Not like we did rolling in late."

    9. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

    "Tucked back in National Forest land."

    10. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur

    19 Reviews
    Larkspur, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 325-2393

    $50 - $170 / night

    "We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."

    "When we arrived we found out our spot was by the train we asked to be moved and they were extremely accommodating and put us in another spot up higher away from train."

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Recent Reviews near Palmer Lake, CO

1647 Reviews of 242 Palmer Lake Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    Stunning views

    Stunning views of the canyon and great star gazing. Just get there on a weekday or all of the off the road spots will be taken up.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • k
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Colorado Heights Resort

    Nice site, but very close to civilization

    We enjoyed are stay here. The site was well taken care of and the people were nice. The only cons for us were how loud the traffic sounds were and how close together the sites are.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lost Park Road Dispersed Camping

    My fav spot close to home

    Just visit it, you’ll see. Far from 285, far from the city… you can’t beat it, amazing rolling hills and sunsets

  • Randy H.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Mountain View RV Resort

    Paul, the owner, is incredibly rude and condescending

    Paul, the owner, insisted on parking us and giving inch-by-inch instructions.  He was terrible toward my wife, who was standing at the back of the rv and called to tell me I was hitting a tree.  He demanded she get off the phone and stop interfering.  Had she not "interfered", I would have damaged my RV.  Paul didn't care, his ego was too fragile to admit a mistake.  We were parked right next to highway 50 and experienced road noise at all hours.  We drove past the KOA later and regretted not staying there.

  • Jenn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Goose Creek Campground

    Quiet Creek Camping

    We drove up on a Thursday night and there were only 3 spots take . We camped at spot 9 which is huge. You are downwind and near the bathroom so there’s a smell every now and then. Site 9 is huge, most level in some spaces for a tent and has easy direct access to the creek. This is a shady site and pretty close to site 8. I would say that sites 8-10 have the best creek access, 6 has it but not as direct.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Crags Campground

    Great Campground

    Very well maintained campground with spotless vault toilets and clean camp sites.  The camp host was very friendly and helpful.  He had firewood for sale and offered warnings for recent wildlife issues.  

    We rolled in mid-afternoon Thu and 5 sites were open.  They were all claimed by that evening.   There was regular flow of people searching for sites into the evening, but they turned around at the entrance once the Full sign went up.  When we left Sun morning there many sites available.

    It got quiet early and was great overnight, but many campers are early risers for the hike up Pikes Peak.  

    No mobile signal once turning off the paved highway.  

    The two well water spigots were working.  Creek was flowing well and could also be filtered.

  • G
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    We will be back!

    Stopped in Cañon City then drove out to phantom canyon gold belt tour. The coordinates will take you to where the paved road turns to dirt. You need to go a few more miles and you will see signs for BLM land. The farther you go the better the sites. We camped next to Eight Mile Creek and the tunnel. The flies and mosquitos were bad but our bug screens did their job until dark then we had to close up the van. It was an amazing experience being in the canyon. Starlink worked great as there is no Verizon cellular for miles. It took us three attempts to get our overweight 2-wheel drive van up the hill and back onto the road. There are a lot of loose rocks. We are planning to head back down and drive the whole byway this fall.


Guide to Palmer Lake

Camping near Palmer Lake, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Paddleboarding and Water Sports: Chatfield State Park Campground is a great spot for paddleboarding. One visitor mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a perfect place to cool off on hot days.
  • Hiking: Mueller State Park Campground has trails that lead to stunning views. A camper noted, "Short walk to Grouse peak," which is ideal for those who love to explore nature.
  • Wildlife Watching: Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer shared, "We saw deer multiple nights," highlighting the chance to see animals up close.

What campers like

  • Friendly Staff: Many campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. At Chatfield State Park Campground, one visitor said, "The staff is really nice and you have all the services that you need."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Mueller State Park Campground. One reviewer stated, "Campsites 8 and 9 offer stunning views of Sentinel Point," making it a picturesque spot for camping.

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes," so be prepared for early morning sounds.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, at Mueller State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "No water at site but several drinking water stations with hose hookups," so plan accordingly.
  • Access and Terrain: Some campgrounds require a bit of driving on rough roads. A review for Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping stated, "Four wheel drive is required," which is important for those planning to visit.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. The Colorado Springs KOA offers fun activities like mining for gems and tie-dye shirts, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "They do fun activities on the weekends."
  • Safety and Cleanliness: Choose campgrounds that prioritize cleanliness. A visitor at Lone Duck Campground and Cabins mentioned, "Nice bathroom/showers," which is essential for families with kids.
  • Space for Play: Ensure there's enough space for kids to play. At Golden Eagle Campground, one camper noted, "Every site had its own fire pit, and amazing views were present," providing a great environment for family fun.

Tips from RVers

  • Site Size and Accessibility: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Cherry Creek State Park Campground said, "We stayed in Site 95 and had no trouble fitting our 29’ Class C," which is reassuring for RV travelers.
  • Amenities Check: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, one visitor mentioned, "The park was fine... nice facilities; main laundry," which can make your stay more comfortable.
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of road conditions leading to campgrounds. A camper at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping advised, "Road was very rutted and bumpy," so it's best to check your vehicle's capabilities before heading out.

Camping near Palmer Lake, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds like Chatfield State Park Campground, Mueller State Park Campground, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground, you're sure to find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or fees are required for camping at Palmer Lake?

Camping fees near Palmer Lake vary by location. At Mueller State Park Campground, expect to pay standard state park fees that include a daily vehicle pass plus camping fees (typically $20-30 per night). For dispersed camping options like Rampart Range Road, no fees are required, but you may need a free Motor Vehicle Use Map from the Forest Service to ensure you're camping in designated areas. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins requires reservations and charges fees based on site type and season. Always check for fire restrictions, which are common in this area during dry months.

Where can I find camping near Palmer Lake, Colorado?

There are several camping options near Palmer Lake. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers free, primitive camping with beautiful views just west of Palmer Lake. For those seeking more amenities, Colorado Heights Resort is located about 10 miles south on Monument Hill, providing outstanding views of the Front Range and convenient access to the Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs attractions. Other nearby options include Rampart Range Road dispersed camping areas and several established campgrounds around the Woodland Park area, all within a 30-minute drive of Palmer Lake.

Are there established campgrounds at Palmer Lake?

While Palmer Lake itself doesn't have established campgrounds within the immediate town limits, several formal campgrounds are located nearby. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur is approximately 15 minutes east and offers full amenities including RV sites and cabins, though it's close to the highway. For a more natural setting, Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake provides beautiful lakeside camping with basic facilities about 30 minutes west. Peregrine Pines FamCamp near the Air Force Academy is another option for those with military connections, offering full hookups and amenities.