262 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Palmer Lake sits in the gap between Colorado Springs and Monument along the I-25 corridor, at around 7,000 feet with quick access to Elephant Rock and the open space trail system. Camping options close to Palmer Lake skew toward developed campgrounds in the surrounding county and forest land. The town itself has minimal camping infrastructure, so plan on driving west or south to reach sites with restrooms and water. The Dyrt check-ins from this stretch of the Front Range run highest in summer. Pike National Forest dispersed sites cover the no-fee forest camping closest to this corridor. Most sites fill on summer holiday weekends, so plan ahead if arrival falls on a Friday or Saturday night.
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $87 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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?"
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $170 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $28 - $270 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutHad to come to Arvada for a swim competition for my kid and decided to book here. I read the reviews before I came, I needed a place to park, plug-in, run my air conditioner between swim sessions and be able to freely drive in and out. Staff was very friendly, place had clean bathrooms and showers. No frills, met all of our needs.
TravelerMost excellent staff. The park is all crushed bedrock gravel. More trees than other local RV parks. Good facilities and exceptionally clean. Mix of long term and transient campers. Close to Old Colorado City with museums, street fairs, and etc. Good base to explore this part of the front range.
ScoutWe enjoyed a lot we have everything you need at it at a campground and courteous and very well knowledged enjoyed this day. The only bad thing I have to say about it is a little pricey.
GuideSpacious site with level concrete pads. Convenient to many attaching and amenities. Clean bath and shower facilities. Clean laundry facilities too
ScoutLots of garbage everywhere, only half the sites have bear boxes, a lot of car noise, and a lot of inconsiderate families that you can tell don't camp often. They're leaving bags of garbage outside, filling up air mattresses at 430 in the morning, letting their kids run around our campsite. We spent all of 12 hours here before deciding to leave and take the hit on the second night
GuideWe are new to RV camping but have been ‘campers’ for 20 years and MSP is a gem! We hiked no less than 6 miles for 3 days straight and hardly saw another person. It was pretty warm but many of the trails had a great mixture of sun shade and terrain! Nights were cool and the park rangers were very polite and helpful keeping all of us informed on wildfires and proximity of them. The only downside is we thought we would see more wildlife. It’s no wonder it’s hard to get a spot over the weekend at MSP. Love this park!!
ScoutExcellent campground. Great WiFi. Clean bathrooms. Laundry room is clean. Friendly service.
ScoutA good area ! We rolled in late at night on our way south and found a nice camp spot to spend the night. If you come in late like us and the first few spots are filled don’t worry. Just keep going up the road a few more miles and you will find an open spot!
TravelerGreat views, Milky Way was right above us, high ground clearance vehicles recommended, plenty of room for groups of RV’s, good distance between camping spots, but not completely secluded, great for riding ATVs and bikes, fire pits, bring extra water to ensure fire pit is fully out, check local fire bans, and tent camping bring a small portable gas stove with extra propane, no bathroom accommodations, first come, first serve, Free. It does get chilly at night, bring layers and good sleeping bags, Leave the planet better than when you found it and pack out all trash. Thank you, your fellow travelers.
Dispersed camping sites near Palmer Lake, Colorado provide unique opportunities for self-sufficient campers wanting to explore Pike National Forest. Located at approximately 7,200 feet elevation, the area experiences significant temperature drops at night even in summer months, often falling 30-40 degrees from daytime highs. Mount Herman Road offers several established dispersed sites with no amenities but direct access to hiking trails.
Trout fishing at Manitou Lake: The 5-acre Manitou Lake near Colorado Campground offers shoreline fishing opportunities. "There's an easy path to Manitou Lake where lots of folks were fishing and boating," notes Mary D., who adds, "Woodland Park is also a short drive away, in case you forget anything, or need to make a beer run."
Hike Rainbow Gulch Trail: Access this trail from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping for views of Pikes Peak. "The Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch trail I recommend walking from the site due to limited parking at the trailhead. 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," writes Heather C.
Mountain biking: Numerous trails permit mountain biking as well as access to the paved Centennial Bike Path. "Great hiking for little kids around the lake. Heavily wooded and spacious sites. Water available and clean latrines. The main Rocky Mountain areas are close enough for day trips if you want bigger mountains," Matthew J. shares about the trail network.
Panoramic mountain views: Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping provides excellent vistas. "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded. Very few other campers up there at the time we visited," reports Logan C.
Spacious dispersed sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out. "We arrived on a Sunday in late September around 2:00pm. This site has an amazing sunset view every night. 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," describes Heather C.
Wildlife encounters: The forest setting brings regular wildlife sightings. "We had worst camping experience here this week. We initially planned to do disperse camping for 4 nights here but ended up having to leave early after 3 unbearable nights," reports Frank C., who encountered noisy campers rather than peaceful wildlife.
Fire restrictions: Regulations can change quickly based on conditions. "Had to walk a bit but that's ok. Great views, no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed," notes Alice S. about Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park during a fire ban period.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas 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," advises Bailey H. about access routes.
Temperature fluctuations: The mountain elevation causes significant daily temperature shifts. "We stayed here for 6 nights in March. One night we got snowed in and another night we slept with open windows! Beautiful scenery, neat atmosphere," mentions Megan R. about the unpredictable weather patterns.
Established campgrounds for kids: Lone Duck Campground and Cabins offers family-friendly amenities. "All of the amenities. Pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms. Best place every. And surrounded by mountains!" enthuses Cody K.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning or dusk walks for best wildlife sightings. "The staff was super friendly and helpful! The facilities were always very clean. They had breakfast for you in the morning if you wanted for $5. We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," shares Tessa S.
Guided activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programming. "This is a great campground for introducing little ones to car camping. The campground is clean and well-maintained, the sites are good-sized and it's a short hike to decent fishing at Manitou Lake," notes Cody R.
Tight access considerations: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger RVs. "I didn't go all the way up, so I don't know if there is any kind of turn around up there. If someone knows, please enlighten me, as would like to know if I was going to be screwed if I went all the way up," cautions Jaymin B. after a challenging drive up Mount Herman Road with a 26-foot trailer.
Full hookup options: Garden of the Gods RV Resort provides amenities for RVers needing services. "Awesome staff, awesome people," notes Ace C., though other reviewers mention "tight spots and minimal privacy" typical of RV parks near tourist attractions.
Road grade challenges: Forest Service roads can present steep grades. "Sorry, No photos. It is very beautiful up there. I have only been here once, and I did not do enough research. I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks," warns Jaymin B.
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.
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