RV camping in Pike and San Isabel National Forests ranges from 6,000 to 14,000 feet elevation with substantial temperature fluctuations between day and night. Most campgrounds in this region experience 30-40°F temperature drops after sunset, even during summer months. Cell service varies dramatically based on surrounding terrain, with reception generally stronger at higher elevation campsites with direct line-of-sight to nearby towns.
What to do
Hiking accessibility: Rocking M Ranch Campground offers proximity to multiple trail systems while staying within 30 minutes of Colorado Springs attractions. "This is definitely a hidden gem with sites nestled up in the forest trees and close to everything you come to do while camping. Close to hiking, fishing, OHV trails, and anything you can think of for the Rocky Mountain outdoors," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: At Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort, guests regularly encounter deer and wild turkeys throughout the property. "We saw deer wander around the campsites every morning and evening. The sites are terraced so that everyone has a beautiful view," reports a reviewer who stayed for five nights.
Water activities: Royal Gorge RV Resort provides access to Arkansas River recreation within a short drive. The campground serves as an ideal base for rafting trips, with one visitor commenting: "The location was perfect, close to the Royal Gorge bridge, rafting in the Arkansas River, hiking trails, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and several great restaurants."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Unlike many packed RV parks, Rocking M Ranch Campground offers spacious, well-designed sites. "Views of mountains, pines and aspens and privacy in the well designed sites! Owners and camp hosts were delightful and helpful," states one reviewer who appreciated the natural separation between camping spots.
Clean facilities: Diamond Campground & RV Park maintains their bathhouses and common areas to high standards. "This is a nice campground. Some sites are not very level, but others are quite level. Easy to book and pic your desired site," notes a visitor, while another adds that the park has "clean and sanitary overall" conditions.
Family amenities: Royal Gorge RV Resort features recreational options beyond basic camping. "The playground was very kid friendly and the giant jumping pillow was super fun! We are already planning our next visit," writes one visitor who especially appreciated the child-friendly atmosphere.
What you should know
Site dimensions vary considerably: At Pikes Peak RV Park, site sizes differ dramatically throughout the property. "Sites were narrow and all utilities worked great just not a lot of space between rvs," reports a recent visitor, while another notes the spots are "very close together" despite the excellent location.
Seasonal noise factors: Mountaindale experiences weekday noise from a nearby rock quarry. "Beginning early morning until late afternoon M-F, trucks roar up and down this road. If your spot is near the road, as ours was, it is very annoying-especially if you try to set outside," advises a camper who recommends requesting spots away from the access road.
Mixed cellular connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. At Mountaindale, "there is no cell service for AT&T or T-Mobile, but you are able to do wifi calling with their WiFi and we streamed a movie one night," explains a reviewer, noting this limitation despite the otherwise excellent amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for on-site activities: Colorado Springs KOA provides extensive recreation options for children. "They have a water park for kids and a bounce pad. Lots of construction currently going on, and it looks hopeful," reports a visitor, while another mentions "they have fun activities for the kiddies or young at heart."
Consider noise levels: Highway proximity affects some rv campgrounds in Pike and San Isabel area. "The park itself is ok. Could use some sprucing up and a little more attention to the bathrooms. Pool area looks great for kids," notes a KOA visitor who gave a moderate rating due to the interstate noise levels.
Check bathroom facilities: Diamond Campground receives consistent praise for maintaining clean restrooms. "Large park with a good number of spaces. We stayed overnight in early July and actually pitched our tent next to our family RV underneath the awning, safe from the summer showers. Lots of amenities, including parks with play equipment for the kiddos, a dog park, nice bathrooms & showers."
Tips from RVers
Shared utilities: At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, some sites require resource sharing. "Checking in late, I didn't know we would SHARE a water spigot with my back neighbor until the next day," notes one RVer, recommending travelers check their specific site configuration upon arrival.
Leveling requirements: Mountain terrain often creates uneven camping pads. At Diamond Campground, "Some sites are not very level, but others are quite level," according to a review, highlighting the importance of having leveling blocks and equipment ready when camping in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests region.
Late arrival protocols: RV parks handle after-hours arrivals differently. Garden of the Gods offers straightforward late check-in: "After hours check in was easy and our campsite was easy to find," reports one visitor, though this varies significantly between campgrounds across the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands region.
