175 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Wetmore, Colorado range from full-service RV parks to primitive sites in public lands. The area features several established options including Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, which offer free dispersed camping with basic amenities, and Aspen Acres Campground with more developed facilities for tents, RVs, and cabins. Mixed-use campgrounds in the region typically provide fire rings and picnic tables, while more developed sites like Arkansas Point Campground at Lake Pueblo State Park include electric hookups, showers, and water access. Many locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities and site size vary considerably.
The camping season typically runs from May through October, with some higher elevation sites closing earlier due to snow. Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations during peak summer months. "Very Clean and convenient location to Colorado Springs. Thought highway traffic noise would be a problem but, could not tell RV park is next to the interstate," noted one camper about a nearby KOA. Terrain varies significantly throughout the area, from flat, easily accessible RV sites to more rugged tent camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Forest Service and BLM lands generally have primitive facilities with vault toilets but lack hookups or running water. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in August and September when wildfire risk increases.
Campers frequently mention the stunning mountain views and accessibility to nearby attractions as highlights of the region. The proximity to Colorado Springs, Pueblo Reservoir, and Royal Gorge creates convenient base camps for day trips. Several visitors noted the quality of nearby hiking trails and fishing opportunities, particularly at sites near water features. Lake Pueblo State Park campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for their waterfront access and well-maintained facilities, though they tend to fill quickly on summer weekends. More secluded camping can be found along Phantom Canyon Road and other BLM areas, where privacy comes at the cost of fewer amenities. A review of East Ridge Campground mentioned that "spaces were VERY close together" at some developed sites, suggesting campers seeking solitude should consider more remote options.
"Look for the off-trail spots to find a more private campsite."
"Free BLM sites along Phantom Canyon Road, an hour outside Colorado Springs. Small creek that follows the road to camp along. Pre-existing fire rings."
"This was first camping trip staying in a Colorado State park and it was great! We had an electric only back-in site next to the bathhouse which was clean and had 4 separate bathrooms with showers."
"We were visiting a friend in Pueblo and this place was close by. (Downtown Pueblo has a really nice riverwalk. Found a free museum that honored Medal of Honor recipients.)"
from $36 / night
Check Availability"Right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado, the highest suspension bridge in North America ! Do the Segway tour over the bridge!!"
"Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site."
"There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25."
"We probably had the worst walk-in site, distance wise. A long walk with all of our stuff. We'll chose a different one next time. All-in-all, it's a great clean CG with an attentive host."
"Great camping spot just south of Colorado Springs. The views were amazing of all the tall, gorgeous aspen trees and we were right by the creek which at night was so very peaceful to fall asleep too."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Arrived around 2 on a Saturday in the middle of August without reservations.. The camp takes reservations and there's a lady that comes around regularly to check registration/ enforce check out time."
"There is only one hand pump near sites 6/7 that takes forever to get water from, but does work (it was easier just to get water from the stream to put out the campfire than use the pump)."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"This is our second time visiting Lake Pueblo. After staying at Arkansas Point the first trip, we decided to check out the other side of the lake and reserved a spot in Yucca Flats."
"The access to the lakeside water can be a bit tricky. Look for small trails that lead down to the lake. Lots of cliff spots and drop offs."
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Our tent spot was tucked back in a quiet place, close walk from our tent to plumbed toilets and a further walk to the bathhouse with showers."
"Although with the COVID-19 virus going around the folks camping seem to be a little light and it does fill up fairly well on weekend campers it's a diamond in the rough for a place to be away from the"
"Tucked away and very nice campground close to the Royal Gorge and Canon City if you need to get camping supplies. Get water and ice at the filling station by the Goodwill store for a great price."
"This campsite is a little hub for a great trail system around the area. Was able to hop some trails with my bike just a few feet away from my campsite."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The family has property in Colorado city and we still love to come to local mountain! Great fishing, clean, quiet, & plenty of space"
"It is a beautiful quiet campground right next to a creek. It is not free though, it is $25 per night which is fine."
from $25 / night
Check Availability
ScoutNice location on the Arkansas River, especially if you can get one of the river sites. Heavily shaded and well off Hwy. 50 so it’s quiet. Not cheap but worth it. About a 20 minute trip to Salida.
ScoutWe were in #7 and even though we were fairly close to our neighbors, the trees kept it cozy. The creek access and beautiful views made it worth it!
RangerWe only stayed here for one night, and for a short stay, this campground worked really well. The restrooms were clean, and the showers were in good condition too. The campsites were a bit too close together for our taste, and the electrical hookups were placed in somewhat awkward locations. That’s definitely an area where some improvements could be made. Other than that, it’s a nice campground and a good option for a stopover.
ScoutWe love this campground and come every spring. The sites are clean and love the cement pads . And what a view. We do have one issue with this park. The entrance road all the way to the sites is horrible. We counted 103 severe deep cracks in the road. In addition there are numerous manholes that have sunk. Perhaps the state park can ask for more lottery money to get this road fixed!
ScoutThis campground is easily accessible and has beautiful views! The restrooms are clean and well taken care of, camp host is friendly and helpful. Fire wood bundle available here for $10, really not a bad price, the fire pits are perfect size with a grill. Love love love this campground, can’t wait to come back !
TravelerBeautiful view of the Arkansas river right across, very clean, easy access, no phone service so prepare for that, have to reserve spot though ahead of time.
ScoutTerrible bathrooms, no wi-fi available during our visit, not honoring veterans, definitely not a Resort!
ScoutLovely spacious site with hook-ups. Clean, spacious (and warm!) restroom although only one toilet and shower for females.
TravelerWell laid out campsites, level spots on asphalt. Each spot has some grass and a nice picnic area and fire pit. Beautiful views and great trails. The bathrooms could have been a little cleaner and better stocked with TP and paper towels.
Camping spots near Wetmore, Colorado sit at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet where temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from day to night, even in summer months. The region's transition zone between mountains and plains creates distinct camping microclimates, with higher elevations typically 10-15 degrees cooler than lower areas. Most campgrounds in this region experience heavy weekend traffic from May through September, while weekdays offer significantly more solitude and site availability.
Waterfall hiking near Ophir Creek: The campground offers access to a scenic waterfall trail that requires crossing the creek multiple times. "We took the 1-mile trail south to a really nice waterfall. Why they don't have a sign for directions to it, I don't know! The trail is pretty well worn and you have to cross the creek in three places, walking over stacked logs - some pretty precarious 'bridges'," notes one Ophir Creek Campground visitor.
Mountain biking on East Ridge trails: The trail system at East Ridge offers varying difficulty levels with technical sections overlooking the gorge. "Lots of nice trails nearby that are rated easy. Beautiful spot to watch a sunset," reports a camper at East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge, adding that "There are beautiful fire pits and standard picnic tables."
Rock collecting and geology exploration: The area's geological diversity provides opportunities for amateur collectors. "Great for rockhounding! Lots of orange granite and feldspar, opaque quartz. The Royal Gorge is beautifully metamorphic," shares a visitor to East Ridge Campground.
Creek-side camping ambiance: Many campers value waterfront sites for their natural sound barrier. A visitor to Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites shares, "We found an amazing camp site that was down a slope... There was 5 different camp site areas at the bottom right next to the water. The worst and only bad part was the insane amount of biting flies."
Dark sky stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. One camper at Davenport Campground noted, "At night the site was amazingly dark. This was my first real time seeing the Milky Way. It was so amazing I am glad my friend was there so I have backup to my story."
Wildlife observation opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife viewing possibilities. "We only encountered a few animals - rock squirrels and birds. There were many flowers still in bloom, but waning with fall coming soon," reports a September visitor to Ophir Creek Campground, while another camper mentions, "We were also visited by some wildlife. A deer walked up to our site when we were making smores."
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds have problematic water supplies. One RVer at Aspen Acres Campground stated, "All fine for a night except we filled our tank with the most disgusting undrinkable water imaginable. I'd not come back for that reason." Another camper noted, "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!"
Insect issues during warm months: Biting insects can be problematic in certain areas. "The insane amount of biting flies. It was unbearable at times and our dogs were very stressed from them all over them. Bring those fly bags that attract them away from you," warns a Phantom Canyon visitor, while another adds, "There is a lot of biting flies so bring bug spray if you plan to camp!"
Poison ivy awareness: Some hiking trails have significant poison ivy growth. "The only downside to hiking was watching out for poison ivy, and there was plenty of it all along the creek and on the hiking trail," cautions a visitor at Ophir Creek Campground.
Look for sites with shade structures: Built coverings provide crucial sun protection. A camper at Juniper Breaks Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park shares, "Each site at Juniper Breaks has a fire ring, tent spot, and a picnic table-with shade over the table. The sites aren't super close together, you can see each other but I felt like we had privacy."
Plan for junior ranger programs: Educational opportunities are available for children. "We took our kids (2, 5, & 7) to the junior ranger class they host at the visitor center almost every Saturday. They learned about boat safety and got free sunglasses and emergency whistles. My 7 year old niece finished her ranger booklet and got a junior ranger badge, which she loved."
Consider walk-in distance with children: Some sites require significant carrying of gear. "We probably had the worst walk-in site, distance wise. A long walk with all of our stuff. We'll chose a different one next time," reports a family that visited Ophir Creek Campground, suggesting parents plan their site selection carefully.
Check satellite connectivity: Cell service varies drastically between campgrounds. A visitor to Phantom Canyon noted, "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."
Beware of low clearance entrances: Some campgrounds have height restrictions that can damage taller RVs. A camper at Northern Plains Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park warns, "40'+ 5th wheels, READ: 12' clearance coming into the park WILL HIT YOUR AIR CONDITIONERS. Use the main road and block traffic, don't go under the covering thing."
Consider hookup placement: The location of utilities can affect optimal RV positioning. One visitor to Aspen Acres Campground explained, "We only wish we had a longer power cable. Our port is at the back and the outlet was way up front. To reach, we had to set up near the front of the site which limited our parking."
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities are available around Wetmore, Colorado?
The Wetmore area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. At Mueller State Park Campground, visitors can access an extensive trail system perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Water enthusiasts will enjoy Juniper Breaks Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park which provides access to boating, fishing, and swimming. The region also features scenic drives, mountain biking trails, rock climbing opportunities in nearby areas, and horseback riding. Birdwatching is excellent throughout the area, particularly in state parks. During winter months, nearby areas offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions permit. The diverse landscape around Wetmore provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure throughout the year.
Where can I find camping near Wetmore, Colorado?
Wetmore is conveniently located near several excellent camping options. Lake Pueblo State Park offers multiple campgrounds including Arkansas Point with electric sites and clean bathhouses with showers. For those seeking camping closer to the mountains, Davenport Campground near Canon City provides a forested retreat with reservable sites and basic amenities. Other nearby options include Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites for free dispersed camping and Penrose Common Rec Site which accommodates larger RVs. Most campgrounds in the region offer a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with the state park options typically providing the most amenities like showers and electric hookups.
When is the best time of year to visit Wetmore, Colorado for camping?
Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant camping conditions around Wetmore, with summer being the peak season. At Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park, campers report lovely weather in early December with highs in the 60s, though many campground loops close for winter. Cheyenne Mountain State Park provides comfortable camping from May through October with good access to trails and amenities. Summer brings warm days perfect for outdoor activities, while fall offers spectacular colors with cooler temperatures. Winter camping is possible at some locations but with limited services. Spring brings wildflowers but can be unpredictable with occasional snow through May. For the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, aim for weekdays in June or September.
Keep Exploring
