231 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campground options around Colorado Springs spread across a wide elevation range, from lower-elevation parks close to downtown to developed sites up toward Pikes Peak and beyond. The Dyrt campers checking in across this corridor report a mix of RV parks with full hookups in the city, Forest Service sites in the hills, and a handful of dispersed spots in the national forest to the west. RV parks near Colorado Springs cover the hookup-site options in detail, including which parks handle larger rigs and which run tight on space.
Mueller State Park, west of Colorado Springs off Highway 67, has flush toilets and hot showers, which stands out against most Forest Service options in the area. Summer weekends fill fast. Campgrounds with direct access to Pikes Peak Highway or Garden of the Gods tend to book out 2-3 months in advance for Friday and Saturday nights. Dispersed camping on Pike and San Isabel National Forests land outside Colorado Springs stays open on a first-come basis with no fees, but those roads have their own access variables depending on season and recent weather.
Woodland Park about 18 miles northwest is a practical fallback when Colorado Springs-area campgrounds are full. Snow closes higher-elevation sites from October through May, so the available count drops considerably for anyone planning a late-fall or winter trip.
"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."
"Located about 10-15min from Colorado Springs area."
"Very Clean and convenient location to Colorado Springs. Thought highway traffic noice would be a problem but, could not tell rv park is next to the interstate."
"Easy park to get to, right off hwy 115, in Colorado Springs. The camp sites are decent. Tent, drive in, walk in drive through sites."
"We had a walk in sight that was beautiful! Great view, private, and even saw some deer walk by at dusk. Showers cost a couple bucks coins and only last 4 minutes, so scrub quick."
from $28 - $144 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We live in Colorado Springs so this camp ground is very close! Pros: So fun to have a swimming pool! Great for kids! Great site with lots of trees!"
from $40 - $87 / night
Check Availability"** General: Small (47 site) RV park at the eastern edge of downtown Manitou Springs, next to Schryver Park."
"Another nice feature is the free shuttle for Manitou has a bus stop along the road just outside the entry. I was suprised upon arrival the campground changed ownership since our last visit."
"Downtown Colorado Springs is minutes away and close to attractions. Plus you can take advantage of on base shopping and more."
"Love the ability to base from here in the Colorado Springs area and branch out for all adventures you can imagine. Campground is clean. Friendly staff. Level spots."
"We booked 2 adjacent sites."
"Pretty rugged and simple campsite, but pretty road to drive on to get there and very accessible to Colorado Springs!"
from $39 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are some nice trails from the campground and it’s close to Colorado Springs."
"Cheyenne Mountan State Park is remarkably close to Colorado Springs, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway…. if you can score reservations. This park fills up fast!"
from $28 - $120 / night
Check Availability"It’s very close to Colorado Springs and even closer to Fort Carson. So many things to see and do in the hiking trails are great."
"This is a lovely campground, overlooking Colorado Springs. There are some pull through sites and many back in. The wind can be a little fierce."
from $28 - $41 / night
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TravelerGreat place to stay. Laundry facilities, bathrooms, events, pools, jacuzzi, playgrounds, dog runs. It’s perfect for what we needed. Really close to everything as well and convenient
ScoutGorgeous views. Wonderful staff. Full showers and even a building open 24 hours. Nearby town of Penrose is super quaint and the overlook of the mountains from the site is beautiful.
RangerYou have to travel for several miles to find the disperse sites after you hit dirt road, but it's worth a trip. The first few miles are very rough and bumpy, but our 24 foot Sprinter made it fine. After a few miles the road becomes better to navigate.
RangerCloser to interstate 25 on the west side, so there's done road noise. We were at the far east side and looked out at plenty of homes. The east side no wireless supplied by the park. Issue the park is nice. Plenty of trees and facilities
ScoutOne of the most beautiful sites I've ever been to and will always remember since I've been coming here since I was born!
GuideThere are a ton of different spots, I think 35 so it’s nice there are a lot of options. Lots of cool spots near rocks that are great to climb. Some with better views than others. Most of the spots are pretty good. Close to the road but not terrible, decently spaced from other spots, close to wellington lake and many trails which is nice, a lot of people were out camping and biking and fishing at the lake, no creeks or water near really any campsite but plenty of river parking farther past all the dispersed spots. All the spots were taken but we got lucky and grabbed a spot from a couple we found leaving.
TravelerClean grounds, great views, and the fire pits are wonderful. Plenty of places to choose from.
TravelerGreat options to park, some built out fire pits.
TravelerExtremely windy. No trees or break the straight winds.
Campgrounds near Colorado Springs span from 6,000 to 9,500 feet elevation, creating temperature differences of up to 20 degrees between valley and mountain sites. Extreme weather variations are common, with sites like Pikes Peak RV Park experiencing afternoon thunderstorms in summer while snow can affect higher elevation camping into late May. Visitors should prepare for these elevation-based climate shifts regardless of season.
Visit local attractions: Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers extensive hiking with "20 plus miles of trails that are well marked and maintained," according to one camper. The park features "lots of wildlife, beware of rattlesnakes" and provides "awesome mountain biking, great for families and beginners."
Explore military history: Camp near the Air Force Academy at Peregrine Pines FamCamp where you'll find "several walking trails that start at campground access with beautiful views of the AF Academy." Military campers note that "wildlife is abundant with many black squirrels and a ton of black bears."
Fish at local ponds: Some campgrounds colorado springs feature stocked fishing options. Golden Eagle Campground offers a "great fishing lake" while also providing unique educational opportunities with its "cool bug museum in the registration building."
Quiet mountain settings: Campers appreciate locations away from city noise. At Lone Duck Campground, visitors love camping "right next to the little stream and saw so much wildlife!" One camper mentioned waking up with "deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us."
Easy access to trails: Many campgrounds provide direct trail access. At Swift Puma Heights, one visitor noted it "offers no shade, and no trees for a hammock" but praised the "amazing" restrooms with "running flush toilets with sinks with running water and soap provided."
City views from elevated sites: Camping at higher elevations rewards visitors with panoramic views. One camper at Mount Herman Road dispersed camping area described "great views of the city lights and then sunrise" while another mentioned the area offers "panoramic views of the Rockies."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance planning. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, "you MUST make reservations well in advance" especially during peak summer months.
Weather challenges: Wind can significantly impact camping comfort. Sites on exposed ridges experience strong gusts that can damage equipment. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, one camper reported that "power went out and fried our surge protector."
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted tent areas. At Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a camper noted "our 8 man tent was hanging off of the camping plot in some places, so measure your tent before you go!"
Noise factors: Military installations and transportation corridors create regular noise at some campgrounds. At Colorado Springs KOA, a camper mentioned it's "next to the highway the people are grumpy sometimes just like at all the koa's but sometimes there nice."
Look for kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds colorado springs provide family-oriented amenities. At Lone Duck Campground, families enjoy "all of the amenities. Pool, laundry room, gift shop/Grocery. Arcade, pond, clean bathrooms."
Choose campsites with playground access: Children need play areas to burn energy. Colorado Springs KOA offers a "water park for kids and a bounce pad" which provides entertainment options during downtime between activities.
Consider noise tolerance: Some locations have regular noise from military bases or highways. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, campers hear "a railroad is close by so, there was a lot of noise at 2AM on one evening."
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds have tight turns or difficult entry points. At Pikes Peak RV Park, a camper warned, "spots are TIGHT. We had to work so hard to get our trailer in. It's pretty cramped all around actually."
Water pressure issues: RV campers should be prepared for variable utilities. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, a visitor noted "water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy."
Hookup placement matters: Utility connections aren't always conveniently located. At Garden of the Gods RV Resort, one RVer discovered "after getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose."
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year for camping in Colorado Springs?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best camping weather in Colorado Springs, with July and August providing the warmest temperatures. Be aware that Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park can experience strong evening winds that might affect your camping equipment, particularly in spring and fall. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping is popular during summer months but can be enjoyed during shoulder seasons with fewer crowds. Early fall brings beautiful changing colors while avoiding summer thunderstorms. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations but requires proper cold-weather gear. Always check weather forecasts, as mountain conditions can change rapidly regardless of season.
Where are the best tent camping sites near Colorado Springs?
For tent camping near Colorado Springs, Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed offers primitive sites next to Boehmer Creek with 5-6 spots perfect for tents. These sites are surrounded by nature with fishing opportunities in the creek. Another excellent option is Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, a free camping area about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs with stunning views. The dirt road access is manageable for most vehicles. Both locations provide a true outdoors experience without the crowds. If you prefer more established facilities, Mount Herman Road offers free dispersed camping closer to town, though it can get busy on weekends.
What are the most popular campgrounds in the Colorado Springs area?
Popular campgrounds near Colorado Springs include Colorado Springs KOA, which offers numerous activities, well-maintained sites, and is just 10-15 minutes from Colorado Springs attractions, though sites are somewhat small and exposed to sun. Garden of the Gods RV Resort is another favorite due to its proximity to the iconic park and city amenities. For those seeking a quieter experience, Round Mountain provides access to numerous trails and is typically less crowded except on holiday weekends. Many visitors also enjoy the free dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forest lands, which offer more privacy but fewer amenities.
Are there any good lake camping options near Colorado Springs?
Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park offers excellent lake camping about an hour from Colorado Springs. The reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, water skiing, and swimming, with the added benefit of warmer temperatures than the Springs area—perfect for cooling off during summer months. Another great option is Springer Gulch in the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area, located about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs. This beautiful setting along the South Platte River provides water access in a canyon setting. Both locations require state park passes in addition to camping fees, but the water access and recreational opportunities make them popular destinations for those wanting to camp near water.
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