With all of the major tourist attractions around Colorado Springs, it’s probably wise spending a night or two near town to see it all. While there are dozens of awesome accommodations to choose from, it’s the season to camp, so why not pitch a tent or drive your RV into one of these top campgrounds around the Colorado Springs area.
These parks are suitable for a range of campers and amenities. Both tents and RVs will find campsites to accommodate. RVs will have a larger choice of campgrounds closer to the city of Colorado Springs. While tent campers will have best of luck heading west into the Rockies where there is more nature. All the campgrounds listed are within an hour drive of COS. This allows for you to get the best of both worlds. Wake up in the Rockies and spend you day exploring the world renowned city of Colorado Springs.
List of campgrounds by Colorado Springs, Fountain and Pikes Peak, in order of proximity:
Campgrounds near Colorado Springs
With 14,115′ Pikes Peak towering behind town, you can instantly tell that Colorado Springs is chock full of amazing landmarks. Luckily there are ample campgrounds to make your overnight stay affordable and unforgettable. Depending on where you’ll be camping, you may need to provide your own sun cover in the form of a canopy tent. Chances are high on the front range that tree and shade coverage is tough to come by. Choose a campsite well west of the city into the wooded Rockies if you want a forest experience.
Dogs are welcome on-leash at all the listed campsites. All of them require a fee. They are listed by distance from Colorado Springs, with the closest one first. There are a few RV parks located directly in the city of Colorado Springs and another couple next door in Manitou Springs. These aren’t the most nature-esque, however, if city/landmark convenience trumps wilderness surrounding, then give these RV campgrounds a try. Some have sites for tents as well.
Family owned, with family pride, this RV park is one of the oldest in Colorado dating back a half-century. Up-to-date amenities greet the visitor looking for a central location to begin their outdoor adventures in the Pikes Peak region. Goldfield RV Park provides budget camping in the middle of Colorado Springs.
If you have a tent and can’t get a spot at Cheyenne Mountain and really want to be in the city of Colorado Springs this is a good choice. It’s basically a big gravel parking lot with a load of tight RV spots and a few tent sites. Rates are reasonable for a range of trailer accommodating sites. It sees a lot of business and the friendly staff does their best to keep things clean.
This is an established campground, well maintained with all the amenities of home. It’s location makes it the perfect base camp for launching your outdoor adventures in the Colorado wilderness.
With two heated swimming pools, clean showers and laundry facilities, and quick access to attractions, families enjoy their stay at this RV park. The Garden of the Gods RV Resort has year round accommodations for RVs and tents, as well as cottages, suites and bunkhouse rentals. There are 19 tent sites and even more RV sites with 30/50 amp and water. All sites have picnic table and complimentary wifi. Plus the whole resort has exceptional views of Pikes Peak and is dotted with gorgeous trees.
Mix the solitude of the Rocky Mountains with the excitement of the U.S. Olympic Training Center and you have an idea of the wide range of activities that await you from this resort. Spacious, with a wide variety of offerings to campers this is your launching point for adventure near Pikes Peak.
Located only 7 miles south of downtown Colorado Springs, the 1680 acre Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers you the best camping closest to town. There 51 full hook-up sites suitable for a range of travel trailers and RVs, and 10 basic tent sites. The latter are beautiful walk-in sites complete with tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. All 4 campgrounds have lovely view of Cheyenne Mountain and the front range.
Campers have access to 21 trails within the park’s foot hills wilderness, spanning more than 27 miles. This is the perfect Colorado Springs tent and RV camping for those who love camping but crave for the amenities of city life. The campgrounds are open year round, with coin operated showers, laundry and activity room open seasonally. Kids can play at the fenced playground area.
Because it’s only a 10 minute drive from the hustle and bustle you’ll want to reserve your campsite early. All campsites at this state park are available by reservation only. Campsites at local RV Parks can be reserved directly thru them. State park reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Boasting more than half the acreage of the above state park, the family-run Golden Eagle Campground features 900 acres of front range wilderness. The May Family has operated the Colorado Springs campground for decades since 1961. This one’s located only a few miles south of Cheyenne Mountain State Park off Highway 115, so it’s also close to the city with great views. You can reach downtown in 10 miles or a leisurely 20 minute drive.
Campers have access to over 12 miles of hiking trails, fishing lakes, mountain vistas and beautiful wildlife. There are options for tent camping, electric + water, plus full hook-ups at varying rates. Worth noting is the check-in time between 2pm and 7pm. They do not accept late arrivals, so plan ahead. Check out is noon. You can reserve in advance and long term discounts are provided for month long stays.
PLUS, it’s located next to an awesome bug museum. Giant spiders, colorful beetles, collections of butterflies, moths and other arthropods all displayed in all their natural brilliance await the often surprised visitor at the May Natural History Museum. Located with the Golden Eagle Campground this museum is a favorite among school children and adults alike. It boasts 7,000 insect specimens, making it the largest private insect collection on earth.
Campgrounds near Fountain
Boasting an estimated 31,000 residents, Fountain is a quickly growing community nestled south of the city. It’s the southern most suburb of Colorado Springs, just 15 miles to downtown via I-25. There’s one big year round campground in site aimed at larger recreational vehicles, but they do have ten campsites set up for tents. The KOA is located on the western side of Fountain Creek Regional Park, a tremendous nature area to stroll around or bike the multi-use trail all the way north to Colorado Springs and beyond.
This fully equipped RV campground is a destination in itself. With a wide varied of family based activities, crafts and programs there is something for everyone at the park. Close proximity to the Colorado wilderness and the many attractions of Colorado Springs are just a few minutes away.
Campgrounds near Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak
Head west of Colorado Springs via Highway 24 and you’ll very quickly pass the exit for the artsy town of Manitou Springs. Its strollable streets and ample tourist attractions welcome visitors year round. Continue west of Manitou and you immediately start climbing Ute Pass, which offers exits for Cascade and the Pikes Peak Highway, as well as Green Mountain Falls. Combined, these three El Paso County towns offer four great campgrounds between them. A couple of the favorites near Manitou Springs include:
This destination features terrific family camping at the base of Pike’s Peak. From the Lone Duck Campground it’s less than 20 minutes to downtown, so the location in Cascade on Highway 24 is central to everything. Families love the hospitality at 7,600 feet at the “the Duck”! Whether you’re tenting or fifth wheeling, there is room for you at Lone Duck.
They have rates for electric + water, as well as full hook-up. They even have cozy cabins for a little more, which during holidays requires two nights. There is no discount for week or month long stays. The higher price tag comes with free heated pool access, wifi, game room, stocked fishing pond, playground, basketball court, laundry, five dollar pancake breakfast, 24 hour modern restrooms and showers, indoor common area and convenience store.
Camping near Woodland Park and Deckers
One of the best areas to camp is near Woodland Park, north of town on Highway 67. It’s relatively close to The Springs, at just over thirty minutes from town to town. There are several campgrounds north on Highway 67 fairly fast out of Woodland Park. You can also find a few gems near Rampart Reservoir east of town.
Keep driving north and you’ll reach the the hidden fly fishing community of Deckers, less than an hour’s drive northwest of Colorado Springs. Being in the heart of the forest, you’ll find campgrounds around Deckers suitable for both RVs and tents. The best campgrounds between Woodland Park and Deckers are within the Pike National Forest. There’s even some free primitive camping in the greater area if you know where to look.
The Pike National Forest encompasses a lot of the land west of Colorado Springs. In addition to fishing, this stretch of CO-67 N contains hiking, biking, off roading and even river tubing in the summer. Another nice advantage of this region is its almost equal proximity to Denver and Highway 285 to the north. From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 to Woodland Park and take a right onto Highway 67. The USFS Pike N.F. Campgrounds will start just north of Woodland Park. Colorado Campground is among the first you reach at 25 miles:
Campgrounds near Divide and Cripple Creek
Thirty minutes west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24 leads you to Divide and the junction for CO-67 S. Another thirty minutes south on this highway leads you to the casino and former mining town of Cripple Creek. There are several places to camp near Divide and Cripple Creek, with Mueller State Park our favorite, conveniently located between the two towns.
Tucked outside of Colorado Springs at just under 45 minutes is this gem of a state park. Mueller provides access to a vast wilderness, more than 5,000 acres of aspens, pine, fir, spruce and mountain meadows. The Continental Divide lies visible to the west. It’s a beautiful park to camp and explore!
Light dining and shopping are located 4 miles north in Divide on Highway 67. In addition to fast access to Highway 24, Mueller is only 14 miles north of Cripple Creek’s crazy 24/7 casinos and world class mining attractions. You can go 1,000 feet deep at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, take the train to neighbor Victor and hike its Vindicator Valley Trail. Then put $50 down on double zero or flop the nuts at the Midnight Rose Poker Room.
The camping facilities are the most diverse yet on our list with 134 total campsites. 99 of them are electric, most with tent pads, 22 basic walk-in sites for tents, 1 group RV camping loop and 2 equestrian campsites. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Open during the peak mid May to mid October season, the Camper Services Building has coin-operated showers and laundry, as well as modern restrooms. Although welcome in the campgrounds, pets are prohibited on trails and in the backcountry.
Camping near Lake George and Eleven Mile Reservoir
M Lazy C Guest Ranch – Tents + RVs | 44 miles
For less city slicker and more authentic Colorado, consider staying an hour west of town in Lake George. The Park County location puts you around some of the best fishing and natural landmarks. The M Lazy C Guest Ranch provides year round access to RV sites, primitive campsites, rustic cabins and horseback riding. There is no nightly minimum, so you’re welcome to stay for a day or a week.
Hosted by the Heck family, guests review loving the welcoming western vibe of the ranch. RV sites have choice of water + electric of full hookups with sewer. Campsites have horse pens behind the lot. Two of them are covered. Campers have plenty of space and share access to the bathhouse with showers. There is complimentary wifi, playground and general store.
801 Co Rd 453, Lake George, CO 80827 | 719-748-3398
Eleven Mile State Park – Tents + RVs | 49 miles
Named for its lengthy Eleven Mile Reservoir, this state park provides world class fishing. It’s located in sleepy Lake George of Park County, so it’s just over an hour to reach. If you’re looking for boating then camp here. You can rent a canoe, kayak, 20′ pontoon or 16′ Lund aluminum V-hull. Spinney Mountain Reservoir, another state park, is next door offering additional fishing but no camping. The Dream Stream, a section of the South Platte River, is found close to.
Eleven Mile State Park has a whopping 335 campsites. All are dotted around the lake in 9 campgrounds. You can find basic and walk in tent sites, as well as electric and lakeside camping. There are 52 sites with 30 amp electric. Try to score a site with some tree shade in Rocky Ridge Campground C or E loops.
Or you can try the Backcountry Campground open to adventurous tent campers! These 25 secluded sites are tucked away on a wooded peninsula. You can pack or boat in your supplies to these lakeside sites. Make use of the park’s nearly 5 miles of multi-use hiking and biking trails. Because of the great lake there are a myriad migratory birds to watch and waterfowl hunting each fall.
4229 Co Rd 92, Lake George, CO 80827 | 719-748-3401
Consider Monument, Pueblo or Cañon City
Twenty minutes north of Colorado Springs on I-25 leads you to foothills town of Monument. There is a big RV park in Monument, so if you have a travel trailer and are coming from Denver, this is a great place to drop it off and basecamp. The picturesque community of Palmer Lake borders Monument to the north and is connected via the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. Hike or bike this paved stroll that leads all the way to Colorado Springs, connecting with the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail.
Forty minutes south of The Springs on I-25 leads you to the former steel-producing city of Pueblo. If you don’t plan to spend too much time in Colorado Springs, consider camping by Pueblo Reservoir. Often forgotten by tourists who seldom venture further south on I-25 than Colorado Springs, Pueblo has its fair share of attractions too. You can hit the Garden of the Gods or whatever else you were planning for The Springs on the way there.
Forty-five minutes southwest of COS on CO-115 S leads you to Cañon City, famous for its Royal Gorge. This scenic route sort of runs parallel to I-25, but goes considerably more west, offering better scenery. If rafting the whitewater, ziplining over great heights, or riding a narrow gauge railroad are on your bucket list, this town is the place to do it all. Because of its plethora of tourist attractions, there are a lot of campgrounds around Cañon City.
Thanks for checking out the top tent campgrounds and RV parks around Colorado Springs. I’m sure there are a few campground gems left off this list, probably for best. Happy camping near Olympic City USA!
This content was originally published here.