Situated at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains and next to Pike National Forest, Colorado Springs provides a plethora of really good camping choices.
Among the many activities for tourists to experience in this remarkable city, camping Colorado Springs is a great way that you can visit and view likewise. No matter if you’re in need of a basecamp to tackle the city or hunting new terrain within Pike National Forest, there’s choices abound near Colorado Springs.
There is such a long list of things to do in and around Colorado Springs that it can be difficult choosing! Here are a few adventure ideas from our guide to the best hikes near Colorado Springs, or sort through this adventures guide for more inspiration. This is also a fabulous opportunity to ask your campground host for some local recommendations!
Ready to set up camp? The following are some of the best campgrounds near Colorado Springs, whether national forest destinations, state parks or private camping resorts.
13 Camping Near Colorado Springs: Best Campgrounds
1. Barr Camp
Why you should camp here: A haven for backpackers, where trekkers are welcomed with a hearty meal and cozy bunk.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Year-round
- Campsite Type: Cabins, bunkhouses, lean-tos, tents
The popular route used by most who hike to the Pikes Peak summit, offers several lodging options for all hiking parties.
An entire unit (The Upper Cabin) is available that offers accommodations for up to 12 people, setting the stage for group outings. While the camp runs all year, this cabin is open from March to October.
When it comes to winter months, Barr Camp then becomes a treat for the hiker who wants more of a physical test. A few weeks ago, I swore up and down that I would only hike Barr Trail in December if there were a hot meal for me at the finish line waiting as well as some form of shelter. Another area in which Barr Camp excels is the food. With a lovely spaghetti dinner, their famous garlic bread when you book it.
Wednesday through Sunday there is a spaghetti dinner. Would there be a surprise encounter in your camp on Monday or Tuesday you can still go buy one of their dehydrated meals from the store.
No matter the day Pikes Peak Power Pancakes are included in each and every breakfast with booking. Pancakes are the ultimate fuel for a tough hike.
There is no potable water at Barr Camp, but there is a stream nearby. Make sure to carry your own Water Purification devices/filters.
2. Garden of the Gods RV Resort:
Why you should camp here: Experience the joys of camping with the added comfort of being close to Colorado Springs’ top attractions.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Year-round
- Campsite Type: RVs, cottages, suites, bunkhouse, tents
- RV Hookups: Yes
With a full 2 pool areas, free WiFi and arcade as well as dog park the Garden of the Gods RV Resort is really an escape in camping!
This rambunctious camping site provides a large number of housing alternatives to please any standard or family. Right next to the famous Garden of the Gods, it is central for getting around and taking in everything Colorado Springs.
3. Mt. Herman
Why you should camp here: Find peace in Mt. Herman’s dense woodlands and explore countless trails winding through Pike National Forest.
- Reservations Accepted: No
- Best Seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite Type: Tents, dispersed camping
A bit to the northwest of Colorado Springs, and accessed easily from Monument is a favorite spot for locals: Mt. Herman Provides a hundreds of miles worth of trail running, hiking and mountain biking opportunities along with endless off-roading options
Here, there is no camping other than the dispersed variety so be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. There are no restroom facilities or drinking water available so bring plenty of your own and make sure to pack out all trash/waste.
Possible camp spots up by the trailheads along Mt. Herman Road The majority of these trails are relatively short, between 2 to 3 miles long — the perfect gateway hiking experience for beginners and families with children that will leave you wanting more.
4. Peregrine Pines
Why you should camp here: Experience camping within the historic U.S. Air Force Academy, perfectly positioned between Colorado Springs and Pike National Forest.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite Type: RVs, tents, car camping
- RV Hookups: Yes
The Air Force Academy offers a unique mix of campus and history, making it an intriguing stop for fans.
The campus is clearly marked by a huge football stadium and some beautiful, modern buildings that can be seen from the I-25 highway. When you enter through the Northgate entrance, they will first show to an huge B-52 Bomber.
In order to enter the Academy, you will need either a valid military ID or state ID / driver’s license. And this also means, that even you are not belonging to the military community, still have chances visiting some of their favorite trailheads as Stanley Canyon and Falcon Trail.
Camping at Peregrine Pines, however, is exclusive for retirees of the military, reserves or active duty members and cadets. For family members and guests, camping is only allowed in the campgrounds if they are sponsored by someone with a proper permit.
5. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Why you should camp here: Escape into Colorado Springs’ beloved state park, where the hustle and bustle of the city quickly fade away, leaving you immersed in nature.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite Type: RVs, tents, car camping
- RV Hookups: Yes
Cheyenne Mountain State Park – Camping in Colorado Springs For those whom desire a nature filled get a way with access to all of the city amenities minutes away, Cheynne Mountains should be your choice. It is only 10 minutes from the centre of town, so ideal for a bit of convenience and bush!
The backdrop of a picturesque state park, Barr Lake recently received some help from the lottery as they have improved much of its infrastructure and trails thanks to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There are new trails from afar, including the Dixon Trail to Cheyenne Mountain’s summit for those folks who have a bit more sense of adventure.
Bring your mountain bikes! In addition to hiking and trail running, the rolling trails around Cheyenne Mountain are a hit for local cyclists.
This is an inhabited park regarding wildlife so be aware you can take your dog, but there are restrictions. While dogs are permitted at the campground, they must be kept on a leash and not taken into the backcountry or onto certain trails (look for signs if in doubt).
Nighttime food storage and no appetizers on your way out of camp because black bears are common in the area. Although these bears are typically timid, it is always sensible to lock up food and trash well away in your car or RV.
6. Mountaindale Cabins & RV Resort
Why you should camp here: Mountaindale fosters a close-knit community among campers in a stunning Colorado setting, making it a truly special place to stay.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Year-round
- Campsite Type: RVs, cabins
- RV Hookups: Yes
Mountaindale offers a full spectrum of amenities with events that unite campers and cabin guests.
Rather than cramming as many RVs into this park that they can, like so many other parks out there today, Mountaindale boasts spacious lots. Big rigs will also have plenty of room to fit and enjoy.
Located a few miles south of Colorado Springs, Mountaindale is definitely “not your typical” forested campground so close the city you live in. The location outside of town offers an abundance of wildlife!
They are open to the public all year and this campground is geared for longer stays where you might leave your rig while continuing road trip in a van life style.
7. The Crags Campground
Why you should camp here: Immerse yourself in the secluded wilderness of Pike National Forest at this remote campground.
- Reservations Accepted: No
- Best Seasons: Summer, fall
- Campsite Type: Tents, car camping, small RVs
- RV Hookups: No
Crags Campground – just south of Divide and near the summit of Pikes Peak Located so close to that iconic mountain, it is a great option for those setting out to summit the 14er — any given time you are likely one of five in the campground.
This area most commonly has tents and car camping, but small RVs could slip into some of the spaces as well. That being said, RVs and trailers over 30 feet should be aware that some of the turns in campground will come tight for them.
Crags Campground: 17 sites – First-come, first-served It is very remote and even if they have some visitors as the main activity on Nambung National Park are hiking, which means you won’t be competing for space.
The campground’s remoteness not only assures a tranquil escape, it also makes black bears somewhat prevalent in this corner of Pike National Forest. Although officer Marquez said that the 3 suspects are usually shy and easy to scare, it is still exceedingly important not to leave food or trash where bears can get a hold of them.
The Crags Trail near Pikes Peak is a more popular alternative hike for those wanting to summit the peak. This trail accesses others on the way to an excellent summit, and with a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike will take you through some truly impressive granite features that give these trails and campground their name.
8. Eleven Mile Canyon
Why you should camp here: Beat the summer heat in this striking granite canyon retreat.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Summer, fall
- Campsite Type: Tents, car camping
A local Colorado Springs favorite getaway, Eleven Mile Canyon is situated just close to the beautiful Lake George. The high canyon walls also provide plenty of shade in the morning and evening, as well as terrific views!
Eleven Mile Canyon11 mile canyon is the place to go if you love fishing. The South Platte River winds throughout Eleven Mile Canyon making it a hot spot for fisherman/women who like fly-fishing and spin-casting as well! Even though the canyon is popular with fly fishers and rock climbers, its tranquility creates an adventure remote from other visitors.
Camping at the canyon is available on a first-come, first-serve basis; there are four campgrounds in the canyon: Cove Campground, Riverside Camprgound, Spillway Park and Springer Gulch. You have to make these reservations within five days of your visit, but walk-ups are allowed if there’s an opening.
Eleven Mile State Park is located close by, and the park encloses Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir where you can also partake in similar outdoor pursuits. If you want to camp with an RV, this may be a more “civilized” option for camping as the state park has 328 campsites – and getting one of the 52 sites at Smith Mountain Lake that have electrical hookups means less related alternator belt entropy.
9. Black Tree Resort
Why you should camp here: Experience luxury glamping with top-tier accommodations that elevate the camping experience.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite Type: Glamping tents
For the best premium glamping experience for you and your family, go directly to Black Tree Resort in Lake George. A haven of sophisticated comfort blended with the great outdoors providing a wide selection of luxurious indoor and outdoor accommodation tailored to each family.
In each luxury-accommodation tent, guests find Stella-designed natural hardwood furniture and plush queen beds as well as a private dining area with wood-burning stove plus solar powered lighting & outlets. Providing luxury bedding, original Pendleton blankets and private bathrooms this old time backcountry stay is truly indulging.
Black Tree Resort also offers 3 full-course meals per day (with to-go options), and every campsite comes with a private fire pit for making s’mores at night.
10. Clyde Campground
Why you should camp here: Experience primitive camping deep within the foothills near Colorado Springs.
- Reservations Accepted: No
- Best Seasons: Summer
- Campsite Type: Tents, car camping, small RVs
- RV Hookups: No
Located near Mueller State Park is the primitive camping experience offered by Clyde Campground, and with a number of group sites it’s perfect for that family trip to Colorado Springs. This is one of the best places ever to take a group social fly fishing trip, with Cripple Creek an easy walk!
Just getting to this campground is an adventure. The structure is in an area off Gold Camp Road, which used to be a railroad line turned dirt road around the 1920s. Because it is so beautiful, this road gets a lot of traffic (cars and bicycles), including bikers riding the length to Cripple Creek.
There is also an air of mystery to the location. Once an active railway, it is now remembered as being haunted with several tunnels closed and barricaded under mysterious collusive acts. These mysterious tunnels can be seen from popular Cheyenne Canyon trails and vicinity.
11. Colorado Heights Camping Resort
Why you should camp here: Enjoy stylish glamping with a wide array of amenities at Colorado Heights!
Reservations Accepted: Yes
Best Seasons: Year-round
Campsite Type: RV
RV Hookups: Yes
Located in the town of Monument, just north of Colorado Springs, Colorado Heights Camping Resort truly lives up to its slogan, “your home away from home.” The resort offers an inviting atmosphere and a wealth of amenities that make for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
With it’s own fishing pond, volleyball and basketball courts, swimming pool, BBQ pavilion with a kitchen, and numerous other activities, Colorado Heights is perfect for extended visits and those embracing the van-life. Its convenient location near Colorado Springs makes it an excellent base for exploring the city and the beautiful surrounding areas.
12. Painted Rocks Campground
Why you should camp here: Experience the beauty of Woodland Park and the striking red rock formations set against towering granite mountains.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Summer
- Campsite Type: Tents, car camping, small RVs
- RV Hookups: No
Near the town of Woodland Park, Painted Rocks Campground is set in a high alpine landscape marked by unique sandstone pinnacles rising above timber line.
Painted Rocks has some reservable campsites, but the majority of them are available on a first come first serve basis. Campsites are large and spaced far apart, perfect for tents as well as car campers or small RVs.
Notable area attractions inlcude Woodland Park, Manitou Lake and Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument. The price of the campground covers fishing at Manitou Lake, as well some good trails in Pike National Forest.
13. Devil’s Head
Why you should camp here: Marvel at the unusual granite formations scattered throughout the foothills of the Rockies.
- Reservations Accepted: No
- Best Seasons: Spring, summer, fall
- Campsite Type: Tents, car camping
Above is a magic image of The Devil’s Head and Turkey Rocks—where numerous massive granite boulders appear as though skilfully balanced one atop another to create the spires that protrude from the mountains above.
Also contributing to the appeal of this area is an incredible trek called Devil’s Head Lookout Trail, which loops up a fire tower with commanding views. The trailhead is right near the campground, and a 2.5 mile round-trip hike that’s perfect for sunsets.
Devil’s Head lies within Pike National Forest’s South Platte region, known to climbers and mountain bikers along with OHV users. The rock climbing is out-of-this-world amazing, due to the unique terrain and solid granite that climbers drool over.
