Camping near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Camping near Colorado Springs

A city with easy access to trails, lakes, scenic sights, and camping areas.

Top-rated stays

Friendly pigs
100%
(15)
PikesPeakSunriseSetViews, Southeast
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Yoder, COHey there, we're Dan and Susi, and we're excited to welcome you to our peaceful slice of Secluded Paradise on the Dancing Phoenix Farm! Originally from the city, we're now fully immersed in The Farm, located on gently rolling land in the Southeastern Plains of Colorado. Your campsite is located two minutes off Hwy 94, and we offer early check-in, late check-out. Our family lives on the property, and we're happy to help answer any questions. Check in with us by text an hour before your arrival (cell phone reception is not reliable out here). When you arrive, honk at the gate and we'll secure the pups and look forward to meeting you! ABOUT OUR CAMPGROUND Pitch your tent, park your RV/camper, bus or other ride on our pasture and enjoy the stunning wide-open view of Pikes Peak, as well as unobstructed sunrise and sunset views. Kids and leashed fur babies camp free. Your campsite is located approximately 35 minutes from Colorado Springs, and 2 minutes off Highway 94. You do not need 4wd to get to our place. This site has a picnic table for you to enjoy your meals outdoors. The views are stunning from this secluded spot, and there's a water spigot available nearby on the property. Your campsite is located in the wild and rustic, sometimes windy, Southeastern Plains of Colorado, and may not be for everyone. We can experience extreme weather in all seasons. If you're into photography, our thunder and hailstorms occur during Springtime, and you might experience some amazing and intense light and sound shows! When you stay with us, you will get the experience of camping on the Plains of Colorado - wild, raw, sometimes windy and rugged. It's an amazing experience to be had - with stunning views and a feeling of freedom that's hard to find in more civilized and populated locations. You may see or hear coyotes, falcons, pronghorn, bull snakes and rattlers, owls, creepy-crawlers and experience annoying mosquitos and flies during the hotter summer season. Our guests have mentioned they feel like they're on another planet when they're here... of course! We're traveling on the Fifth Dimension out here, so don't be surprised if you hear from the other side. We believe that stewardship of the land is everyone's responsibility, and we're excited to share it with you to enjoy! Stargazing on the site can't be beat, and you may even catch a UFO or alien... if you're aligned! This is NOT a party site. It's a quiet, secluded area where we can connect with nature and take a much needed break. We ask that you not remove anything from the property without chatting about it with us first. Please bring your own blankets and sleeping bags. It can get down to freezing at night, so be prepared for travel and camping in sometimes extreme winter cold. Please check out the local forecast before traveling. We will be happy to refund any weather-related cancellations. If you would like a complimentary cup of instant coffee or herbal tea brought to your site between 6-8 am, let us know what you'd like the night before and we'll send one over! We offer a cold brown-bag style breakfast/snack for $5, as well. Your choice of a couple fresh hard-boiled eggs with trail mix or homemade sourdough bread/butter. ABOUT THE AREA There are a couple small local mini grocery stores and a gas station about 20 minutes west, on Highway 94. There are also a handful of small country cafes in the area, as well as the city restaurants in the Springs. Enjoy nearby hiking trails in the area, as well as bicycling, motorcycle and 4-wheel drive trails. The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located about 20 minutes away. The following is the Paint Mines info: "𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠: 𝐷𝑎𝑤𝑛 𝑇𝑜 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘. 𝑁𝑂 𝑃𝐸𝑇𝑆 𝐴𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒! 𝐿𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐶𝑎𝑙ℎ𝑎𝑛, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 750 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑠 9,000 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑜. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐴𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑗𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠, 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠." Having spent most of our adult life in law enforcement/crime scene investigation, we invite law enforcement families (as well as military and fire) to share this beautiful land with us, at a discounted rate. If you have Permaculture, farming, gardening or Back to Eden experience and would be interested in helping, living on our farm - short or long term, let's talk. Holding Crypto? We accept cryptocurrency as payment (Btc, Eth, Tron, BUSD) for items in our lil country store, located on the property. Chat with us if you'd like to visit with our chickens, rabbits, ducks, goats, guineas, turkeys or pigs - or if you'd like to sample a complimentary bottle of our homemade booch (kombucha). Hipcamp messages, email, and texts are the best way to reach us. We have little or no cell phone reception. Please help keep the cost down for us by removing your trash and cleaning the campsite prior to your departure. Firewood is available for 3$ a bundle, only when there are no local fire restrictions. Be sure to read all the rules upon booking, and ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 4PM to keep your reservation. PLEASE TAKE A SCREENSHOT of the written instructions, as you WILL LOSE PHONE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY. We look forward to connecting!
from 
$20
 / night
Rhize Mountain Retreat
99%
(116)
Rhize Mountain Retreat
9 sites · Lodging43 acres · Goldfield, COCome and visit our slice of heaven in the majestic Colorado Rockies within the Pikes Peak National Forest. Only 60 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, you can spend time letting your dream of being in the high country come to life! Guests have use of our completely stocked, beautiful outdoor kitchen with grill and griddle, single and double camp stoves, all pots/pans, plates, cups, prep bowls, knives, cutting boards and utensils are available to our guests...you really only need to bring the food you plan on cooking! Relax and enjoy the custom Adirondack chairs around 12 seat fire pit (or have your personal fire pit experience on our 2 person deck)....this is GLAMPING at it's best!! All of our cabins have comfy sleeping accommodations...you only need to bring your pillow and sleeping bag!  A-frames are set up with a solar light, 5 gallon igloos of fresh spring water, Indian blankets and deck chairs. If you need any additional camping equipment like single burner stoves, sleeping gear, camp heaters, etc., they are available under extras for a small fee.RHIZE (named because the aspen trees are in the RHIZOME family and we have 43 acres of the most incredible aspen grove in Colorado) is truly a slice of heaven.  If you are coming in the fall, there is no better viewing spot than RHIZE MOUNTAIN RETREAT. RHIZE is surrounded by BLM with unlimited hiking on our 43 acre paradise with many options and difficulty levels from easy strolls to miles of more challenging hiking within 5 minutes. Views of Pring Reservoir and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range make every spot truly magical!!The charming mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek are a short drive (10 minutes) with access to groceries, dining, entertainment, gold and silver mine tours, as well as festivals throughout the season.For those that want to be away from any hustle and bustle, RHIZE is the place for you! You can relax on your private deck, play corn hole, build a fire, read a book in your comfy cabin, take a nap in our hammock hangout in the trees, pick wild flowers, do yoga (private classes available for a small fee), enjoy a bottle of wine as the sun sets behind the mountains and wake to the sound of the many birds and wildlife on the land!There is no shortage of hiking, biking, fishing at the Skagway Reservoir or Eleven Mile Canyon, rock climbing, white water rafting within an hour, ATVing...pretty much any Colorado experience is within reach from this location.Please note a high clearance vehicle with all wheel drive or 4x4 is recommended as the last 2 miles are on unmaintained roads. We are looking forward to helping you create memories that will last a lifetime. Feel free to let us know about any special requests or needs that would make your trip perfectly perfect!!One other note: we don't have cell service when we are on property so if you are reaching out from Friday-Sunday, we will get back to you when we get back to Colorado Springs (usually Monday).
from 
$125
 / night
Falkor Ranch
100%
(166)
Falkor Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Elizabeth, COFalkor Ranch is located on rolling hills on the Palmer Divide about an hour southeast of Denver, Colorado. Located at 7,000 feet with a beautiful view of Pike's Peak and the Rocky Mountains. Your camping fee includes a farm orientation, indoor plumbing, a hot shower and a picnic table. You will meet 12 beautiful alpacas, 14 Nubian goats for milk, weed control and just because they make us happy, and a large flock of laying chickens for fresh eggs. We have a variety of gardens and a year-round geodesic dome greenhouse that provides us with fresh produce. This is a quiet country setting - we can see our neighbors only if we try hard. There are many popular and diverse activity sites less than an hour away. Come escape the hustle and bustle of home, avoid the quarantine of the day, and enjoy the beauty of nature and our loving animals. We offer both tent and RV listings to suit however you like to travel. We have hot showers, bathrooms, picnic tables, potable water, and trash bins. Our RV listing has an electrical hookup but no water or sewer hookups. Our guests love us too! "We had an amazing time here! Diane is so sweet and showed us all of their beautiful friendly animals and plants when we arrived and even offered fresh goat milk and a plant starter! The land was gorgeous and we got to watch adorable goats from our tent. One of my favorite camping experiences ever!"
from 
$45
 / night
Truly the coziest spot for a little glamping getaway.
95%
(273)
Little Scraggy Camp
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Pine, CO The Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s. The ranch was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded on all sides by Pike National forest. Offering several glamping sites, as well as several sites for self-contained RV’s and tents, we are an ideal basecamp for the trail enthusiast. From the nearby Little Scraggy Trailhead, there is biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the extensive trails of the Buffalo Creek area SW of Denver, including segment #3 of the renown Colorado Trail. Our Camp rests at the base of its namesake, Little Scraggy Peak, with direct access to these trails via the 9.5-mile Little Scraggy Trail. The ranch itself has several miles of trails to explore within the ranch’s fence lines that are restricted to hiking or horseback riding. If fishing is your thing, there are the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam, the lake at Pine Valley Open Space Park or the waters of the North Fork of the S. Platte, (also good for kayaking). You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy Peak (sometimes referenced as “Skinner Mtn.” by climbers). The sides can be easily free climbed, or technical climb the face. There are additional climbing opportunities on nearby Chair Rocks and Cathedral Spires. Potable drinking water is available from an onsite 270-gallon water tank. Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites. Dogs are welcome at camp, but to keep camp pleasant for all guests, please clean up after your dog. Friendly dogs are welcome to enjoy camp off leash. If your pet has aggressive tendencies, we ask that you keep it leashed. This is a working ranch where we raise and train horses and ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request. You can rent individual porta-panel corrals ($10/day/horse). Please provide your own water buckets and we ask that you clean up your horse’s manure and unused hay. There is extremely limited cell service…for those with the right carrier, that stand in the right spot, with the correct arm in the air and a tin foil hat…do not expect to have ANY reception.
from 
$25
 / night
Early Fall view of Windy Peak from Backpacker Special #2
98%
(513)
Rustic Creek Ranch
35 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, COThe 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather about 100 years ago. He was an engineer. The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cows were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather. Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer. Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs. I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover. Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak & Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler. About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, gas, laundry, art gallery, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
from 
$30
 / night
Glamping at the Ranch
100%
(2)
Glamping at the Ranch
5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Cañon City, COEnjoy the lovely setting of this romantic spot in nature. Kiowa Kabin is a peaceful spot to relax after a day of adventure. It's about 2 miles to several trails for dirt biking, ATV, hiking, & mountain biking in the San Isabella Forest. Trailer Parking so bring your ATVs and dirt bikes. A Short drive to the Royal Gorge train and park, St Abby's winery, Arkansas rafting and fishing, restaurants and shops. Comes with almost everything for your off grid in nature experience, even an outhouse / shower enclosure.
from 
$67
 / night
This trail will lead you to the River! 
Get ready for a float to remember!
100%
(3)
Riverfront Mountain Ranch
5 sites · Lodging5 acres · Buena Vista, COWelcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away. Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
from 
$125
 / night
Parrish Ranch Campground
100%
(8)
Parrish Ranch Campground
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · COWe are a Full Grass, 6 acre campground at the base of Rabbit Mountain. The Little Thompson River runs through the property and is wonderful to take a dip in. Carter Lake is only a 5 minute drive away. 20 Minutes away from Longmont Coloraco is far enough away that you can escape from the city but close enough to be able to run into town if you need anything. Be aware this is a Rustic experience.
from 
$60
 / night
Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp
96%
(71)
Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents24 acres · Nederland, COThis forested and open meadow property is located on a seasonal creek 2 miles from the quaint mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. The property is within walking distance to Boulder County Open Space and Indian Peaks Wilderness trails for endless biking and hiking adventures. Sites are private and secluded. There is a 20 foot tipi, a quaint treehouse, and a tent site camp on that can be rented separately or together for larger groups. We have endless hiking, biking, and mountain fun activities onsite and nearby! Space for camper vans as well! We look forward to hosting you soon.
from 
$48
 / night
Buckeye's Cozy Romantic Cabins
94%
(9)
Buckeye's Cozy Romantic Cabins
4 sites · Lodging60 acres · Leadville, COBuckeye's Cabin is located 4 miles outside the Town of Leadville on the upper most reaches of the Arkansas river headwaters on highway 91 as you head towards Freemont Pass. Itis just at the bottom of the pass at the point where Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak and Mt Massive come into view. It is part of an old ranch that sits on a gold mining claim and is an authentic old, comfy, cozy cabin. Huge picture windows look out onto Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak, and the Beaver Ponds of the very upper headwaters of the mighty Arkansas River. Sit by the woodstove with glass door and be mesmerized by the crackling flame. Turn on the satellite TV with surround sound and lose yourself in time. The reading room is a quiet place to escape on the feinting bench with a good book. Romantic bedroom with comfy queen bed. A perfect place to end the day. Sit back in the comfy antique recliner and watch the flame in the woodstove through the glass door, as the aspen leaf's flicker in the wind outside the picture windows that look out onto Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. The Beaver ponds across the street, teeming with trout, await your exploration. The sunset colors on the surrounding mountain peaks will amaze you as you sit on the sundrenched deck. Mining tours, museums, hiking, skiing, 4 wheel drive roads, dog sledding, snowmobiling, train rides, biking, fishing, & ice climbing are some of your options. Of course reading a good book by the fire rates high also. Leadville, Colorado is an old western Town full of charm, mountains, scenic lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Great restaurants, bars, and café’s await your culinary delight. An old historical mining Town from the late1800’s’ in the midst of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks.
from 
$245
 / night
A remote setting for your privacy.
99%
(144)
Rocky Mountain Glamping
4 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, COA Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind.The open air The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask for details. Let the world melt away; there is no wifi or cell service. In the event of urgent need, come to our home up the hill and ring the bell. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!
from 
$50
 / night
Arapaho Valley Ranch
88%
(4)
Arapaho Valley Ranch
40 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, COArapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley.
from 
$65
 / night

Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

Value Prop
Value Prop

Situated at the base of 14,115 foot tall Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Colorado is a great basecamp for forays into the Rocky Mountains. From hiking, mountain biking, and boating in the summer to snowshoeing, ice climbing, and skating in the winter, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in Colorado Springs. Considering Colorado Springs is Colorado’s second largest city and it’s only about an hour and half from Denver, you’ll find everything you need in terms of amenities here. Camping options are limited to RV parks in town but you’ll find plenty of campgrounds in the surrounding mountains if you prefer to camp closer to nature. 

Where to Go

Pikes Peak

One of the most visited mountains in the world and the highest peak in the southern Front Range, the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak summit offers incredible views. There are numerous ways to reach the top—you can hike, cycle, or drive up. The fee-based Pikes Peak Highway was built in 1915 and winds 19 miles to the top offering views of lakes and mountains along the way. You can find both tent sites and RV sites in the nearby Pike and San Isabel national forests.

Garden of the Gods

Just outside the city of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a wonderland of red rock towers that appear to jut straight out of the Earth. Hiking trails wind among the towering formations, with horseback riding, jeep tours, and bike rentals are offered in the park. Park entrance is free, and although there are no Garden of the Gods campgrounds, several RV parks with full hookups and free wifi can be found right outside the park.

Lost Creek Wilderness

Tucked into the foothills northwest of Colorado Springs in the Pike National Forest, the Lost Creek Wilderness Area is filled with interesting red rock formations, secluded fishing streams, and some of the best camping near Colorado Springs. The Devil’s Head area is popular for rock climbing and has a trail that leads to the Devil’s Head Fire Lookout, one of the few remaining active fire lookout towers in the area. Campers will find endless options for tent camping.

When to Go

Summer is the busiest time in Colorado Springs. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit March through May or September and October. Anytime between May and October is good for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. Wildflower season varies based on elevation, but early summer is typically good. Pikes Peak region fall colors often peak between September and October. The Pikes Peak Highway is open year-round but may close periodically due to snow.  

Know Before You Go

  1. Downtown Colorado Springs offers numerous outdoor recreation stores and plenty of places to rent gear if you need it.  
  2. Head to Old Colorado City, just west of downtown, for a taste of Colorado’s early Gold Rush days. Here you’ll find a unique mix of antique shops, sidewalk cafes, old candy shops, and fine dining restaurants. 
  3. If you don’t want to drive to the top of Pikes Peak by yourself, you can hop on a guided jeep or bus tour. Just be sure to reserve in advance; tours fill quickly in peak season.  
  4. To capture the best photographs of Garden of the Gods visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the most brilliant rock colors.
  5. Nearby Cripple Creek, Manitou Springs, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park offer additional options for campers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

While boondocking, or camping without hookups, is popular in Colorado, it is not allowed within Colorado Springs city limits. Instead, you'll have to venture outside the city to find suitable boondocking locations. Nearby public lands, such as Pike National Forest, offer dispersed camping opportunities. Additionally, you can find boondocking sites on private properties listed on websites like Hipcamp. Always make sure to follow local regulations, respect private property, and practice Leave No Trace principles while boondocking.

No, you cannot camp within the Garden of the Gods Park, as it is a day-use area only and does not have any camping facilities. However, there are several campgrounds nearby where you can camp. One option is the Mountain Goddess Property, which is a private campground near Garden of the Gods, including private Hipcamps. Additionally, there are several public campgrounds in the surrounding areas, such as Pike National Forest and Mueller State Park.

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.