Hot spring camping near Cripple Creek with campfires

Get in the Gold Rush spirit with a hike in the hills or a mountain camping trip near Pikes Peak.

98% (29 reviews)

United States
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Colorado
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Cripple Creek

98% (29 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cripple Creek

2 top hot spring campgrounds near Cripple Creek with campfires

Saved 5 times

Cottonwood Camp

7 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Florence, CO

Open May through October. This secluded, 2-acre campsite is the only place between the Royal Gorge and Lake Pueblo where you can fish and camp right on the banks of the Arkansas River. Accessible by watercraft only, you cannot drive to it or hike to it—you can only boat to it. There is no public road access to the camp. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN WATERCRAFT. Access to the campsite requires your own boat. There are no direct roads for you take. You will be our only guests at this private riverfront location—no one else vying for the trout…no one’s boom box disturbing your sleep…no swimmers disturbing the fish. Note: We’re open May through October, and during those months, we might have to close temporarily for safety reasons when river flow-rates exceed 1,300 cfs (cubic feet per second). If we need to close when you have a reservation and you can’t change your date, we will notify you of the closure and refund your money.

98%

(31)

A Special Place in South Park

1 site · RV6 acres · Hartsel, CO

Your base camp for Gold Medal fishing at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, or just some relaxation and stargazing! Once a gargantuan ranch, this section of South Park has been subdivided into residential and recreational lots so more of us can enjoy the local beauty. This neck of the woods remains sparsely populated, assuring you of peace and privacy. Learn more about this land: Enjoy exclusive use of this six-acre spread which features trees, rock outcroppings, and absurd mountain views. Remote yet accessible by county road, the property is a few miles from Hartsel, where you'll find a general store and saloon, and the other historic railroad settlements of Park County. (Learn about the South Park National Heritage Area at southparkheritage.org.) The property has flat areas for easy tent setup, and also gently sloping and wooded areas for exploring. All supplies (including water) must be packed in, and all waste packed out. I stashed a collapsible picnic table behind the big rock and you're welcome to use that, please just fold it and stash it again. There is a fire ring, please just check if there is in a burn ban in place. There are no structures at all on the property. Per Hipcamp and local zoning, you may not relieve yourself outdoors; you must be in a vehicle or privacy tent. If you see some expensively outfitted motorcyclists cruise by, they're from the Rawhyde Training Camp up the road so give them a wave!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(72)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

Hot spring camping near Cripple Creek with campfires guide

Overview

In the 1800s, Cripple Creek was one of Colorado’s bustling gold mining towns. Today, you can capture that wild gold-rush spirit with a camping adventure in the hills around town. Or, head deeper into the Rockies and sleep in the shadow of Pikes Peak. RV parks, rustic cabins, or backcountry tent sites—the area near Cripple Creek has it all.

Explore meadows and climb massive rocks in Mueller State Park. Relax in camp with views of the Continental Divide, or book cabins overlooking Pikes Peak. If you’re ready for a challenge, tackle 36 miles of mountain biking trails. The winter snows set the scene for wild, ungroomed Nordic skiing.

In the Pike National Forest, it’s easy to disconnect—cell and Wi-Fi service is limited. Hike the Devil’s Playground Trail from your site at The Crags. As you drive toward Colorado Springs, find tent camping at Meadow Ridge and Rampart Reservoir. For easy access to the Garden of the Gods, look for RV resorts in Manitou Springs.

Most of the campgrounds near Cripple Creek close in the winter. To enjoy the snow, rent a 4WD vehicle and book a cabin or a yurt. The rest of the year, temperatures are mild. Pack a warm jacket, even in the summer; evenings are cool year-round.