- /
- Big Rig Friendly
The best big rig friendly camping near Manitou Springs
94% (599) • 141 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manitou Springs
Pikes Peak RV Park
1. Pikes Peak RV Park
91%
(38)
0.7mi from Manitou Springs · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Pikes Peak RV Park, your gateway to adventure and relaxation in the heart of Manitou Springs! Situated just a mile from downtown, our small campground offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility.
Discover the charm of Manitou Springs, where entertainment abounds for the whole family. Explore a variety of shops and restaurants, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic town.
For outdoor enthusiasts, our park boasts unbeatable proximity to some of Colorado's most iconic attractions. Explore the stunning rock formations of Garden of the Gods, tackle the challenging Manitou Incline, or marvel at the cascading beauty of Seven Falls. And don't forget to embark on an unforgettable journey to the summit of Pikes Peak, just minutes away.
Surrounded by natural beauty, our park features a serene creek running through one side, providing a peaceful backdrop for your stay. On the other side, a trail offers easy access to outdoor adventures, where you can spot wildlife such as deer, ducks, and beavers. Whether you prefer Creekside serenity or Trailside views of Pikes Peak, you'll find your perfect retreat at Pikes Peak RV Park. We do not allow campfires at our park.
Experience the best of Manitou Springs and beyond at our welcoming campground, where every moment promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$75
/ night
M Lazy C Ranch
2. M Lazy C Ranch
93%
(44)
30mi from Manitou Springs · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Step into the boots of a cowboy and ride into the old west, the way it used to be! Ride off into the old west at our world-famous historic guest ranch built in the 1900's. Camping sites, cabins, primitive camping, pet friendly, and ATV friendly. Here, we do things the cowboy way…the way it used to be! Bring your horses or ride one of ours.
With views of magnificent Pike’s Peak and surrounded by over 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest, soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains while you relax in your cabin or RV site. We offer a taste of the real old west at our famous Old West Colorado guest ranch. Listen to the sounds of the wind through the Ponderosa Pines, Elk bugle echoes through the hills, howls of coyotes in the distance, deer moving nearby. It's peaceful but never silent. Come visit the ranch’s 115-year history.
Started as a homestead back in 1906, M Lazy Ranch is now a thriving guest ranch and cowboy playground. M Lazy C Ranch is the ideal location for a family trip, time with friends, romantic horse rides and more. Our original turn of the century Cabins dating back to that time period, have been lovingly restored. Not your typical dude ranch. We are flexible and offer a multitude of options to choose from. We also offer RV sites, Equestrian RV Sites, an Arena, Cabins, Weddings, Hunting, Fishing, Events, and more!
Surrounded by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides provides our guests with unlimited riding potential and amazing views. Ride horses on our property for a perfect relaxing gateway the whole family can enjoy.
Sit on the porch of your very own piece of heaven, relax, put your feet up, and stay awhile.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$38
/ night
Starlite Vintage Resort
3. Starlite Vintage Resort
94%
(70)
34mi from Manitou Springs · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado.
Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Falkor Ranch
4. Falkor Ranch
100%
(256)
35mi from Manitou Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Falkor 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 that includes a shower.
You will meet our beautiful alpacas and Nubian goats that we have for milk, weed control and just because they make us happy, as well as a 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. There are many popular and diverse activity sites less than an hour away. Come escape the hustle and bustle of home, 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 a hot shower, bathroom, picnic tables, potable water, and trash and recycle bins. Our RV listing has both 20 and 30 amp 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!"
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
$49
/ night
Sweetwater River Resort
5. Sweetwater River Resort
91%
(393)
49mi from Manitou Springs · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort
Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing.
Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself.
Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Peaceful Woods Retreat
6. Peaceful Woods Retreat
100%
(6)
18mi from Manitou Springs · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Black Forest, Colorado, located on the northern end of Colorado Springs. This property sits on 5 1/2 acres of beautiful woods. Despite the privacy and peacefulness, you are only minutes away from a gas station/convenience, store, barbecue restaurant, breakfast/lunch café, and a pizza/grinders restaurant.
We have two covered RV spots and two open RV spots. The two covered spots have electrical hook ups, the smaller spot offers only 110v plug-in, and the large spot offers 30/50amp. Although we don’t have water at each spot we do have long water hoses to get your tanks full. Please note we do not have septic! There is a KOAA 15 minutes away, which allows dumping for a $10 cash fee.
The smaller RV spot is suitable for up to a 30 foot RV, the larger spot can fit up to a 40 foot RV. There is one tight turn to get onto the property, but once you’re on the property it is easy to navigate. We highly recommend you arrive during daylight hours, so you can maneuver properly. Wi-if available.
Fire pits allowed on the open center area only. Quiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM.
Owners live on site, in the log cabin. Two dogs live on property.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$40
/ night
Mountain Meadow Menagerie
7. Mountain Meadow Menagerie
20mi from Manitou Springs · 1 site · Tent, RV
This beautiful camping/RV spot is perfect for a base camp to explore the central Colorado area and trails. We have 8 acres total. We live on 4 acres with our dogs, cats and chickens. The other 4 acres is dedicated to the camping/RV possibilities. We have a dedicated RV spot with full hook ups as well as 3 dedicated tent spots. Additional flat land outside of the enclosed area for additional tent camping. While there are no fires allowed in the camping area, we do have a large gas fire pit on our side that can be lit with prearrangements and as county fire restrictions allow. A wonderful way to end the day, within walking distance of your campsite. And did I mention we sell farm fresh eggs?
We are within 5 miles from the Florissant Fossil Beds, The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, and proximity to several mountain towns such as Florissant, Divide and Cripple Creek. World class fishing is nearby at 11 Mile Reservoir, and many other notable spots. Buena Vista, a popular put in point for white water rafting is just down the road. Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs are a mere 40 minutes away. And did we mention proximity to Pikes Peak? Just an hour away!
Pets
Potable water
Full hookups
from
$50
/ night
High Gardens RV Park LLC
8. High Gardens RV Park LLC
100%
(4)
35mi from Manitou Springs · 4 sites
We are an upscale, safe and clean Recreational Vehicle Park. We offer Daily, Weekly and Monthly Long Term sites. Our Oversized 70' x40' Pull Thru, full hook up sites all have 750 sq.ft. of high end artificial turf that can accommodate almost any size RV. We have a very nice laundry facility available with 7 brand new coin washers and 7 brand new coin dryers. We are located in the quaint and quiet little town of Florence, which is conveniently close to Canon City (15 mins), Pueblo West (25 minutes) and Colorado Springs (35 minutes) giving you lots of activities to explore near by! For more information give us a call at 719-280-3046 Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. We would Love to have you stay with us!
Pets
Full hookups
from
$65
/ night
94% (599) • 141 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manitou Springs
Pikes Peak RV Park
1. Pikes Peak RV Park
91%
(38)
0.7mi from Manitou Springs · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Pikes Peak RV Park, your gateway to adventure and relaxation in the heart of Manitou Springs! Situated just a mile from downtown, our small campground offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility.
Discover the charm of Manitou Springs, where entertainment abounds for the whole family. Explore a variety of shops and restaurants, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic town.
For outdoor enthusiasts, our park boasts unbeatable proximity to some of Colorado's most iconic attractions. Explore the stunning rock formations of Garden of the Gods, tackle the challenging Manitou Incline, or marvel at the cascading beauty of Seven Falls. And don't forget to embark on an unforgettable journey to the summit of Pikes Peak, just minutes away.
Surrounded by natural beauty, our park features a serene creek running through one side, providing a peaceful backdrop for your stay. On the other side, a trail offers easy access to outdoor adventures, where you can spot wildlife such as deer, ducks, and beavers. Whether you prefer Creekside serenity or Trailside views of Pikes Peak, you'll find your perfect retreat at Pikes Peak RV Park. We do not allow campfires at our park.
Experience the best of Manitou Springs and beyond at our welcoming campground, where every moment promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$75
/ night
M Lazy C Ranch
2. M Lazy C Ranch
93%
(44)
30mi from Manitou Springs · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Step into the boots of a cowboy and ride into the old west, the way it used to be! Ride off into the old west at our world-famous historic guest ranch built in the 1900's. Camping sites, cabins, primitive camping, pet friendly, and ATV friendly. Here, we do things the cowboy way…the way it used to be! Bring your horses or ride one of ours.
With views of magnificent Pike’s Peak and surrounded by over 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest, soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains while you relax in your cabin or RV site. We offer a taste of the real old west at our famous Old West Colorado guest ranch. Listen to the sounds of the wind through the Ponderosa Pines, Elk bugle echoes through the hills, howls of coyotes in the distance, deer moving nearby. It's peaceful but never silent. Come visit the ranch’s 115-year history.
Started as a homestead back in 1906, M Lazy Ranch is now a thriving guest ranch and cowboy playground. M Lazy C Ranch is the ideal location for a family trip, time with friends, romantic horse rides and more. Our original turn of the century Cabins dating back to that time period, have been lovingly restored. Not your typical dude ranch. We are flexible and offer a multitude of options to choose from. We also offer RV sites, Equestrian RV Sites, an Arena, Cabins, Weddings, Hunting, Fishing, Events, and more!
Surrounded by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides provides our guests with unlimited riding potential and amazing views. Ride horses on our property for a perfect relaxing gateway the whole family can enjoy.
Sit on the porch of your very own piece of heaven, relax, put your feet up, and stay awhile.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$38
/ night
Starlite Vintage Resort
3. Starlite Vintage Resort
94%
(70)
34mi from Manitou Springs · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado.
Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Falkor Ranch
4. Falkor Ranch
100%
(256)
35mi from Manitou Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Falkor 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 that includes a shower.
You will meet our beautiful alpacas and Nubian goats that we have for milk, weed control and just because they make us happy, as well as a 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. There are many popular and diverse activity sites less than an hour away. Come escape the hustle and bustle of home, 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 a hot shower, bathroom, picnic tables, potable water, and trash and recycle bins. Our RV listing has both 20 and 30 amp 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!"
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
$49
/ night
Sweetwater River Resort
5. Sweetwater River Resort
91%
(393)
49mi from Manitou Springs · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort
Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing.
Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself.
Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Peaceful Woods Retreat
6. Peaceful Woods Retreat
100%
(6)
18mi from Manitou Springs · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Black Forest, Colorado, located on the northern end of Colorado Springs. This property sits on 5 1/2 acres of beautiful woods. Despite the privacy and peacefulness, you are only minutes away from a gas station/convenience, store, barbecue restaurant, breakfast/lunch café, and a pizza/grinders restaurant.
We have two covered RV spots and two open RV spots. The two covered spots have electrical hook ups, the smaller spot offers only 110v plug-in, and the large spot offers 30/50amp. Although we don’t have water at each spot we do have long water hoses to get your tanks full. Please note we do not have septic! There is a KOAA 15 minutes away, which allows dumping for a $10 cash fee.
The smaller RV spot is suitable for up to a 30 foot RV, the larger spot can fit up to a 40 foot RV. There is one tight turn to get onto the property, but once you’re on the property it is easy to navigate. We highly recommend you arrive during daylight hours, so you can maneuver properly. Wi-if available.
Fire pits allowed on the open center area only. Quiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM.
Owners live on site, in the log cabin. Two dogs live on property.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$40
/ night
Mountain Meadow Menagerie
7. Mountain Meadow Menagerie
20mi from Manitou Springs · 1 site · Tent, RV
This beautiful camping/RV spot is perfect for a base camp to explore the central Colorado area and trails. We have 8 acres total. We live on 4 acres with our dogs, cats and chickens. The other 4 acres is dedicated to the camping/RV possibilities. We have a dedicated RV spot with full hook ups as well as 3 dedicated tent spots. Additional flat land outside of the enclosed area for additional tent camping. While there are no fires allowed in the camping area, we do have a large gas fire pit on our side that can be lit with prearrangements and as county fire restrictions allow. A wonderful way to end the day, within walking distance of your campsite. And did I mention we sell farm fresh eggs?
We are within 5 miles from the Florissant Fossil Beds, The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, and proximity to several mountain towns such as Florissant, Divide and Cripple Creek. World class fishing is nearby at 11 Mile Reservoir, and many other notable spots. Buena Vista, a popular put in point for white water rafting is just down the road. Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs are a mere 40 minutes away. And did we mention proximity to Pikes Peak? Just an hour away!
Pets
Potable water
Full hookups
from
$50
/ night
High Gardens RV Park LLC
8. High Gardens RV Park LLC
100%
(4)
35mi from Manitou Springs · 4 sites
We are an upscale, safe and clean Recreational Vehicle Park. We offer Daily, Weekly and Monthly Long Term sites. Our Oversized 70' x40' Pull Thru, full hook up sites all have 750 sq.ft. of high end artificial turf that can accommodate almost any size RV. We have a very nice laundry facility available with 7 brand new coin washers and 7 brand new coin dryers. We are located in the quaint and quiet little town of Florence, which is conveniently close to Canon City (15 mins), Pueblo West (25 minutes) and Colorado Springs (35 minutes) giving you lots of activities to explore near by! For more information give us a call at 719-280-3046 Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. We would Love to have you stay with us!
Pets
Full hookups
from
$65
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
H
Heather
1 week ago
With kids
Beautiful spot right on the water! Definitely rustic but a great value for the price and had everything we needed. The owners were very nice! Great privacy for Pioneer Cabin 2. Kids enjoyed walking across the swinging bridge. Beautiful moonlit sky to enjoy the evenings. If you're fussy about linens or cush pillows, bring your own. We were there during a heat wave in late March and it was quite warm in the cabin. The oscillating fan was a lifesaver but it doesn't hit one corner of the beds. If it's peak summer, you may wanna throw in a second one. The coffee pot is a nice touch and fridge and microwave too! Made for a low maintenance quick getaway from the city and a short, scenic drive to Salida. Crucial that it was pet friendly as we love being able to bring our doggos. Would definitely come back. Thanks for having us!
See more
alida
1 week ago
20 ft campervan
Beautiful property! Nice folks. Laidback camping on the river.
See more
G
Grabiel
1 week ago
With pets
A spectacular place to spend time with family and relax.
See more
S
Sara
1 week ago
Tent
It was great. The views are beautiful. The area is nice. Would recommend and would visit again
See more
D
David
March 2026
Tent
Group trip
The views at this site were absolutely incredible. We arrived fairly late on a bad weather day, but it didn't take away any of the enjoyment we had. The hosts also made sure to stay until we arrived to make sure we got settled in correctly. Would love to return on a sunnier day.
See more
S
Stephan
February 2026
Tent
It’s a beautiful place. Clean and well maintained by the wonderful people who own it. Listening to the river and geese was relaxing. Yes, the road is near and you hear the cars and trucks but it’s in a river canyon so we just ignored that and enjoyed ourselves. Good places to eat nearby (check out the MUG) and a good base camp location for anything in or around Colorado Springs.
10/10 will return.
See more
K
Kamira
February 2026
With pets
Enjoyed our stay! Beautiful view especially at sunrise. Host is friendly. Definitely going back again!
See more
A
Abby
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort
Very clean property. Great clean showers as well. Only downside is that the heated pool isn’t operable during their winter period and neither are the showers inside the campers. However, they were responsive via text when I had questions. I’ll come back when it’s not off season and additional amenities are available.
See moreE
Eun
December 2025
With pets
It really was as close to the water as you can get. View was wonderful. Cabin also came with a lot more amenities than I expected, perfect spot for glamping!
See more
C
Chris
December 2025
Tent
Wonderful hosts and a great vibe. I would come back
See more
S
Sheree
December 2025
With pets
Nice campers, owner, and on site staff. Recommend going in the summer.
See more
K
Kristin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort
There are not words to describe the views from our cabin! Hosts were so kind and friendly. I was worried that the cabin would not be warm enough but the heater provided put off way more than enough heat. You’re missing out if you don’t stay here !
See more
Roxanne
November 2025
20 ft campervan
What a beautiful spot along the Arkansas River! I stayed over a winter holiday week, so it was pretty quiet but the views were amazing. The hosts were very hospitable and the bathrooms were clean. Getting to walk along the railroad onto BLM land was an added bonus. I would definitely stay again.
See more
A
Ameliea
November 2025
With pets
It was an incredible getaway and the staff was extremely kind and helpful , even on a national holiday!
See moreJ
Jarrett
November 2025
With pets
I had a fantastic time in Pioneer 2. The beds were clean. Though it was cold outside, the cabin was nice and toasty. The views were amazing. Lastly, the hosts were nice, quick to respond and very accommodating. Im going back for sure. Thanks!!!
See more
S
Shannon
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort
Very nice host, really cool campground and comfortable accommodations!!
See moreS
Stephen
November 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With pets
This was a great campground!!! Right on the river with very active fish and very peaceful!
See more
Alison Penelope
November 2025
With pets
Sweetwater was the perfect spot to rest and recharge. The sounds of the river were fantastic and the general scenery was breathtaking.
See more
J
Joseph
November 2025
With pets
Loved it! As advertised, great little cabin in awesome location. Me and my 6 year old son went for the weekend. Hiked the local mountains in the day, camp fires at night. Went November 7, but still wasn’t too cold in the cabin at all.
Highly recommend .
See more
L
Lulu
November 2025
25 ft Class C
Lovely place! The bathrooms were clean and you can’t beat a hot shower. They had several bbq grills for guest to use. It was nice to be so close to Royal Gorge. Don’t pass up your change to stay here, you won’t regret.
See moreManitou Springs camping guide
Where to go
Pike National Forest
Head west for outdoor activities near Woodland Park, or find fossils at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. On the other side of Pikes Peak, Mueller State Park offers year-round outdoor recreation in a wooded setting, abundant wildlife, and camping options spanning walk-in tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabins. The surrounding Pike National Forests offer plenty of wilderness and mountains, and a wide range of campgrounds plus space for dispersed camping. For solitude, explore and camp within several wilderness areas.
Denver and nearby
For urban adventures, head north to Denver. Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park both offer reservoirs, rolling hills, and campgrounds with amenities just outside Colorado’s largest city. For off grid camping and glamping, try Golden Gate Canyon State Park. To the north of Denver, St. Vrain State Park offers great fishing and camping near ponds. Drive along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to enjoy stellar views and plentiful campgrounds.
South central Colorado
Stay in a private campground or RV park in nearby Colorado Springs, or head to Cheyenne Mountain State Park to explore the outdoors and camp. Near Cañon City, you can ride the rapids of Royal Gorge and stay in rustic glamping tents. Head further south to explore the plains and high desert, with a visit to historic Pueblo, and follow the Santa Fe Trail down through Trinidad. Camp lakeside at Lake Pueblo State Park or Trinidad Lake State Park, or take the Highway of Legends from Trinidad to La Veta and Walsenburg to camp near the Spanish Peaks or Lathrop State Park.
When to go
Summer is the busiest time in Manitou Springs, and also offers the best weather for outdoor activities. During the peak summer season, visitors to Pikes Peak may not be able to drive to the summit and may have to take a shuttle bus. Visit in late spring for smaller crowds. Fall brings Golden aspens, and the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway is a great drive to see them. Expect peak colors in September to early October.
Know before you go
- A free shuttle takes passengers around Manitou Springs. You will want a vehicle to explore areas outside of town.
- Manitou Springs is situated at over 6,000 feet. Other recreation areas and campsites in the region are at even higher elevations. Be aware of altitude issues.
- Hiking, parking, and camping are not allowed on the Pikes Peak Highway, which charges a per person fee from May to November.
- Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent.
