Tent Camping In Colorado Springs

Campers With Kids Will Also Like

KENOSHA PASS CAMPGROUNDNearest town: Jefferson

Obsessed with the Colorado Trail? Just below the summit of Kenosha Pass sit 30 car-accessible sites, mere steps from the iconic path. Thick aspen groves and stands of lodgepole pines provide privacy there are picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets. You need only hike a mile or so southwest beyond the campsite to discover sweeping views of the South Park basin. Along the way, kids will love spotting the lean-tos that have sprouted up along the footpath. $18 , Recreation.gov

LAKEVIEW CAMPGROUND Nearest town: Leadville

This bundle of 59 campsites sits above Twin Lakes and is situated on the southeast flank of Mt. Elbert, Colorados highest mountain at 14,433 feet, making it an ideal launching pad for an early morning start. For kids , the dirt road connecting the campsites is great for mountain biking. $19, Recreation.gov

COLLEGIATE PEAKS CAMPGROUNDNearest town: Buena Vista

Choose between the mountainous areas creekside and forested options, all reachable by car. Whichever you choose, youll have plenty of room to roam because the 56 sites are nicely spaced. The quietest spots are near Middle Cottonwood Creek, which drowns out the sound of cars chugging up Cottonwood Pass. Children will love boulder-hopping and playing in the shallow waters of the creek. $20, Recreation.gov

PINEWOOD RESERVOIR CAMPGROUND Nearest town: Loveland

TURQUOISE LAKE Nearest town: Leadville

Colorado Heights Camping Resort

Why you should camp here: Glamp in style and enjoy the long list of amenities that Colorado Heights has to offer!

• Reservations Accepted: Yes
• Campsite Type: RV
• RV Hookups: Yes

Colorado Heights Camping Resort is right in the town of Monument, just north of Colorado Springs. Their slogan is your home away from home, and youll quickly find thats true when you get a chance to enjoy their amazing amenities and community feel.

With their own fishing pond, volleyball and basketball courts, swimming pool, BBQ pavilion and kitchen, and other fun activities, Colorado Heights is an ideal destination for extended stays and van-lifers. Given its close proximity to Colorado Springs, its a great home-base for touring the city and surrounding landscape.

The Best 10 Campgrounds In Colorado Springs Co

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Hot Springs Resorts That Offer Camping On

Lodging is usually available nearby to most amazing hot springs. There are many hot springs with lodging on-site. And many of these even provide campgrounds in addition to their hotel or cabin accommodations.

Campers pay a fee to camp, which can include overnight hot springs access at select resorts. Camping at hot springs is a fantastic way to save money and soak in a lot of hot springs on your road trip.

Here are the Colorado hot springs with camping, in no particular order:

What To Pack For Camping In Colorado

We have a comprehensive list of what to pack for a camping trip, but below weve included some specific suggestions for camping in Colorado.

• Water, water, and more water!Dont underestimate the amount of water youll need. Staying hydrated not only helps keep your temperature regulated but can also prevent altitude sickness. We recommend bringing a hydration daypack with 100oz of water for hikes, and sipping constantly from a water bottle back at camp.
• Sun Protection: Youll need plenty of environmentally-friendly sunscreen, as well as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and sunglasses. The Colorado sun is scorching, especially. at high altitude or in the desert.
• Moisturizer & Lip Balm: Colorado air is DRY, especially in higher altitudes and in the desert! Bring more than you think youll need and apply regularly.
• Layers: Regardless of the weather forecast but especially if rain or snow is predicted pack some warm clothing, even if it seems hot. A lightweight rain jacket is always a good idea, as is a packable down jacket or fleece jacket and a warm hat. Additionally, if you have space, it never hurts to pack extra blankets for an overnight in case the temperature plummets.

Weve also got more suggestions on what to pack for hiking in Colorado in our guide to the best hikes near Denver, and of course, a detailed camping packing guide!

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What People Are Saying About Garden Of The Gods Rv Resort

Love this campground. 2 heated pools, arcade, pool table in office lobby. Staff guides you to site. Clean and warm restrooms, hot water and showers great. BBQ truck here on Sunday for lunch and dinner. Event center rooms. All sorts of camping, camping suites, resort cottages, cabins, motel type rooms. Very Clean! Tar roads, fire pits available. Fair price for convenience to Park. Bonnie, Google Review

Location

• Garden of the Gods RV Resort
• 3704 W Colorado Ave

• Dump station

Welcome To Sand Dunes Base Camp 402

Hike, watch the stars, have a campfire and just enjoy the quiet of the valley.

We are situated just a short drive near Fort Garland at the base of a mesa with gorgeous views of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, the National Sand Dunes and have star watching that rivals all others.

National Sand Dunes Fort GarlandTent camping in Colorado Springs

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Elk Creek Campground On Blue Mesa Reservoir

Elk Creek Campground is located on the north shore of the magnificent Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorados largest body of water. This is a fantastic place to go for summertime fun on the water: the area is known for its mesas, narrow canyons, and reservoirs that almost resemble fjords. Bring a boat to take advantage of the marina attached to the campground!

Elk Creek Campground is located within the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Though its named after a Ute Indian sub-chief, theres evidence that humans lived in this area as far back as 10,000 years ago in fact, 5,000 acres of this recreation area are conserved as the Curecanti Archeological District and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places! Oh yeah, and dino fossils were also recently discovered here.

The campground offers stunning views of the reservoir and the San Juan Mountains, where Ute tribes would once hunt in the high alpine meadows in the summer and spend the winter in the ranges valleys. Its also the place where Kit Carson the famous frontiersman is known to have roamed, trapping beavers for fur back in the 1800s .

Things to Know

Campground Amenities

• Coin-operated showers

What to Do Nearby

How to Get There

You can start either to the north at Blue Mesa or to the south at South Fork . From there, take Highway 149 for 117 miles.

Miles East Of Glenwood Springs

Where No Name Creek meets an elbow bend in the Colorado River, this collection of cabins, suites and cottages includes various camping sites as well, many set right along the river. There are both full RV hook-up sites and smaller riverside tent sites with shared fire rings, barbecue grills and picnic tables. Campers have access to the on-site No Name Bar & Grill, and its very a short drive down to the hot springs options in Glenwood Springs. This includes the worlds largest mineral hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Resort, and also the Yampah Vapor Caves and Iron Mountain Hot Springs, both of which provide a more intimate experience than the massive pool.

Glenwoodcanyonresort.com, 1308 Co Rd 129, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-6737. Tent sites from $38-$54, RV sites $71. Open year round.

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What Kind Of Camping Is Available

Youll find a variety of camping options close to Garden of the Gods and Colorado Springs. There are RV hookup sites that have so many amenities and services , itll feel like you actually did choose an Airbnb and not the camping option. Of course, there are also sites for traditional tent camping with the bonus of nearby restrooms. Or if youre really ready to rough it and experience nature, you can choose a camping option in the national forest that doesnt even have a proper tent site.

Here are some great places to camp near Garden of the Gods:

Best Camping Spots Near Colorado Springs Colorado

Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the doorstep of Pike National Forest, its no surprise that Colorado Springs is overflowing with great campgrounds.

Camping in Colorado Springs is a wonderful way visit this unique city and landscape. Whether youre looking for a home base to tour the city or heading deep into Pike National Forest, the Colorado Springs area has you covered!

There are so many attractions around Colorado Springs, its honestly hard to decide what to do sometimes. If youre looking for a little adventure inspiration, check out our article on the best hikes around Colorado Springs or visit the citys adventure guide for tips on what to do. Dont forget to ask your campground host for ideas, too!

Ready to pitch your tent? Heres a list of the best campgrounds around Colorado Springs, covering everything from national forest campgrounds to state parks and private camping resorts.

Why you should camp here: A backpackers dream, where hikers are greeted with a hot meal and warm bunk.

• Reservations Accepted: Yes
• Best Seasons: Year-round
• Campsite Type: Cabins, bunkhouses, lean-tos, tents

Youll find Barr Camp along on the Barr Trail, the most popular route to the Pikes Peak summit. This unique camp offers many lodging options that cater to any hiking party.

Barr Camp makes it possible for hikers to test their skills in the winter months. I know I would only want to hike Barr Trail in December if I could expect hot meals and a roof over my head!

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Falcon Meadow Rv Campground

Price: $40

Miles to Downtown: 14 miles

Why Youll Love It: Finding a campsite in popular spots like Colorado Springs, especially in summer, is a difficult task. But this park is here for you! Falcon Meadow is a few miles east of the city and this campground has taken on the overflow from campgrounds closer to the action.

Its large sites make your stay quieter and spacious, and its proximity to grocery stores and shopping is all within walking distance.

Whats The Word: A recent review at CampgroundReviews.com said, We are here in summer and this area is jammed. We could not find availability within a 20 mile radius of Colorado Springs and there are a lot of Campgrounds in the area. So reserve early!!

Colorado Springs, CO RV Park Vibe: 7.8/10

If exploring The Springs in your RV, make sure youre close to everything by reserving one of these campgrounds early. They fill up fast with reservations for those who dream of rock climbing, hiking, shopping and riding the rails in this outdoor-loving town!

Garden Of The Gods Colorado

Lets go camping near Garden of the Gods!

Camping can often be a cheaper alternative to an Airbnb or hotel, and its often more adventurous. Youll get a much richer experience of the Rocky Mountains beautythe crisp mountain air, better chances at spotting wildlife, and easy access to trails. Best part of allcooking over an open fire. To really experience camping to its fullest, unplug from your electronic devices and commit to spend your time focused on people and nature.

Read Also: Morgan Monroe State Forest Camping

Rule No : Big Groups Require More Advanced Planning

Sites suitable for large crews book up months in advance. Where should you try to claim space? Here, three of our favorite spots.

Mueller State Park, near Colorado Springs If you missed your window for reserving one of the 11 RV-only sites in Pisgah Point, a designated group campground, consider trying to secure adjacent campsites in one of Muellers six other camping areas. Typical sites hold six people eachand with 121 options, you could hit the jackpot, especially if your dates are flexible. Call 719-687-2366 to book a group site visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife or call 1-800-678-2267 for all other camping inquiries

Saddlehorn Campground, Colorado National Monument Communing with western Colorados red-rock landscape is magicaland this is the spot to do it. Saddlehorn is the only established campground in the national monument, and although it only has 80 sites, each one allows seven people, three tents, and two vehicles. Sites in B Loop are reservable up to six months in advance for visits from March through October. Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov

Rule No : You Dont Always Need A Tent

Check out these three alternative accommodations.

Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout TowerJust an eight-mile drive south of Idaho Springs, the Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers a mountaintop view that extends from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak. In the summer, visitors huff it up a steep one-mile road to reach the granite communication tower, which is topped by a cozy living space. The single room plus a loft sleeps four contains a coffeemaker, refrigerator, and electric stove and features a wraparound outdoor catwalk. $80 per night plus a $9 reservation fee

Colorado Teardrops TrailersIf observing nature from the cozy confines of a camper is your thing, weve got a home on wheels for you. Boulder-based Colorado Teardrops aluminum trailers feature memory foam, queen-size mattresses, a galley for cooking on the back, and an LED-lit interior. Theyre also fully insulated and are light enough to be towed by your Subaru. $90 per night

Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird XLC HammockIf you want to snooze above the ground instead of on it, string up a Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird XLC hammock. These floating beds are sewn in Evergreen and Denver, include built-in bug netting, and can be customized with double-layer fabric for more heft. The breathable top cover retains heat, making your little nest 15 degrees warmer than the ambient temperature. $195 to $385

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The Amenities We Provide:

When it comes to going for an adventure and exploring your own self with a trip then the best place to find peace is in Sangre de Christo mountains. It is the best place to get lost in the lap of mother nature with amazing mountains and beautiful views where one can actually find peace by getting time out from a busy schedule and regular life.

The best part of the whole adventure and camping is our camping trailers. We provide the best comfortable RVs to provide our travelers with the best exploring experience with our trailers. These are the mini accessible houses which you can take along and enjoy living in throughout your journey into these serene mountains. Spending time watching the beautiful sunsets by parking at beautiful destinations is an out of the world feeling.

So, by keeping the requirements and basic necessities of all tourists we make sure to provide all the required things to our travelers. Must check below the list of the amenities we provide:

• Major food options as per the demand are available by the main chef.
• The unlimited stock of woods is available at the moment.
• All the parking facilities are available.
• We provide our travel guides for travelers for hiking Fort Garland.
• From sleeping bed to water supplies we make sure to provide all the things.
• Toiletry kits and bathing kits are provided.
• The fire extinguisher is provided.
• First aid kits are available for emergencies.

So, excited for the adventure?

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.

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Things Nobody Tells You About Colorado

We always find that our appreciation of a place is greatly enhanced by understanding a little bit about its history and culture. Yes, even in our home country! So weve included a brief primer on what makes the state absolutely fascinating and what you need to know before you go camping in Colorado.

Colorados history is fierce and fascinating. The beloved mountains that we know and love today are the result of tectonic plate collisions that happened 70 million years ago. Even back then, Colorado was lit: the state was home to so many dinosaurs that theres even a town in Colorado named Dinosaur!

In addition to dinosaurs, the area has been inhabited by humans for at least 14,000 years. Native American tribes inhabited and traveled through what is now Colorado, including Ute, Navajo, Comanche, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes with many of these tribes sacred origin and ceremonial sites found within the state.

And while there are still many Indigenous communities within Colorado today, there have been many tribes with a legacy of occupation in the area. After European colonizers arrived in Colorado, Native Americans were displaced from their ancestral lands, slaughtered en masse and finally forced onto reservations, some of which were far removed from their homelands.

These towns remain Colorados most-visited destinations to this day: after the silver rush faded to more of a dull gray, the states coffers relied instead on tourism, craft beer, and most recently weed.