The Absolute Best Camping Near Colorado Springs

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Updated: November 4, 2022
© iStock.com/William Reagan
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If you are traveling to Colorado Springs, Colorado to visit Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and the Cave of the Winds you are going to want to stay somewhere spectacular. Why settle for a side-of-the-road motel when there are amazing campgrounds with incredible views and amenities.

There really are a wide variety of campgrounds that are fabulous in and around Colorado Springs, but here are the absolute best camping spots near Colorado Springs!

1. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Helen Hunt Falls Colorado
One of the absolute best camping spots near Colorado Springs is at the Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Take a day trip to visit many of the surrounding attractions including the Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Creek.

©iStock.com/sequential5

Only 10 minutes from Downtown Colorado Springs but still out in the wilderness you get the best of both worlds. With 27 miles of hiking on 21 trails this campsite is the perfect place for active campers.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park can be enjoyed all year round. You have hike, bike, view wildlife with over 28 miles of trails.

If you’d rather sit by the fire and admire the Cheyenne Mountain that works too with beautiful mountain views. There is a fenced in playground for kids and pets are welcome as well.

Wildlife is plentiful in the State Park with mule deer, wild turkeys, black-tailed prairie dogs, coyote, fox and red-tailed hawks. There are rattlesnakes in the warmer months so keep an eye out for the western prairie rattlesnake, which is the only poisonous snake in the park.

These snakes tend to keep to themselves and give fair warning by using their rattle so don’t be overly concerned.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Closest TownColorado Springs (7 miles)
RV Sites4 campgrounds, 51 full hookup
Tent Sites10 sites, 2 cabins
AmenitiesShowers, laundry, activity room, fenced playground
ReservationsYes, reservations only, book early
What makes it the absolute bestView of Cheyenne Mountain, 21 trails!

2. Mountaindale Cabins and RV Resort

Red fox pair in grassy field
You might be lucky enough to see a couple red fox on one of your walks around the Mountaindale Cabins and RV Resort.

©iStock.com/Harry Collins

Mountaindale Cabins and RV Resort is located just 15-20 minutes south of Colorado Springs. With 88 campsites and 4 cabins this is a booming camping community. The camp itself has all the amenities you need like a covered pavilion with two grills for large family gatherings and a small store for all the necessities.

The best thing about Mountaindale is the lots sizes for each campsite is much larger than you find elsewhere. It can accommodate some of the largest RV’s with room to spare. Take advantage of the 45 acres in the park and small mountain you can hike. Check out the wildlife as well with photos on the website of deer, jackrabbits, squirrels, hummingbirds, finches, and even a red fox.

Mountaindale Cabins and RV Resort
Closest TownPenrose (16 mi) Colorado Springs (20 mi)
RV Sites88 large sites
Tent SitesNo tent camping but 4 cabins
AmenitiesShowers, restrooms, laundry, pavilion with grills,
small playground, dog park, small store
ReservationsYes
What makes it the absolute bestLots of space around each campsite,

3. Garden of the Gods RV Resort

Pomchi puppy running through garden (Pomeranian chihuahua mix)
The Garden of the Gods has an amazing dog park (called the “Bark Park”).

©XopherPhoto/Shutterstock.com

You can’t beat the view at Garden of the Gods RV Resort with amazing views of Pikes Peak right from camp. Just 4 miles southwest of downtown Colorado Springs you are near many of the local attractions like Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and Pikes Peak. Bring the family because there are 2 heated pools, arcade and a dog park called the “Bark Park”.

Garden of the Gods RV Resort
Closest TownManitou Springs (2 mi) Downtown Colorado Springs (4 mi)
RV Sites154 sites
Tent Sites19 sites, cottages and bunkhouses as well
Amenitiesshowers, laundry, arcade, 2 heated swimming pools,
store, dog park, free WiFi
ReservationsYes
What makes it the absolute bestAmazing views of Pikes Peak, “Bark Park”

4. Colorado Springs KOA Holiday

Human (Homo sapiens) - kids playing
One of the absolute best camping spots near Colorado Springs is the Colorado Springs KOA, especially for kids and grandkids!

©Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock.com

If you want to combine the camping feel with a resort feel than the Colorado Springs KOA has it all. Just 11 miles SE of downtown Colorado Springs you can set aside a few days to just stay at the campground to enjoy the activities, wagon rides, playground, dog park and water park. If you are bringing kids or grandkids this is a fun place to stay. There are scheduled activities including ice cream socials, wagon rides and a bubble park. After a day of hiking at Pikes Peak you can unwind in the hot tub. Something for everyone!

Colorado Springs KOA Holiday
Closest TownFountain (1 mi), Colorado Springs (11 mi)
RV Sites177 full hookup, 70 50 amp
Tent Sites10 sites, cabins, deluxe cabins
AmenitiesShowers, restrooms, laundry, playground, dog park,
water park, bike rentals, wagon rides, planned activities
ReservationsYes
What makes it the absolute bestOn-site waterpark

5. Peregrine Pines

Pike’s Peak Colorado
Look for mule deer, wild turkeys and the jumping mouse while hiking near the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

©iStock.com/William Reagan

If you are in the military or have served in the past then you have the opportunity of being able to stay at Peregrine Pines. Guests can also stay if sponsored by military personnel. Come stay right on the campus of the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There are 105 RV sites and 10 tent sites. While staying you have to visit the famous Cadet Chapel and the Planetarium. There are hiking trails nearby at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Get your camera ready to take shots of mule deer, wild turkey, red fox or the rare jumping mouse that only lives in Colorado and Wyoming.

Peregrine Pines
Closest TownColorado Springs (14 miles)
RV Sites105
Tent Sites10
AmenitiesShowers, restrooms, laundry, playground
ReservationsYes, restricted to members of the military and guests
What makes it the absolute bestOn the US Air Force Academy Campus!

Honorable Mention: Black Tree Resort

The tagline for the Black Tree Resort is “Where roughing it isn’t so rough” and that is for sure. If you (or one of your family members) is not so excited about camping they might be thrilled to try Glamping (Glorified Camping). Share the same outdoor experiences but also sleep on a comfortable queen size bed and have your own private bathroom. You won’t be having charred hot dogs and canned beans because all the meals are provided as well… served on plates with cloth napkins to boot. Check it out for something a little different.

Black Tree Resort
Closest TownLake George (8 mi) Colorado Springs (45 mi)
RV Sites0
Tent Sites0
Glamping Sites11, spread out, 80 acre park
AmenitiesLuxury tent, private bathroom, deck, 3 meals delivered to you daily
ReservationsYes
What makes it the absolute bestA total luxury camping experience

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Pike’s Peak Colorado
© iStock.com/William Reagan

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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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