Colorado Campground
4.55162 reviewsPikes Peak Ranger District, 601 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
Colorado Campground
$28.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard electric sites cost $38 per night during peak season; standard non-electric sites cost $28. Discounts, taxes, and incremental charges may apply. Additional fees include $11 per night for a third vehicle and $10 per firewood bundle.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's pristine wilderness, Colorado Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover their perfect mountain retreat. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of Manitou Lake, paddling across its peaceful surface, or exploring miles of scenic hiking and OHV trails, adventure awaits at every turn. Choose from spacious single or double-family campsites, each equipped with campfire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern amenities including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash collection ensure your wilderness experience remains comfortable and carefree.
Colorado Campground offers a range of camping options, including sites for RVs, tents, and groups. Sites are primarily designed for dry camping, with no utility hookups.
Historical SignificanceCamp in the shadow of American history at the base of the legendary Pikes Peak, the inspiration behind 'America the Beautiful' and the easternmost fourteener in the United States. This iconic 14,000-foot summit has drawn explorers, gold seekers, and adventurers for centuries, serving as a beacon of the American West and a testament to the pioneering spirit that shaped our nation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Colorado's high-country climate, where summer days warm to a pleasant 77°F while cool mountain nights dip to a refreshing 53°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and restful sleep. The region's characteristically dry conditions are punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, bringing nature's own light show. While winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the prime camping months from late spring through early fall offer ideal conditions for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 7,800 feet above sea level, Colorado Campground offers that perfect high-altitude experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath connects you with the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a stunning ponderosa pine forest where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The crown jewel of this mountain paradise is the pristine 5-acre Manitou Lake, its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding peaks and sky. From nearly 8,000 feet, breathtaking vistas unfold in every direction, offering photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities to capture Colorado's rugged beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp in the majestic Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Surrounded by fragrant ponderosa pines and positioned just north of the mighty Pikes Peak—towering at an impressive 14,115 feet—the campground sits beside the serene 5-acre Manitou Lake. This remarkable setting places you at the intersection of accessible wilderness and some of Colorado's most iconic mountain scenery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe paved Centennial Bike Trail offers accessibility for hikers, roller bladers, and bicyclists. Some campsites may face accessibility challenges due to uneven terrain.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating single and double-family setups, and some sites offer ample shade from tall pines.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are well-spaced and shaded by pine trees, while others are closer together, leading to limited seclusion.
Total Campsites81 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites further from the highway are quieter; site 52 offers ample space and shade.
Best CampsitesSite 52 is noted for shade and spaciousness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2p.m.
Check-out
12 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles or one RV/Trailer plus tow vehicle per site is included in the camping fee.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle and double-family campsites available; gravel parking spurs and paved roads. Sites spaced well apart.
Open and Closed SeasonReservable season runs from May 23 through August 31, with shoulder seasons and non-reservable periods noted.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, by phone at 877-444-6777, or through the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground offers first-come-first-serve sites, which must be occupied the first night.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 fee. Late cancellations or no-shows forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The Colorado Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Manitou Lake adds opportunities for canoeing and trout fishing. The accessible Centennial Bike Trail connects the campground to other recreational areas such as South Meadows Campground.
Hiking
The Centennial Bike Trail is a paved, accessible recreation trail connecting the campground to Manitou Lake Picnic Area and South Meadows Campground. Hikers can also explore nearby trails such as the Rainbow Falls OHV and North Divide OHV Trail Systems.Fishing
Manitou Lake is a short walk from the campground and is known for trout fishing. Several users noted fishing success: 'Manitou Lake is a short walk away and has great fishing! We feasted on fresh trout each night.'Biking
The Centennial Bike Trail offers a paved path for bicyclists and roller bladers. The trail is noted as accessible and family-friendly.Boating
Canoeing and paddleboarding are popular at the nearby Manitou Lake. Motorized boats are not allowed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include bird watching at Manitou Lake and occasional sightings of larger animals such as deer and moose.Cultural and Educational Programs
Campfire programs are held at the amphitheater on most Saturday evenings during the peak season. Some reviewers highlighted these as enjoyable family activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the source material.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and paddleboarding are available at Manitou Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated rings; firewood sold on-site for $10 per bundle. Do not move firewood to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. noise limit enforced.
Hazards
General hazardsCommon hazards include thunderstorms and lightning, as well as wildlife like bears. Visitors are advised to store food securely and exercise caution during storms.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services include facilities in Woodland Park, 6 miles south, which offers medical care, police stations, and other safety services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 5 - September 6 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, and dumpsters are available throughout the campground. Some users mentioned that trash bins occasionally get full during busy weekends.
Proximity to water featuresA short walk to Manitou Lake offers fishing, canoeing, and picnicking opportunities.
Common complaintsRoad noise from Highway 67, tight parking spaces for larger RVs, and incidents of rude campers.
HostHosts are generally helpful, with some reviews praising their friendliness and others reporting rude behavior.
Campground Map
Pikes Peak Ranger District, 601 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
Driving directionsFrom the I-25 and Highway 24 intersection in Colorado Springs, travel west on Highway 24 for about 18 miles to the intersection with Highway 67 in Woodland Park. Turn right (north) on Highway 67 and drive about 6.7 miles to Colorado Campground. The campground is on the right side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and gravel parking spurs. RV or trailers over 36 feet may face challenges due to tight corners and trees.Nearby places
Colorado Springs (25 miles southeast), Woodland Park (6 miles south), Manitou Springs (20 miles west).
Nearby supplies
The town of Woodland Park, 6 miles south, provides groceries, dining options, fuel stations, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
162 reviews
Colorado Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Colorado Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.38 out of 5. Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the professionalism of the camp hosts, and the beauty of the natural surroundings. However, some complaints include issues with site layout, road noise, and occasional host behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 162 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, spacious campsites shaded by tall pines, and proximity to Manitou Lake for fishing and canoeing. Hosts are often described as helpful and friendly.
Based on 162 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms include tight road layouts that make navigation difficult for larger RVs, road noise from the nearby highway, and isolated incidents of rude campers or overbearing camp hosts. Several...
Based on 162 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood or purchase from the host. If using an RV, ensure it is under 36 feet to navigate the campground's tight corners. Arrive early to secure first-come, first-serve sites or make...
Based on 162 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with most campsites fully booked during holidays. Visitors recommend weekday stays for quieter experiences. Thunderstorms are common during summer afternoons; plan...
Based on 162 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen.' 'Hosts were fantastic and helpful.' 'The lake is small but very pretty with trout fishing and paddleboarding.' 'Road noise from the nearby highway was...
Based on 162 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Spot 52 was praised for its shade and space, while spot 76 was noted for being difficult to back into due to a tree across the road. Site 40 is a pull-thru site close to the trail leading to the lake.
Based on 162 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some sites are noted to be uneven, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The paved Centennial Bike Trail provides accessible recreation opportunities.
Based on 162 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed, and dog runs attached to trees are prohibited. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment.
Based on 162 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025