Tiny homes near Manitou Springs with fishing

Tucked into the foothills of the Southern Front Range, Manitou Springs is well placed for tackling Pikes Peak and exploring the sandstone spires of the Garden of the Gods, as well as nearby ancient cliff dwellings. The town is known for its natural mineral springs, which you can drink and soak in. Challenge yourself on the Manitou Incline, or browse for art in the historic downtown. RV parks offer camping in town, but head out to the mountains, forests, and plains to find plentiful options for all types of campers.

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.

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.

• 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.