A nice place to camp close to the Springs (Colorado Springs: RV park, campground)

[lalahartma]

You have the entire National Forest to chose from. I like the areas @ the reservoir and the forest roads off of Mt Herman and Rampart Rds.

[Maynerd]

Go out 24 West to Lake George, and make a Right onto Tarryall Road. Go another 15 miles or so, and you'll come across the Spruce Grove and Twin Eagles campgrounds.

A little closer to home are Mueller State Park and the Crags Campground, off Hwy 67. The Crags can be a little dicey even in the Spring, as it's in the shadows and the snow doesn't melt for a while.

Another option is Elevenmile State Park at Lake George. The Riverside Campground, in particular, is very nice.

[treedonkey]

There are several nice NFS campgrounds in Pike National Forest, which borders the town of Monument. Try searchng for them here:
Find Camping

Or, you can drive up Mt. Herman Rd. and then hike in and camp just about anywhere you want as long as you abide by the fire safety tips listed here:
Fire Safety

[Mike from back east]

IIRC someone told me there is camping on the grounds of the USAF Academy, though one probably needs some sort of military or retired ID to do that, or be with someone who has such access. Also a horse stable for renting out horses.

[lalahartma]

You have to be military (active or retired) to rent horses. I'm not sure able the camping.

[PokerMunkee]

Originally Posted by Maynerd

Go out 24 West to Lake George, and make a Right onto Tarryall Road. Go another 15 miles or so, and you'll come across the Spruce Grove and Twin Eagles campgrounds.

A little closer to home are Mueller State Park and the Crags Campground, off Hwy 67. The Crags can be a little dicey even in the Spring, as it's in the shadows and the snow doesn't melt for a while.

Another option is Elevenmile State Park at Lake George. The Riverside Campground, in particular, is very nice.

This pretty much sums up the best and popular places.

[proveick]

I'd camp on the BLM on the way to 11 mile. The CO state parks are now run by nazis. It's not even enjoyable to camp there anymore. We were going to visit our son and were told we need a $6.00 pass just to drive in and say hi. Otherwise it's a $50.00 ticket. The state is squeezing every penny out of everyone they can. RP

[hd4]

Originally Posted by proveick

I'd camp on the BLM on the way to 11 mile. The CO state parks are now run by nazis. It's not even enjoyable to camp there anymore. We were going to visit our son and were told we need a $6.00 pass just to drive in and say hi. Otherwise it's a $50.00 ticket. The state is squeezing every penny out of everyone they can. RP

Thanks a lot for all the good tips! That's too bad about the state parks. I have witnessed the overbearing attitude with park rangers on other occasions myself at yellowstone and others.

[SheridanL]

Not as close as you want but.......I would check out Lake O'Havre. It is just west of COS and..is very fun!! JFYI!!
It is off of highway 50 and then to the south a bit.
I DO spend a fair amount of time there! It is fun!! AND.....EVERYONE CATCHES something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Camphound]

Hi I'm going camping thru Colorado for 10 days.... I don't have reservations..... I just want to wing it.....an y suggestions?

Thanks !