Painted Rocks

Star4.09
169 reviews
PIKES PEAK RANGER DISTRICT, 601 S. WEBER ST., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Painted Rocks
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates for tent-only and standard nonelectric sites are $28 during peak season. No discounts or incremental charges are reflected in this rate.
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

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Provider
719-636-1602
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 169 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, scenic beauty, and its proximity to attractions such as Manitou Lake. While the host receives consistent praise for being friendly and maintaining the facilities, issues such as noise from nearby youth camps and seasonal water shortages are noted."

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Campground Map

PIKES PEAK RANGER DISTRICT, 601 S. WEBER ST., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903, USA

Painted Rocks

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, Colorado, travel west on Highway 24 for about 18 miles to the junction with Highway 67 in Woodland Park. Turn right (north) on Highway 67 and drive about 7 miles to Painted Rocks Road and turn left (west). Take the gravel road about 1/2 mile to campground entrance on the left.
The campground is accessible via gravel roads. The entrance road has been described as having ruts and drainage issues, which may pose challenges for certain vehicles, including trailers and RVs. Seasonal weather conditions may also impact road quality.
Nearby places
Woodland Park (7.5 miles, ~10 minutes), Colorado Springs (30 miles, ~45 minutes), Manitou Springs (~25 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Woodland Park offers grocery stores, dining, shopping, and camping supplies approximately 7.5 miles away. Firewood is also sold by the campground host for $10 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Painted Rocks

Summer days at Painted Rocks unfold with crisp mountain mornings warming to pleasant afternoons, with temperatures dancing between a refreshing 50°F at dawn and a comfortable 77°F by midday. The high-altitude sun bathes the landscape in golden light, while afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, painting dramatic skies and leaving behind the sweet scent of rain-washed pine. These brief mountain showers provide welcome relief from the typically dry conditions, creating a dynamic weather tapestry that keeps each day interesting and alive.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; reviews praise clear weather and access to lake/trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Aug 31; fall season generally not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens May 23, so spring is largely closed to reservations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in the off-season (winter).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23-August 31 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to August 31, reservable dates start from June 25 during peak season. Closed during off-season.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts or closures reported.

About Painted Rocks

Discover your perfect escape at Painted Rocks Campground, where rustic charm meets mountain tranquility. Tucked away near the sparkling waters of Manitou Lake and the scenic Centennial Bike Trail, this intimate hideaway offers two peaceful camping loops connected by winding gravel roads. Here, modern conveniences blend seamlessly with wilderness simplicity—vault toilets and fresh potable water ensure comfort while preserving the authentic camping experience. Far from the crowds and noise of larger campgrounds, Painted Rocks promises the rare gift of true mountain solitude, where the loudest sounds are likely to be chirping birds and rustling pines.
Painted Rocks Campground offers tent and RV camping. The campground contains two loops with a total of 25 single-family sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit and within a rolling 60-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Painted Rocks Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Manitou Lake enhances these activities. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts have access to nearby OHV trail systems.
HikingThe Centennial Bike Trail, which connects to South Meadows Campground and Manitou Lake, is accessible for hiking. Nearby Mueller State Park offers additional hiking trails.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available at the 5-acre Manitou Lake, located a short walk or bike ride from the campground. Anglers report catching fish over extended periods.
BikingThe Centennial Bike Trail, a paved trail, is a popular route for cyclists. It connects the campground to other local destinations.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted at Manitou Lake. Paddleboarding is a common activity.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as waterfowl, songbirds, and chipmunks are frequently observed. Visitors have also reported sightings of prairie dogs and coyotes.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include thunderstorms, lightning, and high elevation effects (~7,800 feet). Wildlife caution advised due to bears and coyotes; food must be stored securely.
Active AlertsNo active alerts or closures reported.

Weather at Painted Rocks

Reviews

4.1
169 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Painted Rocks is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, scenic beauty, and its proximity to attractions such as Manitou Lake. While the host receives consistent praise for being friendly and maintaining the facilities, issues such as noise from nearby youth camps and seasonal water shortages are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 169 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, well-maintained vault toilets, friendly and knowledgeable camp host, spacious sites offering privacy, beautiful natural features like rock formations, and proximity to Manitou Lake...
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Based on 169 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from a nearby youth camp and cattle, uneven or rutted campsites, occasional lack of water availability, and less accessibility for large RVs due to tight corners.
Based on 169 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water in case the campground’s supply is unavailable. Visit Mueller State Park for showers. Reserve well in advance for popular weekends or holidays. Site 15 is noted for its privacy...
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Based on 169 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for visits, with reviews praising the clear weather and accessibility to nearby attractions. Seasonal water shortages and occasional noise disturbances are...
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Based on 169 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are spotless, and the smell is low due to the cleaning the host does." - Patrick Steve. "I camped at Painted Rocks Campground for several days in both 2014 and 2015. Convenient to...
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Based on 169 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 is often mentioned for its privacy and scenic view. Site 7 provides good access but is challenging for larger RVs. Site 4 is spacious and offers great views of the hills.
Based on 169 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews on accessibility. The presence of vault toilets and potable water spigots indicates basic amenities, but uneven terrain and ruts pose challenges for some visitors, particularly those...
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Based on 169 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some visitors mention enjoying the campground's pet-friendly environment. Manitou Lake is a favorite spot for bringing dogs.
Based on 169 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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