RV Parks In Manitou Springs, Colorado
38.8597° N, 104.9172° W
Quick Overview
Manitou Springs sits right at the foot of Pikes Peak, a few minutes west of Colorado Springs, and it is one of the best-placed RV bases in the state. From a campsite here you are within minutes of Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Incline, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and the historic mineral springs the town is named for. That central location is why RVers keep coming back, and the good news is that the town has genuine full-hookup parks inside its limits rather than forcing you to camp an hour away. Pikes Peak RV Park sits about a mile from downtown with full hookups, a dump station, and big-rig access for rigs up to around 38 feet. Crystal Kangaroo Campground is an RV-only park with 32 full-hookup sites, several long enough for 45-foot rigs and 50-amp service, and views toward Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods RV Resort rounds out the private options with full hookups close to all the major attractions.
The public side of the picture lives in the surrounding Pike National Forest and nearby Colorado state parks. The forest has campgrounds up the Pikes Peak corridor and along Rampart Range that trade hookups for pine-shaded sites and cooler mountain air, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the south offers reservable sites with electric hookups and big-rig access. The trade-off is the familiar one: the private parks in town win for full service and walk-to-everything convenience, while the public forest and state-park sites win for setting, quiet, and price. Because Manitou Springs is a year-round tourist town and the in-town parks are small, summer and holiday weekends book out, so reserve well ahead.
Manitou is also just plain fun to stay in. The walkable main street is full of mineral-spring fountains you can sample, arcades, and restaurants, and the Cog Railway and Incline both launch from town. Use a full-hookup site here as your base, leave the rig parked, and explore Pikes Peak country on foot, by shuttle, or by rail.
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Gear for Your Trip to Manitou Springs
All Dump Stations Near Manitou Springs
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikes Peak RV Park | 0.9 mi | 4.0 | RV Park | Varies |
| Crystal Kangaroo Campground | 1.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Garden of the Gods RV Resort | 1.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Garden Of The Gods RV Resort | 1.8 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Goldfield RV Park | 2.9 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Foot Of The Rockies RV Park | 4.4 mi | 4.1 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Northwoods Village Mature RV | 5.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lone Duck Campground | 5.4 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Lone Duck Campground | 5.4 mi | 4.4 | RV Park | Varies |
| Rocky Top Motel & Campground | 7.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Pikes Peak RV Park
0.9 miCrystal Kangaroo Campground
1.4 miGarden of the Gods RV Resort
1.7 miGarden Of The Gods RV Resort
1.8 miGoldfield RV Park
2.9 miFoot Of The Rockies RV Park
4.4 miNorthwoods Village Mature RV
5.1 miLone Duck Campground
5.4 miLone Duck Campground
5.4 miRocky Top Motel & Campground
7.1 miTraveling to Manitou Springs by RV
Manitou Springs is reached off US-24 just west of Interstate 25 at Colorado Springs, which makes it an easy approach for most rigs coming from anywhere along the Front Range. From I-25, take the US-24 (Cimarron) exit west and follow it a few minutes to the Manitou exits. US-24 is a well-graded four-lane here, comfortable for big rigs, but be aware that the streets within Manitou Springs itself are narrow, historic, and steep in places, so do not try to sightsee down the main drag in a 40-foot motorhome; park at your campground and walk or take the free shuttle. The drive up Pikes Peak Highway and the road to the higher Pike National Forest campgrounds involve real mountain grades and altitude, so know your rig and watch engine and brake temps. Colorado Springs just east has full services: fuel, propane, groceries, RV repair, and big-box stores, so resupply there before settling in. At over 6,300 feet, expect strong afternoon sun and cool nights even in summer.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Manitou Springs, Colorado, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Manitou Springs
RV costs in Manitou Springs reflect its prime location. The private full-hookup parks in and around town generally run roughly $50 to $80 per night in peak summer, with premium and pull-through big-rig sites at the upper end, because you are paying for walk-to-everything convenience at the foot of Pikes Peak. If you are willing to give up hookups, the Pike National Forest campgrounds up the corridor are far cheaper, often in the $20 to $30 range for a dry site, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the south offers electric sites at moderate state-park rates with a vehicle pass. Summer and holiday weekends carry the highest demand and the firmest prices; shoulder season in May and September is softer and easier to book. Factor in attraction costs too, since the Cog Railway and Pikes Peak Highway both charge per person, and budget for the strong likelihood you will eat and shop along the walkable main street.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Manitou Springs
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Best Time to Visit Manitou Springs by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
18F - 45F
Crowds: Low
Cold nights and occasional snow; in-town private parks stay open while forest campgrounds close. Quiet base for off-season visits.
Spring
Mar - May
30F - 60F
Crowds: Medium
Variable, with late snow possible into May. Town reopens fully; book ahead for Memorial Day weekend.
Summer
Jun - Aug
54F - 85F
Crowds: High
Warm days, cool nights, daily afternoon thunderstorms. In-town full-hookup parks book out; reserve early and hike mornings.
Fall
Sep - Oct
38F - 67F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp, clear, and gorgeous with aspen color up high. Great value and weather; some forest campgrounds close late fall.
Explore the Manitou Springs Area
A few things make Manitou Springs work better as an RV base. First, book the in-town full-hookup parks early; Pikes Peak RV Park, Crystal Kangaroo, and Garden of the Gods RV Resort are small and fill for summer and holiday weekends, sometimes months out. Second, do not drive your rig through downtown Manitou; the streets are narrow and steep, so park at the campground and use the free shuttle or walk. Third, if you want to do the Manitou Incline or the Cog Railway, both leave from town and both benefit from early-morning starts to beat heat and crowds. Fourth, Garden of the Gods is free and only a couple of miles away, but its own parking fills fast, so go early or use the shuttle. Fifth, remember the altitude; over 6,300 feet means you will feel it on the Incline and you should hydrate hard. And finally, sample the mineral springs fountains downtown, they are free, historic, and part of why the town exists.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Manitou Springs
What are the best RV parks in Manitou Springs, CO?
Pikes Peak RV Park is a top pick, about a mile from downtown with full hookups, a dump station, free Wi-Fi, and big-rig access for rigs up to around 38 feet. Crystal Kangaroo Campground is an RV-only park with 32 full-hookup sites, several long enough for 45-foot rigs with 50-amp service and Garden of the Gods views. Garden of the Gods RV Resort offers full hookups close to the major attractions. For public camping, the surrounding Pike National Forest campgrounds and Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the south trade some hookups for mountain setting and lower rates.
Do Manitou Springs RV parks have full hookups?
Yes, the private parks in and around town do. Pikes Peak RV Park, Crystal Kangaroo Campground, and Garden of the Gods RV Resort all offer full hookups with water, sewer, and 30 or 50-amp electric service, plus dump stations and Wi-Fi. The public options are different: Pike National Forest campgrounds are typically dry sites without hookups, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers electric hookups but not always full sewer. If you want full service and the convenience of being walkable to downtown and the attractions, book one of the in-town private full-hookup parks rather than a forest site.
Can big rigs stay in Manitou Springs?
Yes, with the right park. Crystal Kangaroo Campground has sites long enough for 45-foot rigs with 50-amp service, and Pikes Peak RV Park handles big rigs up to around 38 feet with full hookups. The key warning is to keep the rig out of downtown Manitou itself, where the historic streets are narrow and steep; drive straight to your campground and use the shuttle or walk from there. The approach on US-24 from Interstate 25 is a well-graded four-lane that big rigs handle easily, so the only tight spots are the town center and the mountain roads, not getting to your park.
How far ahead should I reserve an RV site in Manitou Springs?
Book early, because the in-town full-hookup parks are small and Manitou is a year-round tourist destination. For summer weekends and holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, reserve two to three months ahead, and sometimes more for the most popular sites at Pikes Peak RV Park and Crystal Kangaroo. Pike National Forest campgrounds and Cheyenne Mountain State Park also book up for summer through Recreation.gov and the Colorado state parks system. Shoulder season in May and September is much easier, with better availability and softer rates, so if your dates are flexible, aim for those windows.
When is the best time to RV in Manitou Springs?
Summer is the headline season, with warm days, cool nights, and everything open, but it brings crowds, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and the need to book early. Fall is our favorite; September and early October bring crisp clear weather, aspen color in the high country, fewer people, and better value before the forest campgrounds close. Spring is variable, with late snow possible into May, but the town reopens fully and weekdays are quiet. Winter is cold with occasional snow, and while the in-town private parks stay open, it is an off-season experience suited to travelers who want the area to themselves.
How close is Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs RV parks?
Very close, which is a big part of the appeal. Garden of the Gods is only a couple of miles from the Manitou Springs RV parks, an easy drive or even a bike ride, and Crystal Kangaroo Campground has views toward the formations. The park itself is free to enter, but its parking lots fill quickly on summer mornings and weekends, so go early or use the shuttle that serves the area. Staying at a full-hookup park in Manitou lets you visit Garden of the Gods at sunrise when the light on the red rocks is best and the crowds are thinnest, then return to your site.
Are there public or forest campgrounds near Manitou Springs?
Yes. The surrounding Pike National Forest has campgrounds up the Pikes Peak corridor and along Rampart Range that offer pine-shaded sites and cooler mountain air, generally as dry sites without hookups, bookable through Recreation.gov. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a short drive south near Colorado Springs, offers reservable sites with electric hookups, modern facilities, and big-rig access. These public options trade some convenience and full hookups for setting, quiet, and lower nightly rates. They are a good choice if you want mountain scenery over a walkable main street, and several are within a reasonable drive of Garden of the Gods and the other attractions.
Can I do the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Incline from my RV park?
Yes, and that is a major reason to stay in Manitou. Both the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Manitou Incline launch from town, within minutes of the RV parks, so you can leave the rig at your full-hookup site and reach the trailhead or the depot easily. The Cog Railway requires advance tickets and the Incline often requires a free timed reservation, so plan both before you arrive. Start early in the day to beat afternoon thunderstorms and the heat, and remember you are over 6,300 feet in town and climbing much higher, so the altitude is real on both adventures.
What is the altitude in Manitou Springs and does it matter for RVing?
Manitou Springs sits at over 6,300 feet, and the surrounding attractions climb far higher, with Pikes Peak topping 14,000 feet. For camping itself the altitude mainly means strong sun, cool nights even in summer, and faster dehydration, so plan for layers and drink plenty of water. For your rig, the thinner air affects engine performance on the mountain grades up Pikes Peak Highway and to the higher forest campgrounds, so know your vehicle and watch temperatures on long climbs and descents. For your body, take the Incline and high-altitude hikes slowly the first day or two while you acclimate, especially if you have come up from sea level.
Are Manitou Springs RV parks open in winter?
The in-town private full-hookup parks generally stay open year-round, so winter camping in Manitou Springs is possible and can be a quiet, scenic off-season experience at the foot of a snow-dusted Pikes Peak. Expect cold nights, occasional snow, and the need to manage freezing temperatures with your water and hoses. The Pike National Forest campgrounds, by contrast, close for the season, so winter means a private park in town. Many of the attractions stay open in some form, and the lack of crowds is a real draw, though hardcore snow can affect mountain roads, so check conditions before tackling Pikes Peak Highway.
Is there a dump station near Manitou Springs?
Yes. The private full-hookup parks in town, including Pikes Peak RV Park, have dump stations on site, and since they offer full hookups you can also empty tanks right at your site. If you stay at a dry Pike National Forest campground, plan to use a dump station in Colorado Springs or at one of the in-town private parks that allows non-guest dumping for a fee. Cheyenne Mountain State Park also has a dump station. Because Manitou is a small historic town, the easiest reliable option is to base at a full-hookup park, which removes the need to hunt for a dump station during your stay.
How much does it cost to RV in Manitou Springs?
The private full-hookup parks in and around town generally run roughly $50 to $80 per night in peak summer, with premium pull-through and big-rig sites at the top of that range, reflecting the walk-to-everything location at the foot of Pikes Peak. Pike National Forest dry campgrounds are far cheaper, often $20 to $30 a night, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers electric sites at moderate state-park rates plus a vehicle pass. Shoulder season in May and September is softer than peak summer. Budget separately for attractions like the Cog Railway and Pikes Peak Highway, which charge per person, and for meals and shopping on the walkable main street.
What are the best RV parks in Manitou Springs, CO?
Pikes Peak RV Park is a top pick, about a mile from downtown with full hookups, a dump station, free Wi-Fi, and big-rig access for rigs up to around 38 feet. Crystal Kangaroo Campground is an RV-only park with 32 full-hookup sites, several long enough for 45-foot rigs with 50-amp service and Garden of the Gods views. Garden of the Gods RV Resort offers full hookups close to the major attractions. For public camping, the surrounding Pike National Forest campgrounds and Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the south trade some hookups for mountain setting and lower rates.
Do Manitou Springs RV parks have full hookups?
Yes, the private parks in and around town do. Pikes Peak RV Park, Crystal Kangaroo Campground, and Garden of the Gods RV Resort all offer full hookups with water, sewer, and 30 or 50-amp electric service, plus dump stations and Wi-Fi. The public options are different: Pike National Forest campgrounds are typically dry sites without hookups, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers electric hookups but not always full sewer. If you want full service and the convenience of being walkable to downtown and the attractions, book one of the in-town private full-hookup parks rather than a forest site.
Can big rigs stay in Manitou Springs?
Yes, with the right park. Crystal Kangaroo Campground has sites long enough for 45-foot rigs with 50-amp service, and Pikes Peak RV Park handles big rigs up to around 38 feet with full hookups. The key warning is to keep the rig out of downtown Manitou itself, where the historic streets are narrow and steep; drive straight to your campground and use the shuttle or walk from there. The approach on US-24 from Interstate 25 is a well-graded four-lane that big rigs handle easily, so the only tight spots are the town center and the mountain roads, not getting to your park.
How far ahead should I reserve an RV site in Manitou Springs?
Book early, because the in-town full-hookup parks are small and Manitou is a year-round tourist destination. For summer weekends and holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, reserve two to three months ahead, and sometimes more for the most popular sites at Pikes Peak RV Park and Crystal Kangaroo. Pike National Forest campgrounds and Cheyenne Mountain State Park also book up for summer through Recreation.gov and the Colorado state parks system. Shoulder season in May and September is much easier, with better availability and softer rates, so if your dates are flexible, aim for those windows.
When is the best time to RV in Manitou Springs?
Summer is the headline season, with warm days, cool nights, and everything open, but it brings crowds, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and the need to book early. Fall is our favorite; September and early October bring crisp clear weather, aspen color in the high country, fewer people, and better value before the forest campgrounds close. Spring is variable, with late snow possible into May, but the town reopens fully and weekdays are quiet. Winter is cold with occasional snow, and while the in-town private parks stay open, it is an off-season experience suited to travelers who want the area to themselves.
How close is Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs RV parks?
Very close, which is a big part of the appeal. Garden of the Gods is only a couple of miles from the Manitou Springs RV parks, an easy drive or even a bike ride, and Crystal Kangaroo Campground has views toward the formations. The park itself is free to enter, but its parking lots fill quickly on summer mornings and weekends, so go early or use the shuttle that serves the area. Staying at a full-hookup park in Manitou lets you visit Garden of the Gods at sunrise when the light on the red rocks is best and the crowds are thinnest, then return to your site.
Are there public or forest campgrounds near Manitou Springs?
Yes. The surrounding Pike National Forest has campgrounds up the Pikes Peak corridor and along Rampart Range that offer pine-shaded sites and cooler mountain air, generally as dry sites without hookups, bookable through Recreation.gov. Cheyenne Mountain State Park, a short drive south near Colorado Springs, offers reservable sites with electric hookups, modern facilities, and big-rig access. These public options trade some convenience and full hookups for setting, quiet, and lower nightly rates. They are a good choice if you want mountain scenery over a walkable main street, and several are within a reasonable drive of Garden of the Gods and the other attractions.
Can I do the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Incline from my RV park?
Yes, and that is a major reason to stay in Manitou. Both the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Manitou Incline launch from town, within minutes of the RV parks, so you can leave the rig at your full-hookup site and reach the trailhead or the depot easily. The Cog Railway requires advance tickets and the Incline often requires a free timed reservation, so plan both before you arrive. Start early in the day to beat afternoon thunderstorms and the heat, and remember you are over 6,300 feet in town and climbing much higher, so the altitude is real on both adventures.
What is the altitude in Manitou Springs and does it matter for RVing?
Manitou Springs sits at over 6,300 feet, and the surrounding attractions climb far higher, with Pikes Peak topping 14,000 feet. For camping itself the altitude mainly means strong sun, cool nights even in summer, and faster dehydration, so plan for layers and drink plenty of water. For your rig, the thinner air affects engine performance on the mountain grades up Pikes Peak Highway and to the higher forest campgrounds, so know your vehicle and watch temperatures on long climbs and descents. For your body, take the Incline and high-altitude hikes slowly the first day or two while you acclimate, especially if you have come up from sea level.
Are Manitou Springs RV parks open in winter?
The in-town private full-hookup parks generally stay open year-round, so winter camping in Manitou Springs is possible and can be a quiet, scenic off-season experience at the foot of a snow-dusted Pikes Peak. Expect cold nights, occasional snow, and the need to manage freezing temperatures with your water and hoses. The Pike National Forest campgrounds, by contrast, close for the season, so winter means a private park in town. Many of the attractions stay open in some form, and the lack of crowds is a real draw, though hardcore snow can affect mountain roads, so check conditions before tackling Pikes Peak Highway.
Is there a dump station near Manitou Springs?
Yes. The private full-hookup parks in town, including Pikes Peak RV Park, have dump stations on site, and since they offer full hookups you can also empty tanks right at your site. If you stay at a dry Pike National Forest campground, plan to use a dump station in Colorado Springs or at one of the in-town private parks that allows non-guest dumping for a fee. Cheyenne Mountain State Park also has a dump station. Because Manitou is a small historic town, the easiest reliable option is to base at a full-hookup park, which removes the need to hunt for a dump station during your stay.
How much does it cost to RV in Manitou Springs?
The private full-hookup parks in and around town generally run roughly $50 to $80 per night in peak summer, with premium pull-through and big-rig sites at the top of that range, reflecting the walk-to-everything location at the foot of Pikes Peak. Pike National Forest dry campgrounds are far cheaper, often $20 to $30 a night, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers electric sites at moderate state-park rates plus a vehicle pass. Shoulder season in May and September is softer than peak summer. Budget separately for attractions like the Cog Railway and Pikes Peak Highway, which charge per person, and for meals and shopping on the walkable main street.
Are there free dump stations in Manitou Springs?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Manitou Springs.
All Dump Stations Near Manitou Springs (72)
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