Car Camping in Colorado

Craving a weekend escape without the hassle of tents or crowded campgrounds? Car camping might just be your new favorite way to hit the road and wake up to mountain views. With Colorado Springs as your home base, you’ve got access to some incredible spots just a short drive away. In this blog, we’re diving into everything you need to know for a successful car camping adventure: two gorgeous camping locations within 2.5 hours of the Springs, essential gear that makes sleeping in your car surprisingly cozy, how to stay eco-conscious with Leave No Trace principles, and how to shop smarter (and greener!) at MER. Let’s roll into the wild—comfortably, consciously, and ready for adventure.

1. Dispersed camping on Rampart Range Road / near Woodland Park

Just 30–40 minutes west of Colorado Springs (in Pike National Forest), the Rampart Range Recreation Area offers numbered dispersed pull‑outs along forest service roads like Rampart Range and Mount Herman Road. These campsites are free, have sweeping views, and feel remote—you’ll often see no other campers nearby. Roads can be gravel or rocky, so high‑clearance vehicles help.

2. Pikes Peak National Forest – San Isabel / Tarryall Reservoir area

About 1 to 1.5 hours south or southwest, Pikes Peak and San Isabel National Forest offer numerous dispersed campsites, especially around Tarryall Reservoir or off gravel forest roads. These sites are quiet, scenic, and within 2.5 hours of Springs.

Bonus: Mueller State Park

Located ~1 hour west of the city near Divide, Mueller State Park offers developed tent camping with amenities (toilets, potable water) and miles of trails through beautiful forest and possible wildlife viewing.

Leave No Trace Principles

To keep Colorado wild, follow these key guidelines:

1. Plan & prepare – Know fire restrictions, bring maps and bear canister (if needed).

2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces – Use existing sites; avoid damaging vegetation.

3. Dispose of waste properly – Pack out trash and used toilet paper. Bury human waste 6–8 inches deep at least 200 ft from water.

4. Leave what you find – Don’t disturb rock formations, plants, or archaeological sites.

5. Minimize campfire impacts – Use a camp stove or existing fire rings, keep fires small, and fully extinguish before leaving.

6. Respect wildlife – Store food securely; don’t feed animals.

7. Be considerate of other visitors – Keep dogs leashed, respect quiet hours, and camp at least 100 ft from trails or water.

Car Camping Gear That Makes It Easier

Looking for gear that elevates your comfort while staying simple? These picks are ideal:

Sustainable Shopping at MER

We are locally owned, consignment-based outdoor gear shop that sells high-quality used gear at discounted prices.

• Buy used & save money – You can find tents, sleeping pads, backpacks, stoves, and more for significantly less than retail.

• Support local nonprofits – 100% of MER’s net profits go to local charities and environmental organizations.

• Reduce waste – Instead of tossing gear, you can consign good items for resale (and earn store credit) rather than sending them to a landfill.

Shopping tips:

• Visit us (2222 Bott Ave, near Cimarron & 21st/26th) during open hours (Tue–Sat 11 a.m.–7 p.m.)

• Browse our rotating inventory of tents, stoves, backpacks, and more.

• If you have gear you no longer use, you can consign it—earn 40–60% of the sale value for store credit or payout. 

In practice: you might buy a reliable used car stove and sleeping pad at MER, and even consign your lightly used gear to earn store credit—making your trip cheaper and greener.

Sample Car Camping Weekend Plan

If you prefer flushing toilets or potable water, plan a night at Mueller State Park or another developed campground.

Fire Bans & Safe Campfire Practices

Before lighting any fire, always check current restrictions and follow proper safety steps:

🔍 Where to Check Fire Restrictions

• Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management maintains a statewide listing where you can view fire bans for counties, parks, and national forests across Colorado. This is your go-to for up-to-date info: comprehensive fire bans page Colorado State Forest Service

• For local alerts around Colorado Springs, check Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control — it details the current fire stage (e.g. Stage 1 or Stage 2) and what’s permitted in your area.

🧯 Understanding Fire Restriction Stages

• Stage 1: Campfires are only allowed within designated metal or permanent fire grates in developed campgrounds. No fires at dispersed sites or using rock rings are permitted.

• Stage 2: A total ban—no open flames including campfires, charcoal, or wood fires are allowed anywhere. Only gas- or liquid-fueled devices (e.g. stoves, lanterns) may be used, and vented fires (like in fire pits) are strictly prohibited.

✅ Campfire Safety Guidelines

• • Use only established fire rings or grates in developed campgrounds—not informal rock circles.

  • Keep fires small (no more than ~3 ft wide and 2 ft tall) and manageable.

  • Never leave a fire unattended. Always have a shovel and water or fire extinguisher nearby.

  • When done, drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and ensure everything is cold to the touch before leaving.

  • Only burn clean, dry firewood. Don’t burn trash, food scraps, or plywood.

  • Always pack out all trash and stove ash—not bury or leave it behind.

Final Thoughts

Car camping in Colorado can be rewarding, affordable, and eco‑friendly. Dispersed sites like Rampart Range or near Tarryall Reservoir offer solitude and stunning views. Combining that with smart gear—like the Self-Inflating Car Sleeping Pad and rechargeable lantern—and shopping sustainably at MER lets you enjoy the outdoors with minimal footprint.