Painted Rocks

About

Painted Rocks Campground sits on the edge of a grassy meadow in Pike National Forest, approximately seven miles north of Woodland Park at an elevation of 7,800 feet. The campground takes its name from nearby sandstone formations that display colorful mineral streaks resembling brushstrokes. The 18 sites are arranged on two loops, with most sites on the west loop shaded by ponderosa pines while east loop sites are more open and sunnier. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground provides vault toilets, potable drinking water, and trash dumpsters. This is a standard non-electric campground with no hookups, showers, or dump station. Sites accommodate parking spurs up to 30 feet, though the narrow gravel roads and tight corners make this campground unsuitable for large motorhomes or trailers over 36 feet. Five sites are designated tent-only. The paved Centennial Bike Trail lies just a half-mile from camp, connecting to nearby Colorado and South Meadows Campgrounds and leading to 5-acre Manitou Lake for fishing and birding. The Rainbow Falls and North Divide OHV Trail Systems are nearby for off-road enthusiasts. Woodland Park is 7 miles south for supplies, while Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are within 30 miles.

Directions

From Colorado Springs, travel west on Highway 24 for approximately 18 miles to Woodland Park. Turn north onto State Highway 67 and travel 7 miles to Painted Rocks Road on the left. Take the gravel road approximately half a mile to the campground entrance on the left.