Colorado / Teller County / Pike National Forest

Painted Rocks

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

About

Painted Rocks Campground is a rustic 18-site campground located approximately 7 miles north of Woodland Park in Pike National Forest. Named for the colorful sandstone outcroppings that resemble streaks from an artist's paintbrush, the campground sits at 7,800 feet elevation on the edge of a grassy meadow. Most sites on the west loop are shaded by ponderosa pines, while sites on the east loop are more open. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with parking areas accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet. The campground is a half-mile from the paved, accessible Centennial Bike Trail, which connects to nearby Colorado and South Meadows Campgrounds and leads to 5-acre Manitou Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, bird watching, and spotting waterfowl and songbirds in the area. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can access the nearby Rainbow Falls OHV Trail System and North Divide OHV Trail System. The town of Woodland Park is 7.5 miles south, offering gas, groceries, dining and shopping. Colorado Springs is about 30 miles southeast, with attractions including Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.

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 1/2 mile to the campground entrance on the left.

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